Traveling light. That was my goal for this trip out west to cowboy country in Harding County. A goal which the overflowing trunk and back seat of my car shows that I failed miserably. As usual.
Why?
Because of thought processes that took root in my troubled brain when we lived in Harding County during my formative young adult years. 23 miles from the nearest grocery store. 70 miles from the nearest big box store, restaurant, dentist, eye doctor, small town hospital, library, or major grocery store. 120 miles from a regional hospital, shopping mall, or book store. At least a decade before Starbucks was invented. And 2 decades before the nearest Starbucks (120 miles away) came to the Black Hills.
No wonder this is how I think when packing.
Take old clothes–jeans, short and long sleeved knit tops, socks, undies, jammies–to last a week. Oh, and 1 nice outfit for when you speak at the school. Make that 2 nice outfits since you’ll go to church. Plus some sleeveless shirts in case it gets hot. And sandals. Add tennies for morning walks and dress shoes. Better take a light jacket, too.
Oh, wait, remember the year it snowed 12 inches on September 19?
Better throw in a winter coat. Boots, too. Plus a hat and gloves. Maybe it would be wise to throw in a blanket and pillow in case the car blows a tire and I’m stranded on a deserted gravel road. And extra toiletries because if the contact solution, toothpaste, or lotion runs out, I’ll have to go without. Remember your vitamins and allergy drops, too.
Those darn allergies.
Better take a cooler stocked with almond milk and dairy-free bread since the grocery store in Buffalo wont’ have those. How about some non-dairy snacks for the long drive? Good idea. And decaf coffee. Along with the french press so I can brew my own in the mornings once I get there. Should I take a dozen ears of sweet corn for my hosts? No, it won’t last the 3 days it takes to get there. That’s a bummer.
Then again, not a bummer since the goal is to travel light because it’s a long trip.
Good thing I stocked up on audio books to to listen to during the long drive? Will 6 be enough? It’s miserable to run out. Which reminds me, did I pack my Bible and journals? Pens? Pencils? The mystery novel to read before bed each night? And the iPad with a few more books downloaded onto the Kindle app?
Ohmygosh, I almost forgot copies of my books.
Better fill a plastic tub with those. Bookmarks, too, and business cards. Cash for making change. Along with the Square device if anyone wants to pay by credit card. What about the iPad charger? Phone charger? Should they go in the suitcase or my computer case?
My laptop!
I have to take the laptop to do writing in my spare time. Also the good camera. The iPod to listen to during morning walks. Laptop charger. Camera charger. iPod charger. And the Day Planner definitely has to come, or I won’t know when to be where.
Is that everything?
It has to be. There’s no more room in the car. Anything more, and I’ll need a trailer to haul everything. No way am I driving the whole way with a trailer. This is everything. Not one thing more. Not one.
Wait. Where’s my purse?
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