in the middle of last minute preparations

I'm hoping this trip will feel like quiet time, though my back is hurting which makes me more anxious about the long drive. I got some extra help and worked through some of the feelings that were scaring me, so I leave feeling more peaceful.

We've had very cold weather for this area, and I was amused to see yesterday that the fire and water fountain in downtown Greenville had become a fire, water, and ice fountain. The fountain is in front of the gas company building and it has a gas jet in the top tier, so there is always a flame coming out of the top of the fountain. In these days of high prices you might think they were sending the wrong message, but I guess they don't think.