48 Hours and Counting

In approximately 48 hours we will be landing in Portland, Oregon. This is a city and state I have never seen. Unfortunately it will be dark when we arrive and the drive to Lacey will also be in the dark. But, in my mind I can already feel the cool crisp of the fall in the North West. I realized today that part of my expectation comes from the fact that we didn't go north this summer. My childhood and most of my adult life always included summer trips to somewhere north of Texas. My association with "vacation" is the first cool crisp morning on our northward trek. Am I going to be disappointed if I step outside my first morning in Washington and it is balmy and overcast...... maybe a little bit. But I know any disappointment will be quickly replaced with the excitement of exploring a new place- seeing family- visiting places Ray enjoyed when he was stationed at Ft. Lewis. My suitcases are filling. My lesson plans are written. My camera is charging. This is going to be great.