By Bonnie Brown

Columnist

I’ve recently read about people who have packed guns and ammunition in their luggage and board an airplane.  Really?  How do you “accidentally” pack those things in your luggage knowing that you are going to go through security.  And how big is you bag if you can overlook those items?

And what about those folks who have packed animal skulls, knives (one inside a laptop), a chainsaw, and fireworks to name a few items that TSA have confiscated from passengers?  Go figure.  

I packed some Texas Trash snack mix in my luggage once and it caused a ruckus.  Texas Trash consists of pretzels, corn chex, wheat chex, rice chex among other similar ingredients.  The security agent had to open the bag and “search” it because it was suspicious.  So, keep in mind when you pack your bag that cereal-based treats can be “suspicious.”  

My approach to packing for a trip consists of going into my closet and deciding what not to take.  I just generally overpack.  On one trip, I was helping Tom assemble his clothing items for a cruise.  I was very organized, so he trusted me to help him with this chore.  Not a very good decision.

We arrived at the port, boarded the ship, had a wonderful first day at sea, and were preparing for the first night on board the beautiful cruise ship.  Tom asked me where his trousers were.  I said they are in the suitcase.  Not!  It seems that I had hung his pants on the doorknob in our bedroom but neglected to pack them in our bags.  So, he had to wear an outfit to dinner that was a bit less than dinner attire.  To his credit, he was not angry with me and tried to soothe my angst about the oversight.  He is just kind and sweet that way.  

I apologized for the hundredth time and tried to reassure him by saying the next day we would be in port in Aruba and could go shopping to purchase trousers for him appropriate for the evening dining experience.  

So, the next morning, our search began.  It soon became obvious that we were on a tropical island and shorts were available in every store we sought out.  Not long pants so much!  I was beginning to feel so bad because I knew how I would be feeling if I were in his shoes (which I actually did pack).  

We asked the clerks in each store along our trek if they could suggest a store that did carry long pants.  They each had a suggestion and once we located the store they recommended, we found more shorts but no slacks!

Finally, we found a store that carried men’s trousers.  Yay!  And thankfully Tom found his size and made the purchase.  He didn’t make a big deal about my oversight.  He was even slightly amused I think but only after he was able to purchase clothing that was appropriate for cruise ship dining.  

For future cruises, there was no Texas Trash, and the suitcase contents was double-checked.  You can bet that Tom took total control for packing his own bags and there have been no further packing calamities.  Unless I involve myself in the process!