We’ve succeeded in getting as far as Tokyo . . . here for another hour before our flight to Singapore.  Fred’s celebrating an abbreviated 65th birthday, one I trust he’ll remember fondly in coming years.

More from Singapore — tomorrow when we wrap up day #1 of orientation and get some sleep

Happy Birthday, Phred!!

Goodnight Moon rang in my ears around 3 a.m. when we finally said “enough” to packing and crawled into bed.  To the lullaby of Fred’s and Katten’s snoring, I ticked off my last-night-in-my-Bellingham-bed goodnight/goodbyes . . . grateful for the last few days with family and friends, and certain we’ll miss you all beyond measure.

So . . . goodbye Bellingham, goodbye neighbors, goodbye Clara and Karen (best sisters-best friends), goodbye family, goodbye Joan, goodbye colleagues and students.  Goodbye Katten [if you ever wake up, you'll find wonderful new servants in Jim & Trevor].  Goodbye cool mornings and glorious sunsets.  Goodbye pesky deer and garden-lovin’ rabbit.  Goodbye low humidity.  Goodbye “mother” Haggen (perhaps I’ll replace you with a Singaporean cook).  Goodbye cheap wine and good coffee.  Goodbye my beloved (and frustrating) Mariners.  We’ll be back to enjoy you all in eleven short months.

We’re off for grand adventures (and not to join the circus — although if anyone has seen the two of us overseas, it’s often circus-like.  Poor Singapore.  They don’t know what’s soon to hit!).

Time for lift off . . . Good-bye USA.

Here’s Janel, waving goodbye from the driver’s seat in my trusty ole Camry.  May it be good to you, Janel as you journey to/from WWU and student teaching.  I had that car 18 years ~ it was time she “graduated” to another location.  Time for college, Camry!

What will I miss from here (in addition to Mallard’s ice cream, great neighbors, good friends, etc.)?  Warm summer evenings on our deck — late light and a spectacular view of the lake, the sliver of moon and a sprinkling of stars, and the 10 p.m. peace after boats and skiers have called it quits for another day.  No humidity, no bugs, no sweat.  In less than a week, this will all be a memory — something to look forward to next summer.

Lots of good-byes this week . . . yesterday I said good-bye to Caitlin, Logen, and Shirley over Mallard’s raspberry chocolate chunk and chocolate chai spice ice cream.  I’m convinced that good-byes are easier when accompanied with good ice cream.  Later today I’ll say good-bye to my trusty 1992 Toyota Camry.  Maybe I should indulge in more ice cream to ease the pinch as the Camry drives away.  And so, this week of good-byes continues.  It’s bittersweet — and surprisingly exhausting.  I think I’ll join Katten . . . she has the right idea!