It's great to be back home!

I am happy! I started my day waking up in a nice bed, Christine's bed in fact. She made pancakes and bacon, and the coffee was brewing as soon as she heard the pitter patter of my feet. We chatted and kibbitzed and kvetched, just like old times. It reminded me what I miss about my friend and having her so close for such a short while, well it was delish. Christine brought me to the airport and of course sent me off with her signature hug. We shared a quick exchange of our emotions and then it was off to check in.

I checked in at the AA kiosk, where I discovered that I could check in two bags for free. Very nice surprise, as the signs show the baggage charge is from $15 to $25. It really is an interesting experience flying on official Federal business. I dropped off my bags and then headed to the gate. While in the security check point line, a screener opened up the line and grabbed me saying, "You're working, you come right this way!" A tad startled, I just followed her along as she led me to the front of a Priority line. When I stood awaiting the security agent, he immediately looked over the front of the four lines and announced: " Yes Ma'am, you're next to be served!" It was said with such aplomb, I thought he was going to salute me.

I arrived at the gate and they announced that they were going to start boarding. I looked at my ticket which had *Priority Access* all over it. There were signs at the boarding point, which stated Priority Access. I went ahead of First class, Admiral club and those needing special assistance. It was nice to be treated so special. I spent nearly 15 years working at United and another 15 in the aviation industry and never received such high brow attention. I liked it! :)

It took nearly 10 hours, but I finally made it home and Sean was there to greet me and deliver me and my luggage to my doorstep....what made it priceless...he even had the key to my house. Thank goodness, as I couldn't find mine when we got to the door. What an incredible trip but as Dorothy, another curious wanderer in the storm, said so long ago:

There's no place like home....