One More day UK trip, In My blank, Poetic Asides

 

In My Luggage

 

In my backpack,

my computer,

other electronics,

necessary documents,

passport, money, cell phone,

snacks, meds, and an extra outfit.

 

In my carry on,

toiletries, three outfits

with extra blouses

and a compact umbrella

to carry me through

eleven days in the UK

in rainy 50-70 degree weather.

 

In my bipap case,

my bipap machine,

something I can’t live without

or with.

And on the way back,

it will carry most

of my little, flat souvenirs,

like fridge magnets.

 

In my other back pack

(that will be left in Phoenix)

enough clothes for a week

in 105-115 degree weather.

For tomorrow, like Willie Nelson,

we’ll be on the road again.

 

 

Two More Days UK trip

June 9, 2026

Cape or Cat?

 

Two more days to go.

Laundry, packing, caregiving.

Sometimes I charge through the day

like a bull at a red cape.

Other days, I feel like a cat ready for a nap,

and let the world go by.

If only someone would feed me.

Three More Days UK, over/under Poetic Bloomings

June 8, 2026

Busy Day

 

Such a busy day today!

So I started with Bible and prayer.

Three more days,

Then Mesa, I’ll be there.

 

Walk to County Clerk.

Washed the car.

Stopped the mail.

Mowed the yard.

 

Walked to Shear Shack

For a cut and dye.

Called my sister Linda.

Put the trash outside.

 

I got a lot done,

But over seven-thousand-step tired.

Sat on the porch with Loren.

To sleep is what I desired.

 

 

 

Four More Days, UK trip, over/under Poetic Bloomings

 

June 7, 2026  

Starting with Prayer

 

Had our first corporate prayer today,

Before church service began.

God hears and answers our prayers.

Of praying, I’m a fan.

 

In under a week, four days,

We’ll be “off to the races.”

I’ll wrap things up here

And pack the suitcases.

 

First trek through dry windy lands

And over mountain passes,

Across I40 with trucks barreling by

And then through the cactus.

 

In Mesa, I’ll leave Hubby.

From Phoenix, I will fly

Over the ocean to Scotland.

Anticipation is high.

 

Five More Days-UK

June 6

Juggling Tasks

 

Water proofed my jackets

In prep for UK rain,

But I haven’t decided

which one I’ll take.

 

When I return from Scotland,

I’ll have some house guests,

So I changed the toilet seat today.

Hope my house won’t be a mess.

 

Five more days before I leave,

But August is reunion gift exchange.

So despite all my trip busyness,

I read The Oil Lamp today.

 

I emailed the hotel

To prepare them for Lavon.

So much to prepare for

As time marches on.

Six More Days-UK

June 5, 2026

Small Steps Forward

 

Down to six more days.

Still a lot to do.

Trying to keep my brain

From turning into goo.

 

Ran off all the papers

I’ll need for the trip.

Bought some snacks,

Hoping I won’t slip.

 

Struggling to lose weight.

I lost an ounce or two.

Usually gain pounds traveling,

Hoping only few.

 

So Lord, may I walk with You

Even as I go.

I need You desperately.

This, of course, You know.

One More Week, UK

June 4, 2026

Practice Packing

 

One more week,

Getting ready to go.

Making my lists,

I should be a pro.

 

Knowing what I need.

Knowing what to pack.

It will be about a month

Until we are back.

 

So I practiced packing

To see what I must lose.

It turns out that it’s

The second pair of shoes.

 

I’ll have to repack

To make a little room.

Seven more days to go,

We’ll be leaving soon.

 

For we’re off to Scotland,

England and Wales.

We’ll be taking our pictures

And telling our tales.

 

First, aiming for Mesa

To see daughter and son.

They’ll take care of their dad,

While I have some fun,

 

Praying for my friend Lavon

And me as we fly,

For the Lord to calm nerves

And we’ll get there by and by.

 

My body is all achy.

I hope I’m not sick.

So I’ll take it easy.

Pray that’ll do the trick.

 

Take it easy?

Can that be done?

I’ve got a lot to do,

Then I’ll go have fun.

 

So we’ll get ready,

Pay our bills,

And check off the lists,

As the Lord wills.

 

So Lord, give me wisdom,

The next few days.

To maintain balance

In all my ways.