JUST ABOUT READY

We've spent the last week doing "last minute" chores. We've made Christmas gifts, prepared two houses (and one doghouse) for chilly weather, taken a vehicle for repair, eaten food that might spoil, given Nellie a bath. We've washed clothes and counted out undies, downloaded maps and geo-caches, packed our toys as well as essentials. We said "au revoir" to friends, and put some services on hold. We've had long phone conversations with almost everyone we will visit. We're as ready as we'll ever be. If we've forgotten it, we don't know what it is. We'll think of it half an hour out of town.

Speaking of forgetting, I had a close call yesterday. We were leaving the farm when I decided to check upstairs one more time. I couldn't imagine why. But when I walked into the sewing room, there were three pink bears in the middle of the bed. Baby Bear was distraught, thinking I was leaving without her. Big Sister Bear and Cousin Bear were trying to comfort her but worrying themselves. I must have heard them crying. This afternoon we spent quality time together, making Big Sister Bear a "Hannah Montana" vest and tacking bows on their ears. Then into gift sacks they went to be delivered and hidden away in their new homes until Christmas. I can't help but feel pretty good about that.

I have a box for Boise and a box for Denver. I've packed dried pears for some and elderberry jelly for all. And if we need dessert, we can slice the chocolate zucchini bread. If you don't see a new post here for a few days, you'll understand we're off on an adventure. KW