Yes, I did even start to pack my own shampoo, but patted myself on the back when I took it out of the bag. Instead I added lotions, perfume, powder, hair spray. Why I packed perfume I don’t know, since her husband keeps her well supplied with all the latest perfumes. I just like my own I guess.
By the time I packed the usual necessities for brushing my teeth, I had one full bag. The start of about eight bags that I will be packing with me.
Next come my clothes. I blame this on my mom. She always made sure we took plenty of underwear. Two changes for each day. I know I could use my daughter’s washer and dryer for these necessities, but I just like being prepared. Then my pajamas — I felt proud that I only packed three pairs. A short pair, a warm pair and a pair for just right weather.
Did I mention that I had to pack two outfits a day also? I actually felt proud of myself for that since I have been known to pack three changes a day.
With each outfit, a girl has to have different pairs of flip flops and shoes to match the outfit, don’t they? My daughter outgrew my foot size years ago so borrowing a pair of her shoes is out. Well, I did decide on only one pocketbook this trip.
By the time I loaded up, I¿had packed sweaters, jackets, sunscreen and a bathing suit — in case I decide to lie in the sun (you know how unpredictable Kentucky weather is, after all). Oh yeah, my umbrella went along too.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I have several magazines I have been waiting to read and a bag of magazines to give my daughter, so they had to go along.
Also, I needed to catch up on writing on the backs of photos and putting them in this year’s album so I decided to tuck my pictures and album into the trunk in case I get the time to do this. I needed to take my whole bag of pen and ink supplies, and my oil paints so I could paint.
I plan to visit some art supply stores in Louisville and I will probably need this to relax myself after taking Olivia to the federal building for day care for the day. That trip can jangle anyone’s nerves by the time you go through security and get her deposited. It is trying to make sure I get all the numbers correct. Once I sat at the entrance for about four minutes trying to get the numbers entered. I could tell any minute the guards were getting ready to get a SWAT team to see what the problem was.
Anyway, back to packing. I needed to pack my medicine, my makeup and my jewelry to go with my outfits. I packed along a few assorted cards to send out. I packed a movie or two and my little individual DVD player so I could see those two movies I have been wanting to see.
Besides, that, I am useless when it comes to operating someone else’s television equipment, so instead of worrying about paying for new equipment for them, I go prepared. However, I did tell my daughter to leave me detailed instructions to everything in the house.
Now, I am ashamed to admit it, but my Ale-8s have to go to Louisville with me. I am only allowed to drink one a day, but my body sure does enjoy that treat. I also have packed snacks and some treats for myself and my two granddaughters. One is 18 and the other is 4. The 18-year-old has already told me her order of my cornbread, fried chicken and made-from-scratch pancakes and syrup. The 4-year-old wants spaghetti and meatballs. So, I had to pack in my own mixture of cornmeal concoction so all I would have to add is an egg and milk.
My daughter will have the house full of food and meal coupons to go eat out but to make it a little more like home. I have to pack my own tea pitcher to make my iced tea in. It is just so easy that way I know the exact amount of water to add and all. By the way, the van is about all full now.
My daughter will be working in California this week and I am going to make sure the 18-year-old doesn’t decide to call in all her friends for a party. I will probably referee at least a time or two between her and the 4-year-old. So, if this packing hasn’t worn me out, by the time I make it around her four-floor house I will be completely done in.
I have promised myself to pack lighter next time. I’ve been packing my van for about a week now, however, so now I won’t try to lighten the load. I am afraid it would take me too long to go through everything again, and besides that, it is time to go! I am sure I will have plenty to tell you next week.
