Lots of small step

LOTS of small steps!  It's been 8 days since I posted. In that time, there have  been a bunch of little detail things done. Most important - set aside the  stuff that's going along with us.What goes into the backpack, what into the suitcase. Remember, the suitcase may be discarded after Austraila depending on advice from other backpackers. At any rate, the important things go into the backpacks which ideally will not leave our sight.

Something that takes a bunch of time and attention is setting up our rootless existence. Effectively, our only truly valuable  possession will be our proof of solvency. The credit and ATM cards will need to be guarded at all times. Come to think of it, this netbook could become precious also, though any net terminal could prove our bona fides.

We seem to have used up a lot of time visiting friends and relatives, always taking along stuff to drop off and give away. We spent the weekend with My brother Fred and my parents, celebraitng brother Ted's 60th and Mom and Dad's 65th(!) wedding anniversary. Next weekend it's off to Missouri to see a son and daughter with a couch, end tables and whatever else we can pack into the van.

 Considering there are 10 days till takeoff, we still have a long way to go. On the other hand, life is getting a little bare. Eating off TV trays, not many pots and pans, silverware left. I've managed to keep an iron hold on the TV but its hours are numbered. One more trip to Kay's with golf clubs and other stuff that will be resurrected in the motor home when we return.

Tonight, the huge desk upstairs will evaporate along with a pine entertainment center my friend Dick Gingrich and I built. It's been a nice piece but it's going to a good home. Be glad to be rid of the desk, though, just because I've been worrying howthehell to get it down the stairs. The buyer assured me he'd bring along a big strong friend. We'll need him.