We're back from Italy. We got back Tuesday, but the experience of getting back has been somewhat akin to a roller coaster, starting with us getting the news upon arrival that Daniel's grandfather, Chauncey Starr, had passed away while we were en route home.

So far, the principal sensation that I am feeling about this is a sense of unreality. I think I was both prepared and unprepared for this. Chauncey was 95 years old, after all, and the last time I saw him, he even made a joke about needing to make sure he got some chore finished before he went and died. But aside from a general increase in physical frailty, he was in good health. I honestly expected that he'd be around to celebrate his hundredth birthday.

His obituary is the first obituary I've ever read that made me laugh, because the line about "emeritus" being academic-speak for "has-been" is just so Chauncey.

We'll be gathering with the rest of the family later today.

I promise posts soon to follow about Florence (Florence was fantastic! Really!) and all the other things that have been going on. Take care.