Renewal

Last week, this bougainvillea was a sorry sight of nibbled, fading leaves. This week it has flowers at all stages.

Chiara left today, after providing invaluable help and plenty of excitement, like Thaisa before her. She used the morning to buy some more Havaiianas (flip-flops) and to have her son’s name tattooed on her neck. The parents kept mum…
 
After lunch at our favourite ‘by kilo’ restaurant, I just had time to finish the first draft of my translation before taking C to the airport. We got there good and early, all part of the plan to keep her calm, so check-in was quick and we had plenty of time to relax. She was well doped in an attempt to overcome her fear of flying, but still felt a caipirinha would help her control her nerves (Mum kept mum). Meanwhile, I also overdid it, with a chocolate overload (drinking and eating it).  Then stood waving till she disappeared from sight – I hate goodbyes.
 
HH opted to stay at home, as he has so much to catch up with. We’ve moved his office back upstairs, as he’s pretty good now at moving around and managing the stairs. Still, it’s a bit nerve-wracking for all of us.  I was relieved to find him in one piece when I got home. The house looked strangely tidy, with the dining table clear, Chiara’s things gone and Hurricane Maria having excelled herself.
 

Darby and Joan had a quiet evening and are heading for early night…