An Interesting Day Of Travel

Well, today was an interesting day of travel. I am in Chicago for a National Association of REALTORS "Leadership Summit", but it all started early this morning in my hometown of Randolph, Vermont.

Like any other day that I have a trip planned, I was out of bed a bit early to make sure I had plenty of time to pack (why bother do it the night before!?), take care of some household chores (why do I always want to clean when I am going away?), and make time I leave plenty of time for the drive to the airport. And this morning I added a few things: take time to brush the cats, pick cucumbers from the garden (they would be HUGE in just 4 more days), and try to retrieve voice mails from the office phone system that seems to be giving me an issue (not succesful!).

Then the interesting things began. As I drove to the post office to check my mail I was impressed to see dozens, if not hundreds, of motorcycles. The bikes and the riders came in all shapes, sizes and colors. They were in town for the Gifford Medical Center's "Last Mile Ride". Its a benefit to raise money for end of life care - a great cause and a great event.

After finishing my errands in town I was headed north on I-89 toward the airport. Traveling only a tiny bit over the posted speed limit (I was driving Rick's car - gotta be good) I was soon passed by an older (1980's) green Buick Park Avenue. This wouldn't seem odd except for the fact that it also had double white racing strips painted over the hood, roof and trunk. The driver (male, mid-50's) and his assumed wife/girlfriend were grinning ear to ear. As they passed my at a speed that had to be nearing 85 I was even more suprised to see what they had in tow. Yup, there was a utility trailer with a full sized gas grill, folding wooden table and a huge cooler. I was happy to see they were tied down in good shape. Not sure who they were (NH plates), or where they were headed, but I could tell what they were thinking: LIFE IS GOOD!

I arrive at the airport with plenty of time to park, check in at the ticket counter and proceed to the gate with only 4 people in line in front of me at the security checkpoint/screening. Arriving at the gate I was awaiting my 12:26 flight to Chicago. As I waited I couldn't help but to take notice of an older woman (70ish - hope I don't offend anyone) who was drinking a diet coke - very quickly. In fact, three sips! Yup, a 20 oz bottle gone in just three larges gulps. I waited patiently for her to burp, but it didn't happen. I then wondered if it's only me that gets gassy drinking coke.

About 1/2 hour prior to boarding there was an announcement: "United Flight 3744 is delayed. Chicago is experiencing severe storms and all air traffic at O'hare is under a ground stop". Then, a few minutes later the announcement suggested we might be leaving at 2:00. Not bad, I was in no hurry, and I could do more people watching. We finally left a bit after 3:00.

Once in Chicago I purchased a round-trip ticket between the airport and my hotel. I board the van only to meet a wonderful lady from Pennsylavania that was in Chicago for the same meeting as I, and she was headed to the same hotel. On the van ride to my hotel we passed by a huge billboard (thank god Vermont doesn't have those!) with an advertisement for a gentleman's club - it was called the Pink Monkey. I laughed.

This is the same weekend as Chicago's "Air & Water Show", that means lots of boats, noisy fast and colorful planes and Fireworks!