A Tale Of Two Travelers

My husband  and I typically don’t do  leisurely  travel together for many reasons.

• He drives at a leisurely pace.
• I drive fast.
• He panics if he’s not early.
• I like to be on time without wasting time.
• He’s inquisitive (interrogative), in every situation. His close friends call him Fifty Q. 
• I have a strong Scotch heritage that has taught me it’s invasive to be too inquisitive.
• He is a seasoned business traveler who has racked up hundreds of thousands of air miles.
• I like a road trip. 
• He takes his seat on a plane, fastens his seat belt and sleeps. No conversation. Period.
• I couldn’t possibly sleep, I need to be prepared for an air emergency or if the air Marshall needs assistance. I read, write, edit pictures, play Sudoko and keep busy while remaining alert.

As to be expected he’s a bit set in his ways when he’s in travel mode. It makes him anxious to have a companion traveler that he feels responsible for. When you are married for several decades you learn the intricacies of making things work, and I'm used to meeting him at our destination.

Earlier this month he lured me with promises of weather in the 70’s, a chance to escape the extreme heat we’ve been having in Austin. San Diego...together. Hmph.

It was appealing and complicated. I need to cover the details of 3 teenagers, 2 dogs, 4 foster kitties and figure out if this trip is going to be worth the anxiety over all of the above. There were intructions to write down, food to stock the refrigerator and what to do in case lectures to be given.

My husband of course, packs his bag and that is the extent of his worry... men.

I must admit Raymondo had given this trip some extra effort, especially when I didn’t respond to his inquiries of “what do you what to do”? He pulled out all of the stops to make sure I enjoyed the first class and priority travel services instead of traveling like  the huddled masses (which is more my style).

We were dropped of in the Hertz Gold members lot. He explained that his preferred status meant we could bypass the line in the Hertz building and jump directly to GO. I lagged a bit behind with my bags as he checked the electronic board for his car assignment and yelled over his shoulder “over here, J 24”.

Oh, hell yes

I was feeling like a kid in the candy store as I walked by Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros, Dodge Challengers, and even a Corvette. “I didn’t get one of those because I thought you’d get yourself into trouble with it”. I'm pretty sure he meant a speeding ticket versus the pregnant kind of trouble. We gazed at our spot to find a snappy cream colored Infinity G 37 with light tan leather seats. It's not the Adrenaline Collection, but this is good, I thought to myself.

Infinity G 37

We loaded our suitcases into the trunk, hung up our dress clothes and situated our computer bags.We got into the car and adjusted the seats, found a radio station and organized ourselves. He drove on up to the security booth to check out. “That’s strange,” he said. “The  contract is usually right here on the visor”.
We reached the guard and explained our lack of rental agreement to check out with. A few phones and several minutes later we got the news, “Sir this is not your assigned car, you’ll need to go back to the building”. Slightly humiliated we drove back.

A representativeve met us and explained he was one spot off."It happens all the time, no worries" we were assured. She pointed to a massive shiny black Infinity SUV, “that’s your vehicle” she beamed. I shook my head no. We are on vacation without kids so I had no intention of driving around in a car that looked as big as a tank with gas at $4.70 a gallon.

We both said, “no”. I began hauling my bags out of the G37, beginning to wonder if I could possibly switch to the Adrenaline collection. A minute later the agent returned and handed us a check out ticket...she said go ahead and drive the Infinity G 37.

So, we did. I drove the hair off that car, all up and down the Pacific coast, which is a fun area to drive in if it’s not backed up. At times “the 5” is an 8 lane freeway. Speed limit is 65, but I found in keeping up with traffic (my favorite rationalization) I was often topping 80/85 and still being passed. My theory is if other cars are passing you have a certain level of protection from a speeding ticket.

 The G 37 turned out to be a  peppy, sleek looking sedan that handles well,with responsive pick up when you need it. My only complaints were I didn’t like how the cup holders were situated. And the seat. I'm short, sensitive and picky about my seat. Excuse me while I email my suggestions to my favorite engineer at Nissan-Infinity, my towering foster boy.

SAN DIEGO

It didn't take me but a few hours to remember why San Diego is one of my favorite areas of the country. The Pacific Ocean, mountains, great weather that is neither too hot nor too cold, no sweating, no misquitos. Then there's all the nearby military bases offering daily jet air maneuvers that please my husband to no end ( I'll spare you the videos, but I have them).

OUR HOSTS

We spent a delightful couple of days with my husbands friend and his wife. It was wonderful to be able to spend so much time out of doors. It was also quite handy to be toured around by someone who knew the area. We explored LaJolla, Laguna Beach, Scripps Ranch, Coronado Island, Seaport Village and the surroundings.

Unconditional Surrender at the USS Midway

It's amazing how much easier traveling around and visiting can be when your not hauling toddlers, diaper bags or cantankerous teenagers around. We got a blessed few days of R&R, with a minimum of phone calls from home. It also didn't hurt one bit to have friends with their very own putting green in the back yard. I think that is a brilliant method of therapy.

Rick & Raymondo

I was happy to get home to the gang and be reassured that the house was still intact. No one had been arressted. They claim it was very boring for them without me and my hijinx. I'm not quite believing that but I'm feeling a bit more confident in figuring out which of our friends to visit next.

Say Goodbye To The Long Goodbye

I like sending my husband off to get in front of the customers and get those deals done. Unfortunately, that means lots of airport time for all of us.

That also means way too much exposure to the rude and nasty crew of florescent vested security folk who are supposed to facilitate traffic near the airport entrances and to make sure no one abandons a bomb packing car . I understand their job is to keep trouble out of the airports and to keep traffic flowing when it’s heavy.

On this particular trip I rode to the airport in silence as my husband negotiated details on his iPhone. He likes me to drive him to the airport so we can “spend time together”. More often than not that equates to a very boring ride in silence on my end as I talk to myself in my head while Mr.50 Q gathers data from his team for all his dealings.
 
Then there’s the anxiety, which is usually heightened on the pick up end of an airport run. In Austin there’s no cell phone lot so that raises the stress level, trying to get all the timing right. I hate being yelled at by the security people when I’m just trying to locate the traveler I’m attempting to pick up.

I figured it would be smooth sailing on this particular jaunt since I was doing a drop off. Arriving at the airport we had finally had the chance to discuss some the pressing issues. There was minimal traffic at that time of the morning, no back ups what so ever. I pulled way up to the far end of the departure level. We were laughing over something that only parents of teenagers could find funny when I was jarred back to reality by the pounding on the top of my car.

“Holy mother are we being car jacked right here in broad daylight”? (you can take the girl out of Detroit but you can’t take Detroit out of the girl).That was my first short lived thought until the tall guy with a florescent vest leaned down in a snarling kind of way. Oh, it's you. Tough guys. Same crew that usually hounds us on the arrival level.

Security Guy: You need to move this car out of here.

Roberto: (Still chuckling about something witty I had said) "I was just finishing up my conversation with my lovely wife, isn’t she beautiful?" (Roberto knows he’d better be damn complimentary to me if he wants continued taxi service).

Security Guy: (Totally ignoring the reference to my beauty) "I said you need to MOVE IT".

Roberto & I look at each other, rolling eyes and talking under our breath, man that guy is a jerk, down right rude.

Security Guy continues making the “get it rolling sign” with his hand. Mind you there are no cars behind me whatsoever.

The Mayor: I roll down my window and hold up 1 finger, "He’s leaving, I just need to get him the ATM card" .

Security Guy: (now very red faced) "You can take care of all that business in the parking garage, the first 30 minutes is free. Talk all you want there, now move it or I’ll have to cite you".

Roberto: Tensely mumbles, “OK buddy”. I can tell he’s getting ready to blow.

Security Guy steps away to answer something on his walkie talkie....meanwhile we are still the only car up there.

The Mayor: "Simmer down now, you’ve got to go bring home some bacon and I’m fresh out of  bail money".

Roberto: "I can’t believe how rude he was to you".

The Mayor: "Shake it off, big week, get going big guy"

 I get out of the car, give him his jacket and a big kiss....off you go. He makes it into the airport without further incident.

By this point I’m pretty wound up and I take my time rearranging my empty grocery bags in the trunk. I saunter around to the drivers side giving Security Guy the stink eye as he vigorously gives me the get it rolling hand motion.

I get myself situated, put my set belt on , adjust my seat. At this point I’m really trying to just trying to mess with Mr.Big Ego. Oh, lipstick, I need a bit of gloss as I’m watching him through my rear view mirror as he turns to huff his way back to my car. He gets within about half a car length of me and I decide now.is.the.time.to. take.off. 

NASCAR would have been proud.

The ironic thing is I value being efficient. I don’t dilly dally when people are lined up behind me. I  don’t use coupons nor argue over what the advertised sales price is supposed to be. I wait my turn as patiently as possible.

I’m not sure what they expect the traveling public to do at the airport. Maybe they expect us to put the car in neutral as the passenger does a tuck and roll out onto the pavement? That kind of maneuver was fun when I was a teenager trying to jump out of my girlfriends old VW Beetle. Now, not so much.

During my recent travels I had noted that all my interaction with the TSA at the various airports this year have been pretty positive. I’m thinking there must have been some mandatory in-service on how to be more customer friendly with the flying public. I witnessed a few occasions of TSA employees being extremely helpful with fellow travelers.

When they found an old water bottle at the bottom of my daughter’s school back pack (WOOPS) they just threw it out without making her feel like a criminal. The check points were as smooth and efficient as on could hope.

The parking lot security folk are another story. I can imagine the Craig’s list ad for this job:

Looking for  the crankiest, most power hungry, bossy, rude box checking monkeys to keep traffic moving through airport lanes. Must  crave the smell of jet fuel and be able to rock a florescent vest.

We may have to buy another car so my husband can deal with the airport fun on his own. Mama don’t want to end up in jail. Any chance for romance at the airport...forget about it.

How Could I Not Like A Place Called Moonshine?

As a child I spent a good part of every summer in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. My meemaw used to tell us tales of shooing revenuers off family property so they couldn't find the family still. I never saw a still, but I did see people produce jugs of moonshine once in a while.

We just happened to be visiting Austin in December. It wasn't until we strolled the different downtown districts (6th Street, Warehouse district, Congress, Lamar) that we came to realize we were there during the valley season (as opposed to peak).

I wouldn't go as far to say that they all but rolled up the sidewalks, but it was a bit lonely at times. As lonely as one can be when spending time with your large, extended family. My point is we didn't get the full Austin experience of their entertainment district because the week between Christmas and New Years is a very popular time for the residents to vacate elsewhere.

Being one of the few tourists enjoying the warm weather (the Texans thought we were crazy to be excited about 50 degrees) made it easy to get dinner reservations anywhere we wanted. Upon the recommendation of my happy Texan friend Stiletto Mom we found our dinner spot for the night. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill on Red River Street is housed in a building that is part of the historical Waterloo Compound, one of Austin's oldest groupings of commercial buildings.

The patio looked like a perfect outdoor spot, enclosed, with festive lights and firelplaces. Unfortunately they weren't seating outside that day (probably to avoid staff rebellion against cold working conditions). So our next idea was to check out the bar as we had read about several concoctions they are known for.

Inside the lighting was just right and and the rough light limestone walls were a great contrast to the gleaming wood bar. We got started right away with a Cucumber Cosmo Martini ($7) and Harvest Moon Tea ($7), some of the house specialties. That Harvest Moon Tea was a stealth glass of goodness. The kind that could divest you of your panties if you weren't careful (and you wouldn't even know it). Very sneaky indeed!

Tres amigos enjoying the scene

We were hitting our stride when they led us back to an interior room to be seated. We were all hungry so we got right down to business. We got the party started with Beer Battered Asparagus with Buttermilk Ranch and some calamari. I returned from a quick time away from the table to find the tasty treats to be eaten beyond the photo op stage so you'll have to take my word for it, it was good.

The staff was freindly and competant, easily picking up our cues on speed of service. We were a decisive bunch that night and they kept things moving without rushing us. A good time was had by all evidenced by the fact we actually managed to all complete our meal and cash out without anyone straying from the table.

Jalapeno Hanger Steak with Scallion Butter

We dug into our entrees and we all agreed that mine was an taste bud delighting Extravaganza. I love a well balanced looking meal, cooked perfectly by someone other than me. The smaller servings of veggies that accompanied everyone's meal just fulfilled that desire for variety, to keep things from getting boring.

Horseradish Crusted Salmon was very tasty

A big hit with our crowd that night was the Moonshine Macaroni & Cheese. This dish was one hot mess of creamy goodness. My daughter was delighted with her plain kid style bowl while the rest of us got the full monty with the jazzed up edition that included some green spicy goodies mixed in. It was quite unique, maybe the secret ingredient has something to do with the moonshine?

White Chocolate Bread Pudding with raisins, pecans & Bourbon Sauce

Par for the course, a fight just about broke out seeing who could be the quick draw on the dessert. They didn't listen when I recommended we order a Skillet Apple Pie or the Fudge Stout Brownie with Chocolate Malt Ball Ice Cream also. We came out of there with one chipped finger nail so I can't complain.

Next time we are in Austin we are going to be returning to Moonshine, especially to enjoy the patio. I've since read that the brunch there is outstanding starting out with $3.50 Mimosas and Bloody Mary's. Not to mention all the other menu items we didn't have a chance to try.

By the way you're going to be brave enough to try the moonshine. It will remain a mystery if we made good on the threat to sneak back in to the bar and try a shot of their White Lightening spiked with peach.

Blue Line To Sunshine

Just when you thought it was safe to surf the blogosphere, I'm back...

Traveling has it’s ups and downs. Sometimes the downs can be so overwhelming you almost don’t want to go but I was determined to pull this complicated trip off. I like road tripping best, but that of course is not always practical if there’s a lot of miles involved and a limited time frame. My travels began with a road trip to Chicago, then to air tripping on to Austin, TX . From there I’m boarding another plane to Dallas to attend an emergency summit meeting with a few fellow bloggers  (you all know and love) to start solving some of the problems our government can’t seem to get a handle on.

First of all, being from Detroit where sadly there is no such thing as mass transit I was overjoyed at my experience getting from downtown Chicago out to O’Hare early this morning for $2.25 versus a $40 cab ride.

True, I did have to schlep an overstuffed carry on suitcase, a computer bag and my large purse down the cement stairs to the underworld CTA blue line stop. Tried to purchase my ticket with a credit card, which is a no no. Luckily a kind soul gave me change for my $20  bill so I could buy my $2 trip to the airport.

40 minutes later I arrived at the last stop, O’Hare. I did’t find the TSA people as much fun at the Chicago ORD as they are in Detroit DTW or as Asheville AVL, airports I’m more familiar with. But after I got by Ms. Crankypants the rest of security check through was fine.

Don't scenes like this make you FEEL so safe when flying?

On the plane,they gate checked our carry ons, which I would later find out was a gigantic blessing. I proceeded to Austin on an unremarkable flight except for the 1 year old who screamed like a banshee the first and last 20 minutes. Since I’ve been there and done that with a baby many times I try to send some compassion to the poor mother.

Safely arrived in Austin I freshen up, grab a latte and wait for my next flight. People watching helped pass the time, I saw some strange specimens. I really would have liked to unobtrusively snapped some pictures but my hands we full with all my stuff. Plus, I’m not sure how the Texans feel about crazy tourists photographing them.

I suspected I was in trouble when I found a SW gate attendant to check me in and get me a boarding pass. They both  apologetically kept saying how I could have checked in online. I assured them I was familiar with that and that I usually do roll that way but my daughter didn’t have a printer to print a boarding pass. No problem, we’ll get you set up. They continued to emphasize how I should remember for next time to check in even if I can’t print my boarding pass.

Can you say "moo"?

Yeah, I got that message. So I continue waiting good-naturedly, I might add, for my flight. Then they explained the boarding procedure and how you have to board by your number. Oh, and there are no assigned seats. Well. The clincher was my number was C27. So, after waiting for people with A 1-60 to be lined up in chutes like cattle, then waited to group B 1-60 to be loaded up, finally it was my turn. Me and the 3 people behind me. Now the fun is going to start.

I clamor on to the plane, checking again, yes it’s true, there are no assigned seats so if you find one grab it. Oh, yeah, and your bag, the overheads are filling up so take the first spot for that thing that you see. Holy shit. Now I know I’m in trouble because I’m 5 ft 1 1/2 inches and I’ve got to haul this very heavy bag over my head and shove it into a compartment I can’t really reach.

Luckily the gentleman in line behind me gave me some assistance. Only my bag did not want to go. Over stuffing was the culprit. Quickly I remove one bulky item and carry it. My bag goes in and I’m not looking forward to trying to get it out of that place that it’s currently wedged into. Now to find a seat. Looks like my choice is next to a very heavy lady with a cane. Or between 2 very tall, muscular young gentlemen.
Worn out jean clad legs spread out in V.

I make myself as small as possible and squeeze between the two of them. We mumble a few words to each other, they give a few more grunts about a football game and off to sleep they both go for the hour long flight to Dallas. As they relax their long legged V’s ease into my leg space until they are forming a complete W over my short little stumpy legs. I don’t let it affect me.

I have a son their age and am accustomed to being overwhelmed by the size of college aged boys. The one with the dark hair ever so slightly has drifted to the right until his head is slightly onto my seat. Then over until it barely touches my shoulder. I think of them as big oversized baby boys and keep reading my book. Before you know it they are doing the prepare for landing mumbo jumbo. Both young men sort of shake off their nap, sit up straighter but still keep their long legs V’d into my space.

Upon landing, I boldly bartered their use of my “space” in our row to ask them to get my bag out of the overhead compartment for me. No problem. As Mayor I have developed some wicked negotiating skills.

Out into the Texas sunshine I went. So this is what it feels like to wander around without a coat in December. It was time to officially begin the emergency bloggers summit that was only to last a mere 24 hours. I spotted my ride right away despite the fact that we’d never met face to face. I had a description including the make, model and color of her car and being from Detroit I have special powers to detect the minute design details that separate a Lexus from a Nissan.

Within 5 minutes of meeting my hostess who so generously opened her home to our small meeting, I knew that we would like each other in person as we do online. Nothing like running a few errands together to increase bonding. Did you ever have the chance to see the Tequila isle at a Texas liquor store? I  had no idea there were so many varieties, brands and flavors of the Mexican liquor.

Once we arrived to our clandestine meeting place I was absolutely tickled to be sitting around a backyard POOL, sipping a beverage and threatening to take a dip in said pool to the horror of my Texan comrades. You see folks from Michigan will get in a pool in just about any weather once they are south of the Mason-Dixon line. It was only our very tight schedule that kept me from taking the plunge.

Mayor to the left, plaid to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you.

I’d love to spill the details of our summit which we all agreed would take part on the down low, you know the vow of “what happens in Dallas stays in Dallas”.  Consequently the only photographic evidence I can share with you is this most interesting shot of Moi, thoroughly enjoying a delicious Lemon Drop martini at a local steak house. As bloggers will do we couldn’t help noticing the plaid pair sitting near us. First individually, then corporately imagining all the possible scenarios as to how this couple arrived to dinner in their fetching (almost matching) plaid button down shirts.

That night I wisely checked in online for my flight back to Austin to begin part II of my Christmas trip. After a leisurely morning spent over coffee, conversation and home baked cinnamon rolls  we reluctantly said our good byes. I was deposited at the airport by my delightful companion and started another travel day with anticipation and just a tiny bit of anxiety. I made a quick stop outside of the Southwest terminal to pick up my boarding pass (for which I had registered the night before).

I was number A 28. Score.

Stay tuned for Part II & III of my travel log.