First Day Home

So my first day home is about over and I feel like I’ve gotten a lot done. Well, I typed in all the posts anyway. I did have a doctor’s apt and had to go pick up prescriptions, etc. Of course they didn’t have all of the prescriptions ready so have to go back tomorrow for the rest.

It has been cloudy all day with threats of rain but none yet. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Good old Florida weather.

My niece did say something about maybe visiting next January so I’m excited about that idea. Don’t know if she’ll make it or not but hope so. My son is hoping to come down in December and then again in February or March. I doubt he’ll make both but it gives me something to look forward too. It was great to see everyone.

Well, anyway – maybe I’ll think of more to write about later but right now my wrist hurts from all the typing. Hope everyone had a great week!

Overbooking Flights

So made it to my Atlanta gate – walking leisurely along with the subway – took me 28 minutes. No wonder I had such a hard time making it in 10 minutes on the way up!

Ric’s plane arrived after mine by about five minutes or so – I checked when I disembarked mine. They had to go to Concourse B which is a long way from where I am. Their plane leaves 12 minutes before mine but they have further to go so I should be home first.

Right now we have about 20 minutes before they start boarding. Our flight is overbooked so they want eight people to bump to the morning flight. It means the plane will be packed full – ugh. They are offering two roundtrip tickets to anywhere AirTran flies and a free hotel stay. It sounds nice but no way – I’m anxious to get home. How in the world they overbook is beyond me – but then again, it isn’t my problem.

First Leg Home

Am on the first leg home. Ric’s family finally got on a plane which took off 3 minutes before me bound for Atlanta instead of Detroit. We should land about the same time but I’m in a faster jet so maybe I’ll get there first.

We are experiencing some turbulence which is making the woman next tom e terrified and sick at the same time. It reminds me of Mom in ways – she hated to fly as well.

We are totally engulfed in clouds so everything seems dull and darker then normal inside the plane. Virtually everyone except me has their overhead lights on so they can see. The Captain said we should find the sun soon.

I do like AirTran and will always fly them if possible. Their just more comfortable then any other airline and their planes are the newest. I hope the flight goes fast though as I want to get home.

At least there won’t be any running for my gate in Atlanta – I have an hour and twenty minutes between flights. This flight is only half full so I could probably go back a few rows if I wanted but I’m already pretty situated here and I’ll get off the plane faster being this close to the front. Besides, there was a guy in my seat and I made him move which he was very unhappy about so guess I best stay here.

Sunday Night

Well, the vacation is almost over and I’m going to be headed home tomorrow. I don’t look forward to the flights but have to say it will be good to sleep in my own bed.

I absolutely hate the idea of leaving my son – he wants me to move back to Iowa pretty badly and I have to say I really miss him all the time. I know leaving will cause me a bit of depression when I get home. I will be home alone again…far from the ones I love.

Pizza Hut – Friday

It takes a lot to mobilize my family into something as simple as supper. You’d think it would be simple but there are many phone calls to make along the way.

First you have to make an executive decision of where to eat because otherwise you end up with too many options and no consensus. There will be ones who dislike your choices but will usually put aside their food aversions for one meal.

Then its calling everyone to find out their schedule and how soon they can be there. The end results range from 4:30-6pm. So do you wait for the majority who can’t get there till 5:30 pm or what?

So we settle on 5:30-5:45 pm and most seem satisfied with that but then you have those of us ready at 4:30pm – what do we do for that hour? How will the restaurant feel about having people arriving so far before the rest?

Whew, I’m tired just thinking about it all.

Long Walk- Friday 10-12-07

Missed the bus by seconds – lingered too long in the bathroom I suppose. Actually, it took me too long to find the mall bathrooms – should have gone in Panera I guess.

Am at the little park by Governor St taking a break from my long walk. Still have about a mile to go.

As I was walking along I thought “This is real loneliness – being in your hometown to visit relatives that are too busy doing other things to see you.”

Not that I mind this walk – it is very nice out and the trees are pretty. I’m definitely getting in my exercise for today though. I didn’t stop because my legs hurt – it is my shoulders that ache from carrying my purse. I should have left it at Wayne’s but hadn’t planned on walking this far.

Well, time to move on.

Moving Home – Friday 10-12-07

Even in long sleeves I felt chilled and had to drape my coat around me. Hard to believe that it is in the low 50’s out and this place has the air conditioning on. Between that and the outside door constantly opening, it’s chilly in here.

This place is incredibly busy which is something I didn’t really expect. It was busy when Carolyn and I were here the other night as well. I wonder where our Panera Bread is in Sarasota? I’m pretty sure we have one.

Amazingly, I’m enjoying getting out and about. I don’t know if I should credit the Paxil or if it is being around family. It is so much easier to get out to do other things when I have others to do them with.

Friends are different then family and coworkers are different then friends. Only with family can you really be yourself because there is a deep history there.

My son wants me to move back here. He misses us hanging out and going for long drives. I’ve always said he is the only one who could get me to move back. I’d much rather him move down but have resigned myself to the reality that he never will.

Coming back doesn’t upset me – I knew I probably would when I moved down South. i have another year before I can rent out my condo so will enjoy Florida and save for the move back to Iowa.

The next bus should be coming soon so guess I’ll head on down to the bus stop and wait for it.

Iowa City vs Sarasota

FRIDAY – As I gaze through the window here in Iowa, I can practically see the leaves changing colors before my eyes. Deep russets and bright yellows mix in with the greens making a beautiful kaleidoscope of color that is different from tree to tree.

Sarasota prides itself on being a “green” city – we have a lot more trees than a lot of cities our size in Florida – however, it can’t hold a candle to all the trees Iowa City has. The only thing missing up here are the palm trees.

It is nice to be here for a visit but must admit to myself, if no one else, that I prefer Sarasota. The sky seems bluer, the days warmer, and there is the feeling of being on an unending vacation in Sarasota. I love the smell of the salt air; the sound of the wind rustling through the palms; the crashing waves upon the beaches; and how the sun shines more days then not.

Iowa City is a bee hive of activity today – in part due to the home game tomorrow. Imagine the little Iowa City airport is getting a lot of business as wealthy people fly in their private planes for tomorrow’s festivities – I hope the Hawkeye’s win.

But it really isn’t about winning or losing. Yes, they’d prefer the Hawks win but its more about the traditions Iowa City is so rich for. Win or lose, the Iowa fans are faithful and loyal – there are many teams who can’t boast of that.

Vacation Friday

Here I am at Panera Bread – a quant little bakery and coffee shop. I’m sitting by the fireplace that, though propane powered, is still nice to look at. I think it is my favorite thing about this place.

I’m soaked with sweat from walking over here from Wayne’s apt. He had to go to work and took the car even though he shouldn’t be driving. Ric, Emily and Carolyn are over at Village Inn eating breakfast – Marge and Cyndi are at work and Wanda is on her way here.

So far I’ve eaten at Carlos O’kelly’s with Marge, Wayne and Wendy; had coffee here at Panera with Carolyn; had coffee with Wayne at Java House; walked around downtown; went looking at scooters; and went to Resident Evil #3 with Wayne.

You’d think I would have lots of pictures but I just now got out my camera. Took some nice pictures of the colorful leaves on trees and may continue walking uptown to check out Summit Street which is known for its large trees.

I don’t know what is on tap for today – I’m assuming someone will either come get me eventually or meet up with me somewhere. If not, I’ll walk around awhile and take a bus back to Wayne’s later. Maybe I’ll even walk up as far as his work and pick up the car, then drive to City Park. Wayne said I should bring a bus uptown to get the car but I kinda like walking around.

Vacation Overview

I have several vacation posts to type up and post but I am exhausted and not up to it tonight. It is midnight and I just got home.

Let me just say that I had a good time and enjoyed visiting with everyone. I want to thank my son and my sister for letting me stay with them, letting me use them as a taxi, and catering to my every whim.

The flight home was alright. It happens that my brother’s family got delayed so didn’t take off before me afterall. I beat them to Atlanta but then we were delayed out of there so they probably beat me home even though they had further to go.

We had a lot of turbulence on the way home which wasn’t much fun. The first leg of the trip, I sat next to a girl who was air sick – she didn’t throw up but made sure she had the barf bag handy in case she needed to. I felt sorry for her.

From Atlanta we were 17 in line for take off and there were an additional 12 planes behind us also waiting. That is where the delay came in – we sat on the tarmac barely moving for almost 25 minutes. Ugh. We had a crying baby onboard and behind me was a very talkative 4 year old that drove me crazy. Between kicking my seat and talking the entire way, I arrived with a horrible headache.

Everything was fine at home. My cat is very happy to see me. I am kind of hungry as last time I ate anything was this morning with the exception of a few nachos at the Moline airport. But I have no groceries here so I will have to wait till morning as I don’t feel like getting out this late.

So that is a brief description of my day. I promise to post all the other posts tomorrow. While I enjoyed going, I’m glad to be home.