T -1 and counting. . .

Well, one more day left until I go back to the desert. . . I have to confess to looking forward to sleeping in my own bed with my own pillows (sigh!) and not living out of a suitcase that seems to be perpetually filled with dirty clothes. However, I will miss my loved ones. And I'm sure the day I get back I will start counting the days until I return, which may be Thanksgiving this year instead of Christmas and New Year. More on that later in the year. . .

I sent a shipment of supplies by air cargo on Thursday. Two boxes worth of things I can't live without (or think I can't). Now, most of the weight of those two boxes comes from books. The desert doesn't have the vast variety of English books available that an avid reader like myself needs. Although, there are books stores they just aren't Barnes & Noble. So, of course, I had to overdose on B&N while home. There's just something about sitting in a place with the smell of new books and coffee that just speaks to my soul, ya know what I mean?

Shopping was my modus operandi during this trip. I revelled in the ability to shop all day and try clothes on to my heart's content. In the desert women are not permitted to try clothes on and all the stores close during prayer times (which is five times a day). So shopping trips are mini adventures. Food products are other things that I shipped. You can't get Duke's Light mayonnaise in Saudi Arabia and while it's not something I need to live, it sure does make potato salad better. And everyone knows southern potato salad is better than any other kind (that's our secret ingredient but don't let on I told or I'll be drummed out of the southern transplant club - those of us who are not native southerners).

Tomorrow is T-day (TRAVEL day) and I leave the warm south (it was 74 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday) for 20 hours of arduous travel. Not looking forward to the flights because apparently they are full. I could not upgrade with my frequent flyer miles because there are no seats available in business or first class, ugh!! What are frequent flyers miles good for except to upgrade?

So, wish me luck and a safe journey I'm not the calmest traveler. More to come when I'm back in the desert. . .