Two More Days...Yikes

We are almost there. Where ever there is. We leave in two days, we have boxes and bags strewn throughout the house, every room has more to pack, and there are no where near the number of reservations for the trip made. I knew there was more to do than we could accomplish, and I was right! I have emptied our cupboards, eat your heart our Mother Hubbard, but there's still wine in the rack.

We have been saying good bye to our family and friends. The picture attached, from left to right, shows Dan, Wendy (a.k.a me), Siena on Pattie's lap, Kim, and Cliff. Our phone has been ringing regularly with well wishers and we will miss them all. Our dog seems to know something is not right, and rarely ventures far from our legs. We are fortunate that our neighbors have volunteered to take our dog, but, so far, no one has offered to take our mortgage. But, there's still time, and hope springs eternal. Anyone interested???

We have recently added many friends to our blog, and this short blog is primarily to make sure everyone is receiving this that is interested. If you get this, please respond to let us know you are on the list! I should have more to report once the trip starts.

The Countdown Stands at 2 Weeks

Yes, the day is fast approaching for our departure. I have learned so much preparing for this trip. In applying for our Russian Visas, I discovered that we are mistaken to think the Cold War is over. Anyone under this misconception should look at the application for a Visa. We needed to list our past two employers, supervisors, etc. As I have worked for Becker Orthopedic for 20 years and Kim owned/worked at Moon Valley for 32 years, this meant we had to go back a long way. I was releaved that I could come up with two since college, as my college engineering internship was with a defense contractor. I sure didn't want to list that, although, truth be told, I don't remember anything from my engineering days. I looked at one of my notebooks I found cleaning out the house, and it is completely amazing to me to think I once understood the stuff I wrote down.

As we clean house, we find all kinds of stuff that seems to hide until you start packing. How, I ask you, can I have bathtub toys in my house? My youngest is 11. We are currently burning our ancient records. I found our wedding registry and a list of what everyone gave us. Thanks again, to those of you on this list! I don't think we will keep all of this until the next move.

England is our first stop, London to be percise. We are staying at the Edward Lear Hotel (pictured above) home of the eponymous author, famous for The Owl and the Pussycat ("eponymous" is the word of the day--feel free to use it yourself). We have tickets to see The Lord of the Rings. Hard to believe they made a musical out of a long, dark book, but it is supposed to be wonderful. I will let you know.

I have changed the settings for the group email. I think, if you respond, it will only come to us now, not the entire group, and we would love to hear from you.

Missing you already!

The Beatties