off off and away

If I had to fit travel into the Spring season, I would not pick March for my getaway. It's not any warmer in Europe (at least in the places where I am likely to visit) than it is at home. Rain is likely. Not much color yet. Vineyards (and I do tend to like to walk among vineyards) are stubby and naked - like rows of mannequins waiting to be dressed.

But, I live by a school schedule and a March trip causes less disruption than, say, April. And of course, this year's anticipated addition of grandkids makes travel even more complicated. Too many chicks and babes coming to my life here, at home. For all these reasons, now is the time that I can pack my bag and scoot off to the other side of the ocean.

I am leaving today. Oh, I picked an evening flight out.

So that can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the farmhouse...






So that I can attend to the chicks one more time (or actually a dozen more times)...






So that I can pick up Snowdrop, play with her for a tiny bit...

(One more cupcake, please??)





... and get her ready for ballet class...

(well, almost ready!)






But I can't stay to watch her dance. Goodbye dearest little dancer -- I'll see you oh so soon!






I zip home quickly and have Ed take me to the airport. Good bye, goodbye! Tomorrow I'll be in France.

Or will I? And if so, what then? [Minutes before departure, I learn that there is a massive general strike in France tomorrow, affecting airports and trains -- in other words, the essentials of my travel.]