Counter-phobia has probably gotten me to go everywhere I've ever been. Last week I didn't know if I had a stomach virus, a heart condition, an ulcer, or a bad case of nerves. Anticipatory anxiety? Can't wait to get there and hate having to do all the things required to realize the arrival. Postponed packing until the last minute. I'm supposed to be packing as I write this. I'm half finished. Spoke to my amica e professoressa who will be in Milan next month and will come to the Val d'Orcia for a visit. We live in NYC, but make plans to meet in her native country.

I slept a great deal. During Sunday afternoon's nap, I kept being brought to the surface by birdsong. Finally, I got up to look for the source and in the tree on the terrace across from my windows was a brilliant red cardinal singing his heart out. I'd never seen one in the city before.

New York has been foggy this week with lots of soft rain and mist. The dogwood, peach, forsythia, and cherry are slowly coming into bloom. Just discovered that forsythia is in the olive family. I was so glad to get out of the office today, in spite of the list of chores waiting, packing and making the apartment half-assed presentable for my sister's stay here with her family before following me to Italy. Today's her birthday- well, yesterday in Australia. Eighteen hours until boarding Alitalia to Rome for me.

G & Z have found me a Sardinian fellow who wants work. I have plenty for him to do.

posted by Joanna @ 4/15/2004 01:55:00 AM