Neuf (nine)

It is a rather rainy and cold sort of day, yet I am happy for this bit of autumn. I imagine that I will miss the dramatic change of midwest weather.
I guess my countdown has begun. Nine days before I meet my closest support group in Philly. :)
My goal today is to actually put the items I have sprawled around my mom's living room into my backpack and see how much room I have to spare. Clothes I hope will protect my fair Norwegian skin from sun and sand while keeping me relatively cool, a few books that seem to follow me wherever I go, some journals (that also seem to follow me wherever I go, but remain blank..oh, the intentions), sunglasses, toilettries (should I pack toilet paper?), an army knife and diamond sharpener, powdered goat milk (you never know), a silk sleep sack, an inflatable beach ball of the world, the best camera I've ever owned (thanks Sherry, Pat and Steve!), a nalgene, two pairs of shoes....so far so good.