Yikes, Ike!

I'm borrowing a friend's computer to come on quickly and update why I'm not on and blogging about our (wonderful!) vacation. The greater Cincinnati area -- and much of the State of Ohio, for that matter -- was hit by Hurricane Ike on Sunday afternoon (just as we were driving back from our vacation). Totally unforecast, it hit our area hard with winds up to 77 mph in places (which would be, if sustained winds, a Category 1 hurricane!). Our immediate neighborhood was hit particularly hard, with trees uprooted, fallen on houses, siding missing,shingles blow away, etc. It could be worse, of course!!! First, let me say -- thank God I keep a full pantry. We have a gas grill and propane camping stove, we have water. We have no electricity and, last I heard, will not have it earlier than next weekend!! We came home from vacation with an almost empty tank of gas (big mistake, trust me), and could not find gas anywhere within our gas tank's range. So frustrating. Long story short -- especially for relatives who are not able to get in touch with us -- no phone -- we are fine. Jeff and I are hardy New England soles with lots of camping experience and a full pantry, and we will be just fine. It will, however, be awhile before I can get back online. My heart goes out to all the folks on the gulf coast who are suffering so much more than we are (and, my goodness, you should hear people here complain about the small amount of suffering we are doing!!!). For us, lack of electrical power is the hardest thing we have to endure -- no water, no flooding, no high temperatures. So... I will be back!!! Check back after next weekend and I'll update you on our absolutely wonderful vacation!

Hi ho hi ho...off we go!

The food is in the cooler, the clothes are in suitcases, the toys are boxed... and off we go for a mini-vacation. Jeff and I are taking Brayden for four days in Hocking Hills, OH. I have made my lists, checked them twice, packed from the list, checked everything again... and STILL forgot to buy bagels! Honestly, I'd forgotten how much planning and packing it takes with a two year old. I've run so many "what if's" through my brain that it's spinning. My biggest concern is clothes -- there is no washer and dryer at the rental house. And the weather right now can swing from 50's at night to 80's in the day -- so I have to be sure Brayden has the right outfits for the weather and the activity. Then I have to have inside/rainy day toys vs outside/play on the beach toys. Portable sides for the bed because there's no crib, and a gate to keep him from going up and down some very steep stairs. Bandaids for boo-boo's, Tylenol for teething, sippie cups and a booster seat, the monkey blanket for diaper changes and picnics, the favorite pillow, a toy to cuddle, games and music to play in the car -- Now you see why I made lists! I have, as usual, over-organized our trip -- planned and written up an agenda, have a notebook with phone numbers, maps printed off for locations -- and we'll get to our rental house, unload the car, forget about schedules, and just enjoy ourselves. Whatever I forgot can be purchased just 2 miles away from the house. I'm so looking forward to having fun with Brayden and Jeff. I hope the weather holds up for us -- rain is forecast 2 of the 4 days, but that's OK... we don't melt and I've packed rain jackets and umbrellas. Two year olds LOVE walking in the rain, splashing in puddles, and carrying an umbrella. It's all good. As Brayden says, we're going to have "TOO MUCH FUN!" Now if I can just remember my camera... Wait.. where's my list?!?