Flight Friday

Howdy folks
I'm back from a trip to see my father who will be 88 in July.  Big sigh. As Bette Davis famously said, " Growing old ain't for sissies."   He still lives in the house where I grew up (huge thanks to my brother (lawn service and so much more) and sister (housekeeping and grocery shopper and so much more). It's a typical Northeast home in PA with steep steps,etc.  OMG.

The poor man is just slowly disintegrating - very stooped and has leg pain. He's a trouper. We had plenty of laughs. He's got the oars in the water, but he's rowing slower and sometimes in circles.
It is what it is.

So, that's the senior report.

Now - in regards to air travel.   First I will say I appreciate the miracle that is air flight. It is amazing and the logistics to coordinate so many people going to so many places is fantastic.

I totally understand how weather can mess up that fantastic system.  And the whole USA decided to be under storm watch on Wednesday.  What a cluster.

But....
Here's my rant.
People - when you get on the plane - stow your crap and sit the f@$k down.  Pardon the language.
Stop being a Sherpa with your whole life and way more than the one bag and one personal item. Ridiculous.  Pay the freakin' $30 for baggage.

And American Airlines - if you have a plane at the gate for over an hour...do not decide you have too much fuel and must siphon it off AFTER we have all boarded the plane and are supposed to push away from the gate.  Seriously.  Did someone NOT do the math and know this way ahead of time???

Yes, there were weather problems that messed up some timing, but this just added to the turmoil.  I was lucky - Ray watched the screen all day and picked me up once I finally landed. But lots of folks missed connections in Dallas due to a controllable problem.

Travel is not for the feint of heart. Patience is warranted.  Many things are out of one's hands.
But....

Thanks for reading this.  I have to wait a bit and gird my loins before I schedule another trip back to see Dad.  I'm aiming for summer.  Let some time simmer.

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all.

Oh Canada

 I say farewell for a long weekend and in blog world, maybe a week.  Friday, I head to Quebec City Canada to meet up with friends from PA. I've known two since junior high, one high school, and two from college.  We started a tradition of taking a trip every five years. This year we all turn 55 and we shall celebrate en francais so to speak.

I hope I get there. Air travel these days is a horrific challenge. I booked my trip back in October 2012 and got a great price. Since I leave Friday, I checked my itinerary on Monday only to find that United had dropped a few legs and neglected to tell me. After an hour on the phone, I think I'll get to Quebec City via Toronto on Friday. My return trip on Tuesday 7/2 is a tad precarious. We'll see if I get back across the border. Breathe deep, must stay calm.

It's obnoxious because I know I'm fortunate to get to go on vacation. But trying to prepare at work has been annoying. Trying to coordinate my flights has been annoying. It just should not be so stressful to leave.
Arrggh. Deep breaths.

But hopefully, Friday evening this shall be my new home - Hotel Chateau Frontenac - fabulousness along the St.Lawrence River.

I shall bore you with details once I'm back. Until then, au revoir -  I'm footloose and fancy free. C'est bon!!!