Immeasurably More

2:45 Bangor Airport, Maine A journey of a thousand miles begins with packing. I like to make packing lists so that I can check that I have all the things I think I am going to want on a trip. I didn't do that this time. Mistake. But years ago when I was stressed about packing for a trip, an acquaintance observed.... "You're not going to a third world country." And I try to remember that now. There's very little I need that can't be replaced at a Walmart or a National Park gift shop.  Which is why I was so proud of myself when I double checked my bag at the airport and had all the important stuff.... Passport. Wallet. Laptop. Laptop charger. Phone. Phone charger. And then I was early enough there was no line at security.  And as I was putting my shoes back on, I remembered my earbuds.  I have sincerely sworn to be available for work calls throughout my trip. I must have my earbuds!! My generous neighbor and housesitter agreed to find them and bring them to me. ...

 Dear Reader, Several years ago, my local library stopped collecting overdue fines.  This was good for me, but a loss of income for them.  From me, specifically.  It's not that I never bring my books back..... it's just that I tend to bring them back after I get notified about the cost of book replacement.  And then consider the library fines a donation to a good cause. Anyway, no more library overdue fines in this town.  And no caps on how many books you can borrow either.  So, I borrowed all the books on the US. National Parks that I could find.  Ok.  Maybe not all.  But enough so that the librarian who scanned my card asked "Are you planning a trip?"  I even borrowed the book with the National Park cross stitch patterns, which is very clever but also has very little value for trip planning. But, Yes, Madame Librarian!  I *am* planning a trip! I have invited myself along on my parents' cross-country trek to see the presidents...