Off We Go

My BFF and I are about to drive off--we bear no resemblance to the woman and dog above.

The wind will be blowing through Sug's hair and mine as we head to the Cape, windows open on the Mernin minivan. Our curly hair will take a whipping. We're meeting H. and Figgy there. Those two lucky dogs just called me from the Goldenrod in York Beach--they're working their way from Maine to the Cape. The Goldenrod is known for its restaurant, ice cream and candy [thegoldenrod.com] and it's not far from a lighthouse I love.

All the Essentials
I've packed new Neutrogena sunscreen, Special K protein shakes [chocolate and vanilla], Oribe hair masque, apple crisp topping ingredients, clean sheets and towels. And books, magazines, sandals.

I've transplanted the marigolds, watered the petunias and dahlia, gotten the headlight fixed. Asked Brian here at the condo office to please water our plants. Driven to see Dad at the hospital and thank goodness, it was a good day. He was looking better, due to the I.V. fluids.

I've packed my work files too, because I have another deadline approaching, but that's okay, it's for a magazine I like about a topic I like [holiday already!] and I will just do or schedule some interviews.

Cold Feet
I will put my feet in the pond, stare out at the ocean, look for seals and drink iced coffee at the Hot Chocolate Sparrow. I will ride a bike. What I will not do for about six days is drive on crowded Route 4 East, park in a hospital garage, or motor back and forth to our house in Montclair via Route 3. But I am sure I will have some regrets while away that I can't be at the hospital. It is okay; others who love my Dad are going to see him.

Full trip of 300 miles ahead. Better throw the rest of my stuff in the car and go. ETA: 11:30 P.M.. If we're lucky.