my packing is complete!  well, i am sure i have a few odds and ends that still need to get put somewhere but basically i am finished.  1 duffel is for the kids, 1 for me, and 1 for odds and ends (shoes, bike helmets, coloring books, umbrellas, etc).  i am sure i am bringing too much stuff but with the weak dollar i really do not want to have to buy stuff that i have here at home.  that gives mike all of the luggage for his stuff - 2 large suitcases and 3 rollaboards.  that is more than enough for him.  we will probably end up checking 7 bags of luggage.

all that is left is house cleaning.  the downstairs is finished and the floor mostly cleared in case we get spring flooding.  luckily there is not much snow against the house so if we do, it shouldn't be bad.  

most of the utility arrangements have been done - satellite tv, land line,  and cell phones are being suspended.  LP tank is full.   the refrigerator will be unplugged so i have to clear it out and clean it.

we have a neighbor that will be taking in our mail (did you know the PO will only put a hold on it for 30 days?  they agreed to do it for 90 for me but my neighbor said it will be easier for him to just clear out our box every couple of days).  he will also be looking in the house for us on occasion - probably emptying mouse traps as i am sure the rodents will move in.  

i am also going to unplug almost everything - typically we do not do this when we leave since we are usually gone a maximum of 12 days or so.  but this trip warrents unplugging, so i shall do it.

so basically i am 1 day ahead of schedule.  not bad!