Who’s flying with Bernie?

We’re getting ready to head back to Park City in early December, but this trip feels a lot easier than the last one. We didn’t bring much to Mississippi — just a couple of suitcases and the essentials — since we have our own house here in Starkville. So there’s no big packing marathon this time.

The only real question left is who’s flying back with Bernie. Cass is heading out before me so he can start ski season early, but I’m planning to stay a little longer for Mississippi State basketball. (The women’s team looks good this year — I’m not missing that.)

Nervous Bernie trying to escape the carrier

Bernie’s a great traveler, but we can only take him in the cabin, which means one of us gets the honor of sharing an airplane row with a slightly anxious 12-pound terrier mix who has social anxiety. It’s still up for debate who that will be.

Heat tape

Meanwhile, our landlord in Park City reached out recently — she’s been a little nervous about us being gone so long. Apparently, there are things to worry about in a mountain winter that never crossed our Texas minds. I thought I was doing great by covering the patio furniture before we left, but she was talking about roof heat tape, leaks, and ice buildup. Who knew? Texans like us need a crash course in “snow prep.”

Other than that, there’s not much to do but check flight times, confirm our townhouse is ready, and make sure Bernie’s travel carrier still fits under the seat. This time, going back to Park City feels less like moving and more like returning — like we just pressed pause on one life to live another for a little while.