June 8:... Lovely day. More painting in class. Big pranzo, followed by a wonderful presentation by Tommy -- he took all of his best pictures of all of us and put them into a slideshow set to music. It was really exquisite (even if Gwen and I weren't in it much), and everyone wants a copy.

I packed more, pulled out my last ten (*whine*) and bought my last bottle of wine. Nearly done packing and way ahead of schedule. Typed more on papers. Nearly have beaten Gwen's video game with her. Showered and drew a tiny bit before bed.

***

June 9:... More class. Finished painting my box after pranzo, dedicated a little of my time to character creation with a deck of cards, and finishing a paper that needed typing. I also drew a little. At 7, Gwen and I went out to picnic on the opposing hill near the Cappucini monastery. We were worried that daylight might leave us, so we didn't stay long, but Gwen wanted to look for pottery shards near the farmhouse, so we took the (heavily overgrown and probably snake-infested) aquaduct road down. Partway down, we found a baby bird that fell from its nest. It was still alive, so we brought it back and cared for it. I hope he survives. Mom called, and she prayed for it, and so did Sister Sue. He seems to be doing better. I hope Marino takes him.

***

June 10:... A very mixed day. Little bird did much better all through the morning, but I forgot to give him to Marino before he left. After pranzo, I fed him and did some things... but my high hopes for the little bird's survival were dashed when he took a sudden turn for the worse and randomly died around 3 pm. I cried and moped for most of the afternoon, and at 7, Gwen and I had a little funeral wherein I buried him under a small cypress tree in the garden and planted my rose next to him. At 8:45, Gwen and I went to see the Laude in Urbis show to take our minds off things, and help out with the banquet afterward. The performance went well, I had too much vino during the banquet, and crashed in bed sometime after midnight.

***

June 11:... Skillen and all of the actors are gone. It's a lot quieter around here. Everyone's boxes are done, so we cleaned up the sculpture area and took lots of pictures. Later, Gwen and I chatted with Sister Sue, started Gwen's packing, and went out to Pizzeria Charlie's for the last time. I got the Topolino, finally. It was good. After, gelato. Then Gwen slew the big level boss on her game and beat the game, in record time. Soon after, we went to bed. Hot tonight.

***

June 12:... Did lots of cleaning and moving stuff in the morning. Wondered if the nuns were punishing us for not finishing cleaning the sculpture area yesterday. Then we had a big lunch. After, helped Gwen pack (amazingly, she's almost completely done...). Went out for a while at 5:30. Gwen shopped. Came back, packed more. Went out again at 9:40 for gelato one more time. Saw Madre Giovanna attack a cat with a cardboard tube. Didn't go to the movie that was showing in the Sala, as it started at 11:30, and I was tired.

***

June 13:... Less that 24 hours left in Italy. Had good Sunday breakfast, and have finally caught up with myself as far as journaling online. It is currently 10:45 am, and I have a few final things to accomplish. I may see St. Patrick's Well, but maybe not. Today will likely be taken up by finishing and packing and saying goodbyes etc. When I return home, I will take the time to make this Italy section of my webpage better.