Friday, May 10, 2019

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.




12 comments:

  1. In spite of how much of a pain in the patootie it can be to travel, it is absolutely awesome that you make the trip to see your dad as frequently as you do. You're a wonderful daughter. (And if you're feeling guilty because your brother and sister live closer and are able to "do more"... STOP it! You're awesome, kiddo.)

    Have a super weekend!

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    1. thanks. Yes, I have my guilt moments but it's all good. I'm lucky we all work together.
      Take care, my friend

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  2. It's hard to watch parents age.
    I see people carry on numerous bags and no one stops them. What the heck?
    Sorry you were stuck sitting there while they fixed a problem.

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    1. hey, it is what it is - a very first world problem. I just killed a day, basically.
      all good. Have a super weekend

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  3. Enjoyed reading your post Joanne.
    Yes! growing old isn't easy as I've out although I still have years to reach 88 like your dad.

    Pleased you are back safe and sound.
    Yvonne.

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    1. thanks much. It's tough at any age....take good care

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  4. Hi Joanne - growing old is not for the faint-hearted ... it's just wonderful to read and see you're still able to enjoy time with him ... despite the wheels within wheels - he sounds amazing. You're lucky you have a brother and sister nearby to do most of the time with him - it's the way life happens. I'm just glad you're going as often as you can ... now's the time to go more regularly ...

    Airtravel is amazing ... people can be awful - how the human race has become so selfish I hate to think ... and what the future holds for those younger than us somewhat worries me. Patience is a mega virtue!
    Take care - all the best - have a peaceful weekend with Ray ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Thanks Hilary. I do wish my father could get around better - he's frustrated missing out on movies, museums, etc. He loves shows. That's the tough part. So - keep doing what you are doing...you are living life to the fullest.

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  5. Age sure does get all, sadly. Patience sure is key with all the crap and more crap with air travel.

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    1. Travel is a challenge. I try to stay philosophical and patient, but I hate the stupidity factor. Oh well.
      Have a good weekend

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  6. I'm glad you got to visit your Dad. I know only too well that time keeps flying and stops for no one. As for the travel woes, I'm sorry you had to deal with the setbacks. Glad you made it home safely and that Ray was there waiting for you when you arrived. Happy Mother's Day. I hope you enjoy your Sunday.

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    1. thanks and I'll be going back this summer. Hope you had a splendid Mother's Day weekend too. I bet the flowers are really blooming at your new home.

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