Ready, Set...Go

See what I'm saying about the garden? And there's two gallons of green beans underneath all those peppers and tomatoes. I'm taking all of that stuff to North Carolina. 

I did a lot today but I made a huge effort not to get stressed out and I really didn't. I went to town to pick up my hormones and noticed a black ribbon thing hanging from the door. I asked the woman at the counter if someone had died and yes, the lady who was the owner's mother had died. I've spoken about her before. I have no idea how old she was but she was usually there, serving customers. She always had her hair done just so and her make-up was full on. Her eye-liner was a little uneven there at the end but it was always there. I admired all of that about her and her pretty outfits, too. I'll never forget when they started selling CBD products and she told me, "That's good medicine. I mean, I was raised a good southern Baptist girl and never would have thought of using marijuana but I use this and it helps with my arthritis." 
The woman at the counter today told me she had worked right up until the end. "We tried to get her to retire," she said. "But she just would not do it." 

So that was a sadness but she really was up there in years. I told Glen about it when I got home and he asked me if it was the woman who always wanted to know how tall he was. 
"That's the one," I said. 
She was a real true Steel Magnolia and the likes of that particular breed of southern women will never be seen again. 

I went to Publix and got to see Lily and give her some hugs. I bought Mark his Pepsi's and a few other things he wanted. Eggs, bacon, cheese, taco shells or chips, beans, ground beef...

I detect a theme here. 
I told him that I would get the things that I didn't already have, and that he was welcome to whatever he could find. He said that it was always part of the adventure to go through my leftovers and see what was available. I love that. 

I went to Costco and got chunks-in-gravy cat food in tiny little cans to use to give Jack his pills in. I got a bag of Pirate Booty for the trip and a bag of mixed nuts for Jessie and her gang. And vodka. Of course I bought vodka. 

When I got home I picked all those vegetables and started my packing. I am not taking that much this year. I mean- seriously. There's a washer and dryer in the house where we're staying so no need to bring everything I own that fits me. I packed dresses and two pairs of overall shorts, a couple of shirts, some underwear, a nightgown, and a bathing suit. All in a carry-on size suitcase. So that's good. I've packed my various potions and lotions, toothpaste, a tiny bit of make-up which I may or may not use, and a little bit of jewelry which again- I might wear or I might not. I did shine the silver. 

I'm not taking a whole lot of kitchen stuff this year. The place we're staying is the same place we stayed last year and that kitchen is stocked better than my own. Whatever we need that's not there can be bought at the local Ingles which is a fine grocery store, or Jessie can bring it over from her camper. I've got the vegetables and I know Mr. Moon wants to take fish so a cooler will be involved. I've got coffee, the Pirate's Booty, fruit, vodka, vermouth, olives, and the cocktail shaker. Also, Pokemon grahams in little packages for the boys. Since we're leaving two days before we intend to arrive, we don't have to stress at all about time. We can and have made this drive in one day so we will have plenty of time to dawdle. Of course we have no route planned and no hotel reservations which will probably end up being a major source of stress but it is what it is. 

There are things I'd planned to do before we left that I have not done but the world will not come to an end. One thing I feel sure that we will not be doing is visiting the American Museum of the House Cat although I will never, ever forget last year's journey when we stopped there. 

Usually, when I'm on this little trip, I am not very good about commenting on blogs. And rather unbelievably - I may not post every day. In fact, I probably won't. This is always a sort of "be-here-now" time for me and I think it's a good thing. 

But I'll be checking in. You can count on that. 

Love...Ms. Moon