 |
| Haven''t seen this... might have to check it out |
Continuing with the obstacles that we encountered on our recent flights... nothing that couldn't be overcome or endured, but a lesson for us old folks for the next time.. and yes, there will be a next time! (what's the expression? 'God willin' and the creek don't rise).
5. Layover 2 (coming home from Hawaii): This time we had a 2 hour layover. This sounded OK after the 55 minute fiasco on the flight in. Since we left Hawaii at 9PM Hawaii time (11PM Calif time), we arrived in California 6 hours later (5 AM - unfortunately not too many places in the terminal were open for coffee/breakfast at that time). THEN we were notified that besides the 2 hour layover, we would be having a 2 hour delay due to weather. So instead of leaving at 7 AM, the plane didn't actually leave until about 9:45 AM. Of course this couldn't be helped we knew, but having to spend that much time in the air-conditioned airport, I soon realized that even though it was August - I should have brought a sweater. Another lesson learned!
6. Other things to be considered on plane: Legroom, distance from facilities, window vs aisle, etc. Now I have short legs... but still there was very little legroom for such a long flight. Would I consider 'comfort seats' (more $$) next time? Maybe.
Also the nearness of the facilities must be a consideration on a long flight. Our age requires frequent visits - so it can't be too far away - yet, due to others' needs and other 'considerations', you don't want to be seated 'too close' either.
**Comment here - The facilities were very narrow! And since I noticed that there were some 'very large' people on the plane, I really wondered how they could possibly use those facilities?**
And lastly... at least for brevity - window or aisle?As far as I know, no one wants the middle seat. I personally prefer window. But I had the aisle on the flight back (actually DH had the aisle and I had the middle seat) - this was because it was a night flight and I didn't want to be climbing over sleeping people to use the restroom (didn't mind climbing over DH). He apparently has no preferences - except maybe not to fly at all.
So that's it for the most part. Now we will be better prepared next time. As for the time spent in Hawaii with our son and his wife - THAT WAS GREAT! LOVED IT! Just wish that when we're ready to go again, I could just say, "Beam me up, Scotty!"
Oh... and I mentioned my Bourbon Pecan Coffee Cake in the last post. Here's a pic:
 |
| Bourbon Pecan Coffee Cake |
and recent Clay Projects:
 |
| a larger cheeky chicken that will sit on my outside fence |
 |
| turtle vase |
And just finished this vase... hand-built, not thrown. The plan is to glaze the vase itself in blue rutile and the turtle in green seaweed (I think that's the name of the 2 Potter's Choice glazes). Anyway, I'll post a pic when it's finished (trying my hand at hand-building).
Have a great week!
Hugs,
- Rian
Thanks for the update. I too absolutely detest airline flights these days. I pay more for the wider seats and try to get towards the front of the plane. I really like your cute turtle vase! :-)
ReplyDeleteI usually try to sit not too far behind the wing. But now I know that if there's a connecting flight to catch, it's best to sit towards the front. And if we ever take a long flight again... I may consider those comfort seats/will have to check the additional fee first.
DeleteFlying was more fun when we could run for planes.
ReplyDeleteI like that turtle vase.
Joanne - not sure about that "running for planes"...
DeleteFlying is just something to be endured to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible, IMO. In Canada, we don't have the competition for fares that I think you have in the U.S. and airfare is absurdly high. You can fly overseas for less than you can fly from where I live to Halifax, NS, for instance.
ReplyDeleteAnyway!
I, too, love that turtle vase, am looking forward to seeing it finished!
Kim, the turtle vase was kind of a last minute thing. I had some extra clay and decided to try a hand-built vase. Then even though I used a roller to make it less plain and more interesting, it needed something. The plan was to have 3 turtles in descending sizes along the side... but alas, my clay dried a bit too fast... so one turtle was it.
DeleteYour clay projects are always so lovely! I'm impressed with your creativity and wish I had an ounce of it.
ReplyDeleteI tolerate flying because it is the only to get certain places from here. Given my druthers I'd be on a ship but living in landlocked Saskatchewan negates that possibility!
I love ships! But unfortunately I tend to get seasick... which is a shame as I have ancestors who were sea captains...
DeleteAs for creativity - playing with clay is fun, as is writing - so if someone actually likes any of it, that's a bonus.
You have convinced me that fear is not the only reason to avoid flying. So glad I have no relatives so distance that I can't drive.
ReplyDeleteI am voting for the turtle vase also. Adorable but I also like the chicken's ability to fence sit.
Since our daughter lives in the hill country of Texas, we choose to drive most of the time too. But on occasion, I have flown (usually when I'm going alone). It's only an hour flight.
DeleteI remember the saying "getting there is half the fun." Gotta wonder what that meant.
ReplyDeleteBut Olga, sometimes it is. I can remember taking road trips where this was true. However, I’m not sure this goes for flying these days.
DeleteDear Rian, I started flying again when I was 77. Then when I got to be 80, I realized that I couldn't make the changed from one gate to another in the time allotted (my energy level for walking simply didn't permit it). So I now order a wheelchair to be waiting when my flight comes in and I've met the friendliest and most helpful young people who wheel me to the next play. They weave in and out of all the passengers in the halls and it's just such a treat! Peace.
ReplyDeleteThat is probably a good idea, Dee. If we ever need connecting flights again, we may ask for assistance...
DeleteAir travel can be difficult even for the young and able bodied... only gets harder as we age. I used to fly a lot before retiring. It's definitely one of those things that, the more you do it, the easier it gets. Plus you get frequent flyer status which is a huge help. I can't say I miss it much. So many hassles, stress, and unpredictable delays takes some of the fun out of air travel.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how the fun could be put back into flying? With the threat of Terrorism and the crowded skies, I'm not sure how this could be done...
DeleteThose ever-shrinking "facilities" are a very real problem as is leg-room for me due my physical issues since a hemorrhagic stroke. Transatlantic flight in 2015 was pretty challenging.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think they could remove one section of seating and make the 'facilities' a bit wider... or 2 and give everyone a bit more legroom.
DeleteLooking forward to seeing the finished turtle vase!
ReplyDeleteI will post a pic... if it comes out of the kiln OK.
DeleteI have a (sort of) healthy oats and nuts plum crisp in the oven, but now wish I could have a piece of that Bourbon Pecan cake that looks heavenly. My Hubby is 80 now so what you describe, the body maintenance as it were, just keeps ramping up. But just so happy to be here, heh.
ReplyDeleteHappy to be here too, Jocelyn! And thanks for visiting...
Delete