5 weeks, 4 days.

Not that I'm counting.

China is coming down the road fast. So much so that pretty much everything other than work and preparation has gone by the wayside.

Unfortunately, that still doesn't mean that I'm preparing all that well, but correspondance has been sent and answered (hurray Chinese librarians!), outlet converters bought, and a new piece of luggage bought. Oddly, most of the purchases are simply being returned to whence they came.

There was tons to post, but for now I'll just let you know that the garden continues to amaze. Poppies, several of which seem to have become perennials, opened last week and the desert roses are starting up now. Again, it's the most abundant May display of the four we've had in this house. I will miss it as the summer proceeds, but think of all the good blogging I'll get in.

This one will be reserved for casual observations. And yes everyone, there may be adult language used. I'll make sure to keep the academic blog family friendly.