Spring Break Trip - Day 9

Dad woke all of us up at 7 AM!!! He quickly packed the car while we got breakfast. Dad almost lost Mollie's stuffed dog, Jo-Jo! Luckily we found him by the car when we were leaving... Dad was happy, though, that we got on the road by 8. We didn't have any trouble getting out of Albuquerque and the weather was good. This time, we only stopped a couple of times all the way home. We had yummy lunch at Sonic and made it back by 6:00. Dad unloaded the car quickly and we had dinner before getting baths. School is tomorrow morning! We had a great trip - seeing lots of relatives and visiting cool places. The hot tub in Ruidoso was really fun! I hope we can go on another trip to New Mexico soon.

Spring Break Trip - Day 8

Today, we woke up early again and went to the hotel lobby for breakfast, which included delicious muffins, cereal and hot chocolate. Next, we got dressed in jeans and a T-shirt because we were going to see Ellen's horse "Rolex" and Elizabeth's horse "Snoopy." When we arrived at the stables we fed carrots to Snoopy and headed down to get Rolex. We soon groomed Rolex, including doing the jobs of brushing his hair, combing his tail & mane and giving him a massage with a tool (we don't know the name of it). While we were doing this, Dad and David went to get sandwiches for all of us. Then Ellen let us get on her horse and practice our balancing skills by standing, holding our hands on the side, sitting on our knees and putting our hands behind our back. Next, we groomed Snoopy just like Rolex - but we used some different tools. We had lots of work to do to get rid of his winter coat. Before we left, we put the horses in their stalls and made them a bran-mash. We said goodbye to Ellen and David and then headed to Old Town. Cousin Leo told our Dad where he should park and we walked through a nice park near some cool museums (we'll have to check them out sometime!). We found the old part of town and walked through the streets until we found a place to sit and have a snack. Mom had pistacio ice cream, Dad got mint-chocolate-chip ice cream, Mollie got cookie-dough ice cream, Erin got a root beer and Brenna got a nice cold cup of lemonade. After relaxing for a little while, we drove over to Tim and Elizabeth's. We met some of their friends - and the new baby, Katie. We jumped on the bouncy house in the back yard - that was fun. Cousin Tim cooked delicious burgers and hot dogs and we ate chips and other good "sides." One of the really fun things of the visit was that we got to play with Tim's Wii - there was a cool game with sports like baseball! We stayed late - and Dad left with Tim and his friend, Paco, to meet Leo and David in the city. Mom drove us back to the hotel and we quickly went to bed to be ready for our drive back to Fort Worth tomorrow...

Spring Break Trip - Day 7

We woke up and packed the car again so we could head to Albuquerque! We have really been looking forward to seeing Shannon, Sean, Mary, Leo, Ellen, David, Tim, Elizabeth (and their new baby!!!). We stopped at a gas station on the way to pick up some breakfast snacks. It really didn't take to long to get to Albuquerque - and Dad found a hotel that let us check in around noon time. It was nice to settle in while we waited for Shannon and Sean to stop by for a visit. When they arrived, we left to go mini-golfing! Everyone enjoyed getting a hole in one because we got candy, a coupon for 20 tokens in the game room and our name was read on the loud-speaker. We were all on teams: Shannon, Sean, Brenna and Erin were on Team 1 and Dad and Mollie were on Team 2. We played two rounds of golf while Mommy and Cousin Mary watched. Towards the end, Mary had to leave to get her hair done. We stayed and used our coupons to play lots of video games. We really liked playing "Deal or No Deal" and later got little tickets for all of our winning games. We chose our prizes and then headed to Shannon and Sean's house. When we got to their front door we unlocked the door and then couldn't shut off the alarm - it got really loud before Mommy got the right code! Pepper (the dog) greeted us warmly anyway... We played games (Hungry Hungry Hippos) and then watched TV. When Cousin Leo got home from work we decided to drive back over to where Cousin Mary was and have dinner at Nana's Italian Restaurant. On the way, we played the "quiet game" in the car and Dad was really happy. When it was time to order dinner, we had raviolis (mmm...). Dad and Mom had some shrimp on noodles. We played the "quiet game" on the way back to Shannon & Sean's. Dad, Mom, Mary & Leo visited in the Living Room while we watched "High School Musical 3." Before we left, we took pictures and said goodbye. Back at the hotel, it wasn't hard to fall asleep...

Spring Break Trip - Day 6

We woke up again to yummy oatmeal again. Then we drove into town and dropped Daddy off (with Mollie) at the Library so he could check his work email. Mollie got to go to a story-time and paint dinosaur eggs! Meanwhile, we went with Mommy to get Subway for lunch. Oh, and yummy chips! When we were all together again, we drove to Capitan to see Smokey Bear's House. We colored pictures there, watched a video and looked at lots of exhibits that told the story of his life. We went to a cool gift shop and bought post-cards, pencils and Smokey Bear patches for our Girl Scout uniforms. Next, we drove over to the Valley of Fires and ate our sandwiches. We walked on a 3/4 mile trail - across a lot of volcanic rock. Walking on the trail was cool but we had to be sure not to step in the prickly pear cacti. The lava-rock was really interesting - lots of shapes and textures. Daddy then drove us South in the Tularosa Valley until we came to another park with petroglyphs [see NOV 2008]. We walked on another trail, looking at all the different types of designs on the rocks - there were 22,000! There was a neat Indian craft store nearby - we bought a pretty painted eagle feather and an arrowhead. Finally, the day ended with Daddy surprising us with a stop at the Inn of the Mountain Gods. We walked around and saw lots of Native American displays and beautiful views of the mountains and sunset. We ate at the "Gathering of the Nations" buffet restaurant and had food from many different places in the world. "Chow Chow" was Asian food and "Tuscan Grill" was Italian food. After eating one of the best meals of our lives, we threw coins into a fountain shaped like a big basket, hoping our wishes would come true. We stopped at another Gift Shop before we left... We drove home [the condo] and took showers before getting to bed.

Spring Break Trip - Day 5

We woke up early and had oatmeal and bug juice. We've noticed deer in the yard every day- they aren't afraid of people! We decided to start the day by going to the Hubbard Museum of the West in Ruidoso. When we arrived, we paid the fee and looked around the Gift Shop. Next, we went downstairs and looked at all the different carriages, sleds and wagons that people used a long time ago. Mollie loved playing on the (pretend) horses and roping the cattle. We all enjoyed trying on pioneer clothing and getting in a carriage and teepee. Erin and Brenna pretended to cook food with the (pretend) food the museum provided and got to take care of the animals. Finally, we returned to the Gift Shop and Mollie got a horsie music box that plays "Home on the Range." We then headed over to a place we visited about eight years ago (see MAR 2001) - to ride on ponies. Last time we were there, we rode horses called "Buffalo" and "Stoney." This time, we had another great time. We rode "Deery," "Lady" and "Cherokee." We next went to "Funtrackers" where we got to ride bumper-boats and race against each other on little race cars. Later, we went shopping and had ice cream (and a root beer float!) at a place called "Hall of Flame." Back at the condo, finally, we had soup with crackers for dinner and got in the hot tub again. Bed late again!

Spring Break Trip - Day 4

Today, WHITE is the color of the day! We drove to a nearby Air Force Base so Mom could get film and a camera battery. Then we were on our way to White Sands! We arrived around 1100 and went to the Visitor's Center to get our Junior Ranger booklets. We even bought sleds at the Gift Shop so we would be able to sled down the sand hills!! When we headed back to the car, Daddy noticed that the line to get into the park was HUGE and he told us he wanted to wait to enter until later. Instead, we drove down to the White Sands Missile Range Visitor's Center so we could see the rockets there. There were lots of cool machines and rockets in a big park and we learned about how New Mexico was the place where the first Atomic Bomb was tested and lots of other missiles were designed. At the Gift Shop we bought some space ice-cream - it tasted funny! By the time we got back to White Sands, the line was shorter and we were able to finish on our Junior Ranger packets. The best part of the day, though, was when we got to sled on the steep sand hills!! The sand was white as snow - soft and thick. After having a great time on the dunes, we hiked the Interdune Boardwalk. After getting our Junior Ranger patches and pins, we drove back to the condo. Tonight we had delicious TV dinners - including some with Turkey and some with Salisbury Steak! Getting in the hot tub again was one of our favorite parts of the night. We sat there and watched the lights change colors. Later, we watched TV. Falling asleep tonight will be no problem after having an amazing and fun day!

Spring Break Trip - Day 3

Today we woke up and packed up the car for the trip to Ruidoso. We gave lots of hugs and said goodbye. After driving a little bit past the Country Club we stopped by the huge Hobbs sign and took pictures. Next, Daddy drove us on some scenic roads until we came to a Fish Hatchery (Dexter, NM). A nice lady took us on a tour and gave us posters and stickers of the endangered fish. We had lunch in Roswell at the "Mi Rosario's" Restaurant - lots of good food like tacos, quesadillas and sopapillas! We drove through town and saw the Alien gift shop and museum, too. We were driving on the prairie and then started to see hills and white-capped mountains! We soon came to Ruidoso and found the condo. We got settled - it took lots of time, since there was so much to explore! Daddy went shopping and we had Tuna Helper for dinner. Afterwards, Daddy noticed that there were some kids playing outside. He walked with us to meet them - Bailey, Maddy, Austin and Sam - and we stayed to play monkey-in the middle and hide & seek. When it was dark we went back to the condo - just in time to see our cousin, Kevin, on the History Channel in his new show! We had been waiting all day for the hot tub to be warm enough to get in - and it finally was 80 degrees (just like a swimming pool!). After a while in there, we rushed inside so we wouldn't freeze and watched TV. There were enough bedrooms that we had lots of choices: Erin got a big bed and Mollie and Brenna slept in the basement on bunk-beds!

Spring Break Trip - Day 2

When we woke up this morning we found an assortment of donuts and delicious bacon. After eating, we decided that it was a "stay at home" kind of day. Mostly, we played on the basketball court and practiced our kicking and catching skills - and even played a little bit of volleyball (Brenna and Mom played a lot). I (Brenna) hate to brag, but I won! Next, Brenna helped Dad with some family research. It was really sunny out - nice enough for all of us to help Bonnie in her garden and the "plant room." We did a lot of sweeping, cutting and searching for killer snails. Cousin Chuck was in the yard too, using his gun to scare the squirrels. The whole afternoon was actually fun - even with the work! Before dinner we had time to play with our Webkinz - Mollie really likes that! We set the table for dinner and ate a tasty meal of meatloaf, potatoes and asparagus. Later, we watched a little TV and went to bed.

Spring Break Trip - Day 1

Finally, Spring Break!!! Today we woke up and packed our famiy of five into our red mini-van. First, we drove all the way to Hobbs, New Mexico. On the way, we watched three movies - all from the "Love Comes Softly" series. This made the trip go quickly and soon we arrived in New Mexico to see our cousin, Bonnie - and (SURPRISE!) our cousin, Chuck. After relaxing and getting settled in, we went to Mass and saw Cousin Kathy and Cousin Kelly. Then all of the adults, including our parents, went to the Jordan's house for a St. Pattie's Day party. After that, they went to the Hobbs Country Club to celebrate Chuck's, Kathy's and Tiger's birthday. Meanwhile, we stayed at Kelly's house with Collin and Carris. We ate hot dogs, mac & cheese and chips - oh, and popsicles! Next, we watched a movie called "The Secret Life of Bees." The main character was played by Dakota Fanning. When our parents picked us up we went straight back to Bonnie's and fell asleep quickly, hoping to have a great day tomorrow!

Chicago, IL (USA)

Woke up early (barely an hour and a half of sleep!), I checked out of my room at the Residence Inn in Eagan and made it to the airport around 0415. I am glad I got there that early!!! After returning my rental car (Enterprise) before the counter was even open (they checked it in much later, at 0600), the walk through the terminal was long again.  Even worse, the lines for the airlines and TSA were the longest I've ever seen. And remember, we are talking about 0415!!! With all the delays, I made it through to the gate about 20 minutes before boarding. A nice lady moved my seat from the way back to the front (to help with the connection). My American Airlines flight departed Minneapolis in the dark (0600) and we arrived in Chicago (O'Hare) with clear skies and great views of the city (0715). It took another 20 minutes to taxi to the gate - across the interstate again (that has always been funny to me). I guess I actually haven't been at O'Hare in 20 years either... The big news today there was that the Sears Tower was renamed the Willis Tower. While digesting this news, I was working with only a short time between connections.  There was just enough time to grab breakfast (at McDonalds) and chat with some passengers. When I boarded another American Airlines aircraft, I was feeling very glad this is the last leg of the trip! After departing Chicago at 0850, I talked to some of my fellow passengers about life in Texas and about sights to see in Fort Worth, Oklahoma and along the Rio Grande.  It was a fun discussion! We landed at DFW at around 1130 - there was lots of rain and everything was grinding very slow... With the help of some nice people I asked, I found out how to get back to my car (Terminal Link). One of them even gave me a coupon for the parking, which made my daily rate go down five dollars! Ultimately, I'm very glad that I parked in a covered lot (Hyatt Regency) and I was pleased to get out of the complex easily (1215).  I even got another parking coupon from the nice toll-booth employee! Sadly, I encountered traffic jams all the way home.  Still, it was a relief to reach Fort Worth - I took a four hour nap when I got there!!! Woke up later to do laundry and get ready for the next trip - a family adventure in New Mexico!

Eagan, MN (USA)

Last day of training!  [After getting breakfast at our hotel (Residence Inn in Eagan) buffet this morning,] I studied very hard (maybe the hardest I've done all week in my room. Unfortunately, I still had more work to complete for folks back home who called and emailed. On the plus side, I had time to really hit the books in the late afternoon. I must admit that all previous trips to the simulator (see MAR 2002, AUG 2003, MAY 2005, MAR 2007) seemed very easy and I didn't really get the good training that I am getting (and that I needed!) here. Again skipping lunch, I met up with Tami and John at 1800 and finished our Sim session at the earliest time we have all week - 2200! Stopped on the way home to fill up the rental car (2220) and get a bite to eat at McDonalds. Back in my hotel room, I spent time packing (until around midnight) and ended up watching some really good movies: "Grace is Gone" (John Cusack) and "Taking Chance" (Kevin Bacon). I was surprised about how well done they both were - not too preachy or political. Before I knew it, though, it was 0200.  Even worse: I had to wake up at 0330!  Oh well - I'll be able to sleep as much as I want tomorrow, right?

Eagan, MN (USA)

After a pretty good sleep at the Residence Inn in Eagan, I got breakfast just before they closed the buffet.  Like yesterday, I had lots more phone calls from work. Again, I went to the hotel gym and rode the on their stationary bike. Despite how short this break seemed, I still found that I had lots of emails and phone calls waiting for me back in the room. It's frustrating that I've spent nearly every day of this trip answering questions that I never get when I am home... Still, I had plenty of time for all that and some more studying. As a result, I felt much more prepared when I went over to training this afternoon.  However, the simulator session took much longer. We had some trouble and had to repeat a few items. It's great to have time to refresh my procedures and try things I can't normally do at work but it is really eye-opening, too. I am glad I am learning from my mistakes now and not when it really counts! Got out of the sim at around 2300.  Once again, I had weather to contend with on the way home. I found some more good food waiting in the room - the hotel folks are so nice! Stayed up later again to study and watch TV. One more day with the Sim and I'm on my way home!

Eagan, MN (USA)

After staying up too late last night, I woke up just in time to take some of the breakfast buffet back to the room! Since our training wasn't going to be until much later, I spent all morning working on projects I had brought with me (also had lots of work related phone calls). The Weather folks have been forecasting a blizzard (for today) all week but it never materialized until late in the afternoon. Skipped lunch (after my filling breakfast).  I studied in my room at the Residence Inn in Eagan until 1400 and then went over to the training site. We got the rest of our classroom work done and then got in the simulator. Very intense, good, training for the rest of the evening - humbling, too. I can tell that I need this - too bad it only happens every two years... Finished up around 2230 and then went out to the car - brrrrr!!! Spent around 15 minutes in the below zero weather (colder with wind chill, too!) trying to clear off the car. Ice everywhere. I'm very happy that I only have a five minute drive to the hotel - Tami and John have about a 20 minute commute. Back at the room, I found that the nice folks at the hotel had left me some dinner (leftovers from the social hour that I missed tonight) in the room - I am very impressed with their service! Stayed up late reviewing mistakes I made today and getting ready for tomorrow. Snow is supposed to continue - we'll see if I can get to work tomorrow afternoon!

Bloomington, MN (USA)

First day of recurrent training!  Woke up around 0615 and ate breakfast at the Residence Inn in Eagan. Very filling... I had plenty of time to get over to training - once I arrived, I met up with John and Tami. Spent most of the day in the classroom - it's the first time we've used a Minneapolis simulator.  Actually, I got lots of new information and perspectives from the instructors. Our lunch break was at a sub joint called Jimmy John's - it seems pretty unique! Found out afterwards that we'll be using the 1800-2200 training block every day (his practically guaranteed that I can't go home early at the end of the week). Got off work at around 1600 and went back to my hotel to change.  Next, I drove over to the Mall of America to meet up with Tami. It was a cool place - there is a Nickelodeon Universe (amusement park) in the middle of the building. The kids would love it! Tami went on rides, but I scoped out the train system, aquarium and some of the other things to do around here. Had crepes for dinner - good! Definitely need to bring the family back here... Back at the hotel, I went to gym to keep working on my bike training - it felt good. Stayed up late tonight, watching some good movies and studying.  Bring on the Sim!

Mendota Heights, MN (USA)

Shifting gears from Inspection Trip to Recurrent Simulator Trip... Had to be at the airport extremely early and left the Courtyard (St. Charles Avenue) by about 0430 (new time for the clock shift).  I made it to the car rental return (Hertz) right as they opened (0510). Didn't take long to get to my gate and had some time to rest before getting on the airplane. This was probably my first flight on Northwest Airlines in 20 years - it could also be my last because they are about to change to Delta. Everything was kind of nostalgic in the gates, on the flights and at the hubs. It really will be something when they are gone... Once again, I got to ride on a DC-9 series aircraft - it is interesting to see the commercial version. Our flight left New Orleans in the dark (0615) and landed in Memphis (0735) just after the sun had risen.  I actually got a couple minutes of sleep on the way (flight wasn't full). Spoke with the pilots afterwards and learned about their limited avionics - their account surprised me. I guess I've been pretty lucky all these years... During my layover, I ate a nice breakfast at the airport and had some time to work on paperwork while I waited for my connection. Eventually, I boarded another Northwest aircraft and, after taking off (1020), we made it to Minneapolis just fine (1240). I was surprised at how big the terminal was at the main airport for the Twin Cities - there was lots of walking! My bag was waiting for me at the claim area (good!) but I had a lot more walking to get my rental car. Fortunately, they were nice at Enterprise desk (1300) and I was on my way towards the hotel in short order. This time, I didn't have GPS in the car but the Google map worked just fine. My office had reserved a room for me at the Residence Inn in Eagan - luckily, it is located very near the training site. After getting checked in (1330), I considered taking a nap (still tired...).  In the end, though, I took care of more work I'd brought. After a few hours of catching up on emails, I decided to drive around the area to see what was close to the hotel. I had never been in this part of Minnesota for longer than about an hour, so driving around near St. Paul (could see the Capitol building) and along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers (they meet here) was really interesting. Found lots of little towns/villages along the Minnesota - Mendota, Mendota Heights (etc.) - and the views were nice. Also found the training site where we'll be working all week. At the end of my excursion, just when I thought I wouldn't find one, I stumbled across a Walmart and restaurant district. While there, I shopped a little for supplies [and ate dinner] before heading back to the hotel. The weather was nice all afternoon - not as cold as I'd feared after leaving NOLA.  I spent the rest of the evening in the room and went to bed relatively early.  Training in the morning!

New Orleans, LA (USA)

I didn't have to go to Belle Chase this morning but I did need to take care of some paperwork this morning that would document my visit.  I also didn't want to take any on the road to the next stop... Since it was located near my hotel (Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue), I tried to get a late breakfast at Café du Monde.  Unfortunately, it was such a nice day that the streets were already crowded with pedestrians - the line stretched down the block! I gave up the nostalgic idea and decided, instead, to use some of the day at the Orleans Parish Archives. During this time period, I found some great genealogy information for the Coogans who've lived in this area.  Later, I visited some of their old neighborhoods and cemeteries. The latter were pretty interesting - they are mostly mausoleums (above the water table). During my exploring, I filled up the gas tank at a station on Canal Street (1625).  After returning to the hotel (1700), I stashed my genealogy notebooks and then walked over to Embers Steakhouse for dinner on the second floor balcony.  I ordered the 8 oz Prime Rib with shrimp, bathed in a great sauce and served with mashed potatoes. All the while, I watched the huge crowds below: beads, bikers, drunks, bachelorette parties, etc.  As usual, I met some nice people - at least two told me that they had never been to New Orleans. Oh, and I finally found a Hurricane worth complimenting!!! I guess it's because it was made by bartenders who had worked at Pat O's and Cat's Meow... After my delicious meal, I walked around a bit more, taking in the sights of the revelers. Back at the hotel, I packed and got ready to leave in the morning. This might be the first time I remember being at a hotel with an early flight out on the night the clocks move ahead an hour - and I don't like it. I believe I dozed off by about 2215 but my actual (old) wakeup time tomorrow = 0315!

New Orleans, LA (USA)

This morning, I got up at around 0630 and ate breakfast at the hotel (Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue). Even though I departed immediately afterwards, I still didn't get to Belle Chasse until 0815 due to the traffic and some crazy roads [(see DEC 2008)].  Greg was waiting and we resumed the inspection. We were almost done by lunch time so we went out for some seafood at Li'l G's. I had the crawfish cakes over alfredo noodles - mmm! Went back to work at around 1400 and was finished with Greg by around 1530. Before departing the area, I drove over to see Tracy but, once I figured out that he wasn't around, I explored a little but before heading back to the city. For some reason, it seemed easier to get to the hotel tonight.  Perhaps it's because I figured out the "one-way" patterns... Regardless, there were street cars and lots of pedestrians everywhere! Still feeling full from lunch, I almost didn't go out tonight.  However, I wanted to get some post cards for the kids and explore Bourbon Street again. During my excursion, I found another watered-down Hurricane (booo!)... I also located an old hang-out from the time when Nicky and I were dating.  The Embers Steakhouse (see AUG 1993) overlooks St. Peter & Bourbon and is located right across from the Cat's Meow. This was a nice trip down memory lane.  After locating items for the family, I headed back to the hotel early. Watched TV until late.

New Orleans, LA (USA)

[Solo Inspection Trip] Woke up really early (0430) so I could drive over to DFW Airport in time to make my flight to New Orleans. This was my first time trying to park there and took a little bit to find the exact lot that my office wanted me to use... Fortunately, I was successful in my search and made it through security OK.  The airport was busy - I was surprised at the number of people this early on a Thursday. Had a bit of time to relax before getting on the plane (American Airlines). After departing from Texas (0730), the flight went by very quickly - I was in a three way conversation with some nearby passengers about housing, sights to see in Dallas and New Orleans and different career paths.  Interesting!  We landed at around 0840 and I was pleased to find my checked bag waiting at the claim area.  Very soon after that (0905), I got my rental car (from Hertz). I was glad to have GPS in the vehicle again - unfortunately, they charged me this time (I guess I've just been getting lucky)... Before driving too far, I changed into my work clothes and then headed to work in Belle Chasse. Met Greg there and got started with the inspection by around 1000. We worked for awhile until it was time for lunch; we went over to the nearby American Pizza & Wings restaurant and I had a Stromboli that filled me up for the rest of the day! Back at the office afterwards, I spent several more hours working in the afternoon. I finally left for my hotel at around 1700 and encountered some of the horrendous traffic that everyone always complains about for NOLA. Again, the GPS came in handy - it kept me moving on some surface streets I would never have known about otherwise. I checked into the Courtyard on St. Charles Avenue (near Canal Street) by 1735. After getting changed, I headed out to explore the French Quarter. When I visited the last time (see DEC 2008), the place was kind of dull and dumpy and not like I remembered from the early 1990s. Tonight, however, the place was busy and everyone was having a great time. Everything was open, too - I guess Mardi Gras gets things moving for the season... I found a hole in the wall place that was willing to sell me a (watered down) Hurricane. Later, I went in for a drink at Pat O'Brien's.  At least that place had the same ambiance as I'd previously enjoyed (see JAN 1993, NOV 1993, etc.). Along the way, I had a beer called "Abita" (local, Louisiana brew) - it was good. Even though it seemed later, I was back in my room by 2100 and went to bed soon afterwards.  This is going to be an interesting trip!