When you travel forward, you leave things and people behind. It's a tug of war on the emotions sometimes. Mom is struggling again with shortness of breath but has many people to help her IF she allows it. Younger Daughter took her to the grocery store yesterday, then carried in her groceries and put them away. She also did some laundry for her. Friends of my brother will escort her to her cardiology appointment today. On a mundane note, I'm eager to see my bearded irises bloom; with our current cold spring, they are weeks late. By the time I return, many of them should be open!
The TSA employee who checked my ID at SeaTac asked me twice, "Are you traveling alone?" (incredulously) Then my Fitbit set off the metal detector for the first time ever and I had to be frisked. Also I ended up on a 737 MAX which initially made me nervous--but it was such a smooth and quiet ride. With an excellent tail wind, we made it to JFK in 4 hours and 17 minutes. We won't discuss the very long taxi line...
The NYC traffic was typically atrocious; however, I managed to arrive at Grand Central at 6:38 for the 6:45 train. I can move fast when I need to; fortunately, I know that terminal well. It's gorgeous but I had no time to snap a photo as I was tearing through the station dragging my suitcase. By the way most people in New York are wearing masks, possibly since their Covid numbers are back in the red zone and hospitalizations are rising. Sigh.
I got to admire the sunset from the train and continued my plane reading during the hour and a half trip. I'm intrigued by this Book Club book and devouring it!
Although I had to leave my precious Mari behind, she's not hating the cat sitter according to the eleven photos and the detailed report I received from her last night. :)
Delightful Ziggy kept me company last night; I could have lived without him nipping at my feet though, then snuggling up to my face. Early this morning he tried to give me love bites when I petted him. A few hours after THAT the college lawnmowers started up at 7 a.m. (4 a.m. my time) at which time I gave up on sleep. They are loud! Later there was a little sweetheart who crawled in bed with me to tell me about his face plant at daycare a few days ago and how Celine had to get the wood chips out of his mouth. His poor little face is all scratched up. He is utterly adorable and so talkative!
See those weekend temperatures? I was scheduled to stay in an Airbnb Friday through Sunday and suddenly realized that (incredible as it might be), the house might not have A/C. So, I messaged the host who responded, "Oh, it's very cool in the basement." Not an answer. To make a long story short, I cancelled my reservation and now Son-in-law's parents and I will be staying with them in their smallish apartment with one bathroom and three air conditioning units. It will be quite cozy! Travel requires flexibility and the gift of looking at experiences, both good and bad, as adventures. I've got this.
Enjoy your trip! I always set off the metal detector, I don't know why. I just accept it now.
Posted by: Luftmentsch | May 18, 2022 at 10:15 AM
Enjoy your trip. I love the east coast even though I've only been a couple of times. :)
Posted by: Jenni Elyse | May 18, 2022 at 11:06 AM
My gosh Margaret you get around!! Mari looks her beautiful self, but I was happily surprised to see the famous Ziggy too! Am I being too nosy if I asked why you returned to New York so soon? Are you helping OD with the move? It amazes me how much you travel! 🙂👍
Posted by: Doug M | May 18, 2022 at 11:11 AM
I have to say that when I asked for you to bring back nice weather when you return I absolutely did not mean temps in the 90's! Please leave those behind :) It makes life so much easier when you know the lay of the land associated with your destination I think, but pretty soon you can forget all about navigating NYC.
Posted by: Debbie | May 18, 2022 at 11:33 AM
I admire your ability to enjoy your travels, despite the inconveniences. I wonder why the TSA agent was surprised that you were traveling along. That doesn't strike me as noteworthy.
Posted by: Ally Bean | May 18, 2022 at 12:06 PM
I think you made a good decision about the air bnb. I have a basement in the Midwest. And it is not cool when there is no air conditioning. Meh. It is nice that you have a place to share that will be cool. There would be little sleep with 94 degrees temps and the humidity in the basement!
I am sure you will enjoy Grandson and family. Have fun and safe travels home!
Posted by: Kaye | May 18, 2022 at 12:09 PM
Goodness, you got frisked. You sure it wasn't just because he liked you:) Kind of glad most everyone is wearing masks. We are not out of this yet. Stay safe.
Think Mari is getting spoiled which is great and Ziggy is taking over her job of snuggling with you though those bites aren't necessary.
Glad you aren't in a basement. Enjoy your family and that adorable youngster.
Posted by: Arkansas Patti | May 18, 2022 at 01:05 PM
Have a wonderful trip and keep cool this weekend!!!
Posted by: Karen | May 18, 2022 at 04:37 PM
Being a seasoned traveler, you know how to roll with the blips along the way. I'm glad you are staying with OD and not the basement air bnb. Knowing that Mari likes the cat sitter is reassuring. It also sounds like you've put things in good order at home and all will be okay while you are in NY. N is such a delight and he's always got something to say. He likes to converse with you and seems to share everything. Ziggy and his welcome bites and kisses are comical.
Posted by: Susan | May 18, 2022 at 05:00 PM
As your first commenter said, I always set off the alarms, too. I do know it's due to all the metal in my body.
It's good the flight was uneventful and the little face planter climbed into bed with you.
Posted by: Joanne Noragon | May 18, 2022 at 05:35 PM
Carl got scolded by TSA for putting food for the plane ride in with his CPAP. The taxi line when I arrived seemed long and slow. When I checked my texts it was really only 20 minutes. I am hoping Carl doesn't have to wait long when he arrives tonight.
Posted by: Jay | May 18, 2022 at 05:38 PM
That cat!
Posted by: Catalyst | May 18, 2022 at 07:27 PM
Welcome to NYS! At 1.5 hours north of the city I hope you've enjoyed the Walkway Over The Hudson. I'm not looking forward to temps in the 90's this weekend.
It's so fortunate that your mother has many helpers while you're away. That helps me continue to travel knowing my siblings and I all do our part so no one is overwhelmed by the responsibility. Enjoy the time with your family.
Posted by: Maureen | May 18, 2022 at 07:38 PM
Have a wonderful visit. I'm going to check out that book. I recently read "Pachinko" which was also about Koreans, a very good read.
Posted by: Pixie | May 18, 2022 at 10:05 PM
I also received a few very gentle love bites before 5 this morning. She would have been purring loudly. Alas, I cannot hear it sans helpful appliances.
Posted by: AC | May 19, 2022 at 03:41 AM
I see we are both reading The Island of Sea Women right now. I keep asking Don if he was aware of the history of Korea and the horrendous way we treated the people? He wasn't. Me, either. Such a rich and revealing story.
Posted by: Anne@HeadFullofBooks | May 20, 2022 at 05:02 PM
I'm glad that people were around to help your mom. I hope your irises are ready for your return. My peonies are finally blooming so perhaps there is hope for my lilacs.
Why, by the way, was it so odd that you were traveling alone?
Posted by: Zazzy | May 23, 2022 at 05:58 AM
I would think that there are MANY people who travel alone!? That TSA question surprised me.
We stew about leaving our cats for a DAY!
Posted by: Tonya Watkins | May 26, 2022 at 03:42 PM