Getting Ready, Kinda

Had a nice weekend, but with the clock starting to really tick ahead of our Europe trip starting to really try and figure out what still needs to be done/purchased/etc, so probably time to start making lists.

Last weekend (not this past) one, there were a few big purchases... of course, there was the camera and also some clothing and footwear purchases.  Didn't have any good non-jeans casual pants, so picked up a pair of cargo-ish khaki pants and also some "dressier" sneakers.  Todd being international travel expert tells me that nothing screams "American" like white sneakers... so picked up two pairs of Skechers... a tan/brown pair that have sort of a European flair to them (or at least what I think is as much) and a black slip-on pair for a more slightly dressier look. 

I am trying not to get my hopes up too much, but the weather is improving in all of our destinations cities this week.  In the past few weeks, I would look and there seemed as if there was nothing but clouds, rain, and cool conditions.  This week, it's all sun and 70s... so I hope that is a where things are trending weather-wise.  I am not naive enough to think that we won't encounter any precipitation (after all it isn't Phoenix), but I just am praying for at least a handful of good weather days along the way.

This past weekend, it was more stuff for the camera -- a camera bag and another memory card, which should allow me to take an insane amount of pictures... though of course, I am still wondering if it's enough.  I also picked up some more novels (not that I didn't have plenty on hand), but figured I'd need something more on the light/drop-able side as I am guessing the only time I will be reading is when we're in transit... though not sure that will even happen on our train trips.  I am pretty sure this year's reading goal, which is already flagging, will hit "unattainable" status by the time our trip is over.  But as they say in France (or not), c'est la vie... I'll take travel over reading any day!

Yesterday, we wrapped up a week long visit with Rocky's "Aunt" Lucy.  It was fun having another dog around... though a bit sad initially since Lucy and Toby were such good buddies, but I think the tenuous relationship between Rocky and Lucy improved this past week.  He is certainly a bit "much" at times, but they worked it out.  I am glad we found this "pet resort" that provides all-day play sessions.  It would have been tough leaving (though we would!) knowing that Rocky would be cooped up all alone while we were away -- but here we know he will be cage/kennel-free and doing what he does best -- play, play, play -- all day long.

So next weekend, it'll be the last preps... with a break to celebrate Mom's day... and then it'll just be a couple of days and we're off.  I still can't quite believe we're going... and I am sure it won't hit until we start the serious packing (the night before, of course!) and head off to the airport.