Having the opportunity to fly to and from Houston this past weekend reminded me of the joys (I am being facetious here) of flying.
Of course we all know that it isn't any fun to fly anymore--between the preflight screening, the undressing in public to get through security, and then being crammed into a long cylindrical airframe like so many sardines in a can--it just is not something I look forward to anymore.
I like being there--I just don't appreciate getting there.
But--on our return flight from Houston, actually it was the leg from Chicago to Washington, DC, I was confronted with an really interesting individual seated across the aisle from me. After I had slept for about an hour as it was late at night, this person decided the entire aircraft needed to start shouting U-S-A, U-S-A at the top of their lungs.
She was loud. And she just couldn't understand why, at 11PM after a long day, people wanted to sleep more than cheer about a losing hockey effort. For some reason she felt that I needed to help her in the cheer and she even hit my arm trying to enlist my aid. OK--I was appalled that she crossed over into my interpersonal zone.
I did an interesting thing--I decided to ignore her. Which was hard. But I was tired and just waking up after a not-so-restful snooze.
I couldn't tell if she had too much to drink or had some other problem, but after the entire plane ignored her cheer--and she tried about six times; she began sobbing. Loudly. She was distressed that she had been dissed in her socially unacceptable behavior. The cabin crew offered her some aid to dry her tears as the plane was beginning the process of landing and she could not go to the lavatory to self-correct.
I heard her subsequently talking under her breath but loudly enough for me to hear that she had never been treated so poorly on a flight in her life.
I felt bad for her--and I still couldn't tell whether this was an alcohol induced situation or a mental situation.
The problem was ultimately solved by landing and deplaning. But I wonder--had the flight been one of those long 14 hour flights I've been on in the past, what would have happened.
It is always amazing the people you meet or interact with on the airplane. I wonder if she even remembered what happened the next morning.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday Musings - March 1, 2010
1. Yesterday, I was in Fulshear, Texas at my sister's enjoying lunch outside on the patio in my shirt sleeves. Today, I'm back in the cold looking at snow and the forecast of snow and wondering--why do I live so far north?
2. Air travel gets more and more complicated and difficult. Getting through the pre-flight screening is an art form. And sometimes I feel as if I have to completely redress after I've taken off anything contain metal to go through the scanners. This trip, I found out that my watch now sets the scanners off. Ugh!
3. Sitting outside looking as the clear, blue sky feeling the warm sun on my face was fantastic. Looking out at the trees beginning to clothe themselves in green was nice too. Realizing that it is coming to a place where I live? Priceless!
4. Canada--US hockey. We lost. But then again we won. And I am glad the Olympics are over. It was pretty scary when I got excited about women's curling between Sweden and Canada.
5. I received a greeting from my dog, Makayla, this morning that made me feel real good. She was ecstatic about our return.
6. Traffic around the Washington, DC metro area is not too bad at midnight on a Sunday night. We made it home from Dulles International Airport in 45 minutes. During the day the drive averages an hour and fifteen minutes. At rush hour--it can take three-hours.
7. Spring is coming. Really!
2. Air travel gets more and more complicated and difficult. Getting through the pre-flight screening is an art form. And sometimes I feel as if I have to completely redress after I've taken off anything contain metal to go through the scanners. This trip, I found out that my watch now sets the scanners off. Ugh!
3. Sitting outside looking as the clear, blue sky feeling the warm sun on my face was fantastic. Looking out at the trees beginning to clothe themselves in green was nice too. Realizing that it is coming to a place where I live? Priceless!
4. Canada--US hockey. We lost. But then again we won. And I am glad the Olympics are over. It was pretty scary when I got excited about women's curling between Sweden and Canada.
5. I received a greeting from my dog, Makayla, this morning that made me feel real good. She was ecstatic about our return.
6. Traffic around the Washington, DC metro area is not too bad at midnight on a Sunday night. We made it home from Dulles International Airport in 45 minutes. During the day the drive averages an hour and fifteen minutes. At rush hour--it can take three-hours.
7. Spring is coming. Really!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunshine and Warmth
I've been sitting on the patio deck in the sun all morning at my sister's house trying to convince myself that returning to the frozen wastelands of the north is something I have to do despite not wanting to do it at all.
It is 41 degrees in Elkridge and 63 degrees here in Fulshear, Texas. And in the sun it is a lot warmer.
It is so nice not to have to bundle up excessively just to go outside.
The sky is blue and clear--the sun is warm.
I was looking out across the yard into the greening trees which are budding in response to the warm weather wondering how many more weeks of winter that woodlands weather forecaster from PA forecast for us.
It sure can't be too many more though.
We need to enjoy where we are and prepare for where we are going warmed by the taste of the warming trends which will soon be upon us.
It is 41 degrees in Elkridge and 63 degrees here in Fulshear, Texas. And in the sun it is a lot warmer.
It is so nice not to have to bundle up excessively just to go outside.
The sky is blue and clear--the sun is warm.
I was looking out across the yard into the greening trees which are budding in response to the warm weather wondering how many more weeks of winter that woodlands weather forecaster from PA forecast for us.
It sure can't be too many more though.
We need to enjoy where we are and prepare for where we are going warmed by the taste of the warming trends which will soon be upon us.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Sunny and Warm
A weekend away from the snow and cold is awesome.
Yes it is. So the travel complications of yesterday were definitely worthwhile. I am sitting outside in the sun in a shirt not encumbered by layers of heavy coats and clothing.
I am looking into the future as springtime is beginning to arrive all around me and it is not a dream. It is real.
The sun is warm. The breeze is cool and I am thoroughly enjoying the respite from Maryland.
Can tell its early springtime because the trees are still without leaves, but I can see the light green hue of new leaf growth on some of them.
Despite the snow I left behind in Maryland, I know we are only a few short weeks behind what I am enjoying here in Texas. I have seen the robins already at home, although it seems as if they never left.
The warmth of the sun is intoxicating. I wish I could get a tan, but I will settle for the warmth on my face.
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Friday, February 26, 2010
Flexibility: The Joy of Flying
The phone rang last evening about 9pm as we were watching a movie during the final stages of packing in preparation for heading off to Houston. Our flight was canceled.
And so it began. What to do? Bag the trip? But we really wanted to go.
So I called Southwest since the online website was of no help. I heard the recording that there was between a one and one-and-a-half hour wait to speak to a representative. In for a penny, in for a pound I thought as I put the phone on speaker and settled down for the long haul.
Surprisingly, after about 10 minutes I was able to talk to someone who was most helpful in rebooking us. Except that we would have to fly out of Dulles--an hour drive away and a 0725am flight all meaning about a 0415am departure. You do the math. Ugh.
But here I am sitting on my flight to Chicago to connect to a flight for Houston. All by 0800am.
The sun is shining up here at 35000 feet and the ride is smooth. And we are on our way.
Flexibility. The ability to overcome, change plans, and turn lemons into lemonade. That never say die attitude has worked for me a lot. Even when I play racquetball and am losing 14-1 I never quit. I only need one point at a time. Today we only need one flight at a time.
So despite my initial thought of just canceling, we are on our way. Whether all of the crazy connections we try to pull off will work still remains to be seen. But at least we are still in the game and not sulking on the sidelines.
It's 4th down and 99 yards to go for the win with only seconds left on the clock. Put me in coach-we can do it!
See you in Houston for wine this afternoon!
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
And so it began. What to do? Bag the trip? But we really wanted to go.
So I called Southwest since the online website was of no help. I heard the recording that there was between a one and one-and-a-half hour wait to speak to a representative. In for a penny, in for a pound I thought as I put the phone on speaker and settled down for the long haul.
Surprisingly, after about 10 minutes I was able to talk to someone who was most helpful in rebooking us. Except that we would have to fly out of Dulles--an hour drive away and a 0725am flight all meaning about a 0415am departure. You do the math. Ugh.
But here I am sitting on my flight to Chicago to connect to a flight for Houston. All by 0800am.
The sun is shining up here at 35000 feet and the ride is smooth. And we are on our way.
Flexibility. The ability to overcome, change plans, and turn lemons into lemonade. That never say die attitude has worked for me a lot. Even when I play racquetball and am losing 14-1 I never quit. I only need one point at a time. Today we only need one flight at a time.
So despite my initial thought of just canceling, we are on our way. Whether all of the crazy connections we try to pull off will work still remains to be seen. But at least we are still in the game and not sulking on the sidelines.
It's 4th down and 99 yards to go for the win with only seconds left on the clock. Put me in coach-we can do it!
See you in Houston for wine this afternoon!
Bob Doan
Elkridge, MD
Sent from My Blackberry
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Snow fizzler and Olympic Hockey
I woke up this morning anticipating the worst weather possible--and at a minimum having to shovel the driveway.
But it seems that Maryland was spared, so far, and places like Upstate NY are going to get hammered as a result.
Frankly--we deserved the break. I think we have enough snow, although much of it is about gone.
On to other stuff though---
Being the huge hockey fan that I am, I just have to make a comment about last nights Canadian blow out of the Russian hockey team. Wow! Did someone forget to tell the Russians what time the game started?
I'm really hoping that the gold medal game is US vs Canada in a rematch! Although the US team did not look all that good against Switzerland, remember that the Swiss team took the Canadians to a shoot out when they played. And the US had to play the Swiss team twice.
But I'm beginning to look ahead a bit I guess. First up for the US team to get to the gold medal round is going to be the Fins who I think were the number three seed entering the tournament after Russia and Canada.
What are we all going to do after the Olympics?
Oh yeah--it's baseball season and the Spring Training games will be getting into full swing. AND there are six more weeks to the regular hockey season followed by three months of playoffs before the Penguins are crowned back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions!
And flowers and blossoms and grass to mow and pools to open. Soon!
But it seems that Maryland was spared, so far, and places like Upstate NY are going to get hammered as a result.
Frankly--we deserved the break. I think we have enough snow, although much of it is about gone.
On to other stuff though---
Being the huge hockey fan that I am, I just have to make a comment about last nights Canadian blow out of the Russian hockey team. Wow! Did someone forget to tell the Russians what time the game started?
I'm really hoping that the gold medal game is US vs Canada in a rematch! Although the US team did not look all that good against Switzerland, remember that the Swiss team took the Canadians to a shoot out when they played. And the US had to play the Swiss team twice.
But I'm beginning to look ahead a bit I guess. First up for the US team to get to the gold medal round is going to be the Fins who I think were the number three seed entering the tournament after Russia and Canada.
What are we all going to do after the Olympics?
Oh yeah--it's baseball season and the Spring Training games will be getting into full swing. AND there are six more weeks to the regular hockey season followed by three months of playoffs before the Penguins are crowned back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions!
And flowers and blossoms and grass to mow and pools to open. Soon!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Snow and Panic
And so the regional panic of the record setting snowfall continues today.
It is expected to snow later this evening and there is panic in the streets as people rush to the stores to obtain supplies in case the storm changes and smashes us with feet instead of inches of snow.
I have to admit--my new cat is safely in the garage isolated form this terrible forecast.
In jeopardy--my weekend trip to warmer climates: Houston for the biggest birthday bash ever thrown in the family!!
Will Southwest cancel my flight on Friday?
Will I get a refund if they do, or just a credit?
Why is this so hard?
And yet the snow (from inches to feet) is still coming and the frustrating thing is that we hope for the best, but must plan for the worst!
My question--will this winter ever end and let us get on with the rest of our lives? I want to go out and dig in my gardens and see the crocus and daffodils get us on the path of springtime.
It is expected to snow later this evening and there is panic in the streets as people rush to the stores to obtain supplies in case the storm changes and smashes us with feet instead of inches of snow.
I have to admit--my new cat is safely in the garage isolated form this terrible forecast.
In jeopardy--my weekend trip to warmer climates: Houston for the biggest birthday bash ever thrown in the family!!
Will Southwest cancel my flight on Friday?
Will I get a refund if they do, or just a credit?
Why is this so hard?
And yet the snow (from inches to feet) is still coming and the frustrating thing is that we hope for the best, but must plan for the worst!
My question--will this winter ever end and let us get on with the rest of our lives? I want to go out and dig in my gardens and see the crocus and daffodils get us on the path of springtime.
Around the Sunday Dinner Table
Of all of the really cool things that we do as a family, one of the coolest is having Sunday dinner together. It seems that we all get together many Sunday's to celebrate family and life.
Last Sunday, we gathered around the dinner table and it was really special because Mom and Dad were there and all of the family was there--all of the sons, and daughters and grandsons (we haven't any grand daughters, yet). It is rare that "everyone" is there and I wondered about how we all happened to be in that place at the same time.
But as I looked around the table and listened to the myriad of conversations, I realized that I was blessed. And that we all were blessed.
Four generations sat around that table--and were together for an all too short afternoon.
Yes--it was loud and sometimes frustrating. But the memory of it is good.
It was truly special.
So was the pasta that Chris made--it was all gone by the end of dinner and we usually have leftovers for lunch!
Last Sunday, we gathered around the dinner table and it was really special because Mom and Dad were there and all of the family was there--all of the sons, and daughters and grandsons (we haven't any grand daughters, yet). It is rare that "everyone" is there and I wondered about how we all happened to be in that place at the same time.
But as I looked around the table and listened to the myriad of conversations, I realized that I was blessed. And that we all were blessed.
Four generations sat around that table--and were together for an all too short afternoon.
Yes--it was loud and sometimes frustrating. But the memory of it is good.
It was truly special.
So was the pasta that Chris made--it was all gone by the end of dinner and we usually have leftovers for lunch!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Azul 17 - Restaurant Review
Saturday night we wanted to go out to dinner to some place different. So we spun up the I-pod application for places to eat and decided on Mexican and then came upon Azul 17. A place in Columbia that we had never heard of, much less visited.
This place is not to be missed. It bills itself as a Mexican cuisine and tequila lounge---and it truly is.
The food was upscale and well prepared. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was not your classic Mexican taco-bar dive. Azul-17 truly is a nice place to take friends and visitors for a true dining experience. The atmosphere is very professional and elegant and the service was outstanding.
The restaurant is located off Snowden river Parkway in Columbia is a small plaza with somewhat limited parking. But it is well worth the effort to go there.
Before dinner, we had the guacamole made at the table. It was very tasty and spiced exactly the way we desired it to be. For dinner I enjoyed the Carnitas Patria which is listed as consisting of roasted pork sautéed until crispy with a trio of bell peppers & onions served with boniato mash over a black bean chorizo broth. It was fabulous and served in a most attractive manner.
The margarita that Chris has with her dinner was equally fabulous and one of the smoothest margaritas that I have tasted.
RECOMMENDATION: This is a place to experience and enjoy on multiple occasions. I will be going back for more, soon!
This place is not to be missed. It bills itself as a Mexican cuisine and tequila lounge---and it truly is.
The food was upscale and well prepared. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere was not your classic Mexican taco-bar dive. Azul-17 truly is a nice place to take friends and visitors for a true dining experience. The atmosphere is very professional and elegant and the service was outstanding.
The restaurant is located off Snowden river Parkway in Columbia is a small plaza with somewhat limited parking. But it is well worth the effort to go there.
Before dinner, we had the guacamole made at the table. It was very tasty and spiced exactly the way we desired it to be. For dinner I enjoyed the Carnitas Patria which is listed as consisting of roasted pork sautéed until crispy with a trio of bell peppers & onions served with boniato mash over a black bean chorizo broth. It was fabulous and served in a most attractive manner.
The margarita that Chris has with her dinner was equally fabulous and one of the smoothest margaritas that I have tasted.
RECOMMENDATION: This is a place to experience and enjoy on multiple occasions. I will be going back for more, soon!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday Musings - February 22, 2010
1. The snow on the ground remains and it is really keeping us all inside. Look out springtime when the snow begins to melt. How can it still be hanging around?
2. The family wanted a ride in my car today--so we did a lot of riding around. The funniest was when the boys wanted to ride with the top down in the 48 degree weather. We got some pretty funny looks.
3. Makayla loves it when Ben comes over. She sleeps really well after playing hard.
4. Two small boys can really turn a lot of buttons in a car when left unattended.
5. As we sat at the table Sunday, it was really cool that we had four generations in attendance. That does not happen very often. And it was really cool to have everyone around the table.
6. The Olympics are a lot of fun to watch--so many people showcasing their years of dedication and training. And the US team is doing very well, too.
7. Hockey has become such an international sport I don't know whether to root for the U.S. team, the Canadian team, or the Russian team--there are Penguins on all of them! Alright, I'm not going to root for the Russians--no way, no how! And as it turns out--no matter who is on the ice when Team USA is out there--I'm rooting for team USA--U-S-A, U-S-A. BTW, it must have worked because the Team USA upset Team Canada 5-3!
8. The entire region is rejoicing that the expected storm on Monday is going to be rain and not snow! Just say no, to snow!
9. I am still amazed by the thought that in about 60 days or so, I will be opening the pool for the season! Mmmmm--the thought of lounging on a floatie with a beer in my hand just warms me all the way to my toes.
10. BTW--Baseball Spring training is underway. They are not bothered by the snow.
2. The family wanted a ride in my car today--so we did a lot of riding around. The funniest was when the boys wanted to ride with the top down in the 48 degree weather. We got some pretty funny looks.
3. Makayla loves it when Ben comes over. She sleeps really well after playing hard.
4. Two small boys can really turn a lot of buttons in a car when left unattended.
5. As we sat at the table Sunday, it was really cool that we had four generations in attendance. That does not happen very often. And it was really cool to have everyone around the table.
6. The Olympics are a lot of fun to watch--so many people showcasing their years of dedication and training. And the US team is doing very well, too.
7. Hockey has become such an international sport I don't know whether to root for the U.S. team, the Canadian team, or the Russian team--there are Penguins on all of them! Alright, I'm not going to root for the Russians--no way, no how! And as it turns out--no matter who is on the ice when Team USA is out there--I'm rooting for team USA--U-S-A, U-S-A. BTW, it must have worked because the Team USA upset Team Canada 5-3!
8. The entire region is rejoicing that the expected storm on Monday is going to be rain and not snow! Just say no, to snow!
9. I am still amazed by the thought that in about 60 days or so, I will be opening the pool for the season! Mmmmm--the thought of lounging on a floatie with a beer in my hand just warms me all the way to my toes.
10. BTW--Baseball Spring training is underway. They are not bothered by the snow.
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