Let me begin at the ending of the middle of our day! I am at Gate 67. Checked in, got my window seat and Ruth will be on the aisle of our two seater row. We had a nice grilled cheese sandwich and split some fries at the Bus Stop Diner in Cateret, NJ, where we will leave our car until our return. The drive up from Silver Spring was nice and although 4 ½ hours by the back roads it was delightful. Ruth and I caught up on old times and families, and politics, and theater and all the fun things we ‘girls’ talk about when we haven’t seen each other for a long time but pick up right where we left off.
As we set out from Maryland, after a terrific cheese omelet and bacon and toast breakfast whipped up by Gary, Ruth’s husband, he waved us off. He probably is looking forward to a couple weeks to enjoy the quiet life with the pretty little kitty. Neighbor ladies will check in with him and make sure all is well. His son who starts off having breakfast with his Dad tomorrow. Ruth and I have that in common. We look after our families even when we are not there in person!
The drive up through Pennsylvania and into New Jersey was quintessential America! Old stone cottages and steepled white frame churches. Big square schools and green farms and wide rivers. What a great day.
After only one detour and delay and one missed turn in a most complicated mullti-roaded intersection we found the Holiday Inn where our car will be a guest and we will stay one night on our return. During the Flagman delay, I had an email notice on my phone. TripCase was informing me that our flight was to be delayed by 45 minutes. Ruth wasn’t sure if they were the best source of information so I called the SmarTours office who had no notification of flight changes and did not seem inclined to check. The next call was to TAP’s 800 number which actually has customer service in Portugal. Their info was that the flight would be an hour and 15 minutes delayed. I texted Karen who confirmed for us that TripCase had given us the correct update!
Then we set out into the classic Eastern town to find dinner. An Italian restaurnat looked promising until the signs in the window said they were looking for a cook and a pizza maker and a delivery boy. The red checkered tablecloths were not inviting enough to have us try this totally empty place.
Ruth spotted a gentleman and his daughter walking; ahh locals. He recommended the Bus Stop Dinner, back toward our hotel, as having fresh, good food. It was. From the many paged extensive menu we each chose a grilled cheddar sandwich and split some fries. Great friendly service and excellent atmosphere of a traditional diner made us realize that this is where we will eat on our return.
Just as we got back at the hotel and took our bags from the car the shuttle pulled into the parking lot. Ruth ducked in to let the desk know we were taking it and not waiting for a later one. Driving against the traffic, we took about 15 minutes to reach the correct terminal. The driver, Brian, was so nice to chat with. He looked in his twenties but had a kid in high school and three in college!
Inside there was no line to check in and get our boarding pass and my desired left hand window seat ---shoulder protection. The line to show our passports and boarding passes was non-existent and we entered the usual security line… no TSA Pre-Chek in Newark. Again it was not long at all. Just as we approached the table and were determining if we needed to remove our shoes etc. Ruth saw people taking their tablets and laptops out to put into the bins. As she reached for he new Windows Surface she realized it was still in the car. At first, I thought she meant in the shuttle van. She might have called and had them return with it. No! It was in Carteret at the Holiday Inn beginning its own little vacation!
Ruth checked her watch and was going to go back for it. The flight was two hours and 50 minutes. I assured her she could use my tablet` but in a split second she ducked under the stanchion rope and told the passport guy with whom she had chatted that she was leaving and would be back. She called over her shoulder that she would meet me at the gate!
And so I am here and the suspense increases. They have just announced a second gate change. ****
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