April 6

Today was all about the return to normalcy. After a weekend in France, a visit from Russell, midterms, spring break to the United Kingdom, and traveling with Mom and Grandma, the past three weeks have been incredibly busy. Would I change any of that? Not for a second. I had a quiet morning around the apartment and went to the market to stock up on goodies for this week. When I got to the butcher counter where I always buy my eggs (they have the most unreal, fresh orange yolk), the butcher already had my 6 eggs and receipt ready to go. He must have seen me walk in. Talk about feelin' like a local. The high today in Florence was 66. The city is a different place in warm weather: almost all of the seasonal shops are open, tourists crowd every square, and puffy coats are long-gone. Things seem fresher and even happier. I associate my tan pea coat (so sick of it!) with Florence, so spring really does seem like a renewal. I took a run through the Cascine Park--a weekend favorite--and came home to indulge in some cooking! It's been a while since I have been able to cook. I made some homemade granola and an awesome lentil and quinoa salad. Mom brought me a big ole bag of quinoa all the way from home. I am nearly finished with The Fault in Our Stars--a book that came highly recommended to me from friends. Lazy, sunny, and all things that are good about Saturdays.