Seattle Again, Two

My last post about my recent Seattle trip was about the voyage there.  This one will be about the voyage home.  I plan to talk about the activities while there in the next post.  One thing at a time!

The day started early.  I didn't sleep well because I knew that I needed to be up and moving for a 6:45-7:00 AM departure for Sea-Tac airport.  We left the house at 7:11, but were on track to be at the airport by 8:00 AM, with curb service.  The place was hopping!  I never get enough of a chance to say a heartfelt good-bye to my family, partly because I hate good-byes, and partly because the unloading lane in front of Alaska Airlines was double-parked, requiring that the vehicle get on the move quickly.

The gal just in front of me at the curb check-in managed to drop her ID card onto the luggage scale, and it dropped beneath the works.  The guy had to take the scale apart in order to find it.  You simply can't believe the crap that was under that scale!  Of course, it delayed things.  I was already worried about getting where I needed to be on time.  And I'm sure the people behind me weren't pleased, either.

I finally got through the curbside check-in, then didn't have to wait too long for a wheelchair...but I was taken into the terminal and parked in a handicapped area, waiting for a pusher.  I guess I should explain that Sea-Tac was busy, busy, busy.  People everywhere.  Lines everywhere.  Finally, I was pushed to Security, but had to be in line to wait my turn.  (In other times, I was given priority.)  Had to get out of the wheelchair to take out my laptop for inspection, my cell phone, and (for the first time) my breathing nebulizer.  (The dude in charge saw it and just decided it needed to be checked out, I guess.  He also seemed to think that my leather Fujitsu mouse pad was a "tablet".  I had to show him that it wasn't.)    HOWEVER, a bunch of people, including me, were let through the screening gate with absolutely NO scanning, removal of shoes, etc.  Why??  Getting through Sea-Tac Security hasn't been the same twice in a row!

My "pusher" then took me directly to the gate without asking if I needed a restroom or food stop, and I didn't ask.  He plunked me in a seat in the waiting area and took the wheelchair with him.  I worried about that.  When the gate personnel finally showed up, I walked over to explain that I would need assistance for boarding.  I'm not sure I needed to because they were on it, but still...

I was the first one on the plane.  It was a full flight.  The fellow next to me was attending a conference of Catholic students in Indy.  He'd never been to Indianapolis before.  I had the window seat.  We didn't talk much.  He dozed and I dozed, and the trip that should have taken 4 1/2 hours actually only took 3 1/2.  As we were descending into Indy, I pointed out the Indy Speedway to him from the air.  Not sure he was duly impressed, but I did my Hoosier duty!

Since I was gone from home for a month, I had two checked bags.  It's problematic for wheelchair pushers, but the little gal that was pushing me was a trouper.  My two checked bags, plus my carry-on bag and the "personal" bag to be stowed under the seat in front, made a formidable challenge to get me out to the curb.  Traditionally, I have decided to take a taxi from Indy International to home.  (It's a mere ten minute trip.  The cost is $21, but well worth it to me because I don't have to disrupt friends to pick me up, etc., considering that there can be delays, cancellations, etc.  There is a button just outside the terminal to push in order to call for a taxi.  In other trips, I was the only one asking for a taxi.  Today, I was third in line!

My driver was Ethiopian, having been in the US for 17 years.  He was a little hard to understand and I wasn't all that pleased with his driving, but he brought my three bags to the door of my house, making it easier for me.  The fare was $20.95.  I gave him $21 in cash for the fare, then gave him a $10 tip.  OMG!  You would think that I had given him gold!  He fairly yelled, "THANK YOUUU!"
I think I made his day!

I was in the door of my little bungalow by 6:00 PM.  There was still a little light in the sky.  The house looked good.  Of course, I already miss my family.  Tomorrow, I will have to refresh the pantry and refrigerator.  It is what it is.

I love my visits with my family.  I'm not always sure that they feel the same way, but I have to do what is necessary to be with them.  They are all that I live for!