Packing day. Today we started putting everything we wanted to take in order; my mom and dad bought the containers we are going to pack the books, a few pans, and other various items in. We won't finish the packing until the day before we leave (this Tuesday!) because we will do one last load of laundry and "deep clean" the house so that when we come back it's ready. We don't have to take that much because the apartment is furnished and already has most things we need (pots and pans, linens, dishes, etc…).
Today started out with rain and it is again raining, but for a little while the sun came out and the clouds dispersed. The rest of the weekend is supposed to be rainy so it's perfect for staying in doors and readying for the move, which is in four days!!

Sitting in the same nest that she used last year, a Morning Dove stared at us as my mom and I walked around the yard.

Lilacs. Right now they're only about four feet in height but one day they will reach six or more feet, shading the porch on one side and filling the front rooms of the house with it's sweet fragrance. 

Though this is a "weed" it's actually a remarkable plant. It's very high in iron; you can eat the leaves and my great-grandparents used to make Dandelion wine from the flowers. 

The violets coming through the thickening vinca ground-cover.

じゃね。