"What gives," You ask? I asked that same question:
She is, of course, taking AirFiona. Note: this is an artist's rendition, as Mom hasn't actually gotten on the plane yet. But she insisted on driving the plane. (Little does she know that the steering wheel is just for show!)

Needless to say, TaiChi and Bufus and I are a Little Concerned about being left with just Dad to take care of us. (No offense, Dad, but, uh, Mom is the one who has been feeding us.) However, Mom has left Copious Notes, as well as a day-by-day instruction list for Dad (which does, I saw, when I was checking her work, include "Feed Dogs"). So I have faith that if Dad reads Mom's detailed, day-by-day instructions, All Will Be Fine. *paws crossed*
Because I have AirFiona, I will be popping back to North Carolina from time to time while she is gone (she leaves Very Late Tonight - or Very Very Early Tomorrow Morning, depending on your perpsective) so that I can keep you updated. And to make sure that I get fed! Kidding, Dad!
More later, as I must start my pre-flight check.
*kissey face*
-Fiona