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Chapter ree: Traveling Light for Old Folks by Mary Lynn Archibald Recently, I was packing for a week's visit to Portland to see my son and daughter-in- law. Preparations started with the best of intentions. I planned to take a small carry- on, large tote bag, my cane, raincoat, and a large waterproof felt hat. Canes and umbrellas not being compatible, I thought my hat would be a solution, as rain was predicted for the entire week of my visit. I packed a week's worth of pills, a toothbrush, underwear, a hairbrush, and makeup. Also, melatonin, anti-itch cream, and antihistamine. ey have a sweet old cat (Rudy) and a prize-winning Doberman (Reggie). My wardrobe consisted of jeans, two T-shirts, a nightshirt, and socks. My stepdaughter said she'd booked me into First Class, me being a first-class kind of gal. To me, this meant being well-dressed for the occasion. Next, my daughter-in-law suggested we try some of Portland's new award-winning restaurants. To me, this meant being well- dressed for the occasion. Next, she said, "Be sure to pack your swimsuit for the Hot Springs. is meant, "Bring your swimsuit, a cover-up, and a pair of flip-flops." And then she said, "Be sure to dress warmly because we'll be staying at the shack for a couple of days (translation: they were taking me to see their unfinished vacation/ retirement home in Washington, much colder than Portland, for which they had yet to add all the insulation). is meant adding a pair of tights to wear under my jeans, fuzzy socks, and flannel pajamas. Also, a couple of very fat sweaters, a rain jacket, warm mittens, a knit hat, and sneakers. Unfortunately, none of these extras fit in my carry-on and my tote. I couldn't even li the tote onto my shoulder. "You need a bigger suitcase," said my wise stepdaughter. "You'll have to check it and carry the rest." She was right, of course. She bought me a bigger one, which, of course, begged to be filled. Soon, I had filled it with four T-shirts, two dress shirts, dress pants, four pairs of shoes, flip flops, four pairs of socks, three sweaters, a warm jacket, a dressy one, a William Faulkner paperback, and two heavy coffee table books for my hosts. So much for traveling light. Join the literati on the second Tuesday of the month at 1 pm in the RCN Conference Room. Email me at mlarchibald@mac. com, or call and leave a message at (951) 524-0474. ~ Mary Lynn Archibald, mlarchibald@mac.com FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MARCH 2024 53 Writers' Club Reggie in snow at the shack, Home Valley, WA. Author and son, imbibing at Flying Fish, Portland, OR (notice formal dress for fancy restaurant). Daughter-in-law, Reggie, and author, (in that order), staying warm in the shed, Home Valley, WA.