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The drive down was super easy. Took almost exactly 7 hours to get to Newnan, GA, just south of Atlanta. If I had known it would go so fast, I would have planned to stop further along the route. I could have easily driven for another hour or two. But I already had a hotel reservation here.

Just before leaving this morning, I tried out the Twilight Alchemy Lab oil Road Opener. Twilight Alchemy Lab oils are supposed to be worn not for their smell, but to help you focus your intent. This one promises it "brings you new opportunities, shows you alternate paths, and breaks down barriers." I must say, while I was packing this morning I was feeling kind of stressed out about the trip and anxious about doing it alone, and also about leaving the dogs. (With Thirteen's advanced age and poor health, leaving her alone for more than a day or two gets harder all the time.) When I applied Road Opener, I did feel a sort of sudden letting go of the anxiety, and instead letting myself feel excitement about the trip. The skeptic in me has to point out that I must have put it on when I was ready to stop worrying and look forward, rather than the oil having any power to change my mental state. Like I said, it's about focusing intent. In any case, the smell was pleasant too, so it's good all around.

Along the way I listened to Master and Commander (highly entertaining) and This American Life (likewise). I had never listened to an audio book before, and I'm kind of amused by the actor doing the voices of the different characters. I had seen the movie of Master and Commander before but the book (of course) goes into so much more detail. I listened to about 3 hours and the ship hasn't even left the harbor yet!

I did forget a few things, but so far only small things that Georg can bring along when he flies in. (Like the extension cord to my computer.) I almost drove away without the four gallons of bubble juice, but remembered as I was literally pulling out of the driveway. Just in time to back up and get them into the trunk. That wouldn't have been a total disaster -- I could get more at a Wal-mart or Toys-R-Us -- but it's better not to have to worry about it.

I also forgot the nice frozen dinner I had gotten at Whole Foods to have for dinner tonight. I was feeling kind of bummed about that, because I hate the frozen dinners they sell in regular supermarkets, and thinking I'd have to eat dinner at a chain restaurant after all. I was mulling this over when I looked up and saw a billboard that said "Whole Foods: Next Exit." I didn't know there was a Whole Foods in Greenville SC, and I never heard of Whole Foods putting up billboards before, but I'm sure glad they did. The store was huge. Georg said it was twice the size of the Raleigh store. They had some nifty features like a hot barbecue bar where you could get brisket, pulled pork or smoked sausage; and a circular pizza bar with the pizza oven in the middle. I wanted to walk around and look at the whole store but I had to get back on the road. So I just grabbed some Mexican food off the hot bar (wonderful tortilla, tasted like they had made it fresh in the store).

Tomorrow is the longest driving day, and I'm going to try to get an early start. I went ahead and did my hair tonight; this style is so heavily set that I can sleep on it and then just shape it back into place in the morning. The bonnet hairdryer does the job, but it is hot. Hot enough to burn if the hose is too close to my forehead. It's also difficult to get it on without displacing the rollers, but I guess I'll get better with practice.