Thanksgiving - Day 7

Up early - wanted to beat the thousands of other Texans on the highway! Had breakfast in the hotel and then got on the road (0800L). Followed I-35, along with many (many!) RV's with Minnesota plates headed south (I guess they are the Texas version of "snowbirds"...). Stopped for fuel in El Dorado, KS, but didn't stop anywhere else until we arrived in Edmond, OK (around 1230L). Went into town and found a place called Freddy's Frozen Custard. The food was great - it was a nice local place to experience. Got gas nearby and then drove into Oklahoma City on US-77. It turned into I-235 and then I-35 - with hardly any traffic! Made great time the rest of the way (no more stops, either) and got to the house around 1630L. Glad to be home - and relieved not to have had any nasty weather while driving!

Thanksgiving - Day 6

It was sad, but we had to leave this morning. We didn't hurry, though, and the kids were able to visit with lots of people while I packed the car. It was a little harder to get all the loot back in the car than I had expected... We were ready to go by around 1130L. As we were saying goodbye, I noticed that we had a very low tire. After changing several tires this year (see JUN 2010), I was worried. Managed to make it to a gas station in nearby Eagan, where they were nice enough to let me top off the tire (turned out to just be under-inflated - maybe the cold?). With a full tank of gas, we drove almost to the IA/MN border before we had lunch (Burger King in Albert Lea). Drove south on I-35, once again getting through Des Moines with no problems. We had seen some signs on the way up that mentioned the Bridges of Madison County and birthplace of John Wayne, so I got off the interstate at the first available opportunity. The road was rather rural (very curvy), but the scenery was very pretty. Found a few of the bridges that were in the movies (Eastwood and Streep) - Nicky is always happy to see those (e.g., JUN 1997). Ended up in the town of Winterset - where John Wayne was born. It was a nice little town with a few more covered bridges and a statue (memorial) to the Duke. We took a few photos and bought some souvenirs before getting back on the road (IA-92). We saw a stunning sunset as we got back on I-35... Made good time, stopping only to eat dinner and get gas in Osceola, IA (1730L). The rest of the driving to our hotel went pretty well (no delays in Kansas City). The only tough part of the trip was when we got close to our hotel - we arrived from a different direction and ended up on a poorly lit road near the Kansas Motor Speedway. Eventually located the Village West area (whew). We stayed in the same place as we did last time we were here, the Holiday Inn Express (see JUN 2010). Went straight to bed...

Thanksgiving - Day 5

Woke up ready for some fun! I had been mulling over the idea of going downtown (for the Holidazzle Parade) all week but no one else seemed to be interested. Nicky left early for the Mall of America with Erin and Brenna but Mollie was visiting with Kathy and didn't go. When I asked her if she wanted to go with me, she seemed genuinely excited. I got her all bundled up, since I knew it would be close to -15 degrees C today. To make sure she would be warm enough, I walked with her across the street from our hotel to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Preserve. It was pretty - and it also was pretty empty. They had a version of the Junior Ranger called "Junior Naturalist" and Mollie started working on it right away (she loves those!). The lady who worked at the visitor's center had her boy with her - same age as Mollie. They worked together on the project and we even took a short nature walk to an overlook of the Minnesota River. After Mollie got her badge and certificate, we walked down the street to the train station. It was pretty easy to get around with - credit card ticket purchase and regular trains. Mollie was excited to try it and we enjoyed the 20-30 minute ride downtown. Got off at the Nicollet Mall stop and looked around. At first, it was hard to see the "mall" - but we later learned that it was actually the name of a street. Had lunch at a place called D'Amico & Sons (good, healthy food). Later, we discovered that all the stores in the area were connected by a series of second-floor walkways called "the skyway." We walked around, following the posted maps, and eventually found the Macy's Chrismas Village ("A Day in the Life of an Elf"). Mollie and I walked through it twice. We also explored Macy's and looked at the pretty displays. I bought her a Christmas Smurf... We continued to walk and actually got hot (temps were high in the Skyway!). I'll admit we got a little lost - but we found the World Headquarters of Target. We decided to go outside for a bit and then found a pretty place to sit and rest - the Crystal Court. There was a pretty Christmas Tree and some benches for resting. Did some souvenir shopping nearby and then walked over to the Barnes & Noble. While there, we discovered some of the Little Miss books (by Roger Hargreaves) that go with the Arby's toys (see Day 2). After looking through a bunch of them, we bought one for Nicky... Mollie was getting hungry - and we still had a few hours before the parade - so we looked for a place to sit and eat. The only place we could find near the parade route was the M&S Grill (which we didn't know was a bar until we got inside). Stayed anyway - and I got a kick out of Mollie's pride in being able to have appetizers at "happy hour" with Daddy! Watched some football and rested until around 1800, when we walked back over to D'Amico & Sons to get some hot chocolate. The parade started at 1930L - about the time that it really started to feel cold (-15 C, after all!). Mollie was a real trooper - her excitement over-rode the temperatures, I guess. We sat on frigid granite (brrr...) with a nice mom and son - they were locals who knew what was going to happen. It made the event all the more fun - lighted parade floats, nursery-rhyme characters, marching bands and fireworks. Most people watched from the Skyways over the street, but I think we had the "real experience"... Got some more hot chocolate afterwards, made a bathroom break, and then tried to get on the train. The lines were so long we actually got on a train going in the opposite direction and then switched at the next station - making sure we had a seat while going home (this was all because we watched what our parade friends did). Got off near our hotel and walked through the snow back to the lobby - slippery, cold but in good spirits. What a day! Mollie did great and we gave some special memories. Visited with all the family again (this time we were all trying to finish up the alcohol) until very late...

Thanksgiving - Day 4

The kids were exhausted from yesterday, so no one was up early. We did go upstairs for some breakfast and visiting. It was clear and warmer today - views from the hotel were spectacular. I went back to the room later and watched the Macy's parade and Godfather marathon. Got ready with Nicky and the girls and then went to watch football with Tim, Chuck, Andy and Kenny. Later, met everyone else for a family photo in the lobby. Thanksgiving dinner began around 1300L - what a great spread! Food was excellent and we had a fun time visiting (as we always do!). We had some left-overs but we got to take them to Bonnie's room. Watched some more football while Nicky and girls made plans to see the movie "Tangled" at the Mall of America. They took the shuttle over while I went outside to check on our car. Just as I was getting to it, I saw Leo chasing the shuttle across the parking lot. He had missed it, I guess, and needed a ride. After I got the car uncovered and started (heater too a LONG time), I took Leo over to the Mall (the closest I plan to get to it during the trip). Roads were slippery and barely plowed... Explored near the hotel and then met the guys for a little more sports. Enjoyed the evening with everyone - had some good Thanksgiving leftovers, too! Everyone else returned around 2000L. Spirits were high and it was pretty busy everywhere I turned in the room. Called Katie and Carolyn (everyone got to chat this time - that was nice). Actually went to bed a little earlier tonight.

Thanksgiving - Day 3

Slept in this morning - and then headed up to the breakfast buffet on the top floor. It was a nice spread - and we got to see more of the family while we ate. The big windows of Bonnie's room had a great view of the Minnesota River and National Wildlife Preserve - covered with a fresh blanket of snow. It was really coming down, too! Of course, this didn't stop Nicky and the rest of the "shoppers" in the family from getting on the shuttle bus from the hotel to the Mall of America... I stayed at the hotel and took care of some work emails for a few hours. Just after noon, went back to Bonnie's room and spent a few hours watching movies and sports with some of the guys. Chuck arrived soon afterwards and we had a great few hours chatting and relaxing in the room. I got a few calls from Nicky during this time - each one checking on me to see what I was doing (I guess she wanted to make sure I wasn't missing the shopping...). To be honest, though, I didn't actually have any desire to go over to the Mall of America since I got my fill of it during my last visit (see MAR 2009). I had some drinks and snack food at the hotel happy hour - enjoying the warmth of the room and family. Everyone returned around 1900 after a day of fun on the rides and exploring the stores. Stayed up late again...

Thanksgiving - Day 2

I woke up early - wanted to see how the weather was developing. It didn't look good: there was a major snowstorm forecasted for early AM on the 24th. After verifying we had a hotel reservation for the night (in Alkeny, IA) and grabbing some breakfast to go, we got on I-35 (0745L). There was very little traffic, which was good. Played a "road-rally" game with Mollie, assigning points for lots of signs and landmarks. Made good time to Kansas - stopped for some fuel near the border (South Haven). Got on the toll-road and didn't have to stop at all this time (fuel prices pretty high). Enjoyed the scenerey in the Flint Hills. Off the toll road near Emporia, made great time to Kansas City - drove through the city this time. Weather was great and we had some nice views of downtown and the Missouri River. Unfortunately, there was some major construction as we crossed that slowed us down (new bridge). Luckily, I got a work phone call while we waited... After clearing the traffic and city limits, we stopped for lunch at Arby's in Kearney, MO (1300L). They had these funny toys in the kids meals called "Little Miss Daredevil", "Mr. Happy" and "Mr. Strong." Drove for a couple more hours until we needed gas - stopped in Eagleville, MO. Temperatures had definitely begun to drop... Nicky pointed out a horse tied up near the gas station - with an Amish buggy across the street. Upon closer inspection, we saw that the ground was covered with baskets and jars of preserves. Braving the cold, Nicky jumped out of the car and began haggling with the bearded gentleman. I filled up the tank about 100 meters away and watched her hopping around - she forgot her coat! Even I'll admit it was chilly (around 0 degrees C), so I'm sure you can tell that Nicky loves to shop... New basket (and jam) in hand, Nicky rejoined us. Soon after we got back on the road, we got a call from Trish (responding to our earlier inquiry about the possibility of arriving in Minneapolis tonight) - she said it would be fine. We immediately canceled our hotel reservation and pressed North! Weather was crisp and clear - lots of farms. Got through Des Moines around 1530L (not too difficult). It started to get dark around 1700 - right around the time we stopped for dinner in Clear Lake, IA. The kids mentioned they didn't want the "same old, same old" food, so I stopped at a place we've never tried: Culver's. It turned out to be delicious - both for their butter-burgers and the frozen custard (pumpkin flavored!). Everyone really enjoyed the break from the road. I could feel the excitement building - the kids were really looking forward to "getting to Thanksgiving." We made really good time to Minneapolis - there was very little traffic (surprising with the incoming storm...). Snow was everywhere - we even saw a ski slope with lots of people enjoying night skiing. We got to the hotel (Hilton near the airport) around 2000. It was freezing by this point (-10 C), making it really fun to unload the car. We got our stuff to the room and then proceeded to Bonnie's room (Presidential Suite). To our surprise, nearly everyone was there! Had we know about that, we would have planned all along to get there on Tuesday - I'm glad the weather made it happen. Stayed up really late chatting and visiting...

Thanksgiving - Day 1

On the first day (Monday, after school), we left our house at 5:00 PM. I got to ride shotgun! We decided to drive to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Brenna made sandwiches so we could eat dinner in the car. We saw an Indian Casino all lit up and a Christmas Lights drive-through park. When we got close to our hotel we saw a car speeding by. He must have been going 100 miles per hour [in heavy traffic]! Before Erin could say "wow!" he tried to squeeze between two cars and hit a liquid truck. He hit it so hard he spun around a bunch of times and lost the front of his car and a tire. We didn't stop because Daddy said other people were helping already - and that stopping on the highway might be dangerous. We got to our hotel soon after that - the Fairfield Inn in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Woke up around 0700. Foggy and rainy outside... Packed and got organized until around 0845. Chatted with lady at front desk, who gave me a coin for my loyal patronship of the Navy Lodge (it closes in January). Ordered a Lee's Hoagie (buffalo chicken cheesesteak) for the road and picked it up shortly afterwards. Got some souvenirs and drove to the airport (early, because of construction and the weather). Topped off fuel tank and then dropped off rental car. Flying US Air again - different terminal (than when I use American) and long security lines. Got through with about three hours to go until departure - decided to spend it at the lounge (had to walk back to a different terminal - good exercise, I guess). Ended up running into Guy again (small world!!). We chatted and ate snacks while we waited. After he left for his flight I spent about an hour working on emails and business calls. Walked back to my gate around 30 minutes before departure time (picking up some souvenirs on the way) and found that my aircraft hadn't even arrived in Philadelphia yet... Had to wait about 30 minutes longer before we could board (the E190 - smaller jet with only two seats on each side). Kept myself entertained with puzzles in the newspaper (I think I'm getting the hang of sudoku!). Ended up landing about 20 minutes late (1715 - not bad) but getting to the baggage claim took awhile - and the bags took even longer. Delays continued as I waited for the express shuttle back to my car - eventually made it but it was already nearly 1815 by the time I got out of the airport property. Immediately got into a traffic jam on TX-183. Put up with it for awhile but finally decided to take TX-121 north to TX-114. It took awhile, too, but eventually I was moving pretty well. Short delays on TX-170 - but things looked pretty good until I turned onto I-35W (southbound). Gridlock!!! Eventually was able to exit the highway but the end result was more than one hour from the airport to the house (1930). Kids excited for souvenirs and cheesesteak...

Little Rock, AR (USA)

Got up at 0615 and headed over to work. It was very foggy - I thought it might delay us. Brief was quick, so I took care of more work emails and then went down to visit some folks on the other end of the hangar (they had asked on Saturday if I could give them some inspection pointers). That went well and I managed to finish it before I had to head out to the plane. I rode in the back for the first leg - along with the one passenger (his name was Guy). It was relaxing and we had a good talk about careers, places to live and travel plans. The flight to Camp Springs was supposed to be under an hour - but the weather there was really bad and Ray and Joe attempted two approaches before they decided to divert back to Willow Grove. The return flight included a "roller coaster moment" when I was glad I had my seatbelt fastened... We landed in better weather and then waited for awhile for our scheduler to decided what we should do next. It turned out they were able to find someone in Camp Springs who could take those guys later in the day. Unfortunately, it meant that Guy had to get off the plane, since we no longer planned to go to Beaufort. On the next leg I insisted on getting up front so I could get the rest of my required flight time before something else happened... After we took off, the weather out west rapidly improved - and it was actually pleasant when we landed at our first stop (near Columbus, Georgia). I had never been to this airport, but it reminded me of Fort Campbell (Kentucky). We had a pretty quick turn and I sat in the back for the rest of the trip, since I got all the flight time I needed. It was actually fun to chat with the rest of the crew about experiences we had on aircraft carriers in the 1990s... And, lest I forget, I got another series of great meals from Kissel (it seems she always flies in the crew when I'm in Willow Grove): fruit, chicken sandwiches, crackers and cheese (etc.). Stopped in Little Rock to drop off our lift and then we headed back to Pennsylvania. Trip actually went fast and we landed around 1900 (close to our scheduled arrival time). Did some paperwork in the hangar and then headed back to my room. With my trip requirements completed, I called the travel office (and then the airlines) to see about changing my return date to Tuesday - it turned out to be no problem and didn't cost extra. Watched some TV and went to bed relatively early...

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Thought I would have some time to explore today, but it never happened. After I woke up (0800), I ate a quick breakfast in the lobby (met Wade's mother-in-law, daughter and his dog). Then I went over to the hanger - intending to get a few things done and then head out for a visit to downtown Philadelphia. Instead, I got involved in some flight schedule changes, had to stop off at the hotel to get my Boss' phone chargers and had some long talks with Wade, Chip, Kevin and other folks who were there for drill weekend. By the time I knew it, it was already 1130. Since they were planning to have a pot-luck meal anyway, I decided to hang out at least that long. Took care of more work emails until 1300, when the deep fried turkey and ham were ready. Food was awesome - lots of it, too. I had some good conversation with the guys from my trip to Sicily (see AUG 2010) and ended up staying until 1530. By then, the day was nearly over (it gets dark here at 1645!!!) and I decided not to go anywhere. Played some video games in my room, watched football and ate a light dinner. Did a little packing for my flight and ended up going to bed aroun 2300.

Doylestown, PA (USA)

I didn't mean to get up early this morning - especially after yesterday's magical mystery tour... I was supposed to fly, though, and I wanted to make sure I was ready for the afternoon departure. Went over to hangar around 0800 and found out the plane was broken. This gave me some time to attend training, though, and give Ollie a little help with work. Ray stopped by with some questions, too - and it ended up saving me some headaches that I would have had next week... Lunch time snuck up on me and Ollie offered to have someone pick up Lee's Hoagies for us (mmmm). Around 1230 I went back to my room to change into my dress uniform. It was then, after there was no way to do anything about it, that I discovered that my shoes had "failed". This is one of the commonly known problems with the shoes the Navy sells us - the soles always end up disintegrating. I've had three or four pairs like this in the last 20 years. I had hoped that I could pick up new shoes at the Exchange - but the place was nearly empty (in anticipation of the closure). So, I had to walk over to the hangar in my nearly soleless shoes. No one noticed (remember that quote from "Shawshank Redemption" ?) but I was leaving a black-dust trail everywhere I went. The Change of Command ceremony (1400) was good again (I was here for the last one they had in AUG 2009) and was over in about 45 minutes. All three guys in the leadership (Scott, Wade & Chip) served with me in Atlanta - and the guest speaker (Sean) used to be our Boss. Afterwards, I was walking back to the room to get out of uniform when one of the guys ambushed me and we went to his office, where nearly all of the "old" guys were assembled. Cups were in short supply, but everyone was enjoying some whiskey and telling stories of the good old days. Before I knew it, it was 1700... I said goodbye and walked back to my room to change (and throw away my shoes). About an hour later I drove up to Doylestown (PA-611 north) to Scott's house for a small party (celebrating his successful tour of duty). Directions were OK but I still got turned around in the dark with the hard-to-read signs and country roads. Ended up being a little late. The party was catered with Moe's (Mexican food) - fitting, actually, since Scott loves that place... I spent several hours there - chatting with his family and some mutual friends of ours from Atlanta. My Boss was there, too - and I had a chance to speak with him without his secretary getting in the way... Around 2030, folks started to leave. I had also been invited to Wade's party - across town. Luckily, I had asked the front desk to give me some directions between the two points - so I found the Crossroads Tavern in Hilltown with minimal backtracking (US-202 south to Hilltown Pike). I made it in time to see most everyone, but they were wrapping up with plans to head back over to Doylestown (!) for more festivities. I stayed for awhile at the tavern - a great local pub/watering hole - chatting with Craig and Ray. Left around 2300 and managed to find Willow Grove again (County Line Road worked well)... Watched some TV before going to bed.

Oklahoma City, OK (USA)

I thought yesterday was hectic - today changed my mind... I had no problem waking up this morning (surprising, actually) and I was on time for the brief (0500). We had some maintenance issues but got airborne around 0715. Weather was great - not a cloud at all. Great views of Pennsylvania all the way to the Ohio valley - then even better scenery (Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana). Visibility was tremendous - we could see for miles in every direction. Things changed after we crossed the Mississippi River - clouds were forming west of central Missouri. By the time we got to Oklahoma City, there were actually thunderstorms and driving rain. We managed to find a hole and landed with just some gusty wind (0915L). Parked at the AAR ramp and got out of the aircraft - just as the skies opened up! I got pretty wet but had to change clothes anyway... We finished up our paperwork and I put on my suit (first time I've ever traveled in it). One of the maintainers drove us to the terminal of Will Rogers airport (just a two minute drive) and we got checked in for our Delta flight back to Philadelphia. It was at this point I learned two crucial things: (1) Chris couldn't get on the overbooked flight and (2) I was flying on ASA (Delta Connection). I HATE them - they always break or are severely overbooked. Chris said he didn't need to get back early and had a later ticket - so Ragan and I got on the Delta RJ just before 1100. I was blessed with the last seat in the packed aircraft (against the engine and no recline). As if to apologize, the nice flight attendant took my jacket and hung it in the coat closet. Things looked tolerable until the passenger in the seat next to me sat down. He had about the worst body odor smell I have EVER encountered and he must have weighed nearly 400 pounds (I'm not sure about that, but his belly came over into my seat - over the arm rest - and he couldn't buckle his seatbelt or lower his tray table). By this point, I was really dreading the flight to Atlanta. Luckily, I had visited the rest room before we left because I couldn't move at all for the next hour plus. When we landed in Atlanta (at around 1400L) I had to wait for a very long time to get off the aircraft and then run from the A to B terminal to make my connecting flight - there was barely enough time to make our 1450 departure. Ragan was waiting and that made it quicker, since he had investigated our route. The next leg was much better - I had an aisle seat and the middle one was empty. We landed around 1700 back in Philadelphia. Ragan told me his leg of the trip trumped mine - a poor girl next to him was throwing up all the way!!! OK, so I had a better deal overall - I admit it. We didn't need to pick up bags at the claim, so all that remained to get home was for the driver to get us. Unfortunately, they sent a brand new guy who had never been to the airport before. He had trusted a GPS to take him there - and it took him into the worst rush hour traffic of the day (I-76). After toying with the idea of taking a cab ($100 !!!), we decided to wait for our hapless driver... After around 1800 he showed up and we got on I-95 south. Traffic jam almost immediately - and it got worse as we changed to I-476. At this point, I was really wishing my cell phone had some internet capability, since the driver's GPS went out - and I had no map... Luckily, an old friend from Norfolk (who works here now) guided us over the phone to Blue Bell (site of the next event for me). I arrived at Normandy Farms at 2030 - not late at all, as it turned out (I only missed happy hour). I was pleased to be able to attend my friend Scott's farewell dinner (or "roast"). The guys had made some great video tributes (complete with people dressed and acting like Scott - VERY funny). I sat at the table with Scott's parents and in-laws and Chip's parents. Everyone was in very good spirits. Scott mentioned me by name in his last speech - I was flattered. We hung out for several hours after eating (delicious chicken dinner) - before I knew it nearly everyone was gone. Since I had no car, I got a little worried, but then I spotted Olli and remembered he had offered to take me back to my hotel. He was true to his word (and his wife was a very good sport) even though he lives near Princeton. His car had the FastPass - pretty good idea around here... Back at my room around midnight.

Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Awoke earlier than I wanted to (0715) and immediately wished I had moved my flight up from the late afternoon... Took care of some work-related paperwork for a few hours and double checked by bag a few times before heading over to the airport (early). It really was a good thing, too, since I nearly missed my flight after a series of errors and bad-luck. First, I got bad parking instructions from the attendant and ended up waiting for 15 minutes in the wrong area (no shuttles) - after I realized this it took a little longer for one to find me and drive me to the terminal. This led to the next problem: the US Air website reported the terminal and gate FOR PHILADELPHIA instead of the one for DFW. Of course, I didn't know this until I was already out of the shuttle and in the AMERICAN ticket area. None of this might not have been a big deal at another airport - but today it was, since US Air is in a completely different terminal at DFW and only has ticket counters there. So, I got to experiment with the Terminal Link service (bus that takes you between terminals on the outside of security. It worked out OK but I was rapidly using all of the extra time I originally had. Of course the ticket lines and TSA lines were longer than normal and I had to walk a bit longer to get to the gate - just about when they began boarding my zone. I guess it wasn't too bad (I never had to run anywhere) but I did start to get a little concerned... Flight was fine - we got to Philadelphia early. Unfortunately, the aircraft had to wait to cross some runways for a LONG time. End result: got to the rental car office about an hour later than planned (2030). Enterprise ended up saving the day, though, and I was out of their quickly (with an upgrade to a Dodge Charger with Sirius/XM radio!). The best part was that now there was NO traffic on the Interstate. It took about 45 minutes to get to Willow Grove and I made it to the checkin before they closed for the night (what a relief). Went out afterwards and picked up some supplies for tomorrow's trip - which moved from 0700 brief to 0500 brief while I was flying today. Hope I get some sleep!!