Shedding weight

It seemed like a good time to get rid of our old travel books.  It's amazing how attached we got to some of these volumes.  I swear I read the 1987 Lonely Planet Guide cover to cover.  And Trekking in Nepal completed the Annapurna Circuit with us in 1991!

Packing Day

We had a lively debate at Thanksgiving dinner last night about how many pairs of underwear we should each bring (the recommended range was 5-14).  Our friends and family also have vastly different views about electronics --  we should take no computer; we should take one computer per person.  Why do we each need a smart phone and a kindle?  Why are we taking two Ipads?

We leave in two days, so we did a packing dry run today.  Big sigh of relief -- everything fit.  Here's Ruby with her pack.

Farewell school schedules

Last Day of School

Big day today as O&R went in for their last "traditional" school days this year. From here on out, we'll be homeschooling. 

Here they are on their mile long walk to school with their friends.  They are on the left in each photo. 

Ruby and her friends Helena and Imogen

Oscar with Luke and Nora

Our Farewell Send-Off

Last night, we had a send-off at Johnny Macks, around the corner. Even though departure is over a week away, we wanted to get it in before people take off for Thanksgiving week. It was great to see so many friends from different contexts, particularly on a weeknight - probably around 40-50 people over the course of the evening.

 The house is packed, we've got all our stuff, we've said goodbye. I'm really ready to go.

Packing

Cleaning up to leave

All my clothes and shoes for 8 months.

What I'm going to miss ...

1.  Park Slope

2.  Prospect Park

3.  Upstate -- the Vly

4.  Our friends and family.  Here we are with the PZs after Hurricane Sandy.

5.  My wonderful violin students and families!