growing up

I am, that is.  Growing up.

I am going on a Big Trip.  I am flying to Ottawa with Alice, Polly and Baby Rosebud in a few days, where we will visit Scout at her school, which is near Ottawa.  So we will drive, in a car, from the airport to Ottawa visit some dear friends, fellow mammals.  And then to Scout's college.  There are some notable things about this trip.
a)  I have never gone anywhere without Sparky for the last 20 years.
b)  I never drive on holidays or in unfamiliar areas.  Not because I am not a good driver, but because Sparky is not a good passenger.
c) If not for the invention of the GPS, I would not be doing this trip by myself without Sparky.  Because I would end up Somewhere Else.

Sparky and the boys are going to watch hockey all week.  And do boy stuff.  Like leave the house in a big mess and not clean toilets.  They will be loud together.  They will stay up too late.  They will eat corn chips and salsa for lunch.  And wrestle in the living room.

I will miss them so much.