Did you ever go on a trip and forget something? Medications? Sleeping pills? Socks? Lots of people do this, myself included. What I’ve found helpful is making list in the days and weeks before my trip. I add everything I need as a part of my daily routine, and then add additional items as I think of them. Then when I’m packing I cross each item off the list as I pack it. It works every time, I haven’t forgotten anything in some time.

The only time I have spent in the Carolinas is a couple of brief rest stops on trips to Florida. I’ve never had the time to stop and see the sights there. I hear many things about the beach and vacation communities. I know a few people that annually rent out Outer Banks vacation homes. They tell me that the sights and scenery are amazing. Have you visited the Outer Banks? Tell me why you recommend or don’t recommend a trip there?

I recently took a trip to Florida. I spent one night in the Boardwalk resort, which is a resort with an old fashioned seaside resort style. The room managed to make everything look like it was from the period without using antiques. The sofabed was really modern furniture, it unfolded in a way I’d never seen before and the pillow stowed away within the frame. I liked the color of the décor, all tones from the sand and sea. This is one of my Mom’s favorite resorts, because she can go right into two of the parks directly. I liked the appearance but think I would have enjoyed it a bit more in warmer weather, as the wind was really whipping off of the water.

In case you don’t know it, I hate the cold. I like spring and fall. It’s only October and I’ve already had to use the car window defroster! I could really go for one of those Outer Banks beach rentals right about now. The average temperature in that part of North Carolina is 70 degrees, something I could definitely appreciate since our average in October is probably about 55 degrees. We’ve already had tempsjust under 40 this year. What’s the averge temperature for October where you live?

The cold weather is here. We’ve had some record breaking cold for the month of October recently. Much of my family will be heading to Florida for a vacation soon. This is my favorite time of year to go to Florida because it’s not too hot and not too cold. My Mom’s lost quite a bit of weight (without the help of any slimming pills) and has been looking for a bathing suit for the trip. Fortunately there is the internet, because there are no bathing suits in the stores up here.