Luggage

I have no idea how we accumulated so many suitcases. There's an entire wall in my basement and a huge collection in my closet. I received some baby blue ones as a high school graduation gift but those are long gone. The husband has received some as a favor at a golf outing or a corporate event but it still doesn't explain our abundance.

We inherited some from the oldies. I guess we'll weed those out at some point.

Even the dog has her own suitcase. She received it from Cynthia as a Christmas gift. It's a big canvas duffel bag with her name on it. (She ate part of one corner but it's still functional.) She knows when I get it out that she's going to the lake or puppy camp. I made the mistake of packing her bag first and leaving it by the back door. She's standing guard over it like, "You're not leaving without me."

I tend to send donations to veteran's groups and womens' shelters. When I get to my Fall basement clean-up, there are some women and children who will benefit from some slightly used suitcases.

Painful Packing

Packing is usually fun for me. I'm going on a trip! (Cross check and call forward!)

Today is a different kind of packing. We're taking small bites of clearing out the Belle's things. It's awful.

It's an oldies thing but every single thing seems to be wrapped in plastic or tissues or both. Plus, she was a stasher, so you might find receipts or a strand of pearls in any given pocket or handbag. Then on come the emotions. I remember the last time she wore that. I remember how many compliments she received on that outfit. A couple of times the husband said, "This is nice, you might like this." My response was, "It's mine. I loaned it to her."

She was the Anti-Sheri. I hate shopping. Shopping was a huge adventure to her. We are giving away glorious clothes and multiple things.

My friend, Big Sal, is out of town. If she were here, she would be checking out the Goodwill. She's the ultimate bargain hunter. I had a dream last night about Big Sal walking into my kitchen saying, "Look what I found." Of course, it would be something that used to belong to the Belle.

Packing

My aunt, the most talented writer I know personally, is leaving on a three week journey with 10 stops. Weather will range from 80 degrees to below freezing. She is taking one small carry-on bag.

The oldies are packing for nine days in one location. (If they go.) One large suitcase is dedicated entirely to medications, mostly unnecessary. We have hauled three additional big suitcases up from the basement and she's fretting that they won't be able to fit everything in. Plus, canes and at least one walker. Guess who gets to coordinate all of this with the airlines.

I can pack for almost any destination in about 10 minutes. I cannot do it all in one carry-on bag. Neither could the husband -- his golf clubs don't fit in the overhead compartment. But, if I ever get to the point where an entire suitcase is needed to tote medicine, I'm staying home.