I like to say thanks to my backyard squirrels Gabby and Chuck for leaving me a lone ripe cherry tomato. Heather says there are several green ones, so I feel the squirrels will have to take ownership of any remaining tomatoes. Our time at home seems rushed. Packing for the seasonal changes, formal nights times two, and all our medications.

We also have to prepare our house for the extended absence. We are fortunate to have a two-fold security system with professional monitoring along with our robot named Astro. He autonomously roams and monitors the interior of our home. We check in with him on occasion just to remind us of our comfortable bed and furniture. He can raise and lower a camera and record anomalies. He is also programmed to play our music subscriptions and interact on command.

Besides our GPS navigation, I brought out our travel atlas as a backup. For those times when there’s no signal, you’re roaming the streets of Baltimore and need to make a right turn. Heather printed out our daily schedule and probable stops. We haven’t completely committed to our route around the congested DC area. We are leaning towards going to Baltimore since we did Washington, DC last year. It could change if we set a lunch break with Cousin Bill.

We are giving Mr. Rhyder a needed break from his parents and have him for tonight and tomorrow. He came in tired and sleepy, so we fed him, and Heather gave him a bottle while rocking him. Fast asleep, he’s out. He’s here with his red wagon and his seagull.

With the coffee maker set and after dinner dishes done we bid all a good night!