Packing for Spain

 We haven't purchased new luggage since 2007 when we traveled to Alaska.  Those two suitcases are too large for carryon and we've been lucky checking them for all the trips we've taken since then.  For this trip though we decided to heed travel advice and just pack a carryon each and a backpack. 

I researched Consumer Reports and Wirecutter (New York Times) for best carryon luggage. We settled on TravelPro. We used them to pack a week's worth of clothes for our family vacation in August and they worked well.  Now they'll be packed for 2 weeks in Spain.  There's a washer in the apartment so we can do with less clothes and just wash what we bring.

I also purchased vacuum packing bags.

The guest room bed has the beginnings of the staging for packing.

Taking Covid tests just in case and masks too.

A Surprise Gift in the Mail

 We got this wooden plate in the mail recently.

The note included described it as basswood turned on a lathe with chip wood carving.

Dan's cousin sent it to him.

I told Dan it was a peace offering.  His cousin traveled to Vermont from Virginia in July to help with the flood recovery.  He had texted us and Dan corresponded with him suggesting we get together for dinner one evening since he was only a couple a hours from us. Cousin said, sure and he'd be in touch. Then silence.  Dan says not a peace offering but a guilt offering.

It's a lovely one anyway.

An Interesting Landmark

 We traveled to Newport, NH for the Apple Pie Fair and yes we did have apple pie!

This monument caught our attention.

Bunker Hill Monument

Pen and Scroll

Cornucopia

Books 

Hands

New Hampshire

. 

This critter was wandering around.  It's a llama.

We ate tacos from a food truck and then enjoyed the pie.  Lots of crafters but nothing that we had to buy.  We departed as the skies got dark with a threat of rain to come.

Not a Labor Day Post

 I do believe we need to honor those in our lives who work to provide us services that we often take for granted.  

But there's something more concerning in our country and I hope you will join me in subscribing to the Americans of Conscience checklist.

Here is more:

As a subscriber to the Americans of Conscience Checklist, you know well that a small, extreme faction of Americans is eroding our neighbors' rights. Actively. Deliberately.   These bad actors are not Democrats or Independents or even traditional Republicans, but an authoritarian gang bent on reversing democratic norms and decades of progress in civil rights. Under the guise of morality, they are banning books, sowing hatred, inflicting violence, and denying the climate crisis.    Silence will not save us. Taking action—together—is how we put an end to fear and move our country in a new direction.   If you know someone concerned for our nation's future, will you invite them to sign up for the Americans of Conscience Checklist? https://americansofconscience.com/subscribe/   Every two weeks, we send a list of clear, concise actions to turn the tide of intolerance. We speak up in solidarity with marginalized communities who bear the brunt of growing hostility. Together, we take meaningful action to ensure that our democracy thrives, that all Americans enjoy abundant liberties, and that our planet grows cooler and greener for future generations.   In times like these, it’s not just one person that will steer our nation away from extremism, but a collective and persistent effort by many people. Because you are part of our AoCChecklist community and a champion for positive change, I believe we can change history together.   Please invite your friends to join us.   With deep gratitude,   Jennifer Hofmann Executive and Creative Director  Americans of Conscience