Trial Run

 

This is the 22 inch suitcase I purchased for the trip to Paris

in December.

 

 

Tomorrow we leave for a week's travel

to the East coast, which is always a favorite

destination.

 

I'm using this outing as a trial run

for the December trip.

My travel guru strongly urged using

only a carry-on bag

which will be a new experience for me.

 

So.  In this bag - this very small bag - I have

4 sleeveless/short sleeve layering pieces:

berry

gray

charcoal

ivory

4 long sleeve tees:

ivory

tan

charcoal

mustard

3 V-neck cashmere sweaters:

navy

gray

teal

3 button-front shirts:

denimish

gray/teal plaid

gray paisley(tunic length)

2 pants:

white cords

charcoal

1 navy skirt and tights

1 charcoal wool blazer

yoga pants. cami and oversize tee

undies and socks for a week

1 pair of shoes

1 pair of slippers

3 scarves

cosmetic bag

my kindle

assorted charging cords.

 

My tote bag holds:

 a small crossbody purse

several books

wallet

aspirin and other necessities

perfume

lipstick

pen

My watch,

pearl studs and

simple hoops are it for jewelry.

 

Tomorrow I'll wear:

 tall boots (tan)

navy pants

ivory vest

the 4th scarf

and a long sleeve tee.

(which I'll leave at Naphtali's and reclaim on our return)

There is also a weather-proof jacket

which will be thrown into the back of the car.

 

Naphtali and Aidan have offered/agreed

to keep Charlie for us while we're gone.

This is a chance for them to see how a dog would fit into

 the new school routines and

we're glad to leave him with family.

So our trip starts with an overnight in

Minneapolis, which is

always a treat.

 

It all works on paper so we'll see...

I went in today for a manicure

- I love the shellac -

so my nails will be lovely

- and indestructible -

for the duration.

 

The forecast for next week indicates mid to upper 60s

with the possibility of a 70 thrown into the mix.

Everything is set for a great time!

 

 

 

Sunday Afternoon

I should be driving, so today counts as

a free day.

Free days - as you know - should

be used for projects or naps

or movie marathons

but shouldn't be wasted on ordinary

household tasks like

laundry.

 

The weather kept us from making the trip

to Minneapolis to

 say goodbye to

Aidan's dog, Proton.

He wasn't himself when they came for Christmas

and a trip to the vet yielded a

sad diagnosis.

 

We were already on the calendar for the

Chinese New Year program

coming at the of this week, but it

seemed urgent to make

the trip now.

Unfortunately the weather interfered and we

made the call to stay home.

So we skyped instead!

We were able to chat.

Charlie added his greetings.

Proton responded to our voices and wagged his tail.

 

None of us know what the next few days

will bring.  So we were glad

to see Aidan and Proton.

We talked and laughed together.

It was far from perfect, but

it was good.

 

 

Road Trip

Heading North this weekend.

My mother and sister want to see

my daughter's new house.

Tonight will find me at their place

- a ninety minute drive -

and in the morning we'll point the car

in the direction of the Twin Cities and see what

the day brings.

 

They had snow in the cities earlier this week

and, even though Naphtali

assures me it will be gone before we

arrive, the weather provides a good excuse to

debut a recent thrift store find.

 

 

I rediscovered a forgotten fact about

vintage wool coats:

They are wool.

With a satin lining.

No thermo-tek engineering here. 

It should be well-suited for

the predicted mid-40s this weekend

but probably won't stand up

to the frigid extremes we'll experience

later this winter. 

 

For some women it's all about the

shoes, jewelry or purses.

Me?  It's coats. 

This one was just too fun, and

- even with the dry cleaning -

 too cheap, to leave hanging. 

It will require a certain attitude as

its main accessory

and, as I've pretty much been in a

damn-the-torpedoes mood lately,

it should be perfect.

 

 



Thursday Morning

Ooh! but it's dark and cold, now, in the early morning.

Bumps in my schedule have sent

me to the gym for the 6AM class

twice this week!

Once I'm up and out it's okay

but getting out of bed and ready to go

can be a challenge.

 

I do enjoy the different sights of an early morning

 (those that can be seen in the dark) like:

the reflective spots on the runners' shoes

 bobbing along the path

or

the moon - nearly full - hanging

huge, low and golden on the western horizon

or

the single light shining in a dark house

or

Traffic!?

a surprising amount for 5:37!

 

Today we'll head north for a weekend

with Naphtali and Aidan.

There are a few last details to attend

and then Charlie and I will hit the road.

Good times.

 

 

 

 



Road Trip!!

 

 

This one will be just Charlie and me

heading to the Northlands.

 

 

So it makes a busy night.

There's always a last load of laundry.

Run the dishwasher

pack me

pack Charlie

pack audiobooks

pack gifts

pack winter gear

etcetcetc.



 

Friday night is Aidan's Chinese New Year program

followed by a dinner of

- what else? -

Chinese cuisine at a local eatery.

 

I've been told that Saturday will feature

frozen waffles

a Monopoly marathon

and a trip to the thrift store.

 

Sunday

we'll be looking at a couple houses.

(Keep your fingers crossed)

 

The day will be capped by a visit to Margo's house.

She and Naphtali have a presentation

for the "docs"

on their trip to Haiti.

Naphtali has only dribbled a few details

 so I'm excited to see and hear more of the story.

 

Monday will find me homeward bound.

I may sneak in another stop

at the thrift store before I leave town...

 

 

 





A post...

I'm loving all the fall looks - this one is from Pinterest -

and magazine covers are graced with comfort foods and
 fall cooking (you know what I mean)

but it was 100 degrees here yesterday!!

We leave Friday morning for Oregon.  There are piles everywhere

waiting to be consolidated into packable containers.

Two busy days left to pull it all together.

Can't wait!!

Recycling

Naphtali used this burlap pouch  as a wrapping for a gift to me several years ago.

It has always been my intention to get some burlap and make a few to have on hand, 

and maybe I will.  Soon.

For now, though, I am recycling.

The pouch (containing her Mother's Day gift) will make the trip 

North with us to visit her and Aidan this weekend.

With any luck, this pouch will make its way back to me someday.  

Responsible recycling ....

Making my list

checking it more than twice.

Wednesday morning I'll head up to Minneapolis for several days.  

Unfortunately, it's an awkward time to be away from home for an extended visit.

It will require some serious list making and checking.

There are things I need:

  to do before I leave town.

to complete my school work for the semester.

to bring for Naphtali.

for Aidan.

for Charlie and yes for Proton.

in case the weather is bad - or just cold.

There are things I need to keep up with holiday projects:

Christmas cards, mailing lists, stamps.

a quilt.

something - can't give it away - else.

a shopping list!

I'm excited to go - 

and I'd better get going!

Wish me luck!