John’s always been totally against flying back and forth to Michigan but I think he is gradually becoming more agreeable to the idea.

I’ve pointed out the cost savings over driving (with motels, meals, and gas cost). Also, if we don’t drive the truck back down and instead we leave it in Michigan, we can give up our storage space in the RV lot which will save $150 annually.

His argument that we can’t bring some items (like wine) with us when flying is valid but most items we can duplicate or get by without. The power washer and air purifier can stay here. We can get new ones if needed for Michigan.

I called his oxygen supply store and found that they’ll work with us to make sure he has the necessary oxygen equipment at both ends of the trip.

He can probably take his little handicap scooter back and forth. Apparently, airlines are very accommodating with health equipment. Or maybe he can get a more heavy duty one to take back to Michigan with us in May and leave the smaller one here for going to Busch Gardens. It’s just not a problem. (Although he definitely needs one in Michigan for yard work.)

With the new-to-us Mercedes, we definitely won’t need the truck here. (It’s been our back-up for the Jag.) Once we sell our 5th wheel (stored next to our Michigan house), we can even get rid of the truck. Yeah!!! At some point, we can trade in our Malibu (which is currently in our garage in Michigan) and get an SUV which he’d like.

I’m eliminating all his arguments against flying. The cost savings will definitely be attractive to him.

It’s only a little over two months before we return to Michigan. If we are going to fly from Michigan to Florida in October 2018, we’ll leave more items here when we go north in May 2018. We can get by without a lot of the stuff we normally haul back and forth. It’ll really help if we’ve made the decision before we leave our condo for the north so we can pare down the back and forth stuff.

As an example, if I know we’ll be flying back, I definitely won’t take my autoharp with us in May, and John’s dulcimer should stay here. (We have an autoharp and several dulcimers in Michigan if we need them while north.)

Taking my new printer north is probably out of the question. Maybe I’ll get a second really cheap one to use in Michigan. (I’ve searched online and I know I can get a cheap wi-fi printer for $50-$100 but the ink would probably be extra.) Since I will need to haul my computer back and forth, and there’ll be a few items of clothing we won’t want to duplicate, we’ll it with us on the plane (or box it up and ship it via UPS.)

It all takes a lot of planning. I’m up to the task!