Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Tried to stay asleep for as long as possible - but I was wide awake by 0500. Worked on genealogy to pass the time - checked email. Went over to the hangar at 0700 to help with some problems they were having. Ended up having breakfast with Scott at a diner nearby - we watched one of his aircraft take off right outside the window while we ate... Back at the hangar, got a bunch of work done - stayed until 1130. Went back to my room to pack and watched TV for a bit. After I checked out of the Willow Grove Navy Lodge, my ride showed up (1400) and took me to pick up a Lee's Hoagie for the kids (mmm... Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak!!). No problems getting to the Philadelphia Airport - arrived around 1445. Was making good time on my check in until the TSA started to run a drill. Unfortunately, my line was chosen and the screeners failed the test. So, we got to stand there for quite awhile to watch their debrief, training and re-test. Eventually got through and had a short time in the lounge (including picking up some food) before I had to board the aircraft (about 1600). Lots of problems with baggage space - I could barely get my laptop under my seat - and that was all the room there was. Even worse, the American Airlines flight was long! I guess I had forgotten what it seemed like from earlier this month or else the winds were extremely strong...  Somewhere over the Mississippi River, I ran out of reading material.  Arrived at DFW at around 1900L. No problems with my bag - it was quick, actually. Nicky picked me up and we made pretty good time getting home. Whew!!!