So. California Picnic

[NoahsMommy]

Awww....so now we all have to get back to "the real world" again? Even Amy has to work today!

Slick, I hope you arrive home safely and not sadly. We'll see you again soon, we'll keep watching those flight rates for you. Check your mail in the coming days, my critters were all crowded around my box that contains my cards, stickers and pens last night.

Amy, I hope you had a nice time. It was so nice to meet you. Tricia, I'm sorry I got your name wrong in my first post, I changed it now. It was great to meet you...I'm glad you got safely home.

Now...what should we plan for the next meeting??? July sure is coming quick!! Yay!!

[slick]

Slick is now UP UP AND AWAY!!!

Ha!!! Wishful thinking Gini.

I got home around 11pm and very tired. I thought it was going to be smooth sailing....errr...flying, but I was wrong.

First of all, Gini dropped me off at terminal 3, Alaska Airlines. I went to check in and they told me that I was at the wrong terminal. The small print on my confirmation says "operated by American Airlines" which I didn't read. So after a 10 min hike to terminal 4 I stand in line to check in again and then I'm told I'm in the wrong line. Since I'm travelling international, I should be "way over there" by the red markers. After another 5 min hike, I finally wait in line. When I get up to the counter it was 2:50 and my flight was supposed to leave at 3:18. I was sure I was going to miss it, then the lady said that it wasn't leaving until 3:45. Whew! I made it through security and flew down to the gate. That flight was smooth.

So now I'm in San Francisco where I'm supposed to change planes. It was 5:28 and my connecting flight was supposed to leave at 6:13. It literally took 20 min to walk to the next gate. Once I got there the guy beside me had purchased some duty free booze. I didn't have much time, but he gave me directions and I flew down to make my purchase. Ketel One, I might add!!

Now......here come the exciting part. It was very windy and rainy. We boarded the plane. The plane left on time and taxied out into the night then stopped. We waited. We waited. Then the captain said that "the wind has picked up and we will have to wait for another while until it dies down". We waited. We waited. Then he came on again and said that "the winds are 70 mph and here is a thunder storm going on and it's not safe to fly so we have to taxi back to the gate and wait"....oh, and fuel up too! At that point the plane was grounded indefinitely.

Now, knowing that I wouldn't be late getting home, I instructed my catsitter not to feed Max his supper. Now that I may not get home at all, I need to call them. I have no cell phone.

I reach into my wallet and grabbed $4 Canadian coin. I yelled out "who wants to earn $4 by letting me use your cell phone to make a long distance call?" I guess $4 wasn't enough because only one person came forward. I made the call and Max was already fed. Whew again! Now we sat and waited. We waited. We waited....and we waited. Finally at about 7:50 the captain said it's OK to fly and "by the way, we have a strong tailwind to help us along." That flight was very bumpy but I made it.

Folks, this was my first experience at connecting flights and believe me, it will be my last. I am thankful though that my luggage came through. Gotta go now, Max is all over me and wants to be fed. Yeah right!!

[AmberLee]

Glad you are home safe and sound, Slick. Whew, what an adventure!!!

[Cincy'sMom]

Yep, it is back to the real world...sort of. This sales group sure is an interestnig one!!! It will be interesting to see how everyone is feeling this morning!!


Gini- I don't have to post all the pictures...I can be bribed!!!

Glad you made ithome Slick! Isn't changing planes fun!! When you really want adventure, trying changing airlines mid-trip!!!!

[ramanth]

What an ordeal Slick!

When I flew out to CA, my flight was delayed because the bathroom on the plane was not working and they had to fix it before we could take off.

My thought was, make people use the bathroom before we leave and they can just hold it for an hour! I'm such a meanie.

[anna_66]

I've been keeping watch on this thread waiting to see pictures and hear about all the fun you had (doesn't sound like you had too much fun on the way home Slick ). Wish I could have been there too!

I'll be waiting to see the pictures

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Whew, glad you made it home safely, Slick! I always recommend flying direct, but I know sometimes it's just not possible. I had heard about the terrible rain and winds in SF, but didn't know you were flying out of there. Good thing because I would have been worried to death!

<tapping foot>................<drumming fingers on desk>..............<waiting>....<waiting>....<wait ing>....

[lbaker]

Surely [don't call me shirley!!] someone else besides Slick took pictures *grumble grumble whine*

[Edwina's Secretary]

as the hostess.....I wa not able to take photos during the actual picnic....but here are some before...and at the end....

Baby Panda

One of the It Sisters

Don makes friends

Edwina models her new pink beads from Kelly

Eddie makes cute for Cincy's Mom

[lbaker]

hmmmmmm, would that be a green slushie I see on the table Thanks Sara!
OIS [aka "Other It Sister]

[gini]

Amy, just name your price!

Ha, but it looks as though Sara has already shown one of the lovely pictures. Now, keep in mind, that it was SARA taking the picture as we snuggled in with her husband, Don.

I simply have to tell you - you have not lived until you have met the "E's"
they are everything and more that you see in the pictures. Edwina gives a whole new meaning to "hissy fit"............ She can take only so much attention - and when you have passed her limit - she tells you.

I think I did take a couple of pictures - I will try to post them tonight.

[slick]

No no, none of those drinks were mine.....

[ramanth]

Yay! Happy to see some pictures. Looking forward to more.

I've been blessed to meet the E's too.

[Killearn Kitties]

What great pictures! Oh I'm so jealous now, it looks so much fun.

Looking good, Edwina!

[Barbara]

My notions:
Looks as if Don had fun (you know I never worry for the girls- but the boys you never know )


Yummy Margaritas!


Lady Edwina, those pink beads look awesome on you

Karen: we have to make sure they will be as jealous they miss us next weekend as we are now missing the SoCal party!