Pre-trip: May 7

Why am I, a virtual Luddite whom no one would call a technical adept, even doing a blog?  Because Pat thinks it is a good idea.

"Carl, you should do a blog on your trip ."  

"Why, it's just more crap to learn. I'll call you every day."  

"But I'll be tired, and we'll probably just say we're tired and hang up."

Carl grunts.  Pat correctly takes this as a sign that a blog will be a hard sell.  A few days later, she launches a more concerted attack, designed to play on the "You'll-have-fun-while-I'm-working guilt thing.  This line of assault, as Pat knows, will enjoy a high probability of success.  It works.  Carl agrees to do a blog.  This is a test to see whether he can even make it happen.  Don't laugh.  The chances are only 50/50.

Carl presses the "Done" button.