A long journey to a much needed place.

It's 10:30, Dad's in class, I've had 2 coffees and been to breakfast, and will meet Dad at the cafeteria for lunch at noon.

It's so good to be here.  Dad looks great. 

 And still it all seems a little strange.  And maybe that's because of how crazy this past year has been, never mind how nerve-wracking it was getting here yesterday.  At one point I wondered, "Will I really get to see Cy again?".

My flight itinerary was simple: out of Hartford by 11:15, arriving in Orlando at 2:15; out at 3:20, arriving in Ft Lauderdale at 4:20.  

The flight from Hartford was coming from Baltimore and due to bad weather was stuck in Baltimore.  Running at least an hour behind, already I was worried about my connecting flight in Orlando.  No problem, the person-in-the-know told me, as the connecting flight ( from Orlando) was also stuck in Providence so that everything would be delayed but we'd be okay.  Worse case?  Another flight ( in Orlando) had 37 vacancies, due out at 6:40, arriving at 7:30 in Ft Lauderdale.  So OK, that worse case would still get me in at a decent time.

So Flight 44 from Baltimore finally arrives, close to 12:45.  I'm relieved , have already sent Dad and Lisette ( yes, I had to keep Lisette in the loop) texts appraising them of situation, and am relatively comfy in my seat....waiting.....waiting....waiting! for the plane to MOVE.  Announcement:  due to bad weather in Hartford, we'll be lingering for a while.  Groan.  We linger and linger.  Announcement: technically good to go BUT burning smell in back of plane so crew coming out to check aircraft.   BIG groan!  Announcement: We aren't risking it, getting off aircraft and getting on to another.  And THAT took forever.

Now we're on the safe plane  - it's almost 3:00 and... Announcement:  those connecting to Ft Lauderdale,  your best bet is Flight leaving at 9:00.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!  I'm tired, I'm hungry and I'm thinking about Dad having to wait around til 10:30 or later ( with my gin and tonic) to meet me at the gate of the school.  

And I text again to let him know the latest.  My phone is turned off on the plane when he voicemails me...wondering where I'll be staying overnight....thinking I meant 9:00 a.m. rather than 9:00 p.m.

Arriving in Orlando at 5:45, HUGE line at Southwest booth where I had to wait for info on connecting flight.  I'm thinking, after all of this, I'm going to now have to wait for 3 hours to grab flight for Ft Lauderdale.  I am not happy.  

YAY!  Flight leaving at 6:40 still available!   That 9:00 p.m. connection?  Customer service gal angry that we were told this was only option.  Who cares?  Not me; I'll soon be on my way!  

Gate 120, right behind food court.  Of course, now I'm assigned B58 ( I was so good at home about getting boarding pass early, had A20!) so I know there will be a good wait until we board.  Did I mention I was hungry?

A bagel at 8 a.m. and peanuts in between...yes, I was hungry.  And so, for the first time in about 5 years, I buy and gobble down a McDonald's Cheeseburger...which tasted soooo good...and wished I had ordered 2 of them.

Waiting in line - waaaay back in line - to board... and Announcement: Um...we don't have a crew for this plane at this time.  WHAT!!!!!    Now I'm dying.  Now I'm ready to have a Luke-meltdown right there at Gate 120, Space B58.   Just as I'm texting Dad...Announcement: we're going to board you all now to save time, crew is on there way, we're looking at 20 min. delay at most.  This is the BEST news I've had all day!

I arrive at Ft Lauderdale at 7:45, call Dad, get directions for cab...10 minute cab ride to school gate and there he is....looking oh so Fine.  :)

The room is nice - so much better than last time I was here.  We have large suite off bedroom and a little kitchen.   Weather not so great ( although for those who live here in Fla., a nice relief.).  Mid 70's and very windy today...much cooler tomorrow.  So much for taking in some sun or using the pool.  

But I made it here and that's what counts.  

Did I mention that Dad looks great?  :)