FINALLY ON THE ROAD

 

     As per our normal we were completely packed and ready to go 3 days before our departure date.  Ya right. 

   

   The night before we were to depart,  Jim was working on the failed sprinkler system until 8:30 at night and Irene was running around making sure we had sufficient timers on lights, that the house was secured and we had in fact packed everything we could possibly need or use for 30 days.   Jim finished packing his suitcases about 11:00 pm and we settled in for one last, long and luxurious nights sleep in our super comfortable California King bed.

 

     Some time around Midnight, we both fell asleep.  Taxi would be by to pick us up at 4:00am for a 6:30 flight.  You know how the circadian clock kicks in, fear of sleeping through the alarm (first time we have used the damn thing in about 20 years) had us both awake at 2:30.   Gonna be a long day.

 

    Taxi was right on time, and got us to the airport in record time, about 4:30.  Checked bags in with sky cap in about 2 minutes.  Had to stand in line at security for all of about 90 seconds (amazing how short lines are at 4:30 am).  Funny things then happened.  Irene had to have one of her bags personally screened due to some very visible foreign objects on the xray machine.  Turns out the suspected contraband was the large quantity of Canadian Coins that Brother John gave us to spend.

 

    That caused us to giggle a bit.  Not so much as when they pulled Jim's laptop out and ran it back through the scanner tho.   Seems there were a number of wires connected to something suspicious in the Lap top carrying case.  Several supervisors were called to view the images.  Additional agents came over and viewed the images and all commented on what they were looking at.  Finally a TSA agent asked me what were the wires in the case.

 

   What had them concerned were the various chargers we are taking for our phones, computers, Tablets and etc.  TA DA, problem solved.

 

   Flight was basically uneventful going into Denver for a plane change and then on to Minneapolis/St Paul.   In Minneapolis, we went directly to the rental car  agency where we were to pick up the car we had reserved as a Christmas gift this past December.  We stood in line for about 20 minutes patiently waiting our turn.  We checked in provided our reservation confirmation, gave Drivers licences and a Credit card and waited for out keys.

 

     Not so fast.  We were informed that they were out of cars !  We asked for an upgrade.  None were available.  How bout a down grade.  None available.  We were politely told that it would only be about 10 minutes and they would have a car.  Please be patient and we apologize. Ok, what can we do.  30 minutes later as promised they told us our car was ready.

 

   Finally arrived at hotel at about 4:00pm.  Talked about what to do for rest of day and decided that wisdom dictates a nap.  You got a deal.  Solid 2 hours sleep and then downstairs for Dinner.  Back up to room after dinner to watch American Idol.  Turned it on just as they were showing closing credits.  Of course they were.

 

   After the long day of traveling, went to bed early to be fresh for a big day on Friday.  We both tossed and turned for about 2  minutes.