If the weather cooperates, I'll be in my little red car and headed to Arkansas tomorrow.

I had hoped to leave this morning for a three-week trip, but the extreme cold and even more snow kept me home.

Mom's husband died Dec. 23; between the weather and trying to get my meds and appointments lined up, this was as soon as I could leave to spend some time with her.

I'm also going to see all my brothers, their families, aunts, nieces and nephews to the second generation, my dearest childhood friend, and my dear Freeda. She was my neighbor when I lived in Jacksonville. She is 97 years young now. Still sharp minded and happy, and as kind and sweet as ever;she just moves a bit slower. I am so blessed that I am going to see her again.

I'm packed, except for the insulin and hauling all the stuff out to the car. I have the route printed from MapQuest and lined out in the GPS. I have a cell phone. I have the iPod loaded with g-r-e-a-t audio books.

I've stocked the kitchen for Wes, caught up on the laundry, and arranged for the dogs to have a trusted drop-in, three-times-a-day sitter for the four days each week that Wes works.

I keep wondering what I'm forgetting! LOL

If you don't hear from me for a while, don't worry.

KT hugs to all! ~ Carol

P.S. Yes, I'm very anxious about leaving my Harry for three weeks. We've not been apart for more than three days since he came to live with me eight years ago.

He knows I'm up to something and has been extra needy and clingy for the past two days. We understand one another; we each feel better when we're together...and I can't explain to him why I'm leaving and that I WILL be back.

Psycho Sam will be fine. He'll be saying "Mom? Mom who? Where's my tennis ball?"

When I get back you'll see Harry's 8th birthday photos from Jan. 11. No time to download them now. He and Sam had a blast. Harry wore a Scubby-Doo hat; Sam wore a Devil's Horns headband. The ate "gourmet" dog food garnished with Harry's favorite tid-bits and had a grand game of fetch with new tennis balls.