May 12 - Thursday

May 12 Thursday

Leaving day! I woke up at 4:30 a.m. – after watching most of a movie with Eric and not going to bed until after midnight. Made for a very short night! Last minute packing, and waiting for a check from Dad C’s fund so we could take care of Heather Hills payment. UPS brought the check, then shortly afterwards we left, first for the bank then for Heather Hills. Then a short stop at the insurance place to do some paperwork, and then a stop at Steak & Shake as Steve was hungry. We went inside and it was senior day – at both ends of the spectrum! There was a tour group from a nursing home taking up one very long table, and shortly joined by a group of seniors – class of 2011 – at the adjoining long tables together. Pretty weird! Then on to the airport. Eric hung around until we were through security, then he went home to Max.

We had a couple of hours to wait until we boarded our plane. There was another flight at the same gate, which was delayed in leaving because of weather in Dallas, so our plane didn’t get a jetway and we had to walk out to the plane. Did get priority boarding because Steve decided to bring the only weapon he could – a cane. Which meant he had to use the thing. Really dumb in my mind but it was his choice. And I know he was motivated by trying to protect us.

Flight to Chicago was short and uneventful. Then a four hour layover in Chicago. First realization that those suitcases are HEAVY! Our arrival gate was close to the USO club – so thought we’d make the attempt to go in since we were headed to see Scott. The guy actually let us into the adjoining American Airlines lounge. We spent a peaceful hour and a half there, much quieter than in the actual airport areas. Finally left as we were getting bored. Walked to the next terminal to see the Butch O’Hare exhibit, then stopped for food – Steve got a sub and I got a pina colada smoothie. Then down to Gate K16 and another wait. Finally got on the plane and got settled in.

Nice entertainment system on the plane – could choose from about 8 movies, TV shows, games, and music. Also a button to show where the plane was at the time. Drink and snack served shortly after takeoff, then dinner not too long after that. We had beef and mashed potatoes, a salad, roll, cheese and crackers, then a brownie for dessert.

Later, most of the passengers settled down for a nap, including Steve. I tried but no go, even using my first class sleeper and eye shades, as well as soft music playing on my Ipod. You’d think after only four hours the night before….