Leaving on a Jet Plane...

I'm reminded of a song from the 60's as we prepare to get on the plane and journey to France. I'm leaving my cares behind, hidden in the shadow of God's capable wings (Ps. 57:1). He will watch over Treasure who will be in the good hands of her sitter, Karen.

We were sent off yesterday with a delightful luncheon, hosted by my sweet friends, Jo, Lois and Doug. The theme was France and the ambiance was precious. We are so blessed.

So au revoir, until I find some internet service. And hopefully, there will be pictures to share... many pictures!

Report from Treasure's Appointment Today

At our appointment today, Dr. Earl did a brief scan and said the tumor is now starting to grow. Though still small, it is about 30% larger than five weeks ago. She is in good shape otherwise. I told him about her losing her footing sometimes and he wants to do a more extensive exam when we return from France.

He thinks she will be fine for the two weeks we are gone, but I went ahead and put all arrangements for her in writing in her records. Her sitter is a good friend of the vet and he expects her to call him if there is a problem. He said he would call me too, but I said "not in France! Just email me!"

She had another sebaceous cyst on her back and he drained it too. He thinks it was the same one that popped up before. Sweaty Westie!

The last thing he said, after giving me a hug, was "I'll treat her as if she were my own dog." Can't ask for more than that.

Countdown to France

This week is "countdown" to France week. Today, I guess, is Day 7. I'm trying to spread all my last minute chores over the entire week so I won't be rushing like crazy at the end. I tend to forget important details when I'm rushing like crazy.



I have been methodically packing over the last several days. Once I decide what I'm taking, that goes into the wash first, then into my bag, which stays open on the dining room table. I'm visual. I have to see what's in there or I'll miss something. We've been following weather.com and think we'll have mild weather, from a low in the 40's to a high in the 60's. Graham and I, on a whim, decided to look at lightweight jackets last week and we each came away with what we hope are perfect jackets for toodling down the river. So here's my progress.

I ordered those mesh square packs from Rick Steves. They keep my clothes in a nice, neat and compact section in my suitcase. I like them today. I hope I will still like them when I pack to return home.

Graham, on the other hand, has been packed for a month! Of course, he's also unpacked and repacked numerous times! Usually, it's after we have watched one of Rick Steves' programs! I think we've both pretty much settled on what we're taking. But, isn't he much more organized than me?

Suitcase.. check. Camera bag.. check. Backpack..check. Jacket.. check.

I think tomorrow is a full day. Cleaners, vet appointment, housecleaning ladies. Now, if we can just get all that volcanic ash out of the way!

Between Here and There

A few weeks ago we had just come home from a Bible conference and suffered a bad case of "Brain Drain." This is curable, but only with massive doses of sleep and totally mundane activity! I've been getting lots of both and am finally on the road to recovery.

But somewhere between here and there, the following things have happened:

I looked up to see that our River trip in France was just four weeks away, so Graham and I began the task of preparing, packing, and purchasing for our trip. This will be our first river trip and our first trip to France. We'll spend our 43rd anniversary in Paris! Our final papers came on Saturday and we'll be traveling with 115 other folks, about a dozen of them from Texas. And 42 will be on our pre-trip in Paris. We are so looking forward to this adventure.

Somewhere along the way Andrew turned a half-year - six months old! And he's a real cutie with two shiny teeth and a big smile. He's a very happy baby under the guidance and protection of a super big brother.

Who, by the way, has become the King of jigsaw puzzles. I can't get ahead of him in finding more challenging puzzles. This box holds four separate puzzles that he keeps in perfect order. Getting all the puzzles put together is always the first order of business when he comes to my house.

We also celebrated a very big event with Cristian's graduation from UTSA with a Master's degree in Engineering. He has studied so hard over the last several years, carrying a full time job, having two children, and making top grades throughout. We are so proud of him, and proud of Meredith too. Being the wife of a serious student isn't an easy task either. Cheers to them both!

Today, Treasure got her hair cut. Lest you think I am back in the mundane, let me just say that every haircut she gets is a milestone in our fight against her cancer. It's just a reminder of the grace of God and the power of prayer and the support of friends.

Now we are two weeks out from our trip. Graham has packed and repacked several times. He may be ready, but then again, he may need to repack one more time! I lay my things out on a table where I can look and count and muse over each item. We'll be living in a small cabin on a river ship so our bags must be compact. I'm trying to follow Rick Steves' sage advice - to pack everything once and then take half of it out! Somehow I know we'll be ready! Now, to brush up on my French!