We were sitting at the kitchen table Saturday and decided on a whim to take a road trip. After batting it around for a few minutes we decided we’d go to Charleston. Neither one of us have ever been there and it’s been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.

After Googling it we discovered it’s only 697 miles away. I suggested we leave immediately and drive part of the way. (That was at 12:30 p m.)

I threw a few things in a bag and was ready to go. She said it would take her a little longer.

After waiting a while I asked if I had time to run fill up the car while she was doing whatever girls do to get ready for a trip. She said I’d probably have time, so I took off.

I didn’t hit a single traffic light on my way there or back. I was privately gloating that I hadn’t wasted any time.

When I returned home she was still hustling around.

Hmmm.

So I sat down and watched golf on the television.

It occurred to me that we may need to take a cooler, so I got up and threw some water and soft drinks in before raiding all the ice from the refrigerator.

She was still getting ready. The bathrooms needed cleaning before we left.

Hmmmm.

I grabbed a book.

“Did you pack any shoes?”

“I’m wearing shoes.”

“No. Did you pack any other shoes?”

“No. Why?”

“They might get wet or something. Pack another pair.

“Pack some sandals and a swimsuit. We may go to the beach.”

“There’s a beach in Charleston?”

“There’s water over there somewhere. Pack your swimsuit.

“Did you pack your medicine?”

“Check.”

“Sunglasses?”

“Got’em.”

“Snacks?”

“Hmmm. I’ll get’em.”

Five bags, a cooler, a beach bag, four caps, a grocery sack full of food, two Yetis and three hours later we were ready hit the road.

“Did you let Becky know we’re leaving town?”

“No.”

“Better call her.”

I did. She wanted to know if we had made reservations to stay anywhere.

“No. We’re winging it.”

“Perhaps I should get online and check out a few places for you.””

“Hmmmm. Okay. Thanks.”

“What’s your budget for hotels?”

“Fifty bucks.”

“Got it. I’ll start with $200 a night and text Mom the links.”

“Okay. Bye.”

Tina, “Better call Carrie and let her know we are going out of town.”

“Why? She lives in Maryland.”

“Just call her.”

I did.

“You need to let Amy know we’re going to Charleston.”

“Why? She’s on vacation.”

“Text her and let her know.”

I did.

“Read it back to me before you hit send.”

“Hey, Amy. We’re taking a spur of the moment trip to Charleston. I packed a toothbrush and some underwear in a bag so I think I’m good. Your mom only packed four bags. I’m concerned she won’t make it. Pray for her.”

“No, no, no! Don’t send that. You need to let her know it’s Charleston, South Carolina. And delete all the other stuff.”

“Surely she will know Charleston is in South Carolina.”

“Not necessarily. It could be Charleston, Missouri.”

“Honey, she wouldn’t be interested if we drove over to Charleston, Missouri…

“Never mind. I’ll change it.”

This trip should be interesting. We’re throwing caution to the wind. Slowly. Very, very slowly

_______________
Rick Algood
June 25, 2022