I've been thinking about it and I have decided I am an idiot.

That would explain a lot of things. That would explain how I can identify an idiot so quickly. You know, it takes one to know one!

Krl and I don't do anything the easy way. Don't ask me. We should know better.

We made a decision that we wanted to take one vehicle to the family reunion this year.

Last year we took two vehicles and the company RV we live in during the annual seasonal work. This trailer is set up. It is equipped. All of our things (with the exception of the entertainments center) are already in their place. Silverware. Check. Dishes. Check. Towels and wash cloths. Check. Bedding. Check. Cookware. Check! This trailer also is quipped with a washer and dryer which is a plus, especially if small children are in attendance.

But. (You knew that was coming, didn't you). It is big. I mean really big. When we move it, we usually use one of the company trucks. (As in 18 wheeler). They call it a thirty eight foot RV. When I measure it, I measure it forty feet. When you set it up, it takes a long time. Positioning. Securing. Leveling. Hooking utilities. (It requires a fifty amp electrical hookup which is not nearly as common as the thirty amp RV hookups. Last year we arrived and five hours later, we were still waiting to exhale. We had the campsite from you know where!

Lots of work for a weekend.

Neither myself or the company have a pickup large enough to pull the big trailer. So when we committed to take only one vehicle, it meant taking one of the other travel trailers. Like an idiot, I chose to take one that was purchased in January. I had not even picked it up in six months. Of course the seasonal work is not until September. Krl has worked her butt off getting the trailer ready. We had to buy linens. We will have to take a few pots and pans. I think one sauce pan and one skillet. Maybe a cookie sheet. A couple of place settings of silverware. Measuring cups, and spoons (for homemade ice cream over at coaches house Sunday afternoon. Pillows. Towels. Paper plates, paper towels. Even things like toilet paper! I tell you, there was nothing in this trailer prior to Krl walking in it!

I told Krl yesterday that I guess it has been a good thing. If they cancelled the reunion she and I would go somewhere. And we probably need to go somewhere. However, the main thing this project has done is get us in the correct frame of mind to go to the seasonal jobsite forty-five days down the road. Last year because of the extended work from the previous year, Krl and I never got in that groove. After thirteen years of doing it, I told Krl that it is cyclic. It is almost as if every other year you are ready to go and in between you kind of dread it.

So, don't be calling me unless it is an emergency or for supper!

I kept a running total yesterday. I ran ten errands in addition to doing some mechanical repairs on the RV. Then I spent about three hours or so at K.O.'s removing a gear box and hydraulic pump from the equipment project. It was hot! I have sweated a ton.

Last night when we finally shut the door, it was after nine. Krl cleaned up and went to bed. I ate supper about ten. After a bath, bed at eleven. The little houndgirls were doctoring a few new ow-ies while I went to sleep. Then ............

the dreaded muscle cramps began. With the meds I take, I cannot maintain a potassium level to ward off these cramps. I probably could but it would eat my stomach up. Maybe an IV. I did my Gatorade therapy but stopped short of drinking dill pickle juice. Therein was my mistake.

So if you see someone at a reunion, replenishing body fluids with Gatorade chasers with pickle juice twists, all the while licking salt and taking prescription Potassium. That was me!

One final note, in a rare decision we elected not to take the houndgirls with us this weekend. We have a hound sitter coming to stay with them. While this means taking a few less items with us it may prove difficult to sleep without our cuddle buddies!

They are going to be furious with us!

Have a weekend!

FATHER, I ask safe travel for all those traveling to this family function. May our time together be blessed.