Okay, I have landed on the west coast. After a good night's rest, I feel refreshed. But just for the amusement of it all, let's go back in time 24 hours, shall we?
We arrived at the airport with a good lead on time, and it was a good thing we did. With the airline merger between Continental and United, they had us in the system, but had difficulty accessing the boarding pass.
Let me just say I am like a child in a candy store when it comes to airports. I love them. I love everything about them. The hustle and bustle. The sight of baggage. And yes, even security. To travel via an airplane is a blessing I recognize and sink into with thanksgiving. It never ceases to amaze me that huge metal creations can be loaded to the max and still fly through the air "with the greatest of ease."
Anyway, I am convinced my "candy store" temperament added to the favor we were granted. There was the sweetest customer service representative that helped us with the boarding pass, and even accelerated our check baggage procedure by pulling us out of line and expediting us. Thank you so much, sweet lady!
Airport security was a blessing as well. I was prepared for the body scan, but so thankful neither my daughter nor I were chosen to endure it. Again, favor was not a blessing missed by us! Everyone was pleasant. I am convinced kindness begets kindness.
Once we made it to the gate, we had just a few moments to sit. There was a gentleman who sat just feet away from us conducting business.... loudly.... on the phone. Why do people feel the need to be so loud? "Well, I need those stocks to be converted so they are ready for trade... blah, blah, blah, blah." Does this make him feel important? I just sat there and prayed, "Please, Lord, don't have him sitting anywhere near us on the plane." ..... and he wasn't! Again, blessed favor.... though I feel for those he was around. ;o)
So we left on time. I was so thankful because our connecting flight in Texas was literally minutes from our landing time.
We made our way to Texas without any delay, but they changed our departure gate so we ended up getting to the gate as they were boarding our next flight. I managed to pick up two smoothies and two muffins for Amber and myself because our east coast stomachs were telling us it was supper time!
Have I mentioned the turbulence? Merciful heavens, it was like riding on a bumpy gravel road for hours. (Note to self: noise reduction head phones would have been an extreme blessing to my worn out ears as the engines had to scream the entire time!)
The landscape certainly does change to the west. Here is a snap out the window. Note the perfectly round circles of grass in the left hand corner. These circles are located in Texas and New Mexico. Very strange to this east coaster! Apparently they are used to grow crops in the middle of the desert.
(Click on the image to enlarge it.)
We landed fifteen minutes late despite leaving on time. Throughout the entire flight, the plane fought incredible trade winds. As best as I can figure, it was over five hours in flight time. Unreal. The wind just kept pushing us eastward. Naughty wind! :o)
The sunset was beautiful. Here's a sorry shot of the one last night, but something is better than nothing. I'll try to capture a better one while I am here. They are breathtaking.
It is very tropical here. I'll get some pictures of the vegetation and post them later. Everything blooms. The trees, the bushes, the cacti.... everything.
For my family back home, these are everywhere!
We had a yummy supper thanks to my host. Dear daughter and I were then taken to our lodging and promptly crashed! We woke up at 5:20 am, but our east coast clock was telling us it was 8:20 am. I don't ever set an alarm; I wake up with the sun as my habit. That works well on the east coast, but not so well here because there are no trees to wedge or shadow the sunrise. So instead of the sunrise becoming notable at 6:00-7:00 am -- it shows itself here at 5:00! Wow! Never thought tall trees served me so well on the east coast. :o)
Well -- that's about all for now. I'm resting, doing some reading, and preparing for the conference. Much love to all my family and friends on the east coast! I'll see you soon! Until then keep those prayers rolling on our behalf --- they are deeply appreciated!
Deborah
Attempt to capture the mountainous rock. The picture also shows how short the trees are in this part of the county.
The size of these saguaro cacti (pronounced "suh-wah-roe") were amazing. It takes 75 years before these beauties begin budding arms and can live to be 150 years old. This one is obviously over a hundred years old. Keep in mind I am right at six feet tall. These cacti were easily 25 feet tall.
Night, all!
