Ten days before we leave for Washington, D.C. and the Fulbright Orientation. Last night I dreamed of meeting Catherine and her family even though I have no idea what her husband or children look like.

The interior painting is almost done. I still have much cleaning and sorting to do, a bunch of errands (including buying some shoes, Madeleine!) and some things to type up for Catherine. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, though I hope the tunnel is long enough for me to accomplish everything I need to (and that it doesn't collapse like the one in Boston). It is difficult for me to sleep at night; I keep thinking of all that needs to be done, and everything seems to take longer than I expect it to. At her end, Catherine is feeling at least equal stress as she attempts to get everything prepared. The tricky thing is that not only am I preparing to leave, but I am also paving the way for her arrival, so as to make things as smooth as possible when she gets here. That is fun and satisfying, but of course takes time.

I wrote to Representative Tim Driscoll to ask if he could procure me a State of Maine flag to present to my school in Bayeux. He graciously agreed, and there will be a small ceremony to that effect at Central Office on Thursday. Keep your eyes on the American Journal, as they will likely be there covering the story.

This weekend we went on our annual family trip to Turner Pond, Larry's brother's camp way up past Jackman. We lit some sparklers and sang La Marseillaise to celebrate Bastille Day. Catherine also went away for the weekend with family to celebrate the event. Parallel universes which will soon converge, then switch places. It is a fascinating process.

Eh bien, ça bouge. J'ai envoyé les derniers documents nécessaires au Consulat Général de France à Boston, j'ai fait les derniers rendez-vous chez les banquiers; les choses commençent à se résoudre. Larry est en train d'étudier le français, les filles aussi, un peu. Et moi, je suis impatiente, mais je veux aussi que le temps passe plus lentement pour que je puisse tout organiser.

I made what may be my final jams for the year today (pear and cranberry walnut). Tomorrow morning I will perhaps make the last trip to the eye doctor's and get (gasp!) glasses. I suppose if I am going to spend a year exploring the beauties of France, I should be able to see them clearly.

There is so much to be done. We are still having issues with the visa office in Boston, and keep thinking of new things to add to our "to do" list. This combined with trying to spend time with family and friends before we go. That said, it is so wonderful to have access to the Internet, which will allow us to manage our finances so much more easily from France. E-mail has also been a wonderful method of communicating with Catherine. I don't know how people did these exchanges before the technology explosion ... they must have had enormous phone bills!

The girls are both experiencing varying degrees of trepidation regarding French schools. September will be a challenge, I think, but they are both so gifted in their own unique ways that I know they will get through it. How wonderful that they have each other, and that we have such a loving family to help them work through their fears.

Tomorrow, Larry, the girls, and I will meet our friend Allyson to go strawberry picking. I cannot possibly make it a year without making some strawberry jam.

Welcome to my blog!

The countdown has begun. I have been accepted into the Fulbright Teacher Exchange program, and will be leaving on August 6th for Bayeux, France. There is much still left to be done. The girls and I went shopping today and found a few last-minute things they will need. We have set up a "packing room", but are far from having the house ready. Catherine and her family will be arriving on August 4th.