2008 - Jan. 15, Tuesday

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year's Eve. Here we are already two weeks into 2008 - who would have "thunk" it. I have been to Hartford, NY to see my family, friends, check on my sweet house and establish my New York residency. I was born in New York, left at age 18 - now 50 years later, I am back. Everything goes full circle. The weather was mild while I was there for the week. We even had some sunshine off and on. Then Sunday, we heard of a pending snowstorm beginning late sunday night and into Monday. My flight was scheduled for 6:10 a.m. Monday morn from Albany. I did a quick plan change and got a ride down to my daughter's house sunday night. We got up at 4:30 a.m. and Theresa drove me to the airport in the snow. The lines in the airport were horrendous through security. I kept thinking about the coffee I never had as the time of departure loomed closer. I had my parka, a heavy one, slung over my shoulder when I went into security. I stuck it in the required bin and moved on through. I left there and almost ran to the coffee shop, got a quick coffee to go and sped to the loading airplane. My seat was in the back of the plane. Just as I started to sit down, I realized I did not have my parka. I did the "swim upstream" trick and found a flight attendant. She couldn't help me but the co-pilot took me back into the terminal. They held on my boarding pass and I ran to the coffee shop - no jacket; to the security terminal there to find my jacket hung up in a secure closet. I took my coat and ran for the plane slipping into my seat just before the door closed. Flew to JFK and sat for an hour or so waiting for my flight to Albany. No hitches this time. On the return flight, we had to be de-iced in Albany, it took an hour. We were late getting into Cleveland. As I checked my connecting flight, I found it was all the way across the airport in a different Concourse. Again, I ran across and through a tunnel at least a half mile maybe more. Again, I just slipped in before the door shut. No time for a potty break. Bummer! Another de-icing experience and we were off for Florida. Actually, the pilot was able to make up time and we came in about 20 mins. late. Sharon was waiting in the cell phone parking lot, my bag was on time and although the temperature was in the high 50's, it was good to be back in the sun.

Sebastian kissed me over and over. He adjusted well with Sharon and Brent while I was away - sleeping in a king size bed with them. But was he ever glad to see his best friend back.

Today, I removed the FL tags from both my vehicles and replaced them with New York tags. It is official.

My little house was cozy and everything I remembered it being. My family came to see me over the weekend. It was rushed but sweet and cherished. Jill had purchased some wonderful warm L.L. Bean boots for me which I didn't need while I was there. Since she didn't make it over until Sunday just before I left, it's a good thing. Matt and Kellie and the girls bought me a Keurig coffee maker for Christmas. I used it a few times while I was there and liked it. I had already received Christmas gifts from Theresa and Lisa. Theresa brought supper up for Colin, herself and me on Saturday. Friday night, Matt, Kellie, Emily and Lil, Pete and I went out to LuLu's diner. Interesting!!!!

During the week, Pete and I had dinner with my niece, Colleen and her family. It was really nice to see them although Chanleigh who is a senior in HS came in just as I left. I did get a sweet hug though. I also got to hear a drum solo by my nephew, Lucas. He certainly has potential.

I got to visit with Mark and Mary Beth and their huge dogs, Otis and Suzette. Otis is the size of a large pony at only 8 mos. They are Newfoundland's.

I went to the Fort Ann Post Office and introduced myself to the post master. I am going to put in a rural mailbox at the end of my drive as soon as the ground thaws.

I guess I accomplished all that I went up there for and more. Now I am here until March 1st. I applied for a job as a greeter at the RV fair here in Tampa. Didn't get it. I have applied for several jobs and been turned down. It has been a lesson for me since I had never previously applied for any job I didn't get. I hope I have better luck back up in Hartford.

I never too one picture while up north. Hard to believe.