Saturday
Becky arrives tonight. I spend the day worrying about how I will be ready to leave on Monday. I go down my packing list and check off items as they are packed into carry-on backpack, checked rolling duffel or the ‘to wear’ pile. I add to the packing list. I delete from the packing list. I unpack and repack 2 more times. I pile up camera equipment. I recharge camera batteries. I play with my new mini Joby tripod which resembles an alien creature who can wrap itself around things instead of standing up like a normal alien or tripod. I empty memory cards. I backup old pictures so I can clean up my laptop for the new pictures. Time to leave to get Becky. Stop at Columbia at the outdoor outlet mall to return the duffel. Too early to go to the airport so I walk around the mall a little. It is 50 degrees but the wind is blowing and I am freezing. I have to hide my hands in my sleeves. How will I survive Antarctica? I go to Starbucks (one that is inside Target) to get a hot drink. It takes forever. I watch them make my drink. While it is sitting ready to get a lid, they spray the Espresso machine to clean it for the next drink. Particles from the mist land in my drink. I figure it is just water but I ask to be sure. Well it is cleanser. Okay, you spray cleanser and the particles land in my drink that you didn’t cover or move away. I insist on a new drink and will never return there! I pick up Becky, we pick up Sushi and head home to eat and relax awaiting the stress tomorrow shall bring.
