TIME TO LET THE PACKING BEGIN

Today the serious talk started about packing or not packing for our "February Break" to Florida.
If I understood all the hot link thing I would show you lovely pictures of snow white beaches - minus the snow, tall pristine condos - minus the mud of Missouri, and clear blue skies - minus the furry of flurries. At this point, we are all ready to just pack up and GO. But it isn't as easy as it would seem. For the six of us, BIL, SIL, BIL, SIL, DH, and me, this is our first adventure into the flight of the "snow birds". About seven or eight months ago we came to the conclusion that was about TIME for us to take an extended get-away.

Over the past several years we have taken a variety of treks to various cities, towns, and bergs as well as historical sites in the surrounding states. These have proven to be absolutely delightful. Each day was filled with sharing stories and chocolate, intimate little out of the way restaurants and chocolate, and unique bed and breakfasts and of course - CHOCOLATE.

Packing for these TIMES was easy. Packing is different though for each of us. Some only need a change of undies, a clean shirt, and a toothbrush. I , on the other hand, need six changes of dress so that I feel appropriately donned to meet each day. Who knows what whim I will follow for the days activities. Will I dress conservatively in brown or dress confidently in BLING? I require all of the appropriate accessories for each outfit as well as jewelry and the exact shade of lipstick. I might even take the TIME to change my nail polish. I am not really sure if I this habit comes from depravity as a child : O ) or of the need to detract from the signs of life after 40 or 50 or what ever. (You pick a number!)

Today's discussion involved hangers. Mind you, it is not a monumental thing but --- it is important. Do we take clothes on hangers or do we stuff our possessions in a bag? I, in need of some sense of control, over my own belongings, voted for hangers. It was up for discussion during copious emails this morning. In the end I was out voted and it was unanimously determined that we, if we had the need, would purchase them upon our arrival.

I am sure that this is only the beginning of various items to be debated before our journey begins. And, when I get the TIME I will share more of "To Pack or Not to Pack- THAT is the Question."