Ready, Set and almost ready to go

Delta just sent me a message to remind us to check in for our flight to Chicago tomorrow. One step closer to China. We're packed, for the most part, with each bag weighing 34 poumds, well under the limit(s). Yes, each mode of transportation on this trip has set a different weight limit: 40, 44, 50 pounds or you're-flying-business-class-so we-don't-really-care-how-much-you-bring. The intra-China flights are very strict on carry on: one bag of certain dimensions weighing no more than 11 pounds. Jim travels old school with a paperback and a crossword puzzle book. As for me, iPad, Nook, sound-canceling headphones, two handsewing projects (w/ dental floss container to use for cutting thread because even though my little scissors are TSA approved, I've lost more than one pair to an over-zealous agent who didn't get the memo.), plus camera, jewelry, travel documents and meds. Good luck w/that 11 pounds. We're going to meet up with the rest of our group and the tour leader at the O'Hare Hilton tomorrow night. We depart for Beijing at noon on Tuesday, arriving 13-1/2 hours later. Our real touring begins on Thursday. That gives me a couple of days to figure out how to upload pictures to this blog.