How Do You Spell "Relief"? V-I-S-A-S!

It wasn't clear what I might photograph to illustrate the relief I felt upon hearing that the visas will be issued tomorrow. This is part of the front of our refrigerator. What it has to do with relief is not clear.

No, I Will Not Act My Age, Thank You

So it's more colorful and widespread than it was last night, but at least it's not as swollen out from my leg as it was then. Older son and I were grappling over swords, and his leg hit mine. An orthopedic surgeon who serves on the Electoral Board visited my precinct today (I was working at a presidential primary) and did a quick consult. Given that I'm leaving Sunday for five weeks in the third world, I will probably see about getting it x-rayed. I should probably also take the rest of this week off from martial arts, too. Yeah, it hurt to type that last sentence.

It Was a Good Idea at the Time

Alas, it appears that the quilt and birthday gift I hoped to take to younger son on our way to Vietnam probably won't fit in my suitcase given the almost 70 t-shirts that the husband will be taking to the students in the Hue program. Yes, that will leave room in the suitcases for things we bring back, but the luggage weight limits are significantly lighter in Asia than they are here. If you're thinking I might be bringing you a gift, you'd best like fabric or jewelry.

At Least Charlie Feels Ready

I probably should feel more ready. The big thing that has yet to be done, visas, is something over which I have no control. The days are free on which we can drive to the embassy to get our visas; we just need the authorization number from Hue University. I will have time this week to treat my travel wardrobe with permethrin. Although the coastal area of Vietnam is not a malaria zone, it only takes one malaria-laden mosquito to come in on its own sightseeing trip. Breathing deeply now, it will all get done it will all get done it will all...

No Bad Egg

One more thing to do before leaving for seven weeks: Use up the perishables that the son staying behind might not think to use. I'm making potato salad as part of having my mom over for dinner tomorrow night. It won't use up all the eggs, but it will help.

Through Rose-Colored Glasses

I have a love-hate relationship with my glasses. Wearing them, I can read and drive and generally function very well in the world. Without them, I can look at myself in the mirror and see a face without wrinkled smile lines and a waist that blends softly into some hips. I think I'll choose function over form, at least today.

Okay, I'm Lazy Today

This is another old photo, that I took in 2007 at the National Zoo. It's a gorilla, and I like gorillas and other great apes ... and most other primates. In that regard, the photo meets the criterion of saying something about me. Yes, that I'm feeling lazy today, and that I like gorillas.