Suntide '08

Day One: Travel and time to myself

The day started out rough. I went out Friday night to the LBYC (Ludlow Bromley Yacht Club) to listen to The Flight Station. I stayed out too late and had too many beers - I was regretting when I woke up.

My suitcase was already in the car, and I didn't have to worry about Ginger because YarnEnvy was nice enough to stop by later in the day to take her to boarding.

Check in was easy, I took the opportunity to check my bag since it had all my sunscreen in it, and I was glad I didn't have to lug it thru the airport.

(picture to be added later)

My flight was out of B, so I was glad I didn't have to take the bus to C. Yeah! By the time I got to my gate I had a seat assignment, and it was in First Class, and they were boarding!

Everything was going good, and then I noticed the captain and a flight attendant looking in the bathroom. . . the sink was leaking . . . luckily the mechanic arrived promptly and they were able to soak up the water and we were on our way, on time. Good stuff. Much process was made on the my green - green grocery bag.

I arrived in Atlanta, with plenty of time to make it to my next gate - way far away. Once they boarded I was seated next to a young couple headed on vacation. We quickly noticed that there was no air! The captain shortly thereafter come on the intercom and told us we had a hydraulic leak, but the mechanics were working on it, and it should only be 10-15 minutes. However they were working near the air conditioning pacs so they were unable to turn the air on, but a portable unit was on the way.

20 minutes later, no air, lots of complaining and mechanics still working. We finally got water - no ice. Then the emergency door was opened for a litte more air.

10 minutes, sweat and more complaining later we got the portable air unit.

5 minutes later we were told it was not just a leaky O-ring, but possibly a cracked valve and it would be 1.5 hours at best. We were free to get off the aircraft.

I found a mexican restaurant in the terminal, got a corona and some enchilada's. After I was done eating I heard someone say we would be boarding in 15 minutes. I took my time getting back to the gate, and waited. Delayed more. More progress on the GGB. Still delayed. Some passengers, first come first serve, moved to the next flight to Tampa.

They finally found us an aircraft for a 2:45 departure, scheduled at 11:06. New Gate, one concorse away. Very glad I had checked my bag.

With the new aircraft and gate, First Class became mine.

More progress on GGB. Book read. Landed 3:58pm Baggage Claim. Car Pick. Driving at 5:05. Arrived Suntide at 6:20.

Checked in, changed and walked 1.2 miles to St. Armands Circle to have dinner at Hemingways.

The free sample guy outside gave me a coupon for a free appetizer ($9 value) so maybe that justifed my $9 rum runner? I ordered the Grouper dinner, had my free appetizer (chef's choice) Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Crostini with fire roasted tomato and onion puree, and drank my rum runner. I figured this was my one night out, I should live it up.

Walked around the square and then back to Suntide.

9:15 Grocery store was the next thing on the list.
The essentials:
Cereal
Milk
Humus
Tostitos Multi-grain
Yogurt
Popcorn
M&M's, peanut butter
Beer

TV, knitting, beer, then bed.

Day one a success.