Lacking in Packing

It was Wednesday, our “two ladies who lunch” day, and I was on my way to collect my BFF, Dolly, for our weekly engagement.  The midweek lunch was a constant, marked with indelible black magic marker on our weekly calendars.  Only an urgent situation would cause either of us to cancel.

This Wednesday turned out to be just such a “crisis day.”  I arrived at Dolly’s promptly at noon to find her in the tizzy or all tizzies; her usual calm demeanor had been replaced by an atypical, harried appearance, not at all like my best friend.

“What’s wrong?”  I asked with trepidation.  Had something happened to her hubby Doug?  Had one of the dogs escaped and been attacked by a coyote?  Or, even more alarming, had her hairdresser cancelled a long-standing appointment and was unable to reschedule? I was soon to find out.

“I can’t go to lunch today” Dolly breathlessly said as she opened the door.  “I’m in a real pickle.”  I followed her into her bedroom where several suitcases in a variety of sizes lay open and empty on the bed.  A quick glance through the guest room door showed what looked like the entire contents of her closet laid out on the bed or hanging in doorways.

 Dolly and her hubby Doug were about to embark on the trip of a lifetime, a months-long cruise around South America.  Ports of call included Cartagena, Columbia; Lima, Peru; Guayaquil, Ecuador, Lima, and the Galapagos.  Departure was in three days’ time, and the disarray and empty suitcases made it clear she was not even close to ready. 

“I’m lacking in packing” my friend moaned in despair.  “Dougie’s been packed for weeks but I just can’t seem to get myself going.  Four weeks is a long time to plan for.  It’s not like I have nothing to wear, but I just can’t seem to get it all together.”

I sympathized with my friend.  It’s hard enough choosing the perfect ensemble for a dinner out with friends.  Deciding on and packing the many outfits necessary to look fashionably chic for a month presented a real challenge.  I ignored the nagging question forming in the back of my head - what exactly DO you wear to view Galapagos tree turtles - and, instead, moved to help my friend. 

“Let’s start with the weather there,” I gently suggested.  “Knowing how hot or cold it could be will help to narrow your options.”

A quick Google search yielded good news:  daytime temperatures were expected to be between 68℉ to 77℉.  Not too hot and not too cold.  It would be perfect “Goldilocks” weather for touring the Mendoza and Chilean wine region for harvest festivities and to taste delicious wine.

It was just the nudge Dolly needed.  Quicker than you could say “get your stuff together,” she had selected several cashmere sweater sets and coordinating t-shirts, comfortable travel pants in a variety of neutral colors, bright accent scarves and a cute all weather jacket.  Comfortable, yet stylish, walking shoes and sandals completed her daytime ensembles.

Dolly was on a roll.  The first bag was filled to the brim, zipped, weighed and set aside. A second quickly followed suit, packed with an assortment of nighttime attire including long and short dresses, fancy heels and sparkly clutch handbags for the nightlife they were sure to have on board. 

“Whew. That wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be!” Dolly beamed and seemed delighted with the results.  Her “lacking in packing” had been successfully overcome and suitcases and carry-ons lay ready for the great adventure that lay ahead. 

“It’s too late for lunch but we should celebrate anyway.” she suggested.  “A glass of champagne is definitely in order.”  She popped the cork, and we sat down for a delayed chat.

“Thanks so much for your help” Dolly’s appreciation was evident in her smile and relaxed mood.  “Dougie will be so relieved I finally got this done.”

“I just have one favor to ask of you,” she added.  “Do you think you can come by as day or two after we return.  I have a feeling that I might be “slacking in unpacking” and need your help again.”

“Of course,” I replied.  Anything for my friend.

© 2025  Annie Sokoloff