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Thursday, October 8, 2009
no signal...
I am having a very hard time getting a signal for the internet. Frustrating as I have a poor memory and some funny things have been happening and the next day I can't remember. Mary and I were out at the pub tonight with cousins and have only 5 hours until the alarm goes off to get up and go. Mary is snoring and happily asleep.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Finishing Monday
No, we are not doing anything except drinking and eating!
I forget where I left off, but I think it was going to Caol Ila. On the way there we drove up a road to another distillery for the views. It was a beautiful drive past a loch (lake). I later found out that this loch is the water source for Caol Ila. ON the way to the distillery, we saw a handmade sign pointing to the distillery, on the way out the same sign said "other places". Okay, so it isn't that funny, but I laughed
I took a picture. It has been hard taking pictures. It is so beautiful that I want to take photos everywhere. I can't when we are driving on one way roads.
Caol Ila was an interesting tour. Dsepite some long stairs, Dad decided to go on the tour. He walked up 2 flights of stairs as if he was 40. And actually it was interesting, and I tasted some scotch that isn't sold anywhere else but the distillery. My dad really liked it there.
There is a horrible tide around Caol Ila (it is right on the water). Often they are called to look for lost people floating by.
After Caol Ila, we went to Porthaven to a pub for dinner. It was a VERY small pub, but was quaint with a fire going. Dad was very ecited to try Haggis. If you knew what Haggis is, you would be making a big face trying to not to gag.... Somehow he managed to find out the life history of the owner/cook/server when I don't even think he left his chair. Dad does that. He sits next to someone for 3-5 minutes and he knows everything about them. AND he had told them all about the political system of the us and all his physical problems. It has its ups and downs.
Mary and I had Haddock cakes. Delicious. We invited the driver to dinner. He is so good with Dad and seems to enjoy the time with us (of course, maybe he wants a good tip). As a professional tour guide, he took 2 years to go through training so maybe part of his training is to be patient and understanding.
IN addition, there was only one cab driver on the island and he was off island!
We got back to the B&B and Ronnie and Mahrie offered us a Scotch. We were very tired, but I said Oh yes, please.
I remembered that the woman at the bank told me that the dog Jillas (Faithful) did a water trick so I asked if he would do it for us. Ronnie told Jillas to fetch the bottled water. Then stopped Jillas and said no... not the brown peaty tap water, but the bottled water. While ROnnie was talking, Jillas just listened. Then wnet out and brought the bottled water!
We all had a whiskey. They are great hosts.
Then Mary and I went to bed in the wind and rain storm. I had night mares, but managed to sleep a few hours.
I forget where I left off, but I think it was going to Caol Ila. On the way there we drove up a road to another distillery for the views. It was a beautiful drive past a loch (lake). I later found out that this loch is the water source for Caol Ila. ON the way to the distillery, we saw a handmade sign pointing to the distillery, on the way out the same sign said "other places". Okay, so it isn't that funny, but I laughed
I took a picture. It has been hard taking pictures. It is so beautiful that I want to take photos everywhere. I can't when we are driving on one way roads.
Caol Ila was an interesting tour. Dsepite some long stairs, Dad decided to go on the tour. He walked up 2 flights of stairs as if he was 40. And actually it was interesting, and I tasted some scotch that isn't sold anywhere else but the distillery. My dad really liked it there.
There is a horrible tide around Caol Ila (it is right on the water). Often they are called to look for lost people floating by.
After Caol Ila, we went to Porthaven to a pub for dinner. It was a VERY small pub, but was quaint with a fire going. Dad was very ecited to try Haggis. If you knew what Haggis is, you would be making a big face trying to not to gag.... Somehow he managed to find out the life history of the owner/cook/server when I don't even think he left his chair. Dad does that. He sits next to someone for 3-5 minutes and he knows everything about them. AND he had told them all about the political system of the us and all his physical problems. It has its ups and downs.
Mary and I had Haddock cakes. Delicious. We invited the driver to dinner. He is so good with Dad and seems to enjoy the time with us (of course, maybe he wants a good tip). As a professional tour guide, he took 2 years to go through training so maybe part of his training is to be patient and understanding.
IN addition, there was only one cab driver on the island and he was off island!
We got back to the B&B and Ronnie and Mahrie offered us a Scotch. We were very tired, but I said Oh yes, please.
I remembered that the woman at the bank told me that the dog Jillas (Faithful) did a water trick so I asked if he would do it for us. Ronnie told Jillas to fetch the bottled water. Then stopped Jillas and said no... not the brown peaty tap water, but the bottled water. While ROnnie was talking, Jillas just listened. Then wnet out and brought the bottled water!
We all had a whiskey. They are great hosts.
Then Mary and I went to bed in the wind and rain storm. I had night mares, but managed to sleep a few hours.
Monday, October 5, 2009
In a storm
I woke up at 2am with a big wind and rain storm howling outside. I can't go back to sleep, so it is time to write a little about Monday and tasting.
Our driver was scheduled to pick us up at 9:30am Monday to be at Bowmore at 10. Mary and I woke up, took a quick walk. It was cold, but felt good to be in the country. I didn't bring my camera.... silly me. Well, I remembered about 5 minuted into the walk, but Mary wouldn't let me go back.
The first thing we saw besides the sunset rising over the sea was a farmer lifting up a sheep as if it were only 10 pounds. It had gotten stuck and had to be lifted over the fence. These farmers are strong! We walked down the road a bit and enjoyed the fresh air and farm & sea smells.
We were back in time to wake my Dad up almost 2 hours before Mike's arrival. We had a nice breakfast of fresh fruit, cereals, eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Well... we didn't eat all of that. (Dad at most of it though). He was in a good mood. Then when Mike showed up, Dad wasn't ready. So waited and Mike told me that Mary and I were spotted by the neighbors this morning. He is staying down the road and the owners saw us and figured we were the crazy Americans he was driving.
Dad finally emerged from his room, but was grumpy because he couldn't find something he needed to get money from his Scottish bank account. We finally got Dad in the car, calmed down. Mike is a saint and convinced dad (as we hadn't been able to do), that the bank people on the island were friendly and smart and would help him.
Off we went to Bowmore at breakneck speeds. Mary was gulping and gasping at each corner. Remember, most of these roads are one lane with turnouts every so often. She didn't complain because she knew we were late. I was glad that I took a ginger pill (for car sickness).
We arrived at Bowmore and were in time for the tour... well... they waited for us. Mary and I looked at the situation and decided that Dad couldn't manage the stairs and the walking on this one and he went upstairs to a room overlooking the sea with comfy chairs and a video about Bowmore. They gave him a dram of the 12 year old and he was quite happy.
Mary, Mike and I learned about how Bowmore does their whiskey. They are actually one of only 3 who do their own barley malting. It was interesting, but the girl giving the tour had the most obnoxious voice and seemed to be annoyed when you asked a question in the middle of her memorized speech. BUT it was informative.
Afterwards we went to the comfy room and sat with Dad drinking a dram. Mary was a trouper and her face didn't contort as much as I thought when she was sipping. We made her add a little water and she was fine.
Then we rushed off to Kilchomen (I hope I am spelling that right... it is dark and I can't find my notes). It is the youngest distillery on Islay. (Bowmore is the oldest). They were small and relaxed and we got our own private tour. It is small and located on a farm and all the employees take part in all the jobs. They also malt their own barley. Dad was able to do this tour and he was so happy. We ate lunch their which was quite good. AND when Mary took a sip of this one, she actually said "this is good!"
NOW, back in the car... Dad started stressing again about the bank. We drove to the bank and went in and the banker couldn't have been more pleasant. Her name was Rosemary. Her husband is the farmer that Mary and I saw early in the morning. Small world... Well.. not really as I mentioned Islay (though big) only has 3 thousand people. We got Dad his money, and still had a little time before going to Caol Ila so I asked if we could see the Round Church in town. It is very picturesque at the top of Main street in Bowmore. It was built round so that the devil couldn't lurk or hide in any corners.
I will have to finish tomorrow. I am needing sleep and we have to get up soon to wake up Dad. We can't be late as we have to catch a ferry at 9am to Oban. (in the wind and the rain). Fun Fun Fun.
Our driver was scheduled to pick us up at 9:30am Monday to be at Bowmore at 10. Mary and I woke up, took a quick walk. It was cold, but felt good to be in the country. I didn't bring my camera.... silly me. Well, I remembered about 5 minuted into the walk, but Mary wouldn't let me go back.
The first thing we saw besides the sunset rising over the sea was a farmer lifting up a sheep as if it were only 10 pounds. It had gotten stuck and had to be lifted over the fence. These farmers are strong! We walked down the road a bit and enjoyed the fresh air and farm & sea smells.
We were back in time to wake my Dad up almost 2 hours before Mike's arrival. We had a nice breakfast of fresh fruit, cereals, eggs, bacon, sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms. Well... we didn't eat all of that. (Dad at most of it though). He was in a good mood. Then when Mike showed up, Dad wasn't ready. So waited and Mike told me that Mary and I were spotted by the neighbors this morning. He is staying down the road and the owners saw us and figured we were the crazy Americans he was driving.
Dad finally emerged from his room, but was grumpy because he couldn't find something he needed to get money from his Scottish bank account. We finally got Dad in the car, calmed down. Mike is a saint and convinced dad (as we hadn't been able to do), that the bank people on the island were friendly and smart and would help him.
Off we went to Bowmore at breakneck speeds. Mary was gulping and gasping at each corner. Remember, most of these roads are one lane with turnouts every so often. She didn't complain because she knew we were late. I was glad that I took a ginger pill (for car sickness).
We arrived at Bowmore and were in time for the tour... well... they waited for us. Mary and I looked at the situation and decided that Dad couldn't manage the stairs and the walking on this one and he went upstairs to a room overlooking the sea with comfy chairs and a video about Bowmore. They gave him a dram of the 12 year old and he was quite happy.
Mary, Mike and I learned about how Bowmore does their whiskey. They are actually one of only 3 who do their own barley malting. It was interesting, but the girl giving the tour had the most obnoxious voice and seemed to be annoyed when you asked a question in the middle of her memorized speech. BUT it was informative.
Afterwards we went to the comfy room and sat with Dad drinking a dram. Mary was a trouper and her face didn't contort as much as I thought when she was sipping. We made her add a little water and she was fine.
Then we rushed off to Kilchomen (I hope I am spelling that right... it is dark and I can't find my notes). It is the youngest distillery on Islay. (Bowmore is the oldest). They were small and relaxed and we got our own private tour. It is small and located on a farm and all the employees take part in all the jobs. They also malt their own barley. Dad was able to do this tour and he was so happy. We ate lunch their which was quite good. AND when Mary took a sip of this one, she actually said "this is good!"
NOW, back in the car... Dad started stressing again about the bank. We drove to the bank and went in and the banker couldn't have been more pleasant. Her name was Rosemary. Her husband is the farmer that Mary and I saw early in the morning. Small world... Well.. not really as I mentioned Islay (though big) only has 3 thousand people. We got Dad his money, and still had a little time before going to Caol Ila so I asked if we could see the Round Church in town. It is very picturesque at the top of Main street in Bowmore. It was built round so that the devil couldn't lurk or hide in any corners.
I will have to finish tomorrow. I am needing sleep and we have to get up soon to wake up Dad. We can't be late as we have to catch a ferry at 9am to Oban. (in the wind and the rain). Fun Fun Fun.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Landing
We landed and waited for our wheel chair. Dad was in a good mood having slept a little, and Mary and I also got some sleep.
They had one guy pushing two wheelchairs, but it was okay, they got us through customs. The only funny part was when the customs agent asked us how long we were staying, at the same time, I said 9 days, Mary said 7 and Dad said 10. It sounded funny.
Luggage was there, and then Dad insisted in going to the men's room. We had given up the wheel chair and the bathroom was not near. I found the guy returning the wheel chair, asked to borrow it and wheeled Dad to the handicapped bathroom, where I waited for 15 minutes. The wheel chair guy asked Mary if everything was ok. Yes, she said, that is just our dad!
We got into the terminal, letting Dad push the cart for stability and exercise and I was thrilled to see a man standing there with our name. He seemed surprised at what we looked like. What did he think we would look like???? Mike Hardie is his name and this first day he has been terrific... patient and funny and informative.
We drove around Loch Lomand and down and around winding roads through cute towns and beautiful lochs (lakes). It is a little disorienting being on the wrong side of the road. I made Mike stop a few times for photos, but not as often as I had wished. The hillsides are dotted with sheep and highland cows. There are miles of stone walls. We saw a lot for the first day and Dad was happy not to get out of the car too much. We did get out to have a look at the outside of a castle, and the have a snack (awful snack).
Mary and I had a wee nip of Scotch from my flask because she wanted to taste it before we went to a distillery. She nearly gagged, but admitted it wasn't too bad. A little later, Dad said that the breath mints Mary was using were so strong he could smell them!
The boat ride was a little unsettling as Dad had to climb 2 flights of stairs. I brought him to the bar/lounge and he had a drink and listened to the soccer game on TV. It was windy and rocky, but not too bad. Mary found the handicapped elevator for us on the way down which made life much easier.
Then we were on Islay. I have been pronouncing it incorrectly (as has my Dad). It is pronounced eye la. BEAUTIFUL. It is a huge island with 3 1/2 thousand people and 10 distilleries. We got to our bed and breakfast (The Monarchs) after being on a one lane road, seeing a beautiful rainbow and Ireland off in the distance. The b&b stands on a hill and is run by Marhe and Ronnie. They welcomed us (along with their dog... I can't remember its name but it is Gaelic for faithful, so I just call him Faithful).
The rooms are great and the views from the sitting room make you want to just sit. Dad's room is on the ground floor and is big. Mary and I are sharing a room on the second floor overlooking the water. Lovely.
Dad had some tea as Mary and I freshened up for an early dinner.
Dinner was in the bar at the Port Charlotte hotel and restaurant. It is a cosy place with a fire place and plenty of whiskey and friendly people.
Dinner was good... portions were very large and we had too much food despite the fact that we only ordered two appetizers and two main courses. The hit for Mary and Dad was the Steak and Ale pie with veggies and potatoes (the potatoes were cooked perfectly!). I enjoyed the plate of three kinds of smoked salmon.
Driving back to the hotel was just lovely with the night air, the sun going down and the cloud formations. Mary and I had a small peach vodka and fell asleep almost immediately. It is so quiet and peaceful here. BUT then true to jet lag.. I am awake writing this blog.
I better try to sleep as Mary and I are getting up early to walk, and then we have 3 distilleries to visit!
If there is anything you want to hear more about, let me know. I am sleepy and may have missed good details.
They had one guy pushing two wheelchairs, but it was okay, they got us through customs. The only funny part was when the customs agent asked us how long we were staying, at the same time, I said 9 days, Mary said 7 and Dad said 10. It sounded funny.
Luggage was there, and then Dad insisted in going to the men's room. We had given up the wheel chair and the bathroom was not near. I found the guy returning the wheel chair, asked to borrow it and wheeled Dad to the handicapped bathroom, where I waited for 15 minutes. The wheel chair guy asked Mary if everything was ok. Yes, she said, that is just our dad!
We got into the terminal, letting Dad push the cart for stability and exercise and I was thrilled to see a man standing there with our name. He seemed surprised at what we looked like. What did he think we would look like???? Mike Hardie is his name and this first day he has been terrific... patient and funny and informative.
We drove around Loch Lomand and down and around winding roads through cute towns and beautiful lochs (lakes). It is a little disorienting being on the wrong side of the road. I made Mike stop a few times for photos, but not as often as I had wished. The hillsides are dotted with sheep and highland cows. There are miles of stone walls. We saw a lot for the first day and Dad was happy not to get out of the car too much. We did get out to have a look at the outside of a castle, and the have a snack (awful snack).
Mary and I had a wee nip of Scotch from my flask because she wanted to taste it before we went to a distillery. She nearly gagged, but admitted it wasn't too bad. A little later, Dad said that the breath mints Mary was using were so strong he could smell them!
The boat ride was a little unsettling as Dad had to climb 2 flights of stairs. I brought him to the bar/lounge and he had a drink and listened to the soccer game on TV. It was windy and rocky, but not too bad. Mary found the handicapped elevator for us on the way down which made life much easier.
Then we were on Islay. I have been pronouncing it incorrectly (as has my Dad). It is pronounced eye la. BEAUTIFUL. It is a huge island with 3 1/2 thousand people and 10 distilleries. We got to our bed and breakfast (The Monarchs) after being on a one lane road, seeing a beautiful rainbow and Ireland off in the distance. The b&b stands on a hill and is run by Marhe and Ronnie. They welcomed us (along with their dog... I can't remember its name but it is Gaelic for faithful, so I just call him Faithful).
The rooms are great and the views from the sitting room make you want to just sit. Dad's room is on the ground floor and is big. Mary and I are sharing a room on the second floor overlooking the water. Lovely.
Dad had some tea as Mary and I freshened up for an early dinner.
Dinner was in the bar at the Port Charlotte hotel and restaurant. It is a cosy place with a fire place and plenty of whiskey and friendly people.
Dinner was good... portions were very large and we had too much food despite the fact that we only ordered two appetizers and two main courses. The hit for Mary and Dad was the Steak and Ale pie with veggies and potatoes (the potatoes were cooked perfectly!). I enjoyed the plate of three kinds of smoked salmon.
Driving back to the hotel was just lovely with the night air, the sun going down and the cloud formations. Mary and I had a small peach vodka and fell asleep almost immediately. It is so quiet and peaceful here. BUT then true to jet lag.. I am awake writing this blog.
I better try to sleep as Mary and I are getting up early to walk, and then we have 3 distilleries to visit!
If there is anything you want to hear more about, let me know. I am sleepy and may have missed good details.
Arrived
Should I start at the beginning of my trip? I was up and ready for the shuttle at 4am. At 4:10, I got a call... my shuttle driver was stuck in a ditch in Alamo, but they had another driver who would go to Oakland airport with a passenger and then take me to SFO. They said it might be tight, but doable. I agreed. 40 minutes later, I am trying not to worry.... THEN amazingly, a driver showed and said he was going to take me directly to SFO. Great!!!!
Ride was smooth and check in was smooth, and then I go through the security and that is where I beeped. And I beeped and beeped again. I was told that I would have to undergo questions and scanning. I had to get personally wanded. Nothing beeped except my passport. I had to sit, stand, move this leg and the other, raise my arms and be patted.... morning exercises! Finally they realized that I was not a dire threat to security and let me go.
My flight to Newark was uneventful and I arrived early. I was waiting to get off the plane and to go meet Mary when I noticed I had two voice messages. They were from Mary. Her plane was delayed 2 hours. Well, she would still make the flight to Scotland, BUT then I had no backup or help with Dad through security. I think she planned this all along.
I kept the smile on my face and amusement in my space. At 4pm, my mother dropped off my father. The sad news is that his walking abilities have decreased tremendously since I last saw him in May. This was going to be a difficult trip. We stood in line for his first class boarding pass. YES, there was a line of over 25 people for International Business/First/Elite. As we stood in line, I ordered a wheelchair. It only took 2o minutes to get to us, but we had the best wheel chair driver in the world. He was from the West Indies which my dad noticed immediately and chatted with him about Cricket and soccer as the guy whisked us through the line.
BUT when I went through security... guess what?! I beeped and I beeped and the third time I had to stand in a glass box. After a few minute, I asked security what my sentence time in the box was. He wasn't amused. Apparently, they were waiting for a female security to wand me and pat me. GGRRRR.
Again, they couldn't find what was beeping and let me free. By that time, the wheel chair guy had my dad all set and my things all arranged on the table. i was putting on my bead bracelet and it broke... the beads going everywhere. I tried not to think about the fact that it was my good luck bracelet. I kept a smile and said it didn't matter. They did make me pick up every last bead in case someone fell on them. I still smiled.
The wheelchair guy was patient, luckily.... On a little hill towards our gate, he made the wheelchair go fast and said "beep beep" to people in the way making me and everyone else laugh. He said to me "humor is very important in life". I said "I am with you on that". Dad tipped him well.
Mary showed up 2 1/2 hours late needing a glass of wine. We sat at the wine bar which was conveniently located right near our gate and had a quick glass while Dad talked to everyone within earshot about anything they would listen to. My dad knows a lot about everything and is actually very informative if you are in the mood to listen.
We were able to convince them that he needed extra time walking down the jet way and we got on first.
Everyone boarded, the door closed, the engines started, we got on the jetway, and stopped. Then the engines cut and the pilot said that all east bound traffic has been stopped for an hour from Newark, Kennedy and LaGuardia. While Dad was being fed snacks and scotch, Mary and I got a little bag of pretzels and water. I still kept my humor.. it was easier with Mary behind me making comments about this and that.
Finally, the engines started and the pilot told us we were cleared to go... no other explanation.
The flight was bumpy and no one really settled in for a rest except the first class and the teenagers next to me who slept the entire time. Drinks are no longer free on international flights so I bought myself and Mary some white wine with dinner to make us sleep, then asked for another and was told they were out of white wine. What???
I watched two movies. (Vincent Price in House of Wax and Sean Connery in Diamonds are Forever. ) Mary watched two teenage flicks.
Two more notes:
I finally went to sleep and Mary woke me up hitting me... She said, "I just saw Dad walking by us, but he wouldn't talk". I told her she was hallucinating. She insisted and I told her to go to first class and check that he was in his seat. She did. The flight attendant had just put a blanket on him and he was snoring away. Then a man walked by us looking nothing like dad until his back was to us and then I knew who Mary had seen and was glad that she wasn't hallucinating.
Next: Landing.
Ride was smooth and check in was smooth, and then I go through the security and that is where I beeped. And I beeped and beeped again. I was told that I would have to undergo questions and scanning. I had to get personally wanded. Nothing beeped except my passport. I had to sit, stand, move this leg and the other, raise my arms and be patted.... morning exercises! Finally they realized that I was not a dire threat to security and let me go.
My flight to Newark was uneventful and I arrived early. I was waiting to get off the plane and to go meet Mary when I noticed I had two voice messages. They were from Mary. Her plane was delayed 2 hours. Well, she would still make the flight to Scotland, BUT then I had no backup or help with Dad through security. I think she planned this all along.
I kept the smile on my face and amusement in my space. At 4pm, my mother dropped off my father. The sad news is that his walking abilities have decreased tremendously since I last saw him in May. This was going to be a difficult trip. We stood in line for his first class boarding pass. YES, there was a line of over 25 people for International Business/First/Elite. As we stood in line, I ordered a wheelchair. It only took 2o minutes to get to us, but we had the best wheel chair driver in the world. He was from the West Indies which my dad noticed immediately and chatted with him about Cricket and soccer as the guy whisked us through the line.
BUT when I went through security... guess what?! I beeped and I beeped and the third time I had to stand in a glass box. After a few minute, I asked security what my sentence time in the box was. He wasn't amused. Apparently, they were waiting for a female security to wand me and pat me. GGRRRR.
Again, they couldn't find what was beeping and let me free. By that time, the wheel chair guy had my dad all set and my things all arranged on the table. i was putting on my bead bracelet and it broke... the beads going everywhere. I tried not to think about the fact that it was my good luck bracelet. I kept a smile and said it didn't matter. They did make me pick up every last bead in case someone fell on them. I still smiled.
The wheelchair guy was patient, luckily.... On a little hill towards our gate, he made the wheelchair go fast and said "beep beep" to people in the way making me and everyone else laugh. He said to me "humor is very important in life". I said "I am with you on that". Dad tipped him well.
Mary showed up 2 1/2 hours late needing a glass of wine. We sat at the wine bar which was conveniently located right near our gate and had a quick glass while Dad talked to everyone within earshot about anything they would listen to. My dad knows a lot about everything and is actually very informative if you are in the mood to listen.
We were able to convince them that he needed extra time walking down the jet way and we got on first.
Everyone boarded, the door closed, the engines started, we got on the jetway, and stopped. Then the engines cut and the pilot said that all east bound traffic has been stopped for an hour from Newark, Kennedy and LaGuardia. While Dad was being fed snacks and scotch, Mary and I got a little bag of pretzels and water. I still kept my humor.. it was easier with Mary behind me making comments about this and that.
Finally, the engines started and the pilot told us we were cleared to go... no other explanation.
The flight was bumpy and no one really settled in for a rest except the first class and the teenagers next to me who slept the entire time. Drinks are no longer free on international flights so I bought myself and Mary some white wine with dinner to make us sleep, then asked for another and was told they were out of white wine. What???
I watched two movies. (Vincent Price in House of Wax and Sean Connery in Diamonds are Forever. ) Mary watched two teenage flicks.
Two more notes:
I finally went to sleep and Mary woke me up hitting me... She said, "I just saw Dad walking by us, but he wouldn't talk". I told her she was hallucinating. She insisted and I told her to go to first class and check that he was in his seat. She did. The flight attendant had just put a blanket on him and he was snoring away. Then a man walked by us looking nothing like dad until his back was to us and then I knew who Mary had seen and was glad that she wasn't hallucinating.
Next: Landing.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Dad went to the store to buy his own disposable underwear because the ones that Mom bought were too small. Mom said he came back with the same size insisting they were better. Her friend says men's brains are deficient in some gene or chromosome or something. I don't know, but if my Dad is an example... maybe it is true.
Also, my mother wanted to know if Dad could bring medicine in unmarked bottles. Hmmmm??? What kind of medication comes in unmarked bottles? I asked her if it was legal medication. My parents often use the dog medicine for themselves because it is cheaper, so I wondered....
Oh... if you don't know my family.. my parents raise Bernese Mountain Dogs as a hobby. They have only 6 or 7 dogs at this particular time. (they have had up to 12 dogs at one time). My mother trains them, my father grooms them and judges at shows occasionally. He actually judged in Scotland about 10 years ago.
Going to bed. A big travel day tomorrow. All packed except the computer. I hope it fits!
Also, my mother wanted to know if Dad could bring medicine in unmarked bottles. Hmmmm??? What kind of medication comes in unmarked bottles? I asked her if it was legal medication. My parents often use the dog medicine for themselves because it is cheaper, so I wondered....
Oh... if you don't know my family.. my parents raise Bernese Mountain Dogs as a hobby. They have only 6 or 7 dogs at this particular time. (they have had up to 12 dogs at one time). My mother trains them, my father grooms them and judges at shows occasionally. He actually judged in Scotland about 10 years ago.
Going to bed. A big travel day tomorrow. All packed except the computer. I hope it fits!
Leaving tomorrow!
Yikes! One day!
I am nervous about staying in good health for this trip. A lot of people on the train and at work are sniffling and coughing. I hold my breath a lot and wash my hands obsessively. My poor hands are drying out. They look and feel 80 years old!
I asked my friend, Robin, for a long distance wellness healing. She is the best in keeping me healthy on a spirit level!
Also, I thought I would be ready by now, but I still have a little more to do. Last night, I went out in North Beach, thinking I was responsible enough to leave early and go home. But as usual, after only two glasses of wine, I lost some of my responsible nature. With white wine logic, I convinced myself with that I could stay out as long as I wanted and that being responsible was overrated.
Well... the honest truth is that I decided that I was having fun, and that is more important than packing.
I was at the San Francisco Brewing Company with a friend, saying goodbye to the Brew Pub and its owner. The business is in the process of being sold and will no longer be a brew pub. Sad..... i am glad I could go to say goodbye.
Then in keeping with the energy of my recent trip to Spain, my friend suggested we go to a Tapas restaurant. It was actually quite good. It is called Bocadillos. The waiter behind the bar was friendly and informative and suggested some good wine.
SO... I made the better decision to enjoy good food, good wine and good company rather than being at home stressing over my suitcase.
Of course, when my alarm went off this morning... I wasn't happy.
THE TRIP:
Apparently my father doesn't trust the disposable underwear, and told my mother he was bringing boxers to wear over the disposable underwear. BUT she did convince him that wearing undershirts and socks for two days is not a bad thing. WHY do they have to share all this with me? I actually don't really care what he packs or doesn't pack. I do care that he has enough room in his suitcase to bring home some scotch (and wee gifts for my mother).
Mary thinks she will be doing work on the trip which is why I am bringing my computer. She can't bring her lap top. That would deprive her computer addict daughter of a computer for a week. (Right, AlexANdra?)
I am not sure when Mary will have the time to work, but she might get bored with sipping Scotch, looking out at the rain from the car window, and walking around castles.
I am happy today.... and looking forward to a fun experience.
Airport shuttle picks me up at 4am tomorrow!
Signing out.
Elizabeth Barrie McMath
I am nervous about staying in good health for this trip. A lot of people on the train and at work are sniffling and coughing. I hold my breath a lot and wash my hands obsessively. My poor hands are drying out. They look and feel 80 years old!
I asked my friend, Robin, for a long distance wellness healing. She is the best in keeping me healthy on a spirit level!
Also, I thought I would be ready by now, but I still have a little more to do. Last night, I went out in North Beach, thinking I was responsible enough to leave early and go home. But as usual, after only two glasses of wine, I lost some of my responsible nature. With white wine logic, I convinced myself with that I could stay out as long as I wanted and that being responsible was overrated.
Well... the honest truth is that I decided that I was having fun, and that is more important than packing.
I was at the San Francisco Brewing Company with a friend, saying goodbye to the Brew Pub and its owner. The business is in the process of being sold and will no longer be a brew pub. Sad..... i am glad I could go to say goodbye.
Then in keeping with the energy of my recent trip to Spain, my friend suggested we go to a Tapas restaurant. It was actually quite good. It is called Bocadillos. The waiter behind the bar was friendly and informative and suggested some good wine.
SO... I made the better decision to enjoy good food, good wine and good company rather than being at home stressing over my suitcase.
Of course, when my alarm went off this morning... I wasn't happy.
THE TRIP:
Apparently my father doesn't trust the disposable underwear, and told my mother he was bringing boxers to wear over the disposable underwear. BUT she did convince him that wearing undershirts and socks for two days is not a bad thing. WHY do they have to share all this with me? I actually don't really care what he packs or doesn't pack. I do care that he has enough room in his suitcase to bring home some scotch (and wee gifts for my mother).
Mary thinks she will be doing work on the trip which is why I am bringing my computer. She can't bring her lap top. That would deprive her computer addict daughter of a computer for a week. (Right, AlexANdra?)
I am not sure when Mary will have the time to work, but she might get bored with sipping Scotch, looking out at the rain from the car window, and walking around castles.
I am happy today.... and looking forward to a fun experience.
Airport shuttle picks me up at 4am tomorrow!
Signing out.
Elizabeth Barrie McMath
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