Trip- day 1

I just got back from California. Each day was full of activities and outward centered activities. The first day I got up at 4 in the morning and was a bit irritable at my husband, which, poor guy doesn't deserve, but I always get that way when I am anxious about what I am doing. We said good-by at that choke-point at the Little Rock Airport, and then I went through the security checkpoint. I needed three buckets for all my things. I also had to take off my shoes. I felt like I was getting ready to go to prison. Then I bought breakfast and talked to a man who was a salesman and also played Santa. I talked to him until it was time to go on the flight. The first flight was very light in passengers. I talked to the person next to me and he helped to calm my nerves. *I figured out I hadn't flown since 9-11. I remember being able to see the pilot. Then at the Chicago airport, I found the Red Carpet Club and chilled out there a bit--again I could have free snacks and drinks, until time to find my next connection (this was in Chicago.) I did not have a seat mate on this flight, which was actually nice. I received a chicken sandwich with a slightly wilted salad. The sandwich was tasty. On the flights, I had the option of having whatever I wanted, and as much as I wanted. (I was flying first class.) I basically drank orange juice and ginger ale. More tomorrow.

Off to Californa

I am all packed up and ready to go to California to do the Stanford research on Col. Astor. These are the Shaftner papers and there are some references to Col. Astor in them. Enough to get excited about, but not so much that I'm drooling over it.

In true Geek fashion, I charged up my ipod, my laptop and my nook before I bothered to pack my clothes. I start tomorrow at a very early 4 in the morning (to wake up) and have to be there by 6. An hour for the drive to the airport. Ugh. Who can tell me who the person in the room is that is most definitely *not* a morning person. Especially, when this morning begins at 4 a.m. I will take some pictures and post them, when I come back -- expect them about a week from Friday.

Along with the research, I will be visiting with my daughter (see...I'm such a historyophile that I mention the research first as well.) This will be my first chance to see her in her own element in California. I am looking forward to the experience. California is not like Arkansas...very unlike Arkansas. That might deserve photos as well...

Well, I'm tired--I've been cleaning, packing, repacking, and trying to not to go to sleep so I can go to bed early this evening...to get up early tomorrow, but that makes me a space cadet today...so ignore any part of this that did not make sense.

Till next Week.