Wednesday - Seattle, Day 1
Travel day. With laundry done, snacks bought and suitcases packed, Luci and I drive to LaGuardia to fly to Seattle. Mailed the required 2 tapes and application to the IFP Market just in time for Friday’s deadline. Figured long term parking would be cheaper than a car back and forth and a $45 parking ticket for alternate side parking mishap. Of course, the lot was closed and went searching for “off airport parking”. Not quite as cheap, but seem to be trustworthy folks. We leave Buster in their hands and make our way into the airport.
Our first leg takes us to Cincinnati. We were delayed and sat on the runway in an airplane traffic jam which felt like 45 minutes. It was actually 43 minutes. Finally in the air, it was welcome to Delta’s newest roller coaster attraction, “Scream for Your Life, This is Serious Turbulence” complete with screaming baby 2 seats in front of us. We were finally offered water after about 2 hours into the flight or so. I asked for an extra and was told, “No”.
Apparently, all airports have a contract with Coca-Cola’s version of water called “Dishonest” er.. Disani. Apparently, it’s the only water you can drink while flying. Coca-Cola tap water. “fortified with minerals for flavor” Yumm. So not only are we dehydrated, but aren’t offered a “snack” (bag of pretzels) at all. Luci and I are prepared and have brought all kinds of munchies with us as well as water (drank it on the runway). I’m going to stop the rant on airlines now, because it only got worse from there. Last trip with Delta, I swear. Luci told me her flight with American was worse than this one! Our plane didn't have a gap in the floor! Where to turn? British Airways and Air France don’t fly domestic.
Oh, one more thing: you have to “buy” headphones now and can “purchase” items off their illustrious in-flight menu of microwaveable gourmet delicacies. I think they should offer “optional flight attendant” flights for a discount, because I really don’t see a reason for them to be there anymore.
Eight hours later, we’re in Seattle and driving down I-5 in our brand spanking new Chevrolet something or other. We get to the hotel and it's posh. There's a grocery opened until 2 and we are able to buy coffee filters and food for the room. We have a fridge!
We got to bed around 2 and because of the jet lag, woke up at 8. We’re picking up the equipment on the way to Marilyn’s house. Should leave here around 10. Looking forward to meeting her and the family.