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April 2008
4/27/08
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
4/15/08
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4/10/08
4/8/08
4/4/08
Saturday, April 26, 2008
1:15:00 AM EDT
The flights were good, in fact so good that Kim, Sonny and I all have a new favorite airline! We were impressed with the cheerfulness and the customer service provided by the employees at Continental Airlines. It was an airline that I rarely had to call on for problems on behalf of my customers when I worked at Expedia. After our flights, I fully understand why.
Sonny had to return home early and his return flights were on another airline. I'm sure Bridgett's husband Doug will know if I just say it was thee worst airline we had to deal with. Sonny's first flight was delayed by a couple of hours which meant he wouldn't get into his connecting city in time for his next flight. So, I told him go to the check-in counter outside of security (get a way from the long line at the gate wanting to make changes) They provided him new flights for the next day.
What I didn't like was that our train was delayed about 3 hours and waiting at the train station in the most uncomfortable seats. We didn't want to stray far from those uncomfortable seats as we didn't know when our 'delayed' train would depart. Information provided was minimal. IF I had known it was going to be that much of a delay, I think I'd have gone out and checked out the Botanical Gardens or even the Postal Museum right across the street from the station.
The other form of transportation we had to deal with ... cars of course. But, we had "drivers". One driver has training with the police department and personally, I preferred keeping my eyes closed so I didn't have to see and so I could PRAY! He's always had a bit of a lead foot.
This time we wanted to take in more of the museums that we didn't get to see on our first trip. Several that were of interest to us were closed for refurbishing and those that were open had HUGE school field trip crowds that were overwhelming and spoiled the experience.
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1:15:00 AM EDT
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
We are home. I wish I could say it with enthusiasm, I can't.
While I was worn out and in need of a quiet day, I also find I miss the smiles, the hugs and those busy little hands of my granddaughters that get into EVERYTHING!
While I was worn out and in need of a quiet day, I also find I miss the smiles, the hugs and those busy little hands of my granddaughters that get into EVERYTHING!
The flights were good, in fact so good that Kim, Sonny and I all have a new favorite airline! We were impressed with the cheerfulness and the customer service provided by the employees at Continental Airlines. It was an airline that I rarely had to call on for problems on behalf of my customers when I worked at Expedia. After our flights, I fully understand why.
Sonny had to return home early and his return flights were on another airline. I'm sure Bridgett's husband Doug will know if I just say it was thee worst airline we had to deal with. Sonny's first flight was delayed by a couple of hours which meant he wouldn't get into his connecting city in time for his next flight. So, I told him go to the check-in counter outside of security (get a way from the long line at the gate wanting to make changes) They provided him new flights for the next day.
On Monday morning we took Sonny back to the airport at 5 AM. He had a mini tour of the USA - with stops in DC, Phoenix and finally to Seattle. He got into Seattle around 6 PM - which was 9 PM on the east coast. It only took him 14 hours to get from one end of the country to the other. He wasn't done yet! He went from the airport to work and around 2 AM (5 AM Eastern Time) he was finally home in bed. That of course was a full 24 hours after we dropped him off at the airport in Norfolk!
Kim and I returned on Continental Airlines and were once again fully impressed, meaning our first flights weren't a fluke. Oh and I learned something! I used to chew gum when landing to help alleviate the ear pressure/pain. However, I learned Lifesavers or any hard candy is a hundred times better!
Kim and I returned on Continental Airlines and were once again fully impressed, meaning our first flights weren't a fluke. Oh and I learned something! I used to chew gum when landing to help alleviate the ear pressure/pain. However, I learned Lifesavers or any hard candy is a hundred times better!
We all had our first experience with Amtrak. I've been on trains in Europe but, never here in the states. Unless you want to count commuter trains and I don't count them. We LOVED the comfy seats that reclined, the leg room, and of course the meal car was handy. What I enjoyed was watching the scenery and some of the small towns.
What I didn't like was that our train was delayed about 3 hours and waiting at the train station in the most uncomfortable seats. We didn't want to stray far from those uncomfortable seats as we didn't know when our 'delayed' train would depart. Information provided was minimal. IF I had known it was going to be that much of a delay, I think I'd have gone out and checked out the Botanical Gardens or even the Postal Museum right across the street from the station.
The other form of transportation we had to deal with ... cars of course. But, we had "drivers". One driver has training with the police department and personally, I preferred keeping my eyes closed so I didn't have to see and so I could PRAY! He's always had a bit of a lead foot.
The main focus of this trip wasn't to see sights but to see our precious grandchildren and my two sons. It was a good thing it wasn't our main focus as we would've been terribly disappointed. Our first time in DC had been a weekend visit, with minimal crowds and we were more interested in looking at the monuments than going to several of the museums.
This time we wanted to take in more of the museums that we didn't get to see on our first trip. Several that were of interest to us were closed for refurbishing and those that were open had HUGE school field trip crowds that were overwhelming and spoiled the experience.
Our visit with the granddaughters didn't disappoint! We didn't know how they would react to us, if they would be accepting of us or would they be shy and have nothing to do with us. The word grandma meant nothing to them but Amelia seemed to understand the term daddy's mommy. They both seemed to know that even though they didn't know us that we loved them. After a couple hours they were cuddling up to us like they had known us all their lives. That alone made it the best possible visit!
Now I just wish I didn't miss them so darn much, not just my beautiful granddaughters but, also my two son's and their wives.
Now I just wish I didn't miss them so darn much, not just my beautiful granddaughters but, also my two son's and their wives.
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This entry has 16 comments: (Add your own)
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thats good your trip went well.
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I'm glad that you had a great visit
Gretchen -
Happy to hear you had such a great trip ~ it sounds like your travelling was much easier than Sonny's (poor guy). I bet you do miss your family and I am sure they are missing you just as much. Glad you are home safe & sound.
Lisa -
Monica,
I'm glad you have arrived home safely and glad to hear you had a good trip, I can only imagine how much you'll miss the kids -- the big ones and little ones. It's nice to have you back with our J-Land family though :-)
Hugs, Martha
4/29/08 9:37 PM
xoxo