Now it's getting real...

The word has come from AFS: departure date June 4, which means I'll fly to Los Angeles June 3, which means I really, really need to pack up and be ready. I think it's interesting; the Thai name for Bangkok means City of Angels, so I'll be in two angelic cities within a few days.

Minuteman has graciously agreed to let me keep working (per diem) right up to the last minute, the choir at UU First Parish in Canton gave me a lovely farewell--maybe the most fun was the opportunity to hand out balloons to the kids of the congregation. I keep noticing things I'm going to miss as I'm away.

So I've had an unexpected extra week in the spring of New England--

Next post in Thailand!

On tenterhooks...

AFS Thailand and AFS USA, together with US and Thai embassies, have concurred to delay our journey to Thailand, originally set for tomorrow to LA, the next day to Tokyo and on to Bangkok.

No new departure date has been set; communication with AFS is good, bags are packed, good-byes have been said (and repeated...).

Thanks to all for your patience and good wishes. Each day I enjoy the New England spring and the company of friends and family is a good one.

More later--

Two weeks away--getting close!

Wonderful friends and family members have helped me prepare for the upcoming adventure:

New York with cousins Carol and Kaye C, also re-connected with Yochin after 20 years (!), strolled in Central Park in early spring.

Marilyn came up from North Carolina to sing, laugh and chat.

Gabrielle was born, healthy and beautiful, calmly allowing me to gaze at her and soak up her sweet presence to have and to hold as I head so far away.

Great visit in Pittsburgh with Mom and Dad, embarking on their own adventures and still quite independent. Also with Kate, Dennis and Remy as they adjust to Brie's presence, with Laurie and David, Carol and Dale, musical delights and delicious feasts and walks in the park.

Dave researched the Massachusetts connection of the royalty of Thailand; we spent a lovely afternoon finding the first home of King Bhumibol in Brookline, ate at a Thai restaurant and I could read a few of the menu items in Thai--a good start! Dave's getting excited about the adventure, even though he'll be participating from afar.

A wonderful Thai dinner with Pat Zlotin and Kissanee from Chiang Rai, an excellent chance to ask questions as I start to realize that I'll actually be in Thailand.

Western Mass with Prue in her magical labyrinth,

with Alec in his new home in Stow,

Mendon with Florence, Marjorie, Barb and Ellen--also a special toast to Rose in Tennessee, who sent up some Singapore-tested hot-weather blouses, already packed in my bags for Thailand.

The Joyous Four met for a wonderful feast, to celebrate our converging lives and diverse talents.

Each gathering of friends and family gives me reserves of strength and love to bring with me to Thailand--