Am back from morning orientation and pizza lunch with others from the school.  Four newbie families and two "oldies".  Some nice people all with lots of money....  Anywho, am going in next Wed. - first day of school - to help one gal (Dutch) set up the library.  She is the library overseer as there is no librarian.  I plan on helping as much as possible so as to get on the "inside" for possible work etc.  6 hours later...We have spent the whole afternoon setting up Grace's Ikea bed.  I would seriously reconsider if any of you thought of EVER buying Ikea furniture. If GP and I didn't kill each other today we never will!  Now are all crashed on our big bed, GP sleeping and Grace and I computers.  Tomorrow the wardrobe..

Hello from Italy!  It's 9pm on Thursday evening and I'm sitting in bed ready for sleep.  Haven't recovered the jet-lag yet especially after a day spent in Ikea.  We bought Grace's bed, wardrobe and a pullout sofa-bed.  We also bought storage options, pillows, etc. and if you've never been to an Ikea you can possibly appreciate how long it takes.  They deliver all the bits tomorrow and we'll spend the week-end trying to assemble everything with lots of good swearing and weeping on my part.  Have had some lovely wine already though and in fact am sipping a great white from the Langhe as I write.  Will continue later as GP is bugging me and wants me to move so he can install a light by my bed.  From Ikea of course!