The building manager will start repairing and repainting the external wall this coming Tuesday. The work will last until the mid December. I had no choice but transferred all the plants to my parents’ tiny garden. J. had been away in San Francisco, and it was a bit painful to clear the space. And I am so used to the view with greens outside the windows that it is shocking to see the balcony bare. J. would have had a fit.

At the same time, this building (built in 1977) can use some fresh paint and have some cracks filled. The balcony is now like a blank canvas for J. to start a new garden. Besides, all the trees, such as a blueberry and olive, are coming back here.

Meanwhile, my mother is excited to take care of our plants. And thanks to my father who burrowed a big van to haul everything. It was a minor family event.