Today we spent more time clearing the basement. I baked some more bread–the raisin bread lasted all of fifteen minutes–for sandwiches. I realized that I’m into baking right now because it’s easily controllable and, since I’m following a recipe, I don’t have to make any choices to create something.

Rob pulled some wooden wine crates out of the basement and lo! they are perfect for packing china. So, I sat down on the kitchen floor and wrapped newspaper around china until my hands were black with ink. As I finished each crate, Rob would nail the lids shut. Honestly, you’d think we were getting ready to hop into a covered wagon rather than a moving van.

Somehow, packing the china made it sink in that yes, we are actually going. We are moving. I will not be hosting any more dinner parties in Portland. It is strange and finally real.

Anyone want some cookies? I feel like baking something.

Thanks to Google Maps new street view feature, you can see the front door of the apartment we are moving to. As a friend of mine said, “It’s like living in the future.”

On the one hand, keen! On the other hand, it’s a little creepy. I mean, is that a neighbor walking past the building? Will I meet that woman while I’m there?

And then I swing back over to the keen! side. Can you imagine how much work this must have been? Holy cow. Rob just showed me his old apartment and his favorite restaurant is still across the street.

Edited to Add: Mr. Radley, in comments, pointed out another very shiny service.

Where google maps is fuzzy, try using http://www.flashearth.com/ (requires Flash) which lets you switch between several different satellite map services, one of which may provide a clearer view.