Today is going to be a packing day, I think, and a gathering of essential items, like the GPS which I can't find the charger for. Bob and I take secondary roads rather than the main highways. It's more scenic and much more interesting, even if it does take us a little longer. Also, just like last time, we are going to try to eat only at local places--no chains.

I'm hoping that we don't overpack the van; however, two people with many hobbies and interests will have great difficulty with that. We have everything laid out on the dining room table, now, but I haven't really made up my list yet, so that pile will probably double. In Facebook, I posted all of our planned activities. It will be tempting to just sleep in and lollygag around for a few days because this McGraw-Hill project has kicked my butt! However, I plan on acting like a real retiree with a long bucket list that needs to be worked on.

This summer: makeshift, on-the-road CrossFit, guitar playing, piano practice (no, not taking the piano on the road--a keyboard will work), painting a huge painting (mailing it home), listening to music and dancing, drawing and painting every day even if it's just a small piece, hiking, hill climbing, reading, writing (chapters 1-4 are ready to go), working (doing some editing/authoring work that I'll enjoy), blogging, crocheting Bryn's afghan (beginning year three), learning calligraphy, studying French and Italian (again), taking an MIT course, cooking cheap lobsters, kayaking as often as possible (launch is right outside our door), spending quality time with my best friend, watching the sun rise and the sun set. No television, not much Internet surfing (maybe renting a movie or two). Heaven on earth is getting closer and closer. Please friends and family members--stay healthy and emergency free this summer (and forever, of course) and follow our blog.