Plants, Packing & Presents

We had a senior student from SCEN come this morning to trim our bushes,flowering plants and ivy. Is amazing how these things have grown due to all the rain in recent months. At this time of year when the sun is at its extreme angle to the north, it doesn't make much difference for our climate here near the equator. Southern Brazil, however, is experiencing some freezing temperatures while N. America enjoys summer.

Only 24 days till we begin our six-month stay in the U. S. We're gradually checking things off our 'to do' list such as our last couple of classes, paper grading, car maintenance, sorting, packing and leaving our house in order for the Stensvads who will come to live here again, teach some of our classes and care for the dog.

We received two presents recently. One was a nice arrangement of artificial flowers from a student who admires us. The other was a box of chocolates from the couple who just finished their sixth session of pre-marital counseling with us. The flowers still grace our living room but unfortunately, the candy was gone in less than two days! Wouldn't want the ants to get it, right??