Tomorrow I pack the car and head north. Whether the trip will be an odyssey or an idiocy will be known in two weeks time, when I'm back home with the bags unpacked and Molly retrieved from "camp." Either way, it will be an experience, and that's the part that I'm looking forward to.
The reason for the trip is to meet my cousin Andrea. She lives in Brunswick Hills, Australia. She and her daughter Kassie have been touring the US for about six weeks now. She made the effort to find me and asked if there was any way we could meet. She also said she was bringing her mother's ashes to scatter them in the Atlantic Ocean, and asked me to participate in that ceremony. Her mother, my aunt Madeline, was incredibly kind to me at several junctures in my life, so, of course, I will be there.
There's something about the very idea of traveling 1200 miles in order to meet someone for the first time that's a bit idiotic. It would have been much simpler, and cheaper, to send her a plane ticket to come here. But then I wouldn't be in Connecticut to perform the one act of kindness I've ever been able to give Aunt Madeline. And these strangers are among the only blood kin I have in the world. And that makes the whole thing necessary.
The laundry and the dishes are done. The cats are cared for. Nothing is packed yet, but I have lists. I've gathered photos and things for them to take home that tell what Lake Village is like. I have knitting projects worked out. I've looked at maps and have tentative overnight stops planned. There's nothing more to do for now but relax and be ready for the morning. I hope I sleep.
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