Get Away

Blog17:

“Kids” off to Vet Hotel? Check!

Doors, Locked? Check!

Luggage loaded? Check!

Passports … Itinerary … Keys? Check, Check, Check!

Roll, and let Vacation away from it all, begin.

Check in with US Air. 

“How many bags?”

“Just two.  We’re traveling light!”

“Here you are.  Keep those until you get your bags back.”

We’ll do, and thanks!  We’ll certainly do.”

Off we head to Gate 42.  It was just another stop.

“Show passports and boarding passes, please.” Gatekeeper declares.

“Here they are,” we comply. 

He cheerfully comments, “Your picture doesn’t do you justice. 

Whoa … much better-looking up close!”

“You’re very kind, thanks,” I return pleasantries.

“And just how are you today?” He keeps rolling the early mild-toned chat.

“Better than I deserve!” I retort, very pleased with things. 

Mickey feeling left out, interjects, “You didn’t ask how I was!”

“I sure didn’t, but I’m fixin’ to do.  How are you, sir?

Mickey chuckles, and then exclaims, “I’m alive!”

“You sure are, man.  That’s the best thing in this whole wide world!”

At final Boarding door, the Flight Attendant requires add-on checks.   

We sit and wait some more. 

Finally, queuing starts. Boarding by seating zones begins.

All aboard … yeaahhh!  I silently mutter, “So far, so good!”

But ten minutes pass.  Plane isn’t moving an inch.

The ‘hurry, up and wait’ part gets into my skin.

Carrier Captain greets everyone and nonchalantly chats about weather.

 “Folks, sorry.  No confirmation yet from the tower for take-off.

Relax, and feel free to keep working on your communication gadgets.”

"Fine way to break the not-so-good-news," I murmur. 

Beside me, Mickey heaves an impatient sigh. 

I roll my shoulders; I stretch my weary back.

What’s with this Vacation that it can’t get started?

Half an hour passes.  Engine bleats.

“Fasten your seatbelts.  Turn off all communication devices.

We’re off!”  The Captain rants, and in better spirits now, he sings, “Up and away!

Four hours of navigating the sky route.  Four hours of recumbent sitting.

Some fine start to Vacation from it all, you say?

Off course a smooth path, but wait and see; wait and see.

We’ll get “there” …