We had a very brief shower mid morning. It was enough to knock the cobwebs out of the rain gauge and to lay the dust down for a bit. Have my request in for a couple of inches in the next couple of days.
Did some more hard mowing last night after it finally cooled down some. I came in covered with dirt and dust. I took a bath and the tub water was so dirty I couldn’t see the bottom of the tub. I had to clean the ring around the tub off when I got out. Reminded me of a time when I was a kid and there was a bad drought. We only took baths once a week on Saturday nights. The first kid got one inch of clean water. Each kid afterwards could add one inch of water. You got to choose between very little clean water or five inches deep of dirty water. No wonder I like a deep tub of clean water now!
Did a trial packing last night. Everything I wanted to take fits and the bags aren’t too heavy. I do have extra snacks that don’t fit but I will take some of the extras to Nicole and see what she can fit in. Kathy was impressed I am going to be gone for two weeks and only have a carry on bag and a day pack. Sure makes traveling easier when you don’t check luggage.
Not feeling very motivated today to do anything. I still haven’t cleaned house and need to do that before I leave. I did get a note out to the folks joining me for the solar eclipse adventure. We are moving up our start time by thirty minutes due to expected traffic jams. One of the guests responded that she has a port-a-potty she can bring along. May be a good idea! When you get a certain age being close to a bathroom becomes more important!
Notified my banks and credit card companies that I will be in Japan and ask that they allow me to use my cards there. I always carry two debit cards and two different credit cards just in case one of the companies has a communications issue and denies me use of my card. Nicole was going to do the same so trusting between us we will have access to an ATM machine and a credit card will work. I have found the easiest way to get foreign currency is to use my debit card at an ATM machine. The exchange rates are better than at the airport booths. Sometimes breaking the larger bills is a bit tricky though. I noticed the travel guide-book recommended we not bring big bills on the trail as the small places don’t have access to lots of cash to break them for us. I found that to be an issue on the Camino in Spain too. Luckily in the city most places accept credit cards and that is the easiest way to pay for things. They don’t take credit cards on the trail though.
Thankful it is to cool down after today and only be in the mid 80’s over the next five or six days. Maybe my energy will return with the cool down. I have some outdoor work I want to do and it has been too hot to do it lately.
My neighbor was working cattle yesterday afternoon when it was 100 degrees. I felt sorry for the horses they were riding and the cattle. Guess it needs to be done but sure didn’t seem wise to do it in the heat of the day.
Realized yesterday I need to let go of my concern about this upcoming trip. I want it to be a really good experience for Nicole and have been worried I will screw it up for her somehow by not being able to keep up with her on the walk. I need to let that go and allow the trip to unfold without my worry. Easier said than done but now that I am aware of what I have been holding I can allow it to release. I’m sure it will unfold and be in the best and highest interest of each of us. If it is as good as the trip to Spain was it will be a very good trip.
Grounding. Releasing my fears and expectations. Enjoying the cooler prairie today. All is well!