May 1, 2009 -

You know a true friend when they will get up at three o'clock in the morning to drive you to an airport two hours away. You know a long trail friend when they will do this knowing full well that they will have to turn around, rush back and immediately begin a ten-hour shift. My trip from Tucson to Phoenix to board the plane was a pleasant journey because of my friend, much better than the shuttle bus ride I had envisioned.  I thought it a good omen for my air journey.  Such is the bloom of optimism 

The good thing, if one can be found to be said about the maze which is named SkyHarbor airport, about arriving so early is that there is no waiting in lines, Continental check-in, security or the  bakery on the concourse.  Of course, I thought that half past five was the perfect arrival time, for those reasons and because it gave me only an hour and  half to wait until I boarded.  Of course, the Cactus Faeries couldn't allow me to leave Arizona for a visit "home" without creating some mischief. Long story shorter, and with much grumbling and a sigh of resignation, bad weather in Newark necessitated that our flight be delayed by an hour. No problem, off to the aforementioned bakery for a cinnamon roll, fresh from the oven and dripping with icing, and an icy cold milk.  No coffee for me, as I had stopped all caffeine intake three days ahead of my flight.  With breakfast in hand, I settled in to wait, enjoying my breakfast, people watching and checking over my camera gear.  At eight o'clock, they called for boarding to begin. It was going to be a full flight. I found my seat, stowed my gear in the overhead and my hat under the seat in front and listened to the "Boarding Concerto": people making last minute calls to people staying behind or waiting ahead, parents settling their children in for the flight, elders saying the rosary or a quick flight prayer, flight attendants greeting chatter.  The doors closed and we backed away from the gate, found our slot in the taxi line and then ...... sat there for 45 minutes!  I do understand why they did this, as they wanted to be ready for immediate departure when they were given the all clear from Newark, but how long do you think four toddlers and two infants, confined in a seat in a very small space, can stay quiet?  I was never so thankful for ear plugs and an airline pillow! I slept through the take-off and woke, due to turbulence, about one hundred miles outside Newark.

A bright side to the delays, for I always find one, is that I only had a two-hour layover in Newark instead of the original four. That gave me time to find my gate and hunt down something to eat. I found the Garden State Diner, a retro fifties pseudo eatery complete with chrome and neon. I ordered a beef dip with french fries and a chocolate shake. The wait time in between ordering and receiving my food was not too bad, about fifteen minutes. I am something of a french dip or beef dip connoisseur. Many have been eaten few have been found worthy. The Garden State Diner got it right, the beef was tender, the bun soft on the inside &  crisp on the outside and the french fries were steak-cut crispy perfection. The chocolate milkshake was rich, satisfying and enough for two. I give the Garden State Diner a solid nine. Total bill was $17.98 including tip. I boarded my flight from Newark to Dublin with a full tummy and a happy heart. 

Boarding went smoothly, my seat mates, a couple from Connecticutt, were very pleasant. They were heading to Dublin and then down into Cork to visit her family. As our plane taxied out and the conversation lulled, I took one of my herbal sleep pills and rested my head against the window. I woke up as we were circling Dublin. I had slept through the flight instructions, food service, beverage service, and, luckily, several squalling infants. When I awoke, the couple joked that they had thought about holding a mirror under my nose to make sure I was alive. I could see the merit of such a measure, as I am usually a very light sleeper.....

Tomorrow the Saga continues................ Do as I say Not as I do..............