First, Danita, thank you for ordering a copy of "Ribbons." I hope it brings you a few enjoyable hours. Two dollars will go to UNICEF for tsunami relief, and I thank you for that, also.

Yes, yes, travelers! Duck tape, duct tape, DukTape ... whatever the package says, get yourself a roll of this stuff before you leave home. A roll of duck tape and a Swiss Army knife --- one with a pair of little scissors and a corkscrew -- can get you through just about any travel situation. You are so right about the duck tape, Danita!

I think I feel another blog post coming on... Or maybe a magazine article... "101 ways to use duck tape on the road:"

Hem your clothes; hang up your laundry; patch your tent; seal your luggage; bundle up your campfire wood; while picnicking in South Dakota, keep your tablecloth from blowing into Minnesota; seal drafty doors and window; remove lint... the list is endless!