4/12/25

 I think Paul’s way of getting back at all the tricks is to pack his own bag. I made him a list of what he should bring so that it didn’t get out of control. We will have a washer and dryer. Once he has these things, he can decide if he feels like he needs more.

The list was simple. He spent about an hour “packing” which consisted of him showing me shirts that he still had from 20 years ago that had holes in them. With me asking the same question “Why do you still have that?” Or “Are you ever going to wear it?” And “Throw that away!”. He knew it was mildly annoying me but we laughed through it.

I was busy getting my things together with a similar short list. I can utilize every inch of the carryon to make sure we can bring it all. 

Paul finishes packing and leaves to go about his Saturday. I went over to his clothes packed and start going through them. I have learned I need to do this. Here is what I found: No underwear. (Wrong!), 2 bathing suits (correct), PJ bottoms (correct), 4 shorts (wrong but do-able), 6 shirts (wrong but maybe doable), no water shoes, no flip flops and the kicker….3.5 pairs of socks. What? Yup! 3.5 pairs of socks.

The first pair don’t match. One has red, one has black. The second pair -one was my sock and the other was his sock. The third pair - tall socks but different style one had green, the other said dickies. The last pair was one single sock. No match AND it had HOLES, PLURAL, in the toe. It also looked dirty.

I picked out some matching socks and replaced the disaster pictured above.

I used my new vacuum seal device to shrink our clothes so that they were compact. I did a mix of my clothes and Paul’s clothes in each pouch, “just in case” something happens to one of our carry on’s. We are taking a small plane to NYC and I worry they will have us check our carry on at the gate. My last trip, they did this and forgot to load my bag.

We are in good shape and it is exciting that the trip is coming. 

Paul was researching the beer in St. Lucia. Also he made sure to find out where he could buy wine. Turn’s out, the grocery stores have beer, wine and liquor. 

I did meal prep for Ethan so he has safe meals to eat. I premade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and put them in the freezer.

Ethan really dislikes cooking and will not eat food if he has to “prepare” it. Luckily for him, I enjoy it. At least I know he will have nutrition while we are gone.

Ethan’s buddy is going to come and stay with him too! He will have the dog’s to take care of as well. 

My sciatic nerve is mildly annoyed but is only annoying. It comes and goes. I wasn’t crippled today like I thought I would be. I did my stretching twice today and spent time on the heating pad.  Just trying to be kind to my back, even though it isn’t kind to me.

It was a productive day.