AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 16, 2005 — The day before leaving on a trip is always a little weird. And today I have to take Dad for a CAT scan, too. I'm up pretty early, showered, dressed. I go pick him up and take him to the place. Even though this is the third or fourth time they have done a scan for this same growth, they make us fill out the paperwork again. I do it, he signs. Ever since my mother was so ill, I feel a little uneasy around medical offices.

We are a little early and they get it done and we are off and I take him home. I should go work out. But I don't.

I spent the day making sure everything was packed and ready. Clothes, divided between checked luggage and the carry-on so that if the checked luggage doesn't arrive we will still have a few things. Toiletries similarly with the sharp things carefully placed in checked luggage. Overcoats out, mufflers, gloves and ear warmers located. Gadgets (camera, laptop, phone) and their chargers and accessories located and packed. Reading material selected. (Although it's a long-standing tradition to buy books, magazines and newspapers on the road.)

We stayed in this evening. I eat some tuna salad I made. We watched TV. Nothing much accomplished but I am ready for leaving.