Progress...

The kids seem to be taking it in their stride, but I'm a stressed-out nervous wreck.  Just the idea of packing for 6 weeks is turning my head into something that resembles mince in a blender.  Uggh.

The boys have put out their clothes already.... and they did a great job if you like having your kids look as though they've just left rugby training.  Every day.  I have visions of having smartly dressed, beautifully coiffed boys adorning my table on a pavement in Paris.  Just not going to happen.

Still.... fashion police aside.... they've basically finished their end of the packing deal.  Which means that I have nothing to focus on except for MY packing (and organising my apartment which is a tip).

Can a depressed woman wear black (layers and layers because of seasonal temperature changes) for 6 weeks without falling into a black hole?  I'm putting in tiny touches of colour in the shape of a cheeky orange scarf (for Paris, of course) and a red chinese-silk backpack.... but basically it's black from my toes to my chin.

And if I'm only wearing one colour.... how many tiny black cardies can I justify packing?  I mean.... I will hopefully be washing every week or so.... but these cotton knit cardies aren't quick drying (and I'm allergic to putting my clothes in dryers).  Ahhhh the dilemma!  And how many black trousers will I need?  3/4 length or full-length?  And will they be suitable for the heat of Lisbon?  And if not, then what else should I take that takes up no room and weighs nothing?

And shoes!  Between hill-walking in the Scottish highlands, strolling in Paris, going to the beach in Lisbon and driving for days......

Now you're getting the idea.  Stressful, or what?