North by Northeast Lights

Just five days away from a trip that I have thought about for a long time.

As a backyard stargazer, I've been fascinated by the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Late last year, I found a picture in a magazine and saved it.

This year, that trip is coming to fruition. I thought it would be a few days in Alaska. It's become two weeks in Iceland.

So along with my lights, I will see glaciers and volcanoes, waterfalls and thermal baths, black sand beaches and whales.

The clothes are all laid out on my bed so I can pick a suitcase. Needless to say, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be tough days.

See this article about this year's lights.

T minus 7 hours

Today's the day!

I was a little nervous last night because it was getting later and later and I had so much to do. But once the laundry was done and I got the socks in my suitcase and carry-on, everything looked much brighter. (I also put all the dishes in the top rack of the dishwasher and ran it instead of hand washing.)

Everything fit in my suitcase, and I even stuffed some extras in - lotion, a couple books and extra socks. The second pair of shoes was not as difficult as I thought it would be. My carry-on bag, however, proved to require a couple of re-packs to get it right. Now I have my clothes in the bottom, my in-flight entertainment in the middle, my travel documents on top, and my one, one-quart clear plastic bag of bottles of liquid on top of that. I may even re-pack before I finally take off.

I also had to do an inordinate amount of Web surfing last night to find out if I could crochet on the plane - well whether I could bring a needle and scissors. Turns out the answer is yes, for all of you who want to know.

Charlie is safe at a friend's house, hopefully not making too much noise, and my house is cleaner than it has been in probably a couple years. So I'm ready to go, and I'll talk to you all from Vienna.

Every day, it's a getting closer

... Going faster than a roller coaster ...

THREE DAYS FROM NOW I'LL BE IN EUROPE!

OK, I'll be on a plane headed that way, but forward progress counts for something. I can't think of another thing that I need to do, besides pack it all up, get to the airport, and go.

Oh yeah, I need to copy all of my travel documentation. And learn how to use my digital camera (the additional features; I know how to use it).

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Oh Deer

It was early Friday morning when I was coming home from a friend's house. Driving through the dark, twisty, windy roads, I was on alert for deer. I made it all the way to Leesville Road and well-lit territory and breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, I was crossing 540 when a car came up from the right. Then BAM!

No not Emeril. As far as I know, it was a deer. Knocked my left headlight well back into the engine. Crumpled or cracked the left side of the front fascia and left front quarter panel. Much blood and guts all over the front of the car.

After a day of hounding the insurance company, I got an appointment for 2:30 today. Upon arrival at the claims center, the adjuster says the car really isn't drivable. A few thousand for the cosmetic damage and who knows how much underneath.

But it looks like it's at a good body shop, and now my parking problem while I'm gone is solved. So long as I can get to work on Monday...

Money Matters

I've taken care of so many things, but I hadn't quite figured out what to do about money. Cash. Euro. Swiss Francs.

Turns out, after researching exchange rates, transfer fees, changing percentages, that the ATM card is the way to go. I juggled a few bills and transferred some money from savings, and even found more money in one account than I expected. The credit card is cleared and ready to use where possible. And I have some leftover cash from my neighbor to get me started.

And make sure that you call your bank to let you know you're going.

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