When the alarm went off at 6:30 a.m., I didn't want to even get up. Boy am I tired! Vacations can be exhausting if you are on the move all the time even though there is some down time. Boosting up my computer and making the badly needed coffee were the first things on the list. After all packing was completed, including my new sweater and Twilight book, we were on the road to the airport around 8:15 a.m. Renee is kind enough to ship my new bathrobe and old boots back to Maine for me! Oh, I must mention that Renee also gave me a cute bracelet that I had actually worn the other night with the new sweater and boots out to dinner. Renee is just so thoughtful! You just got to love her!
As I am sitting at the airport waiting to board, I find myself thinking about all the places we went and the things that we accomplished. It seemed to be all about the food experience! Renee and I had a blast. I really need to come back to Austin again as there are many other things to do and see, such as see the Capitol building and the LBJ Library. Of course, there are many other restaurants. Renee will be doing research on that subject. She has only been in Austin for about a month so there is more to figure out. I also think that her GPS (Mandy) was a lifesaver for not getting us lost but did take us on some weird routes. It was great exploring. Every place we went to was within a few miles of her house except for going to Erin and Rob's house on Thanksgiving.
While sitting at the United gate area, Linda, who is our ticket agent, admired my red cowboy boots and wondered where I got them. She reminesced about her pair of red cowboy boots that were sold without her knowledge. She had bought them to her usual repair shop. However, the owner had died and the new owner sold all the boots and shoes. This is a huge lesson to learn. If you have shoes or boots getting repaired, I would make sure to pick them up as soon as they are done!
Our flight is on schedule and leaves around 9:45 a.m. to Chicago! Oh happy day! Here we go again! I still can say that I love to travel no matter how tired I get! It is exciting to people watch and chat with new acquaintances! I am excited to have Boingo working so that I can get on line to keep busy and not wonder what people are doing today on Black Friday!
I only had an hour layover in Chicago, but I did not have to book it to another terminal. We landed in Terminal C and I left in Terminal C! I was even prepared with my new boots to walk a long time but am so happy not to do so! Since I had not eaten before I left Austin, I grabbed a small pizza and cinnabon roll to eat prior to boarding. I was so hungry so I had to eat something substantial.
The flight from Chicago to Boston was uneventful as the two men beside me were not talkers so I put in my I-Pod and napped for part of the way. Our flight actually landed early so I was able to take the Concord Trailways bus out of Logan at 4:30 p.m. Having Facebook access on my cell phone kept me busy for the whole trip back to Portland. It was a good way to pass the time!
As many of you know, the weather in Maine is extremely rainy so I ended up driving 60 mph all the way into Hallowell. I called a number of people on the way back, including my mom and dad. My last call was to Carol who talked me into stopping at Hallowell and Wine. To my surprise, Carol, Andrea, Tiffany and Eric were hanging out at the bar listening to Katie Webber. Carol had just bought some little bottles of champagne so I did partake in that refreshing beverage. I must say that they loved my new red boots! After I left Hallowell & Wine, I stopped by to give Bruce a big hug! I missed his smiling face!
I finally arrived at home around 9:00 p.m. and booted up my computer to finish the blog for the end of one of my most amazing trips! Thanks definitely goes out to Renee for her excellent hospitality and to Erin and Rob for their hospitality for Thanksgiving!
I hope everyone else had a great week!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Brunch to Thanksgiving Dinner - November 26, 2009
The morning came too quickly, but that is the way it goes! Renee was up and brewing coffee by the time that I woke up. It is the first time that she was actually up before me! We did not have much time to lounge around this morning as we had to be on the road by 9:00 a.m. to head to Erin and Rob's in South Austin.
Renee and I were thrilled to arrive to the smell of the fragrances of the upcoming Thanksgiving meal and to meet Erin's relatives - Emily, Mike, Bruce, Marylene, Katie. Of course, everyone is just so nice! Rob and Erin's son Abraham has certainly grown quite a bit since I saw him a year and a half ago. He was very entertaining! Erin and Rob are very gracious hosts as they are preparing to feed 26 people for Thanksgiving. It is their tradition!
We did not have to wonder long as to what would be the brunch of the year consisting of Emily's undeniably fabulous sausage rolls, Renee's absolutely delicious crabmeat quiche as well as her broccoli and cheese quiche, Marylene's absolutely delicious tamales! We must not forget Abraham's favorite - blackberries and blueberries! Bloody Mary's and coffee were the beverages of choice. Well, you could also have bottled water!
After eating, there was even more activity around making of the Thanksgiving feast. Everything is made from scratch. Katie made an apple pie that was baked in a paper bag to hold in the moisture. Erin and her mom Emily were making stuffing. As you are watching, you understand that this is not an ordinary stuffing. There is so much stuffing that Erin had to throw everything into two white trash bags to mix! So you can understand this better, I will say that they shredded 11 loaves of bread and 12 cups of onions plus all of the other ingredients used in this stuffing. The 24 pound turkey is cooking in the roasting pan after it was brined for hours. I am sure it will be fabulous!
Renee and I were regaled with stories about Texas including scorpion bites and spotting of rattle snakes that are more prevalent if you have a lot of property. Trips to the valley sound in order for sometime in the near future. I certainly can't go this trip but maybe in the future!
After leaving around 1:00 p.m., we came back to Renee's house so that she could make the green bean casserole and I could do clean up! We made good time and headed back to Erin and Rob's around 3:00 p.m. for the second part of our Thanksgiving activities! Erin and Rob were hosting 26 people so I met a lot of great people that Renee works with here in Texas along with other relatives of Erin's! As people started arriving there with many conversations among old acquaintances and new acquaintances. The football game was on the television. People were also hanging outside because it was nice!
Dinner started around 6:30 p.m. as people lined up to grab whatever food they desired. Let's just say that there was so much to choose from so it was hard to do unless you went back for seconds! We had turkey, ham, sweet potatoes (with marshmellows), green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, waldorf salad, sausage meatballs, cranberry sauce, tamales and many other delicious types of food! As you might expect, everything was great! I am so full that I think once again that I won't eat for a week! No dessert for me!
The conversation and political debates continued in full force. Some people even played pictionary. A grand time was had by all.
Renee and I said our goodbyes around 9:30 p.m. I have an early morning flight so I will be hitting the pillow soon enough.
I hope everyone else had a great day!
Renee and I were thrilled to arrive to the smell of the fragrances of the upcoming Thanksgiving meal and to meet Erin's relatives - Emily, Mike, Bruce, Marylene, Katie. Of course, everyone is just so nice! Rob and Erin's son Abraham has certainly grown quite a bit since I saw him a year and a half ago. He was very entertaining! Erin and Rob are very gracious hosts as they are preparing to feed 26 people for Thanksgiving. It is their tradition!
We did not have to wonder long as to what would be the brunch of the year consisting of Emily's undeniably fabulous sausage rolls, Renee's absolutely delicious crabmeat quiche as well as her broccoli and cheese quiche, Marylene's absolutely delicious tamales! We must not forget Abraham's favorite - blackberries and blueberries! Bloody Mary's and coffee were the beverages of choice. Well, you could also have bottled water!
After eating, there was even more activity around making of the Thanksgiving feast. Everything is made from scratch. Katie made an apple pie that was baked in a paper bag to hold in the moisture. Erin and her mom Emily were making stuffing. As you are watching, you understand that this is not an ordinary stuffing. There is so much stuffing that Erin had to throw everything into two white trash bags to mix! So you can understand this better, I will say that they shredded 11 loaves of bread and 12 cups of onions plus all of the other ingredients used in this stuffing. The 24 pound turkey is cooking in the roasting pan after it was brined for hours. I am sure it will be fabulous!
Renee and I were regaled with stories about Texas including scorpion bites and spotting of rattle snakes that are more prevalent if you have a lot of property. Trips to the valley sound in order for sometime in the near future. I certainly can't go this trip but maybe in the future!
After leaving around 1:00 p.m., we came back to Renee's house so that she could make the green bean casserole and I could do clean up! We made good time and headed back to Erin and Rob's around 3:00 p.m. for the second part of our Thanksgiving activities! Erin and Rob were hosting 26 people so I met a lot of great people that Renee works with here in Texas along with other relatives of Erin's! As people started arriving there with many conversations among old acquaintances and new acquaintances. The football game was on the television. People were also hanging outside because it was nice!
Dinner started around 6:30 p.m. as people lined up to grab whatever food they desired. Let's just say that there was so much to choose from so it was hard to do unless you went back for seconds! We had turkey, ham, sweet potatoes (with marshmellows), green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, waldorf salad, sausage meatballs, cranberry sauce, tamales and many other delicious types of food! As you might expect, everything was great! I am so full that I think once again that I won't eat for a week! No dessert for me!
The conversation and political debates continued in full force. Some people even played pictionary. A grand time was had by all.
Renee and I said our goodbyes around 9:30 p.m. I have an early morning flight so I will be hitting the pillow soon enough.
I hope everyone else had a great day!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
From Cooking for Thanksgiving to the Four Seasons/Trio - November 25, 2009
I realize that I love quiet times in the morning. I am sitting here drinking my coffee and listening to my I-Pod. What's on? The Twilight Soundtrack is filled with a wide variety of great songs.
We will have an active day - everything from cooking for Thanksgiving to shopping for a new outfit to go with my red cowboy boots to eating and listening to music on 6th. I am sure that there will be other activites in there too. We even thought we might wander back to Chuy's for those fabulous margaritas and their special nachos. One never knows what will come up when you are open to doing whatever comes to mind.
It is almost 11:00 a.m., Renee is cooking quiches in the kitchen and is giving me lessons. First up, the broccoli and cheese quiche! It smells just yummy! Second up, the crabmeat and scallion quiche! It is all about the layering and spices! What am I good at in the kitchen? Being an assistant and clean-up!
It is around 1:30 p.m. so we are off to have lunch again at Chuy's. However, this time we split the nachos special that were these individual huge homemade nachos with chicken, jalapenos, cheese, refried beans sala and lettuce that were arranged beside each other on the plate! In addition, we split beef fajitas that were fabulous. Of course, I never wrapped my fajitas. The inside ingredients are fantastic by themselves on my plate. The margaritas were just as good as yesterday!
After lunch, we found our way to Stein Mart to do some clothes shopping. I found a fabulous long sweater and leggings to wear with my red boots! Renee found some other goodies, such as her great plum-colored jacket. It so looks like her style!
Our next stop? We went to Specs to peruse the wine and liquor bottles to find the right wines for tomorrow (and for tonight) and vodka for the bloody mary's! The wine for tonight is a 2006 Beautiful Earth that has great legs! It is just a fabulous red wine. We would recommend this wine! Our last stop before coming back home was to go to Randall's again so that Renee could make a spinach artichoke dip for tomorrow.
It is 6:00 p.m. so what am I doing? Renee is making the spinach artichoke dip and bloody mary mix. I am waiting to do clean up! Red wine is in hand! Maxi Priest's CD from 1990 entitled "Bonafide" and also Mike Hosty is on for our musical entertainment. This is new to me but not to Renee. She has such a fabulous selection of music! Mike Hosty is a combination of delta blues, jazz and groove music. Maxi Priest is a Reggae vocalist.
We will have an active day - everything from cooking for Thanksgiving to shopping for a new outfit to go with my red cowboy boots to eating and listening to music on 6th. I am sure that there will be other activites in there too. We even thought we might wander back to Chuy's for those fabulous margaritas and their special nachos. One never knows what will come up when you are open to doing whatever comes to mind.
It is almost 11:00 a.m., Renee is cooking quiches in the kitchen and is giving me lessons. First up, the broccoli and cheese quiche! It smells just yummy! Second up, the crabmeat and scallion quiche! It is all about the layering and spices! What am I good at in the kitchen? Being an assistant and clean-up!
It is around 1:30 p.m. so we are off to have lunch again at Chuy's. However, this time we split the nachos special that were these individual huge homemade nachos with chicken, jalapenos, cheese, refried beans sala and lettuce that were arranged beside each other on the plate! In addition, we split beef fajitas that were fabulous. Of course, I never wrapped my fajitas. The inside ingredients are fantastic by themselves on my plate. The margaritas were just as good as yesterday!
After lunch, we found our way to Stein Mart to do some clothes shopping. I found a fabulous long sweater and leggings to wear with my red boots! Renee found some other goodies, such as her great plum-colored jacket. It so looks like her style!
Our next stop? We went to Specs to peruse the wine and liquor bottles to find the right wines for tomorrow (and for tonight) and vodka for the bloody mary's! The wine for tonight is a 2006 Beautiful Earth that has great legs! It is just a fabulous red wine. We would recommend this wine! Our last stop before coming back home was to go to Randall's again so that Renee could make a spinach artichoke dip for tomorrow.
It is 6:00 p.m. so what am I doing? Renee is making the spinach artichoke dip and bloody mary mix. I am waiting to do clean up! Red wine is in hand! Maxi Priest's CD from 1990 entitled "Bonafide" and also Mike Hosty is on for our musical entertainment. This is new to me but not to Renee. She has such a fabulous selection of music! Mike Hosty is a combination of delta blues, jazz and groove music. Maxi Priest is a Reggae vocalist.
We headed to dinner around 8:30 p.m. Dinner at Trio's at the Four Seasons was so unbelievable that I am not sure if I can describe it accurately so I am just going to list them! Appetizer: Pork Belly; Entree: Smoked Texas Rib Eye; Sides: Mac and Cheese with truffles and Cream Corn Creme Brulee; Dessert: Chocolate Creme Brulee. Renee and I split the entire meal. I am so full that I can barely move. I just had to have dessert or I would never forgive myself for not trying chocolate creme brulee that I had never heard of before today. I thank Renee for parking quite a distance away as we really needed to walk after that meal. Maybe I shouldn't eat again until Monday? Oh wait! Tomorrow is Thanksgiving so I think the answer is a "no"!
We have been having such late dinners that it is now time to hit the pillow! It is almost 12:00 midnight CST.
Well, I hope everyone else had a great day!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Vampires to Alligators - November 24th
I am so happy to know that I was able to make coffee this morning while Renee was still sleeping. It is a great way to start any day. The house is so peaceful in the morning except for the sound of the waste management truck pick ups in the morning! The sound of life is so comforting. The world just keeps going on. This is certainly a very good thing. We have to live our lives in the way we deem important to go towards the future filled with hope and desires. Being around people and having great friends in general is so important in our lives. I consider Renee to be a great friend who has added so much to my life. People come and go in our lives for a determined amount of time - some longer than others. There are always lesson to learn.
The morning was spent not only drinking coffee but watching Twilight in anticipation of watching New Moon in a matinee this afternoon. I was struck by how much I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. My favorite movies are generally romantic ones but not necessarily sappy ones. I love the complexities of relationships and human emotions. It is what makes us all unique. The visual effects and appropriate musical scores (especially paramore's decode) were very well done. The acting was very tight and not a weak character in the bunch. Although the movie was predictable in spots, this really didn't bother me as much as other movies that were predictable in outcomes or turn of events. Seeing this movie on the big screen at the theater must have been amazing. The soundtrack is now downloaded into my I-Tunes and onto my I-Pod!
It is 11:45 a.m. so I am waiting for Renee to come back from the vets with her cat in tow and hopefully on the road to a speedy recovery. Our next plan is to go eat authentic Mexican food for lunch so I am just keeping busy in anticipation of this adventure of familar names but not familar tastes.
The morning was spent not only drinking coffee but watching Twilight in anticipation of watching New Moon in a matinee this afternoon. I was struck by how much I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. My favorite movies are generally romantic ones but not necessarily sappy ones. I love the complexities of relationships and human emotions. It is what makes us all unique. The visual effects and appropriate musical scores (especially paramore's decode) were very well done. The acting was very tight and not a weak character in the bunch. Although the movie was predictable in spots, this really didn't bother me as much as other movies that were predictable in outcomes or turn of events. Seeing this movie on the big screen at the theater must have been amazing. The soundtrack is now downloaded into my I-Tunes and onto my I-Pod!
It is 11:45 a.m. so I am waiting for Renee to come back from the vets with her cat in tow and hopefully on the road to a speedy recovery. Our next plan is to go eat authentic Mexican food for lunch so I am just keeping busy in anticipation of this adventure of familar names but not familar tastes.
After leaving Renee's house, we ventured out to Chuy's for lunch for some authentic mexican food and the best margaritas ever! I had chille rellenos with chicken. Renee had chille rellenos and enchiladas combination. These meals were absolutely fabulous with enough food for left overs at some other time! This restaurant is certainly a place you should frequent a great deal. The restaurant itself is very eclectic depending on what room you are eating in on any given day - retro, art, hubcaps! Their website stated that it is a fun and friendly spot to eat. We can certainly agree with that statement!
On the way back, we stopped at Randall's for the ingredients to make a couple of quiches and green bean casserole for Thanksgiving day at Erin and Rob's! Oh, I can't forget to mention all the blood mary ingredients to take with us on that day. Renee just knows how to make a fabulous drink to help make your time merry and very enjoyable!
As Renee pre-bought tickets to see New Moon, we are really on our way to see this movie on the big screen! The New Moon was really great, but I did like Twilight better. However, I will say that I like the character development of the werewolves and loved the choreography with the vampires. The special effects were fantastic. It is still one big love story. That certainly did not disappoint. You can certainly tell that there will be another movie coming up. I really do need to read the books now to get more details. However, the visuals were great in the movies! I love the written word as the best form of communication but also love how it comes together in a movie if done really well. I am a hard critic when it comes to movies if they are not tight and well written.
Our destination for dinner is to the Alligator Grill and to listen to some blues! Renee looks fabulous in her outfit and so didn't I in my new red cowboy boots! The meal at the Alligator Grill was fantastic! As a starter, we went with the Hurricane specials - rum, rum and more rum! We had gator for appetizer, then I had cajun grilled shrimp with jalapenos and cheese wrapped in bacon plus gumbo and fried Okra. Renee had fried oysters with rice, green beans and fried okra! The House blues band was fantastic to listen to this evening! It was too bad that they closed the bar at 10:00 p.m.! Anyway, has anyone heard of a Matt Dillon? We were informed that this was when you take the dregs off the bar mat and drink it down in a shot. Ok, yes this does sound pretty bad but people have done it. Would I? I think that is a NO! We heard that it was disgusting. Who knows what is on that mat!
After a long day of going here and there, we settled down to a glass of wine! I hope everyone else had a great day!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Hanging Out in Austin - November 23rd
What a fabulous thing it is to wake up in another city! There is nothing like traveling. I guess you know that about me. If you didn't, then you do now!
Of course, who can sleep when you know the day will be filled with things tried and never tried before? It is just one big adventure! However, I must say that when staying at a friend's house you should find out where the coffee is located the night before. Waking up and not knowing where coffee and filters are located is very trying! Well, it is for me anyway.
When Renee awoke, we had coffee brewing immediately! We sat out on the little patio in her cute little backyard. The kitties are watching us from inside wishing that they were outside and the neighbor's cute dog is barking "hello" at us. I am not sure what type of dog he is but he is so cute! Sometimes I wish I had another dog but it limits what I can do and how long I can be gone for the day or week or whatever. The weather was chilly first thing in the morning but it will be in the 70s today. You can't beat that type of weather at all. I will take it after the chilly mornings in Maine.
Renee is making us breakfast - bacon, eggs and bagels (with spinach artichoke cream cheese). Coffee as a side! She won't let me help as she has it all under control so here I am on my blog. Did you know that there is such a thing as jalapeno bacon? I didn't. Well, we aren't having it this morning but we will later wrapped around scallops. It sounds delicious to me!
Well, we finally got on the road around 1:30 p.m. and found our way to the Cavender's Boot City to peruse all the cowboy boots, cowboy hats and other things Austin! I didn't know if I would find what I could not live without but those red sassy cowboy boots were to die for! These boots will look fabulous with jeans or a dress. Renee found a very cool black cowboy hat and other accessories to die for too! She wants me to go back and get a cool black hat too! We shall see.
Of course, who can sleep when you know the day will be filled with things tried and never tried before? It is just one big adventure! However, I must say that when staying at a friend's house you should find out where the coffee is located the night before. Waking up and not knowing where coffee and filters are located is very trying! Well, it is for me anyway.
When Renee awoke, we had coffee brewing immediately! We sat out on the little patio in her cute little backyard. The kitties are watching us from inside wishing that they were outside and the neighbor's cute dog is barking "hello" at us. I am not sure what type of dog he is but he is so cute! Sometimes I wish I had another dog but it limits what I can do and how long I can be gone for the day or week or whatever. The weather was chilly first thing in the morning but it will be in the 70s today. You can't beat that type of weather at all. I will take it after the chilly mornings in Maine.
Renee is making us breakfast - bacon, eggs and bagels (with spinach artichoke cream cheese). Coffee as a side! She won't let me help as she has it all under control so here I am on my blog. Did you know that there is such a thing as jalapeno bacon? I didn't. Well, we aren't having it this morning but we will later wrapped around scallops. It sounds delicious to me!
Well, we finally got on the road around 1:30 p.m. and found our way to the Cavender's Boot City to peruse all the cowboy boots, cowboy hats and other things Austin! I didn't know if I would find what I could not live without but those red sassy cowboy boots were to die for! These boots will look fabulous with jeans or a dress. Renee found a very cool black cowboy hat and other accessories to die for too! She wants me to go back and get a cool black hat too! We shall see.
After leaving this mecca of all things cowboy, we ventured down the parking lot to this huge organic food store called Central Market. We grabbed a cart and perused all the delicious fresh food items. However, nothing had entered our cart when we found the wine bar in the middle of the store. Did we stop? Well, of course! I ordered a Temparnillo and Renee ordered a Savignon Blanc. We had a great conversation with the bartender who knew all things HEB and Central Market. We got a history lesson on how it all started as a little 7/11. Did you know that Whole Foods also started in Austin? I didn't. After partaking in beverages and losing our empty cart, we perused the rest of the store taking in all the wonderful smells. What did we buy? Sparkling red wine called BITCH as well as cheese (truffled enfused semi-soft cheese and smoked gouda) and crackers (Water Wheel Crisp Bread Crackers) plus tamales for appetizers before we go out to dinner.
It is around 6:00 p.m., we are now sitting at Renee's house listening to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. It is easy on the ears! Glass of BITCH in hand with a side of the appetizers. It will be time to get ready to go out to dinner in an hour or so. We are just chilling out for the time being.
On our way to Lambert's for barbecue, we stopped at Best Buy to buy an S cord and Twilight on DVD so we can watch it before we see New Moon tomorrow night. Renee is trying really hard to make sure that I love watching this movie and reading the series. She is on a mission!
We parked in Renee's work parking garage and walked forever down all these streets to get to Lambert's! There were cars everywhere but hardly any people. It seemed deserted but you knew people were around. It is not like walking around downtown Hallowell where you see people everywhere!
Lambert's is certainly not what I expected a barbeque place to be like at all. Their website states that it is located in the carefully restored Historic Schneider Brothers Building, and serves up inventive BBQ, modern Texas cooking, and carefully prepared cocktails. I must say that the inside of the restaurant is very well decorated and comfortable with a bar just as you walk into the place. Renee knew that this restaurant provides a lot of food so we decided to share whatever we got. Renee ordered a vodka drink and I ordered a beer. As an appetizer, we had a surprisingly delightful deviled eggs with jalapenos and caviar. For the entree, we had beef brisket that was to die for. For sides, we had fried okra and collard greens that were wonderful. For dessert, we had an absolutely fabulous maple brioche bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream and whiskey hard sauce. We were so full of goodies by the end of the meal that it was a really good plan to have to walk all that way back to the car.
We got settled back home around 10:15 p.m. Renee was unable to get her DVD player to work so I will watch it on my computer sometime before the movie. David Letterman is on television at 10:30 p.m. Sleep might be in order pretty soon! I hope everyone else had a fabulous day!
Northeast (Boston) and Southward (Austin) Bound - November 22nd
The adventure continued with boarding the flight to Chicago. I am always so glad to have an aisle seat! The airplane was so packed that I had to put my luggage in first class. I wish I was flying first class. I have not done that in such a long time! I had limited conversation with the two students who sat next to me who were going to Idaho. However, I will note that one of the students was reading a book in Japanese or some asian language. The flight was uneventful except that we got in 40 minutes earlier than the three hours predicted. This means that I had just less than two hours to make my connecting flight.
After retrieving my luggage from first class, I proceeded to find my gate. Our gate was in Terminal B so I had to walk all the way to Teriminal F. Let's just say that wearing boots with heels was not the right choice for traveling! Having pull luggage on wheels is certainly the best invention. Now I need to find an alternative for all my electronics. My briefcase was certainly getting heavy on my shoulder. Computers are heavy! Research/shopping in my future. No big surprise there!
After finding my gate in Terminal F, I purchased yogurt with fruit as well as a Diet Coke. Ok, I will admit that traveling all day does get tiring and a caffeine boost is required. I never used to get tired traveling but that is where I am at the moment. With Wifi connection found, I was in business. Emailing and FBing with friends until my plane was ready for the next leg of my adventure.
The flight from Chicago to Austin boarded around 8:05 p.m. (9:05 p.m. EST)! My carry on was left outside the entry to the plane so that it could be put underneath with all the others. The plane was small - two seats on each side of the aisle. Even though I did not have an aisle seat, I had the next best thing - No person sitting beside me! Lack of focus allowed me to stretch out when I could to take some catnaps. I don't recall ever sleeping on a plane before but I just had to put my feet up and my head against the wall. All I needed was a pillow and blanket!
The flight landed more or less on time at the Austin airport around 11:15 p.m. (12:15 p.m. EST). We had to wait for another plane to move out of our spot so we sat on the tarmack for a short time. After parking at the gate, we debarked and some of us waited for our luggage. In the meantime, Renee was riding around the airport because you are not allowed to park and wait for passengers.
Renee and I finally connected outside the airport and proceeded to drive 11 miles to her new house! GPS is another great invention! She lives in this gated community that has over 40 houses crammed in together. It is so cool! No privacy though but good for safety! The house is huge with three bedrooms and lots of open space. Oh, Owen and Max, her kitties, are here to greet us! Renee gave me the grand tour. To my surprise, Renee had purchased me a comfy bathrobe (light blue with polka dots) and slippers for my stay. Oh, and she purchased me the Twilight book because she believes I will love the series.
Of course, the next scheduled segment of this adventure included a few glasses of white wine and great conversation! It is so nice to see her! She has been missed. We all hope that she will be back in Maine soon. I hit the pillow hard around 1:30 a.m. (2:30 a.m.. EST) so that I could be ready for the next adventure!
After retrieving my luggage from first class, I proceeded to find my gate. Our gate was in Terminal B so I had to walk all the way to Teriminal F. Let's just say that wearing boots with heels was not the right choice for traveling! Having pull luggage on wheels is certainly the best invention. Now I need to find an alternative for all my electronics. My briefcase was certainly getting heavy on my shoulder. Computers are heavy! Research/shopping in my future. No big surprise there!
After finding my gate in Terminal F, I purchased yogurt with fruit as well as a Diet Coke. Ok, I will admit that traveling all day does get tiring and a caffeine boost is required. I never used to get tired traveling but that is where I am at the moment. With Wifi connection found, I was in business. Emailing and FBing with friends until my plane was ready for the next leg of my adventure.
The flight from Chicago to Austin boarded around 8:05 p.m. (9:05 p.m. EST)! My carry on was left outside the entry to the plane so that it could be put underneath with all the others. The plane was small - two seats on each side of the aisle. Even though I did not have an aisle seat, I had the next best thing - No person sitting beside me! Lack of focus allowed me to stretch out when I could to take some catnaps. I don't recall ever sleeping on a plane before but I just had to put my feet up and my head against the wall. All I needed was a pillow and blanket!
The flight landed more or less on time at the Austin airport around 11:15 p.m. (12:15 p.m. EST). We had to wait for another plane to move out of our spot so we sat on the tarmack for a short time. After parking at the gate, we debarked and some of us waited for our luggage. In the meantime, Renee was riding around the airport because you are not allowed to park and wait for passengers.
Renee and I finally connected outside the airport and proceeded to drive 11 miles to her new house! GPS is another great invention! She lives in this gated community that has over 40 houses crammed in together. It is so cool! No privacy though but good for safety! The house is huge with three bedrooms and lots of open space. Oh, Owen and Max, her kitties, are here to greet us! Renee gave me the grand tour. To my surprise, Renee had purchased me a comfy bathrobe (light blue with polka dots) and slippers for my stay. Oh, and she purchased me the Twilight book because she believes I will love the series.
Of course, the next scheduled segment of this adventure included a few glasses of white wine and great conversation! It is so nice to see her! She has been missed. We all hope that she will be back in Maine soon. I hit the pillow hard around 1:30 a.m. (2:30 a.m.. EST) so that I could be ready for the next adventure!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pre-Flight Activity
Well, it certainly is a Sunday but is not a day of rest. I was up early to finish packing, then headed off to Chris's for coffee and great conversation. On the road starting around 9:00 a.m. in order to hit Slate's bakery for a blueberry muffin. I was not able to visit Teri as it was too early for her to receiving vistors around 10:00 a.m. so I just headed to the Concord Trailways to take the next scheduled bus to Logan.
I got a great parking spot - no searching for a space! Hopefully, I will remember where I parked the car and where my ticket is located when I get back. Of course, I had headed to the terminal but had to go back because I had forgot something. No surprise there at all. Too early to be thinking that straight. Anyway, I was able to purchase a ticket to make the 10:30 a.m. bus to Logan.
The Concord Trailways ride was great! I was able to watch August Rush. I just love the music! I have watched this movie so many times and have downloaded the CD on my I-Pod! We had to stop at South Station first, then proceeded to Logan. There were only three of us left. Lo and behold, the two guys were friends of Shawn and Khalid on their way to Brazil. What a small world!
I finally arrived around 12:45 p.m., then proceeded to check in. I love self-check in! On the way to the security checkpoints, I purchased an Iris Johansen book for whatever spare time I may think I will have during this trip. I will certainly find out if I have read this book or not. I didn't think so at the time but one never knows until you start reading. I have had that happen on more than one occasion. I am glad I get books from the libraries most of the time!
I am glad to report that I did not have to get padded down at the security check point. However, I had a lot of things to take off and unload - computer, coat, hat, scarf, boots, liquids, watch, earrings. It took me forever to get everything back on and back into my briefcase. One of the security guys said - "Are you still here?" I just laughed. Anyway, another point of the travel down and completed. It was then on to find my departure gate!
After finding my departure gate, I found the nearest bar with beverage and food. It will certainly be a long day waiting for the 5:15 p.m. flight to Chicago!!! I stumbled upon the Boston Beer Works. They make their own beer. I had the Harvest Ale. They had a great up-state new york chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce. I chatted awhile with a guy who was going to Amsterdam through Washington, D.C. I have never been there even though I have heard some stories!
After eating, I set up my computer all ready to go. Well, I thought it was already to go. However, I ran into connections problems. Boingo was no help on their help line for the 40 minutes I chatted with her on the telephone. After getting off the telephone with her, I figured it out myself. I had asked if logging into the loganwifi was a remedy to solve the problems and she said no. Well, she was certainly wrong since I am on line now and figured everything out myself. I should pat myself on the back. Anyway, I am just glad the problem is solved now that I only have 1 hour and 30 minutes or so until boarding the flight. I actually was able to help another person at the bar log on. I feel so proud of myself!!!
The football games are on the television sets in the bar. Indianapolis is losing to Baltimore with a 15-14 score in the Fourth Quarter. The New York Giants are beating the Atlanta Falcomes with a 24-17 score in the Third Quarter.
I sit here at the bar with no worries - computer keys at my finger tips and beer in my hand! There are a few people in the bar but it is pretty quiet except for the televisions and some chatting between patrons. I am pretty excited to be going on a trip. I loved to go just about anywhere! Not that I am saying that I could sit in an airport all day, but I could do whatever it takes to get there. No problem is unsolvable!
I should be at my departure gate around 4:30 or even before. It is almost 3:30 p.m. now.
Safe travels to everyone!
I got a great parking spot - no searching for a space! Hopefully, I will remember where I parked the car and where my ticket is located when I get back. Of course, I had headed to the terminal but had to go back because I had forgot something. No surprise there at all. Too early to be thinking that straight. Anyway, I was able to purchase a ticket to make the 10:30 a.m. bus to Logan.
The Concord Trailways ride was great! I was able to watch August Rush. I just love the music! I have watched this movie so many times and have downloaded the CD on my I-Pod! We had to stop at South Station first, then proceeded to Logan. There were only three of us left. Lo and behold, the two guys were friends of Shawn and Khalid on their way to Brazil. What a small world!
I finally arrived around 12:45 p.m., then proceeded to check in. I love self-check in! On the way to the security checkpoints, I purchased an Iris Johansen book for whatever spare time I may think I will have during this trip. I will certainly find out if I have read this book or not. I didn't think so at the time but one never knows until you start reading. I have had that happen on more than one occasion. I am glad I get books from the libraries most of the time!
I am glad to report that I did not have to get padded down at the security check point. However, I had a lot of things to take off and unload - computer, coat, hat, scarf, boots, liquids, watch, earrings. It took me forever to get everything back on and back into my briefcase. One of the security guys said - "Are you still here?" I just laughed. Anyway, another point of the travel down and completed. It was then on to find my departure gate!
After finding my departure gate, I found the nearest bar with beverage and food. It will certainly be a long day waiting for the 5:15 p.m. flight to Chicago!!! I stumbled upon the Boston Beer Works. They make their own beer. I had the Harvest Ale. They had a great up-state new york chicken sandwich with buffalo sauce. I chatted awhile with a guy who was going to Amsterdam through Washington, D.C. I have never been there even though I have heard some stories!
After eating, I set up my computer all ready to go. Well, I thought it was already to go. However, I ran into connections problems. Boingo was no help on their help line for the 40 minutes I chatted with her on the telephone. After getting off the telephone with her, I figured it out myself. I had asked if logging into the loganwifi was a remedy to solve the problems and she said no. Well, she was certainly wrong since I am on line now and figured everything out myself. I should pat myself on the back. Anyway, I am just glad the problem is solved now that I only have 1 hour and 30 minutes or so until boarding the flight. I actually was able to help another person at the bar log on. I feel so proud of myself!!!
The football games are on the television sets in the bar. Indianapolis is losing to Baltimore with a 15-14 score in the Fourth Quarter. The New York Giants are beating the Atlanta Falcomes with a 24-17 score in the Third Quarter.
I sit here at the bar with no worries - computer keys at my finger tips and beer in my hand! There are a few people in the bar but it is pretty quiet except for the televisions and some chatting between patrons. I am pretty excited to be going on a trip. I loved to go just about anywhere! Not that I am saying that I could sit in an airport all day, but I could do whatever it takes to get there. No problem is unsolvable!
I should be at my departure gate around 4:30 or even before. It is almost 3:30 p.m. now.
Safe travels to everyone!
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