Tomorrow we are off for our whirlwind vacation to the heart of U.S. wine country.  We took the day off of work today so we could get all packed up.  I’m hoping to get the house nice and clean and picked up, so when we return we only have laundry to do.  I have a feeling that by the time we are back our lawn is going to look like a hayfield, though.  Oh well, that’s hubby’s job. 😉

Later today, we are going to be depositing our kiddos with my family for the first leg of their stay.  They are sure to have much sugar and whatever else they want for the next week…as they should, right? Staying with their grandparents and aunties and uncle and seeing their cousins is all about being spoiled and having fun.  They don’t get time away from mommy and daddy very often, so they need to live it up when they can!

The neighbor girl is watching Kitty.  She loves kitties and her daddy is allergic, so I’m sure Kitty will get plenty of attention, and she’s an attention whore so I’m sure she will prefer neighbor girl over us.  We’ll get back, and she will be all, “Dude, where’s the kid??  Go away!  I want HER back!”  Although watching our cat should be payment enough (HA!), I told her I would make her something for her efforts.

We are going to be renting a Nissan Z, which is a “Cool Car” according to Avis.  Yes, we are reaching, but it is okay to reach, right?  We want to be COOL, dangit!  Originally, we had rented the Pontiac Solstice, but upon reading that there was only room in the trunk for two small bags, I began to worry…a lot.  That car was totally awesome, Dude, but really…two SMALL bags.  No way.  We will be gone a week, and as my hubby can testify, I don’t pack small bags.  I did try to control myself, but 7 days is a long time for this shoe freak.  There is only so much I can whittle out.

This car says it can hold 1 large bag and 2 small bags.  Better, but still not much so I will still have to control myself.  Dang.  It also says it fits 4 adults.  *falls on floor in a laughing fit*  Did you click on that link??  Yeah, it fits 4 adults if two of them little tiny fairies!  It’s cool and I’m sure it will corner like it’s on rails, so the hubby will like it.  We even rented the navigation system, so we won’t get lost.  Isn’t that fantastic?? Thank goodness for technology nowadays!  You can be completely inept at reading maps, and the little dot will show you exactly where you are.

I rented a lens for the trip (Nikkor 18-200 VR), so I’m packing light, People.  Unless you take into account that this lens is a behemoth.  I got it out of the box and holy big lens Batman!  I’m just bringing that lens, though, and my camera, and the battery charger, and maybe my speedlight, and all my memory cards, and my remote…

Wait, how many bags does that car hold??

Later dudes and dudettes…

*****

P.S.  No posting whilst I am gone, so the Theme Thursday and the Photo Tips will be on hold until I get back.  I have one set to go up next Saturday when we get back, so just one week off.  Go play and be frolicksome. 🙂  Oh, and don’t post whilst I’m gone so then I don’t feel so behind when I get back….m’kay??

*****

P.P.S.  I think I love this lens…

juniper

reflection

clematis

***** 

P.P.P.S. – I can’t wait to sleep in…for a whole week.  Heaven! 😀