Barbara J. Hamby

sign-up for our email list

Tripping

Getting ready to go on a trip was once a matter of throwing a few things into a bag and leaving. Now that I’ve lived three-quarters of a century, it seems I do everything more slowly. It takes me at least a week to get ready for a week’s trip.

It’s not entirely my fault, however. I spent an hour or so today going through the toiletry bag and the hidden pockets in my bag on wheels. I retrieved everything I can think of that might cause a search when I’m going through security. Toe nail clippers, folding scissors, and a gadget that clips nails, opens bottles and has a very dull knife blade, all had to come out.

At the risk of bragging, I’ve become adept at traveling with a minimum of extra clothing. One extra pair of shoes and three or four changes of clothes, plus a nightgown and swimsuit, can get me through a seven day cruise, including the round trip by air to the debarkation point. Usually I can get all that into my one carry-on size bag on wheels and a shoulder tote bag, with space left for a small purse, a camera and a snack or some band-aids.

At my sister’s place next week, I’ll have access to her laundry facilities if necessary, but I hope not to have to spend any of our visiting time doing laundry.

By Thurday evening I’ll be in sunny (or rainy?) Southern California.