Goodbye For Awhile

Tomorrow we head back to the U.S. after 6 months in paradise. We've been busy saying goodbye to all the great friends we've made here. In the photo above, we're having a farewell dinner with Colin, Ruth, Luce Maria and Rick (who were also leaving for awhile) at the new Mexican restaurant at the cruise ship pier. Fun evening.

We've had a busy day getting the house ready to close up. We have a checklist that we drew up last year - a good reminder of things that must be done. Don hung up the last of the hurricane shutters this morning, so they are all ready to be closed and locked - not only to protect the house in case of a hurricane but also great protection against break-ins. I've been doing laundry, cleaning the fridge and cabinets, checking over what to take back and what to leave. Not taking much but still need to take back the suitcases so we can bring them down full in January. I've been taking mental inventory as we go along of the things we'll need to shop for while home. I'd better start writing them down soon if I really want to remember them! I seriously want a couple of those pillows that stay cool at night. And a salad spinner.

Tomorrow morning we'll get rid of all leftover food items, condiments and anything else that won't hold up under the intense heat buildup inside a closed up house. Also bring in the deck furniture and cover everything up to protect it from gecko droppings. We're leaving our car for friends to use in our absence.

Dennis and Merlin are coming down in a little while for a last visit, and we'll eat the last of the shrimp. In the morning, Bob and Debi will drive us to the airport. Tomorrow night, the Zellers will pick us up at the St. Louis airport.

I'll give you my impressions on returning in a few days.