tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20820293610452601832024-03-27T16:54:36.718-07:00The Flight Nun Home and TravelWelcome to the wild and wonderful world of travel and flight attendant memories! "The Nun" was a nickname I acquired early in my career. Bible belt upbringing, perhaps. After a 39 year career in the travel industry, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to indulge in my two favorite past times: Travel and writing! Each place visited has its own history and flavor! So join me for my many new adventures and some fun memories! Welcome! "Life is an adventure, even when it's a bumpy ride!"The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.comBlogger351125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-83822512455546194262023-08-07T04:57:00.004-07:002023-08-13T04:30:22.253-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- ROAD TRIP!! HOW FAR CAN I GO IN DAY ONE?<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uulLlvN3NMlAyOh19Py3bi16cZmlSmsPfCR4GBW29VOzOaylTQ8snsVNRwMWjpo1Z7ajRvlTjj4l27GGu0aX1W0y9ow9_7xZkx4CKNeExRYLoaspyl_2rRRcBO_lG6sUyF2Mpw0QvjL5AYk3trJ8vrCK4Tp0RF1rHZtKe7WQnLFHysm0g8YfR3v8Ypo/s2769/IMG_8780.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2769" data-original-width="2769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uulLlvN3NMlAyOh19Py3bi16cZmlSmsPfCR4GBW29VOzOaylTQ8snsVNRwMWjpo1Z7ajRvlTjj4l27GGu0aX1W0y9ow9_7xZkx4CKNeExRYLoaspyl_2rRRcBO_lG6sUyF2Mpw0QvjL5AYk3trJ8vrCK4Tp0RF1rHZtKe7WQnLFHysm0g8YfR3v8Ypo/s320/IMG_8780.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Ruby Encore</span></p><p><span style="font-size: xx-large;">Greetings! I decided to take a road trip! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> My leased vehicle is one and a half years old! I don't even have 3,000 miles on it yet! Since I need to get back to Michigan to deal with my storage unit, driving seemed the best way to go. I can see a bit of the U.S.A. plus have a way to bring a few treasures back to Florida.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So! Sunday sounds like a good day to drive, right? No business traffic. I headed off at 10:30 a.m. toward my first stop- Marietta, Ga. The info on "maps" said it would be a 6 1/2 hour drive from Lady Lake, Florida. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, that was not taking into account stopping at every other "rest stop" to give my tail bone a break, stretch, and use the facilities!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lady Lake isn't really near any expressway- so it takes a bit of meandering to get to one. Once on I-75 heading north- I hit my first glitch, immediate stop and go. (I never did find out why) About 30 minutes later I was at 70 miles/hr. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Florida drivers are a bit scarier than Michigan drivers. Both tend to go WAY beyond the speed limit, but in Florida they will zigzag cross three lanes 4 times to get 2 car lengths ahead! And we have a combo of those going 45mph and those going 85-90! I stayed in the middle lane and just watched it all unfold!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Heading north bound I entered Georgia in time to see a horrific accident in the south bound lanes! Multiple cars- a car hauler jackknifed, blocking all lanes- behind that a combo of cars, semi's. and campers all in different positions- some sideways across more than one lane. I have no idea what happened, but there was more than one ambulance there! That back up will last for a really long time!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After that it was fairly smooth sailing! I saw some really pretty scenery. Since this was a "strictly travel" day, I didn't do any exploring. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Driving I-75 around Atlanta is a bit of a challenge. I've said it before, the city planners were drinking spiked Sassafras tea when they came up with this traffic flow plan! Bless their hearts! What a sense of humor!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Six exits away from my destination all traffic came to a halt! The lanes were closed due to construction- so it was going from 5 lanes down to 2. Sigh! By now I'm more than a bit road weary, but it was what it was. I finally arrived at Marietta's Drury Inn at 6:30 p.m.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was 8 hours of road time- with 4 rest stops and one gas station. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think I'll forgo the "how far can I go" challenge! Tomorrow's drive is supposed to take about 4-5 hours. Will see how it goes. But I'm heading to a place I really love- Beria, Kentucky!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So- hope to share some good pictures, if the weather permits!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, Life Is An Adventure- Even When There's A Few Bumps In The Road!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-9769674622454249862023-01-31T05:53:00.000-08:002023-01-31T05:53:05.635-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHTNUN TRAVEL BLOG- AN EQUESTRIAN HUMAN INTEREST STORY!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEQ0HFhunqSZLm1myZuvFznlgHuCYuSONF5jSfZ45gdz_GM_3UmXx5Fu4KrtotATfu0RdP2tqqKRDg7iiLXfA8h4QPdtTjq7eyn-QpH0_Cf7TKXA8qMqL7YcGK5P6P82VfI6w_6123H-mOfFY0tuiBwqqqo6XdQ2jTuIYQ6yJ2IgClPlL6qjTv0di/s4032/IMG_8611.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEQ0HFhunqSZLm1myZuvFznlgHuCYuSONF5jSfZ45gdz_GM_3UmXx5Fu4KrtotATfu0RdP2tqqKRDg7iiLXfA8h4QPdtTjq7eyn-QpH0_Cf7TKXA8qMqL7YcGK5P6P82VfI6w_6123H-mOfFY0tuiBwqqqo6XdQ2jTuIYQ6yJ2IgClPlL6qjTv0di/w480-h640/IMG_8611.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting the "Ocala World Equestrian Center" in Ocala, Florida! What an amazing place! For those interested in this place, you can pull it up on YouTube! It boasts so many indoor and outdoor arenas, it boggles the mind! But more on that later.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The beautiful statue in the above picture has a story that captured my attention and heart- and I'd like to share it with you!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This is Staff Sergeant Reckless (19481968) of the 5th Marine Regiment-1st Marine Division!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">SSgt Reckless served valiantly with the United StatedMarine Corps in the Korean War. During the pivotal five-day Battle of Outpost Vegas in late March 1953, she made 51 round trips in a singled- most of them solo- from the Ammunition Supply Point to the firing sites. She carried 386 rounds of ammunition totaling more than 9,000 pounds, and walked over 35 miles, through open rice paddies and up steep mountains- all as enemy fire exploded at the rate of 500 rounds per minute.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Reckless provided a shield for front-line marines, carried the wounded to safety, and was wounded twice. But she never quit until the mission was complete. She wasn't a horse- She was a Marine!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">SSgt Reckless is buried at the Stepp Stables, MCB Camp Pendleton, where she spent her final years before her death in 1968.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Her Military Decorations: Two Purple Hearts- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal- Presidential Unit Citation- Navy Unit Commendation- National Defense Service Medal- United Nations Service Medal- Korean Service Medal w/ 3 stars- Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This story gives me pause to consider a few things. Life itself is not always easy, for any of us. But enduring, continuing, having courage --those are qualities to get us through. A good lesson learned from Lady SSgt Reckless! And we all Thank You for your service!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few pretty pictures from my visit yesterday:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu0CyNZn6aKT31OkSRQH0Ks5foHrBjgwS20EVR2KBEquKBlMBNZR8i1DoJDsqhGrDjXBkcYKlH63yXjxoS5Z7QzG0mdLoaI4ZaJzktdVxbsRreX1dYdLjbYwmzs-RhGYpl2Se5yXhNUU01-ZoOEWlPauuueNL5-pIXbdWWc460O4Aqw8c5ZYWDZKo/s4032/IMG_8625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnu0CyNZn6aKT31OkSRQH0Ks5foHrBjgwS20EVR2KBEquKBlMBNZR8i1DoJDsqhGrDjXBkcYKlH63yXjxoS5Z7QzG0mdLoaI4ZaJzktdVxbsRreX1dYdLjbYwmzs-RhGYpl2Se5yXhNUU01-ZoOEWlPauuueNL5-pIXbdWWc460O4Aqw8c5ZYWDZKo/w390-h520/IMG_8625.jpeg" width="390" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAK1UtcYBRmMyMrc0LZSz2FvHQzUZBANG0ijxw1dnBUbDI4bpIUwPnF9SOPBinwzcidlU4TgnebueSD2sDiF7PQYv3hjJkvMvJAmSBBoNYNAYAkRTCaTYfeAPy7ZhGj_aTdW1X74cnA_bC_f1WQ2Iwxc0EQORJs9EPqcM8xs8x79tLqyHToKh3tho/s3626/IMG_8614.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2188" data-original-width="3626" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAK1UtcYBRmMyMrc0LZSz2FvHQzUZBANG0ijxw1dnBUbDI4bpIUwPnF9SOPBinwzcidlU4TgnebueSD2sDiF7PQYv3hjJkvMvJAmSBBoNYNAYAkRTCaTYfeAPy7ZhGj_aTdW1X74cnA_bC_f1WQ2Iwxc0EQORJs9EPqcM8xs8x79tLqyHToKh3tho/w400-h241/IMG_8614.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpdSmuk4IlC_vMIr-0NagLc2ZOPgqZvIV1VD9Z9TKJTLt-hTrmb0QKyWCZRfMnnB6VDp4WpkRv_CCN3MxycJU-iMn3rq8Xww2XPgI8ARG7upipvVvSL3W27L219OBMr7rAJJ9MnjOVUhTU9yH98guEOpSECILYaLpIbUkRr-EfvQiRxufzbUXlr44/s4032/IMG_8610.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpdSmuk4IlC_vMIr-0NagLc2ZOPgqZvIV1VD9Z9TKJTLt-hTrmb0QKyWCZRfMnnB6VDp4WpkRv_CCN3MxycJU-iMn3rq8Xww2XPgI8ARG7upipvVvSL3W27L219OBMr7rAJJ9MnjOVUhTU9yH98guEOpSECILYaLpIbUkRr-EfvQiRxufzbUXlr44/w300-h400/IMG_8610.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time! Remember, Life Is An Adventure! And Often New Lessons And Reminders Enhance The Adventures, Indeed! Be Like Lady Reckless! Never Give Up!</span><p></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-14308642601617225442022-11-18T15:16:00.000-08:002022-11-18T15:16:43.645-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- MICHIGAN ADVENTURES!<p> <span style="font-size: large;">Summer time in Florida can be a bit toasty! So, August of this year I said goodbye to Florida heat and headed north to Michigan and family!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XqfCeN_99Rfd1XNqdyLl7E45VFK9MzHIpmJZ_xaGzvvupsBYwkp1lRYxoQSAudtIu0F1uQ0WeRc8zt-UOSp2GkUIudoPSZL86oClBF2K0kdqmGgnHkpCBXV3tTdTTpqQa-JUhUkqpMXMikoESWAxW-FIZg2WQUzN2yI-02WOpjr9ETl8nyuOQ726/s4032/IMG_8417%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XqfCeN_99Rfd1XNqdyLl7E45VFK9MzHIpmJZ_xaGzvvupsBYwkp1lRYxoQSAudtIu0F1uQ0WeRc8zt-UOSp2GkUIudoPSZL86oClBF2K0kdqmGgnHkpCBXV3tTdTTpqQa-JUhUkqpMXMikoESWAxW-FIZg2WQUzN2yI-02WOpjr9ETl8nyuOQ726/w328-h437/IMG_8417%202.jpeg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p> Goodbye, Florida!</p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My host for my stay was my ex-husband! After being divorced for 35 years, we've become good friends- allowing us to enjoy our family and get-togethers without any drama, etc.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eTLwodgNhjcBwg31xGFAdJUYQZp4KkW6z9AjnonAcalj3YtNbtMLe0nMXtnLYTubjYWgvAJzDf9nK52w9fnz2b-_b2OGI0L7hBoX9Wm5FzBjELhyfWoHWeS61u9hwNfMEV4OymFHcR61mBnRB2FwpbLIsjbYtT29C2V5CQ4tZSObFTJPqKsViYdR/s4032/IMG_8352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eTLwodgNhjcBwg31xGFAdJUYQZp4KkW6z9AjnonAcalj3YtNbtMLe0nMXtnLYTubjYWgvAJzDf9nK52w9fnz2b-_b2OGI0L7hBoX9Wm5FzBjELhyfWoHWeS61u9hwNfMEV4OymFHcR61mBnRB2FwpbLIsjbYtT29C2V5CQ4tZSObFTJPqKsViYdR/w300-h400/IMG_8352.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">He has a lovely place in the country. This was my morning coffee spot- quiet and tranquil!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In spite of my family's busy schedule- they still made time for gatherings! My Son Steven and family always host our family gatherings!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVqu2iFrHL4ElnfCrpk3STsXBssgGPw6xLfSpDWcjZPVViFYS9ShsO4Xu1zT44euCDRxEf3LeNL3Dh1pjHKU0r7PlwwWnD3vx8V9A-B8PvG2DXU1Bqb6mPsob-ZuaLfhOaPFQ_1ZxyzYW0lwORFnYKRf4vBD1-zOIjpQjln2S5qIq9wW0zti1YtwJ/s4032/IMG_8368.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVqu2iFrHL4ElnfCrpk3STsXBssgGPw6xLfSpDWcjZPVViFYS9ShsO4Xu1zT44euCDRxEf3LeNL3Dh1pjHKU0r7PlwwWnD3vx8V9A-B8PvG2DXU1Bqb6mPsob-ZuaLfhOaPFQ_1ZxyzYW0lwORFnYKRf4vBD1-zOIjpQjln2S5qIq9wW0zti1YtwJ/w300-h400/IMG_8368.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Daughter-in-law Mia always puts on a wonderful feast for family gatherings! Her steaks are out of this world!! Yum!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxhBhxonq7Ehk4IX6dblxFrtn_SES8Qa9-LmYEYyWcf9EGaeKaWWHAkrBYJ1jEHgDVGn5ilEwevSNeMAMe5nMIUUg04-hXrNdOvtkEWnjmaSOZlZq6ZjzXJO_ThmCQe6ucUT_RfFSrOSbpbnbXw4_bVKG92G4H_c1aveWIogJFt8zk04tuGSWjuy_/s4032/IMG_8372.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxhBhxonq7Ehk4IX6dblxFrtn_SES8Qa9-LmYEYyWcf9EGaeKaWWHAkrBYJ1jEHgDVGn5ilEwevSNeMAMe5nMIUUg04-hXrNdOvtkEWnjmaSOZlZq6ZjzXJO_ThmCQe6ucUT_RfFSrOSbpbnbXw4_bVKG92G4H_c1aveWIogJFt8zk04tuGSWjuy_/w400-h300/IMG_8372.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">It was perfect weather for dinners, sharing stories, and thoroughly enjoying each other!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next adventure was (of course) a flying one! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We headed to <span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Owosso, Michigan. My son Steven flew his Maule, (along with my Ex) giving me time to laugh and enjoy time with my Granddaughter Payton! </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh93gilXbYfPVLVQNjnWV_fJyDkxlq_HKyrnpjtalYLdnO-uMGGI-uzQgZBBqXlZYphK_kk7Fp1bka2ROYuhTBsLCeHxkM-9UFvwkaCJ6TgICeiBlsY1AgH21V877QbG0IcODdRXa63g3CId0KC7SSeWtylOnBp_E2dTVHgAzbsQUx-l7NVbdGzHrO/s4032/IMG_8391.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh93gilXbYfPVLVQNjnWV_fJyDkxlq_HKyrnpjtalYLdnO-uMGGI-uzQgZBBqXlZYphK_kk7Fp1bka2ROYuhTBsLCeHxkM-9UFvwkaCJ6TgICeiBlsY1AgH21V877QbG0IcODdRXa63g3CId0KC7SSeWtylOnBp_E2dTVHgAzbsQUx-l7NVbdGzHrO/w400-h300/IMG_8391.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BdVm71dsI7IZfiXgyi7WmkGjeDbiXrG4M-GUdf5BMpgw1vT_JcNvCkAA4yntjk23sd21qQsLhxaCa8p3RL1jB0iWKKFUF6Gf2qt9U-US8aVPAS53hB8DDM6fkENv0bMmSgQjD_SoK8cO1zcTzl7XX9YPF8ly5eW8miY0jG3dPm9R-7Wil4esYAQs/s4032/IMG_8392.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2BdVm71dsI7IZfiXgyi7WmkGjeDbiXrG4M-GUdf5BMpgw1vT_JcNvCkAA4yntjk23sd21qQsLhxaCa8p3RL1jB0iWKKFUF6Gf2qt9U-US8aVPAS53hB8DDM6fkENv0bMmSgQjD_SoK8cO1zcTzl7XX9YPF8ly5eW8miY0jG3dPm9R-7Wil4esYAQs/w400-h300/IMG_8392.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"> Once in Owosso we had lunch at the little cafe there at the airport! They were closing, but stayed open to feed us! Gracious people!</span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BmpAgoJepaFqjzGtj9InEIP8qP_rsGBD5ApFwWb6iv47nSDFejN6SsKy3cKnO82UM3iPcDBAu9S7fKjPgagr7hXJagWF5Hcwul6hCs1eT4waVeR_tci59ZYJTOxD5Z-6-67kNFPBpC23AwkPFXvWQ-cH_2BgSP0w170UnW9bbbZClDEJneRYs4pC/s4032/IMG_8399.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BmpAgoJepaFqjzGtj9InEIP8qP_rsGBD5ApFwWb6iv47nSDFejN6SsKy3cKnO82UM3iPcDBAu9S7fKjPgagr7hXJagWF5Hcwul6hCs1eT4waVeR_tci59ZYJTOxD5Z-6-67kNFPBpC23AwkPFXvWQ-cH_2BgSP0w170UnW9bbbZClDEJneRYs4pC/w300-h400/IMG_8399.jpeg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;">My Son and Granddaughter headed on to Traverse City, while my Mr. Ex and I picked up his aircraft that was being worked on.</span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGLM70dKOC45xWjWcGcy8ZkOFLSVFiY659P-VJmV_uqQFMFWWeabJZQqFEDmQoexdnBQ__U9c-_CcpenuCXjQoAKzT2pcWSd-X4qO6S7jJVchtJzQFq5_QdzsIT6wu0bKrjGCiz0yA2r6lA5b-sw2pKIo_Dyh7hk-Lc46qtDQh5EBotNTEG4y6wVT/s4032/IMG_8400.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGLM70dKOC45xWjWcGcy8ZkOFLSVFiY659P-VJmV_uqQFMFWWeabJZQqFEDmQoexdnBQ__U9c-_CcpenuCXjQoAKzT2pcWSd-X4qO6S7jJVchtJzQFq5_QdzsIT6wu0bKrjGCiz0yA2r6lA5b-sw2pKIo_Dyh7hk-Lc46qtDQh5EBotNTEG4y6wVT/w400-h300/IMG_8400.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Off we went, heading bak </span></span></span><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">towards Brighton, doing some circles along the way to check a few things out! It was a little bumpy, but lots of fun!</span></span><p></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Now the "Real" adventure began! Mr. Ex decided he was going to trim trees! (Farm boy style!) With ME at the controls! Using his tractor bucket, he had ME hoist him up to tree top level! Oh my!</span></span></p><p><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd0M305aJCnzLIu4Q8zFj1vcslk-a5ss9u95TWfl7cCGoBuULIwxw-JRRpQMiia0wEgaQGNNe5ca20rn1N6YIujBsmiryxv9aLazfRRpLAfho6vfShpzm7MrzFN30WLnc3TqNDU72Wi2h4D-w-CCvz9jwG0Yj--2f6sdCHfrTRsahYHRzrs64pmt4/s4032/IMG_8402.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnd0M305aJCnzLIu4Q8zFj1vcslk-a5ss9u95TWfl7cCGoBuULIwxw-JRRpQMiia0wEgaQGNNe5ca20rn1N6YIujBsmiryxv9aLazfRRpLAfho6vfShpzm7MrzFN30WLnc3TqNDU72Wi2h4D-w-CCvz9jwG0Yj--2f6sdCHfrTRsahYHRzrs64pmt4/w400-h300/IMG_8402.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">The higher the bucket went, the more the whole thing shook! </span></span><p></p><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLsZkTK_m40MKp8HWWBE5MYicqNLJIaGzV6oZ4l4x0N2p-UwoPCN-z0F-sIiP8WVkLCiNgjzaSFzQzRLo-WL7cw-AU8b2_w4nG1W40TOMWkfN70a1aYPhgIOQ2gZbPhawEcQcIQ1LubBObVMLLJ_gL9fJ4jOlZbOvLJUiEeZ_cfRZqaqCkRoWQHq4/s4032/IMG_8404.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLsZkTK_m40MKp8HWWBE5MYicqNLJIaGzV6oZ4l4x0N2p-UwoPCN-z0F-sIiP8WVkLCiNgjzaSFzQzRLo-WL7cw-AU8b2_w4nG1W40TOMWkfN70a1aYPhgIOQ2gZbPhawEcQcIQ1LubBObVMLLJ_gL9fJ4jOlZbOvLJUiEeZ_cfRZqaqCkRoWQHq4/w400-h300/IMG_8404.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">I told him- "Don't you dare fall! " If something happened and I have to tell the police I was controlling this thing ( Yes, Officer! I'm the ex-wife and it really WAS an accident!)- They would never believe me! Lol! Thankfully, nothing happened!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">My reward for that nerve wracking experience was an evening at a lovely outdoor place called "Brewery Becker".</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT_Zmv7nEoby8gc5go0PgUCF4I8Ftfn6kgUxXC4Jwg1jNBkvuzaCtTRwz8WOxkQgpI7oo93b61f0Iv40zqOxMHKhGGBvIi8-8-zystzvwCuVVbt4G1DLUmRnY4kqZZIYpp7eZFCyNk_XSCuQx_pit5uozEbD8Z69Ipw9AuTBIFy-NJlcvw8jAP-j7/s4032/IMG_8413.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT_Zmv7nEoby8gc5go0PgUCF4I8Ftfn6kgUxXC4Jwg1jNBkvuzaCtTRwz8WOxkQgpI7oo93b61f0Iv40zqOxMHKhGGBvIi8-8-zystzvwCuVVbt4G1DLUmRnY4kqZZIYpp7eZFCyNk_XSCuQx_pit5uozEbD8Z69Ipw9AuTBIFy-NJlcvw8jAP-j7/w300-h400/IMG_8413.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Their main beverage is beer, which I don't drink. But there are other beverages and wonderful snacks to be had. You can even bring your own food and your dog- and enjoy a brew and outdoor quiet time!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQNAOOucHkFZY0LbJa9A5sC7UiRn20hxLrmM_VMWE5f6cxQ70MfkvqGyLtyRNJ2FXbAR_8YSgpbrGRDlPwpOSKVrbGHkSKCj1ulJ6GmC5nk1KNEJX3Hm-FUrgmy-WOT1oY6ox3G_3xmE9aMnBJz2Qdic6l07M-CrxjcfFXwleXpM8wFtQlkSh1vXW/s4032/IMG_8390.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQNAOOucHkFZY0LbJa9A5sC7UiRn20hxLrmM_VMWE5f6cxQ70MfkvqGyLtyRNJ2FXbAR_8YSgpbrGRDlPwpOSKVrbGHkSKCj1ulJ6GmC5nk1KNEJX3Hm-FUrgmy-WOT1oY6ox3G_3xmE9aMnBJz2Qdic6l07M-CrxjcfFXwleXpM8wFtQlkSh1vXW/w300-h400/IMG_8390.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">We had cheese and smoked salmon, served with bread- yummy! </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">I had a ride into town in Mr. Ex's model T!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rpptSoBE9SYi8BkDNvtkOqIbu6SqxTysVyFZPZ29q7LoMIhLS-EA7RKMJX56gAHuNT7rVFhmaUOTbURGIIU3QYBla3aiRtRiJaOCM077YDQ-_x6Qr43L8RQDz4vtDclQJqX-H7LxFhFReHhg8FNB7m_KFzWZzqAtlv4doCmTta_mcLXN5G4gubnM/s2048/image000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rpptSoBE9SYi8BkDNvtkOqIbu6SqxTysVyFZPZ29q7LoMIhLS-EA7RKMJX56gAHuNT7rVFhmaUOTbURGIIU3QYBla3aiRtRiJaOCM077YDQ-_x6Qr43L8RQDz4vtDclQJqX-H7LxFhFReHhg8FNB7m_KFzWZzqAtlv4doCmTta_mcLXN5G4gubnM/w400-h300/image000000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2cU3oEUUXoPXtKiVdYg6597alBBkdNYA7-GtG3kcN8Dtia9-45270nLIYGQnwWDFnlAl_T_Zbclih1ga22MXB8Odh5Q45yM5xkGhcz_6XDIZDhGb2fCvwnlKAhLCKADY8fUdACi3sBfp2Yz7xGKBTR6Dt-Kus1n4ogDTKtfmQkfonnQCkd_3Mr1o/s2048/image000000%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2cU3oEUUXoPXtKiVdYg6597alBBkdNYA7-GtG3kcN8Dtia9-45270nLIYGQnwWDFnlAl_T_Zbclih1ga22MXB8Odh5Q45yM5xkGhcz_6XDIZDhGb2fCvwnlKAhLCKADY8fUdACi3sBfp2Yz7xGKBTR6Dt-Kus1n4ogDTKtfmQkfonnQCkd_3Mr1o/w300-h400/image000000%202.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>But... I had to be the one to give it a PUSH to start! Good thing I still have muscles! I insisted I knew how to "Pop a Clutch", but pushing was my job, I guess. Going down his driveway was easy- but trying to give it a push when it was time to leave town was a bit of a challenge! In truth, a ride in that vehicle was FUN!</span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Another highlight was taking my Daughter-in-law and Grandkids out to the Olive Garden- where the dessert of Italian donuts made a big hit!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zEn52WJaWzCuKE82mFVDA_QRuzAcOhvXp-MLCMxiKwu0bNVYx87XntD1AEhMuDd0BBti-ZiyS6BYSQHNSIfJ3ooKis-y9AM7CFYfvPMJT3OhnUG052fRQW88nXcf-rYNmwVJCMVgJpW5SaMC8RNYqgEyMJ06Xwhikvk_pnw6AgXA_R7_NqQj2mec/s4032/IMG_8380.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zEn52WJaWzCuKE82mFVDA_QRuzAcOhvXp-MLCMxiKwu0bNVYx87XntD1AEhMuDd0BBti-ZiyS6BYSQHNSIfJ3ooKis-y9AM7CFYfvPMJT3OhnUG052fRQW88nXcf-rYNmwVJCMVgJpW5SaMC8RNYqgEyMJ06Xwhikvk_pnw6AgXA_R7_NqQj2mec/w300-h400/IMG_8380.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> So- it was back to Florida after two really wonderful weeks with family!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">And then came Hurricane Ian! At the last minute I got the last First Class seat out of Orlando- on the last Delta flight to leave before Orlando airport shut down! </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7TarB7PGzAlBEtzMbMxgNxgETOCOZx6rRgBy7KkiZtaZd6tPiB9VmTQR98XWy4vQ-XZkwGgoMmCBo7z3i8ViQspFUY7JLS5-nQM64_tq5byXWyHgUm7iiaVABslyoijoGE5wwIV9hVqK27bt5a5J_emvQ6J68aSzxQNDOePMRLrYK3yPEXqFmkcE/s4032/IMG_8497.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7TarB7PGzAlBEtzMbMxgNxgETOCOZx6rRgBy7KkiZtaZd6tPiB9VmTQR98XWy4vQ-XZkwGgoMmCBo7z3i8ViQspFUY7JLS5-nQM64_tq5byXWyHgUm7iiaVABslyoijoGE5wwIV9hVqK27bt5a5J_emvQ6J68aSzxQNDOePMRLrYK3yPEXqFmkcE/w300-h400/IMG_8497.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">30 minutes after take-off this is what I saw out the window!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"> I had another wonderful visit, but failed to take pictures! </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Son Steven and family took us to a restaurant called "The Gandy Dancer" in Ann Arbor, Michigan! It's an old train station converted into a beautiful restaurant. The food and service was superb. It is quite an expensive place! So grateful for the opportunity to enjoy that experience with family! As always, Steven's humor was in high gear! What fun!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUpmH_JbFfzHkhG4vQbOzdL8RzJBi9FTyKlx_uNjN5juMalOzzwkRP4vsLCAVPftQVavhO9tMYqDT8QwEJg8tupCgkr_xztK6Qwztv20EDBJJOUilT546pJLMKKVo_15lo0MwDcZm7LK2Y2pD0Jqeim-Umjlb_kB_l2GMnqYcRbAy_-DeXoTBuk4/s1440/309935434_1262145891246276_3718788896458298861_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhUpmH_JbFfzHkhG4vQbOzdL8RzJBi9FTyKlx_uNjN5juMalOzzwkRP4vsLCAVPftQVavhO9tMYqDT8QwEJg8tupCgkr_xztK6Qwztv20EDBJJOUilT546pJLMKKVo_15lo0MwDcZm7LK2Y2pD0Jqeim-Umjlb_kB_l2GMnqYcRbAy_-DeXoTBuk4/w300-h400/309935434_1262145891246276_3718788896458298861_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Here we are at the Gandy Dancer. </span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36); color: #202124; font-size: x-large;">Steven wrote: </span></div><div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I’m with my Mom I revert to being 5 years old. She’s looking for something specific in her purse and I jump in. I put on her glasses, eat the candy, take the money. It doesn’t even phase her. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="x3nfvp2 x1j61x8r x1fcty0u xdj266r xhhsvwb xat24cr xgzva0m xxymvpz xlup9mm x1kky2od" face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; display: inline-flex; height: 16px; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 16px;"><img alt="😂" height="16" referrerpolicy="origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6f/2/16/1f602.png" style="border: 0px;" width="16" /></span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"> My kids enjoy the banter.</span></span><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Two weeks later I flew back to Florida- with no damage to my property and only a few plants in stress.</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">So that's my Michigan adventures! My next? Heading back to Michigan on Christmas day to family- and a bit of pet sitting!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">Until Next Time! Remember, Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And When Trimming Trees Or During Hurricane Season The Adventure Gets Even More Interesting! </span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);">I Am Blessed With Love And Laughter Through It All!</span></span></div><div><span face="arial, sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 36);"><br /></span></span></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-86757130314935785892022-09-11T07:59:00.001-07:002022-09-11T07:59:09.431-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- 9/11- 21 YEARS AGO, BUT FOREVER IN MY MEMORY!<p> </p><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;">It's now been 21 years, but it's in mt memory as if it happened yesterday!</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcfGRpo8E0HlnqDijr1YgF0b93g6EZi1-s6WxAlN9xjPLe4aDyFDjb6_rOQJk8nkeUFtdSdNHaduFcx9v1avCTlRiFOTUa0glcBrxY2E60JbmTb8FAzkf8k6gcy2tYtSlAH3Y9MOfSes/w500-h233/580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="500" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />The Anniversary of the 9/11 attack is almost here.<br />Every American alive during the 9/11 attack was effected in some way. We all remember where we were when we heard of the awful happenings in New York and elsewhere. Here are thoughts I have previously put into print. Those events changed my thinking on many things!<br /><br />I wrote a piece five years ago, trying to put into words my emotions concerning the 9/11 event. As I read through this today I realized I need to add that I also grieve the loss of the many people on the ground- and the first responders that lost their lives that day.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> I also want to Honor the people and First Responders that fell ill and lost their lives in the following days and years with the complications that came with the 9/11 attack It is my true heart felt Tribute to the 9/11 victims.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">What I wrote 5 years ago was- and is a Tribute to the many Flight Crews and Passengers that perished on board the aircrafts that day. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">When this happened I was a Flight Attendant, on an airplane- getting ready for take-off from Detroit heading to Los Angeles. We were rolling down the runway, almost air born when the tower shut us down. All the Airports in the Nation were being closed down! So-this happened very "close to home." Once we were off the aircraft I, along with the rest of the Flight Crew paused by the Airport Bar that had the T.V. on. I saw images of the Twin Towers and heard the reports of different aircraft going "missing". </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One of my fellow Flight Attendants who was working my flight was desperately trying to reach her daughter- who worked in one of the Twin Towers at a bank there! I couldn't imagine her feeling of anguish at not being able to reach her! (Later she found out that her daughter was on a subway- stuck underground- unable to get to work- because the subway driver was ordered to stop! The daughter was saved by just a few extra minutes on that subway!)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Once down in the Flight Crew Offices the Manager came out and told us to return home. They would keep in touch about future flights. I turned the radio on as soon as I got to my car- and cried all the way home! I couldn't believe what was happening! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Through the years movies and documentaries have been made about 9/11. I still can't bring myself to watch them! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The following is what I wrote 5 years ago, 14 years after it happened:<br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I've been working on this piece for a while now. If it tends to ramble a bit, please forgive me, dear reader. When it comes to the 9/11 attacks, my heart and mind are full of such feelings and thoughts, it's hard to put it all down. So here is my feeble attempt to give tribute to the flight crews that perished in the 9/11 terrorist attacks:<br /><br />As we approach the anniversary of 9/11 - my mind wanders back to my childhood. My Step-Father was a World War II vet- stationed in Hawaii. I heard so many stories about that war. Horror stories, loss of human life, and many tales of the heroic efforts of the pilots stationed there.<br /><br />I remember thinking (as a child) that surely now we have evolved beyond wars. After all- how primitive to send our younger and finest to kill each other! But how naive and idealistic I was! By the time I was a senior in High School, the Viet NamWar was a real reality check. I realized that my "idealism" was indeed not reality.<br /><br />Something more than idealism was lost within me that September 11th. The innocent feeling of safety on board our aircrafts, and within our own beloved country- That feeling of safety and security was gone.<br /><br />I can not begin to know the horror that went on in the Cockpits and Cabins of those aircraft. I can imagine, if I let myself. I choose not to. It would be too heartrending. I can no longer remember the exact number of crews and passengers that perished that day. But knowing the terrorists used aircraft and humans as "human bombs" to destroy buildings and human life -it was and is horrifying to think about. That nightmare stayed with me for a long time.<br /><br />The church I attended held a memorial service after September 11th. I was honored to be chosen to light candles at that service, representing and in honor of the flight crews. I did it with tears streaming down my face. But just as a funeral gives a certain sort of closer, so did that Memorial service for me. I vowed not to forget them. And I came to grips with the "new" reality that had thrust itself on our industry.<br /><br />Now I still light candles on their behalf each September 11th. They were our Sisters and Brothers within the realm of our industry. They were "US" !<br /><br />Rest In Peace.<br /><br /></span></div></div></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-41291702429194521042022-08-07T11:25:00.003-07:002022-08-07T11:31:04.489-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- ONCE UPON A TIME IN GATLiNBURG, TN.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1sBW-euMcV5Vw82GloxvGtiMzaoL37DUq_C8chJqP9iIPTga4Avy5tbdU4n-78866_APhEbtACm1PFVTUfJXg0HP--O0JbXMbT8jh7EmUvO_zAZkbCUH7LnBTxhWg5LwWPEvCJa9RYx_B35AtMLnYHfpQmjdVvtfdy43gj9Ch5NPLiccH89wCXVE/s473/fd46af7152eee4a25f10033c991da2f1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="473" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1sBW-euMcV5Vw82GloxvGtiMzaoL37DUq_C8chJqP9iIPTga4Avy5tbdU4n-78866_APhEbtACm1PFVTUfJXg0HP--O0JbXMbT8jh7EmUvO_zAZkbCUH7LnBTxhWg5LwWPEvCJa9RYx_B35AtMLnYHfpQmjdVvtfdy43gj9Ch5NPLiccH89wCXVE/w400-h265/fd46af7152eee4a25f10033c991da2f1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time, a long time ago I went to Gatlinburg, Tn.! The occasion was a church group I and my then husband belonged to. From time to time we all took trips together- to camp, picnic, and yes- White Water Rafting!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had never been white water rafting, but was game. "If these folks could do it" I told myself, "I can too!" This happened about 40 years ago, so some of the particulars are rather fuzzy. Yet two events that happened that trip will forever stand out in my memory!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It was a hot day- I do remember that! I had only one bathing suit- a bikini. Since I was rather skinny and small chested, I didn't worry about being too "sexy" for a church group. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We left from our lovely campsite by bus. Once at the river the guide ran us through the safety precautions, warnings about the rapids, etc. If I remember right, there were six of us on each raft. Off we took, with a guide in his canoe following along. I was in seat 2 right- with my husband insisting on sitting in the rear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It didn't take too long before we were in trouble. No matter how hard I paddled, as did the rest of the group, we didn't seem to have much control of the raft! What the heck! About 15 minutes into the rapids we hit a huge rock on the left side. The gal sitting to my left fell over onto me and out of the raft I went!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Cold! I mean COLD! The water was like ice! I'm a good swimmer, so no problem there! But I didn't want to go down the rapids without a raft! Getting back into the raft, however was another matter! This is when I realized my upper body strength wasn't what was needed. My lips were turning blue from the cold water. Deep shivers took over my body! My raft kept floating down stream. Another raft from my group came to pick me up. Hard as I tried, the raft was just a bit too high for me to hoist myself into. Seeing this, one of the guys from the group said something like "Forgive me!"- reached down as I was attempting to raise myself up, grabbed me by my butt and hauled me into their raft! Though I was grateful for the help- I could've done without the big grin on his face!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">In just a bit they got me transferred back to my original raft. My husband was grinning from ear to ear, which should have given me a clue for what was to follow!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Down the river we went, hitting rapids after rapids! Again, no matter how hard we paddled we always seemed out of control! At the last rapids there was a camera man standing on a huge rock, taking pictures as we passed. As we approached the last rapids we were suddenly turning- until we went down the rapids backwards!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our guide had a few choices words for my husband! It seems that my husband was acting like a rudder, and for thrills and giggles caused us to completely turn around! Later the guide said he realized my husband was messing with the raft the whole trip! The guide was NOT happy! Though it all made for a memorable ride- it took me a while to forgive my husband!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The second incident happened at the campgrounds. There was a lovely pool there! As we were all sitting around the pool a 13 year old boy from our group made a comment about me being too old to out swim a young man such as himself! His name was Doug. He was the son of one of the ladies in our group. (I will note that I was in my mid 30's at the time, though perhaps ancient according to him!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Well- I pride myself in my swimming ability. Plus this young buck wasn't going to get away with such a challenge. So- I proposed a race. 3 lengths- starting at the deep end and ending at the shallow. Whoever got to the end first wins!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Off we went! I have to admit, he was a good swimmer! But yes- I was faster! Now comes the BAD part! Reaching the shallow end first, I lept up, hands in the air and yelled a Yahoo!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The young man looked up, then in shock looked away and swam in the opposite direction! What?? I looked down to realize the top of my bikini had shifted, exposing my left breast! Oh God! I screamed! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Did I keep quiet and act like nothing happened?! NO!! Big mouth me screamed to his mother "Diana!! I just accidentally exposed myself to your son!! Oh My God!!" There was a moment of silence from the group- followed by laughter! I, of course was humiliated!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That night, around the dinner table we all shared, Doug would not look at me. He wouldn't look at me the whole evening! I mentioned this to his Mom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next day I was coming out of the shower area when who was standing there? Doug! With a big grin on his face! In fact, the rest of the day, every time I looked up, there was Doug, grinning at me! Oh Dear! Ha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Years later a now grown up Doug asked me to retell the story of our "Swimming compition". He seemed to love the retelling of it! By then I had gotten over the humiliation of the incident and found the story funny.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So that's the two unforgettable events from my Gatlinburg trip! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Thank you for following along as I walk down memory lane!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Shooting The Rapids Backwards As Well As Surviving A Rather Humiliating Incident Makes The adventure One To Remember!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-61126977158593201232022-08-01T05:14:00.000-07:002022-08-01T05:14:13.543-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG - KOREAN KIMCHI AND THE NAMSAN TOWER IN SEOUL, KOREA<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE3AYHEKV23LEAtifkdUzaOemm-dbA7YdHLDmc378uAm-haiqke8gWYFEq8SBrwKFeCMpjsqAfPHSQL5FYuzVRoEGKB5YekciNbTzmDqs4uJixE0poN0rrc5AuBFlFHGmL0IQ3lcYci5SqET2K3s9DNEYe3-UQHuYnXC8jtNEn5Ys8EnbINypIJQk/s735/be03a18e9c5105e79fab5f7ca0bf5d26--northwest-airlines-railroad-photography.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="735" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE3AYHEKV23LEAtifkdUzaOemm-dbA7YdHLDmc378uAm-haiqke8gWYFEq8SBrwKFeCMpjsqAfPHSQL5FYuzVRoEGKB5YekciNbTzmDqs4uJixE0poN0rrc5AuBFlFHGmL0IQ3lcYci5SqET2K3s9DNEYe3-UQHuYnXC8jtNEn5Ys8EnbINypIJQk/w400-h270/be03a18e9c5105e79fab5f7ca0bf5d26--northwest-airlines-railroad-photography.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Flying to Seoul, Korea was always an interesting experience! With strong winds on the nose of the aircraft, the flight to Seoul from Detroit could take upwards of 13 hours!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I had a Tae Kwon Do Master that was from Seoul. On one of my first trips to Seoul he was back in Korea, wanted to have me get together with his wife and family for an evening out! He met me at the hotel shortly after I arrived. They whisked me away for a traditional Korean meal with me still in my uniform!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was introduced to Korean barbecue and something called "Kimchi". The food was delicious! But I ate the Kimchi (Fermented spicy cabbage) a bit too fast! Hot! Very hot! My eyes watered and my host family laughed good naturally at my wide eyed, gasping response!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After dinner they took me to Namsan Tower's observation deck. This tower sits on Namsan Mountain. After a cable car ride we had to walk up a steep hill to get to the tower. This was a bit tricky, since I was still in my 2 inch heels! I thought about taking my shoes off, but didn't want to run my hose!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The view of Seoul at night from this tower was spectacular! I guess "breath taking" would be an adequate description! Since we had arrived late, we didn't have a lot of time there. The announcement was made that the tower was closing- please go to the elevators and exit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We all made a dash for the elevators. Everyone that was on the observation deck poured in, so it was a very crowded elevator! My Tae Kwon Do's wife poked me in the ribs. "Everyone is looking at you!", she said. I glanced around and sure enough, all eyes were on me! With my heels on I was 5 foot 9inches- and towered over everyone in that elevator! What could I do?! I smiled and said "HELLO!" Their response? In unison everyone gave a hearty "HELLO! " in return! I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Instead of them being negative about me being there, they were simply curious. I was touched by their friendliness!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are many adventures that I've had in Seoul, Korea that I will write about another time. But this first experience with the food and people set the stage for a wonderful relationship between me, Seoul, and the Korean people!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time! Remember, Life Is Indeed An Adventure, and Widening One's View Of The World Through International Travel Is A Wonderful Adventure!</span></p><p><br /></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-84277618810110023322022-07-25T03:48:00.009-07:002022-07-25T10:40:22.628-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- LAYOVER, LONDON!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ9TfIl3qlDNAV08xaJv3eiMkESkX1kx-eVHZ-drWuV_OvFg4P_hv8xV8hEUbaxjAr_gubV53KFMalfFBtR4cKUG9mpyHHQ0uoQp9_UQqc2UiXHXFwu97YTPw0R5Pu7-n4mTjdzh6UwFreJI38RfuJBb8c7CLsCkA0GcdAT0uhMcws_vCxfZQLF4X/s735/be03a18e9c5105e79fab5f7ca0bf5d26--northwest-airlines-railroad-photography.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="735" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ9TfIl3qlDNAV08xaJv3eiMkESkX1kx-eVHZ-drWuV_OvFg4P_hv8xV8hEUbaxjAr_gubV53KFMalfFBtR4cKUG9mpyHHQ0uoQp9_UQqc2UiXHXFwu97YTPw0R5Pu7-n4mTjdzh6UwFreJI38RfuJBb8c7CLsCkA0GcdAT0uhMcws_vCxfZQLF4X/w400-h270/be03a18e9c5105e79fab5f7ca0bf5d26--northwest-airlines-railroad-photography.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">A friend suggested I share some of my favorite layover experiences! I have several, but will share them all separately. One of my favorite was London!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was privileged to have a friend that lived there. Her name was Lily, who was an Aunt of a dear friend. I originally met her when she was visiting the U.S. So when I chose to fly London trips, I contacted her!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The routine was to fly through the night from Detroit to London. The crew was to have a 24 hour layover, staying at a lovely hotel in Brighton. It was a long ride from the airport to our hotel, but was well worth it! Brighton U.K was a lovely place to spend some time!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">However, most of the time I took a quick nap once we arrived, then caught a train back towards the city. I believe I got off at Kew Gardens, met Lily at her place of work, then went out for an early dinner!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Lily worked in a theater, not sure of what position she held. Since it was live theater, she may have been in charge of scheduling, etc. She would always introduce me around to the different staff members, all in an attempt to "pair me up" with some eligible gentleman! She had a hard time understanding why I chose to remain single after my divorce! She was quite the character! I just loved her!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We would take off for an early dinner once she was done with work. I was introduced to something called "Bubble and Squeak"- similar to American stew. Delicious!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Whenever I came to London I always brought two large containers of American coffee for Lily. She loved our coffee plus coffee in the U.K., at least at that time was very expensive! I think I would bring Maxwell House coffee. The first time I went through customs in London, I wasn't sure if it was allowed, but the agents never batted an eye. I did have one agent offer to buy one of the cans from me, but had to keep it all for Lily!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After our dinner we would walk a bit, then she would carry her precious coffee onto her bus, heading for home and I would head back to Brighton via a train.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A quick story about their trains! I loved them! You could get one that had may stops, or one that was express. I did have one problem! On my first train ride into town I took my time getting off at my stop. Everyone else had already gotten off. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to open the door! I could see myself riding back and forth- stuck on this train with no door handle! I can't remember how I ended up opening that door- but never again was I the last passenger off the train!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Back to Lily! She had a rich history! She was just a young girl during World War II. As you remember, London was bombed often. I'm now sketchy on the particulars, but somehow Lilly and her parents were rescued by a young American soldier, who later Lily married! Lily always had me smiling with her stories and frank ways. And she was always trying to match me up- or having her nephew in the states fix me up with someone! The "single Mother" life was beyond her understanding! And yet she herself was very independent - at least as I could tell!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When Lily wasn't available for a visit I'd meander around Brighton, going into the shops or to the pier. Luckily, almost always the weather was lovely! And in the evening I'd have dinner at the hotel. The Italian food there was fantastic! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I did have one embarrassing moment when a fellow American loudly complained through his whole meal! He couldn't understand unsalted butter, nor did he like the seasonings -on and on he went. Finally he said something to the effect that the "Britts" should all be skinny, because their food was horrible! I was so embarrassed that this "ugly" American was so horrid! He was loud, obnoxious, and probably drunk! I apologized to my waiter, saying something to the effect that we Americans are not all like that!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I took a walk once and ran across a "Bobbie"- a police officer. I wanted to ask directions. He smiled and said he knew I was American before I opened my mouth- just by the way I walked! Evidently, we carry ourselves a bit differently- though I never figured out how. He also asked me out! Lol! Though I couldn't take him up on the offer, since we were leaving the next day- I did let Lily know that I had a "Prospect"! She was pleased! Ha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So London was one of my favorite overnights- all because of lovely Lily, and our spirited conversations!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear readers! Remember, Life Is Indeed An Adventure, With Colorful Friends Making The Adventure Grand!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-76003026161462464832022-03-18T04:50:00.000-07:002022-03-18T04:50:24.211-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- ICE!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8hwVpy5rzlKKwUBkUzYhR8c6K8DEKsBTak89Ejy168nUTremV7kJ6Ks5QJ2sKVfD1S_v2Wf5cpCyR9-lJ1MJxd2kc50VN3JEo0mjRqZDxb9Xu1y4JCnvbgiXpdq5tn8TNJB4_ICbLifRVxlvA4wIehU2Zhi5OgBCPKViLrJdGRfTylqwC4IuMLtF/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8hwVpy5rzlKKwUBkUzYhR8c6K8DEKsBTak89Ejy168nUTremV7kJ6Ks5QJ2sKVfD1S_v2Wf5cpCyR9-lJ1MJxd2kc50VN3JEo0mjRqZDxb9Xu1y4JCnvbgiXpdq5tn8TNJB4_ICbLifRVxlvA4wIehU2Zhi5OgBCPKViLrJdGRfTylqwC4IuMLtF/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A pilot friend posted a comment about having to scrape ice from a windshield while in the air. It reminded me of one of my first "unscheduled" stops during my first month of flying!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I don't remember where we were heading, just that we were flying somewhere in Northern Michigan in January 1969. I was a "newbie", having just started my career. We were in a Convair 580 turbo prop.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">At some point the First Officer came back into the cabin, looking out the windows over the wings. He said something to me about checking for ice, then returned quickly to the cockpit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The next thing I knew the Captain made an announcement that we were making an "Unscheduled stop" due to icing conditions.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I made the announcement for landing, made my way up the cabin checking passengers, then entered the cockpit. It was dusk- just getting dark. The side windows were completely covered with ice! The clear view front windows were icing up, with over half the windows covered with ice. The pilots made some comment about something not working with the deicing and quickly went back to their check list. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Not knowing if we were going to have an emergency landing or not, I hurried back to my jump seat and mentally went through my procedures if things went bad.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our landing seemed perfect! Smooth as silk, we could barely tell we were on the ground! I'm sorry to say I don't remember where we landed! I asked everyone to remain seated and ran forward to the cockpit. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The windshield had two little spots that were without ice- about the size of large eggs! The pilots were busy on the "horn" talking to the company. I didn't know if I should open the stairway door or not, so I just stood and stared at those windows!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually I realized we were grounded. The pilot let the passengers know what had happened. I remember him saying the deicing for the cockpit window was not working, and we couldn't fly blind. The passengers seemed to understand. I don't remember anyone getting too upset.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were not going any further! The company got a bus to get our passengers to their destination. We crew members spent the night in a hotel. The next morning a mechanic arrived on the early morning flight. We sat in an airport restaurant, drank coffee and waited. Finally we were told we were to "Fairy" the airplane back to Detroit. That meant we would be flying back with no passengers- only the crew and the mechanic. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This was the first time I was allowed to sit in the jump seat of the airplane during the whole trip. to me, a "newbie" it was quite a thrill! In my flight career I had several more times when I had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit. For me it never got old!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">To this day I have no idea what mechanical issue caused the windows to ice over! But I have to say, to me those pilots with their cool heads and excellent skills were Heroes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> I asked how they had such a smooth landing when they could hardly see out! They grinned and said in unison "CONCENTRATION!"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And "Unscheduled" Stops Along The Way Makes For An Interesting Memory To Look Back On!</span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-4500644396562719532022-02-06T05:36:00.003-08:002022-02-06T06:03:00.363-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- RAMP ANGELS!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29Idvd6qvXNg6MTsdm86C0Rrssyv9_5XgOp3sz5Bo_7Q6HojLyzmOdrTHgCRS33_Zf6Rai5zLTTJlmc_qFz_jfDHeLmjuKRnFB-GBf8XbJ6fsfEPlh594KIp_ffGlLtu43yT0mtSUaq2bNpQqTiZPPxj1bAhCD-xpnZVruHzPJN4vaKMdwf_He0bq=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg29Idvd6qvXNg6MTsdm86C0Rrssyv9_5XgOp3sz5Bo_7Q6HojLyzmOdrTHgCRS33_Zf6Rai5zLTTJlmc_qFz_jfDHeLmjuKRnFB-GBf8XbJ6fsfEPlh594KIp_ffGlLtu43yT0mtSUaq2bNpQqTiZPPxj1bAhCD-xpnZVruHzPJN4vaKMdwf_He0bq=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I never liked the name "Ramp Rats" given to the guys who worked the ramp. To me, it wasn't a name that honored the work they did! Back in the late 60's and early 70's there were no women who worked that position, at least not that I was aware of! The conditions were sometimes brutal! They would be crawling into luggage bins, sometimes lifting and moving freight and luggage that weighed almost as much as they did!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">As you can imagine, Winters in the Mid-west can often be horrific, with temperatures and wind chill that was well below zero! There they were, deicing aircraft, trying to load freight and luggage in blizzards and arctic temperatures, and somehow getting the job done! In the Summer, the temperatures on the ramp would also be brutal! But they were there!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On a personal note, I had many occasions to see them go above and beyond their roles. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Amusingly- I had one time I had put money into the coffee machine, only to have nothing happen! (You can imagine this Italian girl without her 6 a.m. coffee, yelling at a machine!) Along came a Ramp Angel- who hit the machine in a certain spot- and voila- Coffee! Needless to say- I was grateful!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">One hot Summer's day we were getting ready to head to Chicago- I was working a Convair 580-but the flight had been delayed. Out of the window I saw a Ramp Angel running back from inside with water. There was a dog cage on the ramp, and the pup must have been in trouble. The "Angel" took the dog from the cage and began gently wiping it down with cool water, also letting it have a drink. Then he walked the dog, letting it relieve itself. Gently putting it back in the cage, the dog thanked the agent with lots of puppy kisses to the face.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Come rain, shine, sleet, snow, and everything in-between, they were outside, doing their job! To board the Convair, passengers had to walk outside and climb the stairs. Often the agents would be the ones to hand out umbrellas during a down pour, with little protection for themselves. Yep- wet to their core, but doing their job!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have one memory that will forever warm my heart. One the Convair 580- the only way to get the disabled passenger aboard was to use a chair called a "straight back". It was a small chair that would fit down the aisle of the aircraft, equipped with a shoulder harness and seatbelt to keep the passenger from falling off. Two Ramp Angels would carry the passenger up the stairs and get them into their seat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On this particular occasion, one of the Ramp Angels, a big burly young man- carried an elderly woman onboard. There were no other agents to help, so he carefully picked up the woman from the chair at the bottom of the stairs and carried her up and into the aircraft. Gently placing her in her seat, he helped her put on her seat belt. Then he placed his hand on her cheek, a most gentle sign of compassion! The woman closed her eyes, placed her hand over his, and held it to her face for a moment! She murmured something to him that I didn't hear, but the young man gave a glorious smile and said "God Bless You and Thank You!" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've often been amazed at what these folks do and have done, especially during a time when they were short handed or when the weather was brutal!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Yes- I would call them "Ramp Angels"! For those of you out there that hold or have held that position, I say Thank You for a job well done!! And for those with whom I have worked with, know your efforts were appreciated and admired!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Working Around Angels On The Job Is A Wonderful Part Of The Adventure!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-75096130300949052172022-01-16T10:22:00.000-08:002022-01-16T10:22:08.161-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- DELAYS, DELAYS, DELAYS!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI7oIG7A3P-uuEEqrIyjlcvnmshEPCuM_tuOYfEustMmUWBlGAB6-HVJ23aSkbnbOFj7RVGSnR0lnSdX4y6TojuS9QenIttLdoCa13tUUSaZJX6jSz_EAyOubbURlOXyvPl8f_xJhdgiNGp74hqzh_LP0iC4JqeESvXWed_DW2r7Lqon3rusklWYB9=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhI7oIG7A3P-uuEEqrIyjlcvnmshEPCuM_tuOYfEustMmUWBlGAB6-HVJ23aSkbnbOFj7RVGSnR0lnSdX4y6TojuS9QenIttLdoCa13tUUSaZJX6jSz_EAyOubbURlOXyvPl8f_xJhdgiNGp74hqzh_LP0iC4JqeESvXWed_DW2r7Lqon3rusklWYB9=w400-h208" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Early in my career I had to report very early in the morning for my flights, since I was low on the seniority totem pole! In the Winter, getting to the airport was a real challenge! But there were times, once on the aircraft, we were informed that there would be a delay. It seemed that it was either due to weather or a mechanical. Early morning passengers were not always happy people anyway - but coffee always helped!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember more times than I can count we would make coffee and juice and push our beverage carts up the jet way to the boarding area. We would serve beverages to the passengers in the boarding area while they waited for the weather to clear, or the mechanical to be fixed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I remember one time a fellow Flight Attendant saying she felt we had served the whole airport, so many people kept coming up to the beverage carts! We had to remove the alcohol from the cart since we weren't allowed to sell that on the ground! We actually had to have someone call catering to come and restock our carts! I got called into the office for that one- but was "forgiven" for overstepping my bounds and "over serving". A week later I got called in again! This time it was due to the many "GOOD" comments written by the passengers about how well the airline took care of their waiting passengers! Ha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">From time to time we would go from a "delay" to a cancelled flight. That usually meant we crew members were sent to unknown destinations that were not part of our original work schedule!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I once ended up heading West instead of East, my original destination- and ended up instead in Phoenix, Az. We checked into a hotel- went out for dinner, and waited for scheduling to let us know where we were to go next. The following day we waited. The Captain tried to call scheduling, but the phones were down or busy. So out to dinner we went on day two! On day three the Captain got ahold of scheduling, who had no idea where we were! Out to dinner again! On day four we were given confirmed seats back to Detroit. We found out later that as soon as we had left Detroit on day one a new storm hit and created chaos and headaches all around! I almost felt guilty for having a warm and pleasant vacation!.... Almost!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, there were times we were on an overnight and the weather caused us to be "stuck" for a while. I guess my favorite experiences with that sort of situation was being stuck in Northern Michigan and Wisconsin! The hotel personnel, restaurant folk, and our airline ground crew all were great! I remember an agent in Iron Mountain bringing the crew home made food that his wife prepared for us! And a cook in the restaurant there showing me the "right" way to eat oatmeal! Put oatmeal in a bowl- cover it with hot apple sauce, then cover that with brown sugar! Yum! She told me to eat that every day, because I was too skinny and needed the calories to keep me warm! LOL!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I have many other memories of unscheduled stops and delays that I'll share at another time! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Delays and Cancellations Are Adventures Indeed!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-63233929588404582352022-01-04T04:44:00.000-08:002022-01-04T04:44:16.198-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- NEW YEARS EVE FANTASTIC VIEW FROM THE AIR!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYgug9L8Pgo5AiazKwWeJRdV_qaAKawrGYXrcD0yIWnNVGK4AQl1JVavmzDyW9umkK8UgtHHVrNLSDrEYe-JmVTeDnQgT3s667xiPMf4AQd5C-dmhr-inI7YpnBkxnrNHm05gHB7xZzua4Ovillb8gpAvMLrdNeL5-gYSx0gyley7zvkPfDWcjZX5Y=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYgug9L8Pgo5AiazKwWeJRdV_qaAKawrGYXrcD0yIWnNVGK4AQl1JVavmzDyW9umkK8UgtHHVrNLSDrEYe-JmVTeDnQgT3s667xiPMf4AQd5C-dmhr-inI7YpnBkxnrNHm05gHB7xZzua4Ovillb8gpAvMLrdNeL5-gYSx0gyley7zvkPfDWcjZX5Y=w400-h208" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Watching the 2021 New Years Eve fireworks this past week, I couldn't help but remember the fireworks I was privileged to see while flying. Usually it was as we approached a major city, like Detroit or Chicago!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On one particular flight, we had clear skies as we descended to our destination. There was a family of four, two on each side of the isle, looking out the windows. It seemed that it was on cue! All at once fireworks were being let off at several different locations! It was beautiful to see! The little boy of the family kept repeating loudly, "Look, Daddy! Look, Mommy! Oh!" The other passengers on board smiled and chuckled, also doing the Oooo, and ahhh- as more and more fireworks appeared below us! Then the little boy hugged is Dad and said "Thank you, Daddy! This is the best!" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">What I found out a bit later was that the little guy had just gotten out of the hospital. He had been so sad about not seeing fireworks. His Dad promised him that somehow he'd be sure the little one would see those beautiful lights. With that promise the Father just prayed that somehow they'd be able to grant the little guy his wish. I believe the little one truly thought his Dad had orchestrated it all! I sure wasn't going to tell him any different!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On another occasion we were on approach to O'hare airport in Chicago. I heard a fairly loud "boom!"- then fireworks appeared so close to us, it was a bit frightening! After we landed the Captain said someone was shooting off fireworks where they were not supposed to! It was a more dangerous situation than I knew at the time! Once in operations, the Captain was on the phone with more than one agency! As we took off from O'Hare to head to Detroit, we saw a multitude of police cars in one particular area. I guess that could have been a real disaster!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I think my favorite New Years Eve memory is flying on the Convair to Traverse City. As we came near, the lights over the lake were spectacular! We actually circled a couple of times, so our passengers could get a glimpse! At least that was how it seemed. It was one brilliant display after another! Took my breath away! After we landed the Captain wished the passengers a "Happy New Year filled with Beauty and Good Things"! It was a lovely and rather poetic speech! The passengers wished us a Happy New Year as they deplaned. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The agent came on board and invited us to join in on their New Years Eve party! There was enough food to feed an army! The ground crew seemed happy to have us join them- we were Very happy to be invited! They had family members there too, I believe! How I loved the smaller airports that had such a feeling of family! At one point someone asked about our New Years Resolutions. I can't remember what I said, but do remember one gentleman saying he'd like to spend more time with his family. Everyone got quiet for a moment. Then some jokester said "Hey! Your heart may belong to your family, but your body belongs to the airline!" We all laughed at that- knowing it really was sort of true!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Though the New Year Eve celebrations have come and gone- and it's now 2022, I want to wish all you you, my dear readers a good year- filled with Beauty, Laughter, Love, and All good things!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-84880911266822678182021-12-21T03:30:00.000-08:002021-12-21T03:30:26.374-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHRISTMAS EVE FLYING MEMORY!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWvaI0r_iC_D0-ySYRIUbWAuXmJ9Uoe8HTABxPe7ovmv3F1m8estFJUxA9vUSF1pK6JCHvLmorpPXlzg3-ZNZ7ijpIf2H84bnpEHMOveRIHr_ohJk9Sh5NoG71kjPjhutUBjj-1PKFRPvejx4nN07uCHB5-DwVd6-EHMiso6G2k1U1toTs-s60VfHK=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWvaI0r_iC_D0-ySYRIUbWAuXmJ9Uoe8HTABxPe7ovmv3F1m8estFJUxA9vUSF1pK6JCHvLmorpPXlzg3-ZNZ7ijpIf2H84bnpEHMOveRIHr_ohJk9Sh5NoG71kjPjhutUBjj-1PKFRPvejx4nN07uCHB5-DwVd6-EHMiso6G2k1U1toTs-s60VfHK=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div> <p></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br style="background-color: white;" /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Christmas 2021 is almost upon us! Looking back on my career, I still have one absolute favorite memory of flying Christmas eve! I guess posting this story has become a Christmas tradition for me! But it's such a heart warming memory, I hope you enjoy it, even if you've read it before!</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">During my 39 year career there were many a Christmas Eve I spent on an airplane! This True story happens to be one of my favorite memories!</span></p><p>I often flew on an airplane called the Convair 580 Turbo prop. It is - to this day- one of my favorite aircraft! On board were 2 pilots, up to 48 passengers, and a Stewardess- in this instance myself!</p>On this particular Christmas eve I was flying my usual route from Detroit to Traverse City- on to Pellston- and at last to Sault Ste. Marie.<br style="background-color: white;" />Leaving Pellston we still had 25 passengers on board, most were military personnel and families going to Kincheloe Air Force Base. It was late at night, going on midnight. Shortly after takeoff the Captain made the announcement for me to turn off the lights and the passengers to look out the windows! There was the most glorious and breathtaking display of Northern Lights I had ever seen! The Captain explained a bit of how and why the Northern Lights would suddenly appear.<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">Then the Captain became a bit poetic, stating that he missed the Christmas caroling he did every Christmas with his family. He asked me to open the cockpit door and have the passengers join him in singing "Silent Night". As his beautiful baritone voice came over the PA the hair stood up on my arms. His voice was like something out of a wonderful musical! I joined in at "holy night, all is come.."- probably a bit shaky because of the lump in my throat- at which time all the passengers joined in! I couldn't believe the wonderful sound! How beautiful! And there was a perfect blend of harmony! Obviously we had some singers onboard!</span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br />At the end of the song the Captain thanked us all for joining in song. A moment of quiet. Then a soldier started to sing "Oh Holy Night.." Again the passengers joined in, and then the Captain, hearing them also sang! After, an elderly woman with a slightly shaky voice- but in true pitch started "Oh Christmas tree.." Again all joined in. And then quiet.<div><br /></div><div>Suddenly a child's voice tried to sing "Frosty the Snow Man-" but only knew a few words. Everyone seemed smiled and seemed pleased, applauding the child's attempt.</div><div><br /></div><div>The cabin became quiet for a moment- then one of the soldiers in the last row sang a rather sad "I'll be home for Christmas.." He had a beautiful tenor voice. Again I got chills! Next was a deep voice singing "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.." that again was joined by the other passengers.</div><div><br /></div><div>We now were coming close to our final destination. There were 4 soldiers in the back row. I found out that they often sang together at gatherings, etc. They sang in perfect harmony "Do You Hear What I Hear.." <br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" />I stepped into the galley, chills running up my spine! I wept! (Yes- I'm a softy!) They were tears of joy - touched by the beautiful music, the glorious Northern Lights, and the comradery of the crew and passengers. I felt like I was in a dream! I was in- and a part of a very private and beautiful Christmas concert! There was more than one glistening eye on the aircraft that night!</div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards I quietly made my landing announcement and sat down. I thought about how lucky - even blessed I was to have such a beautiful experience! And to have such a wonderful occupation!<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" />After landing, as we opened the door for the passengers to deplane- the Captain and First Officer got out of their seats and stood to say goodbye and Merry Christmas! There were handshakes, even hugs from those lovely passengers. Last to deplane was the elderly lady who had led in one of the songs. She hugged the Captain, then the First Officer for a long moment and thanked them for the gift of song! She said that this flight served to remind her that we were all family, and really never alone- we all belonged to each other!<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" />I've had many wonderful experiences sharing the Holidays with my passengers. But I can never hear Christmas songs without remembering that one flight filled with Northern Lights and fantastic music!<br style="background-color: white;" /><br style="background-color: white;" />No matter where you are or what your circumstances are this Holiday- look for the moments of unexpected harmony and beauty!<br style="background-color: white;" /></div><div><br /></div><div>May God Bless You, Every One!</div><div><br /></div></span></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-21493156494857245022021-12-10T03:31:00.000-08:002021-12-10T03:31:38.583-08:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- FLYING THE HOLIDAY SCHEDULES! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtnWgRGNnp1MMHHoDpB-jUWHPCGOR8BejsGYRIpVGRM8-H5iABwYiXw4HzYToeSqsexhVAJ2ocRYarEa06iLforn5vPUZTz6VaW6NpO42ptPkzrHPHwUtsIPAVu1o0QVGMl-cSrOsFvtsZ1Ifa9NDidCjt5SvDp4ZXSnxL4fog0gpMJ47HHCIZKQcg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtnWgRGNnp1MMHHoDpB-jUWHPCGOR8BejsGYRIpVGRM8-H5iABwYiXw4HzYToeSqsexhVAJ2ocRYarEa06iLforn5vPUZTz6VaW6NpO42ptPkzrHPHwUtsIPAVu1o0QVGMl-cSrOsFvtsZ1Ifa9NDidCjt5SvDp4ZXSnxL4fog0gpMJ47HHCIZKQcg=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanksgiving 2021 has just past, and the Christmas holiday is on the way! I remember the early days of my career. Being on the low end of the seniority list, I was doomed to work during the holidays. What I soon realized was that it was a blessing! Since I had no family near by at the time, riding on a standby was impossible during the holidays, so spending those holidays with my Airline Family was a great gift!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Often times the holiday schedules were different than normal. One Thanksgiving we had a layover of several hours in Northern Michigan. One of the agents invited our crew of three to share their Thanksgiving dinner! I remember the food being wonderful, but what warmed my heart was the welcoming hospitality of our host and his lovely wife!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On another occasion we flew to Chicago- then had a 5 hour layover before flying back to Detroit. Our Captain lived in Chicago, so off we went to his home for his "family" holiday! And another Thanksgiving we again were the guests at a crew member's home during a layover.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I remember being now senior enough to have the holiday off- but with no family to share the holidays with, I chose to fly- leaving it open for someone junior to have that time off. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One Thanksgiving I packed all sorts of "travel safe" food to share with the crew as we tooled around the midwest. Salami/ cream cheese rolls, special crackers and cheese, grapes, and cherry pie wedges were put on little plastic trays for the cockpit crew. I remember a few special olives and veggies too! That was a fun "inflight" party!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, Christmas was a special time. We had a Flight Attendant named Jeff who would decorate the aircraft with Christmas decor for our flights. I believe this was usually on the DC-9. He was a fantastic Flight Attendant who always went the extra mile. Oh- how I loved flying the Holidays with him, as well as a few others. We had a gal who always wore "rain deer antlers" - fuzzy things that would sit on her head during her safety demo and service. She was one of those fun people who could carry it off!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have many memories of "Christmas In The Air" that I'll share later. Once I had my own family, we still had Birthdays and holidays that this "airline family" had to work. We developed a saying- an attitude that Holidays were in the Heart, not the Calendar! My oldest son is now an airline pilot. His family has adopted this attitude too!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">For these 2021 Holidays, may all my dear readers have the holidays in the Heart, whether they are celebrated on the calendar day, or at a time when you all can be together! That, after all, is the real blessing!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And May Holidays Always Be In The Heart!</span></div><p></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-19011731942748005112021-08-22T06:34:00.000-07:002021-08-22T06:34:49.362-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- MOTHER NATURES UNEXPECTED SURPRISES!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHkSNiLQafKJ0KMrVWUllamHYgScwJpVEGkebRcjI0ae3hOPyiDcyszSHjYJomqitJiIaBV57OdYhCXUk2o3Rdi2lqq2B3Hu2yZi18bwuEhETlnn0h0uOQcrQrfuRc3sVfqxhjw-635c/s500/safe_image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHkSNiLQafKJ0KMrVWUllamHYgScwJpVEGkebRcjI0ae3hOPyiDcyszSHjYJomqitJiIaBV57OdYhCXUk2o3Rdi2lqq2B3Hu2yZi18bwuEhETlnn0h0uOQcrQrfuRc3sVfqxhjw-635c/w400-h208/safe_image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">It's impossible to count the number of times my flights started out with not a cloud in the sky, the weather calm, very little wind- only to end up in rough and unexpected weather! Anyone who has done much traveling has been through this!</span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">One of the biggest surprises was while heading for someplace in South Dakota from Detroit! It was early morning, all was well! I want to say it was probably early October. Yes, the temperature was on the cool side- perhaps the mid Fifties, because I was wearing a light weight coat- no Winter lining.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We were heading west. All at once I looked at the sky and wondering what happened to the sun! It became almost like night!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The pilots said the weather was a bit if'y. I'm thinking that meant rain. I can't tell you what route they took- only that we ended up in the clouds and suddenly were slamming back and forth! Yikes!! What was going on!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I felt like I half walked, half crawled to the cockpit! It was black as night. The lights from the instruments had an eerie glow that shown on the pilot's faces! The radios were squawking, pilots intent on their job- so left them alone. Moving back into the cabin the passengers looked at me wide eyed! The only thing I could think of to say was that the pilots were in control of the situation and talking to the towers. That seemed to satisfy them.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now the air felt cold! I adjusted the cabin temperature and took a seat. We were still rocking and rolling. I remember saying a little prayer that all would be well. Then the pilots came on and said that our destination and much of the midwest was being hit with a major snow storm! We were heading back east! I expected some frustration among the passengers, but heard none! It was if everyone was relieved!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now the pilots were checking to see what our fuel level was, since we couldn't land in Chicago. It seemed (at least in my memory) that they were being hit with all these flights that couldn't land in Minnesota, Kansas, and the Dakotas! So- We ended up landing to refueling in South Bend, Indiana.The sky was overcast, but it was definitely Fall weather, not a Winter snow storm! Some passengers deplaned- some stayed on as we headed back to Detroit! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>By the time we landed in Detroit it was early evening! </span><span>It was hard to imagine what we had just been through! Detroit was now overcast- but no snow! The crisp air said "Autumn"!!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I later found out that the midwest had been hit with up to 11 inches of very heavy snow- in some parts snapping trees and branches, making clean up difficult. In my memory, the storm lasted up to three days! I know at least one of my three day trips was cancelled due to that storm!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For Mother Nature to have a snow storm the first part of October was rare! That was in the early 1970's! Now we are seeing unusual weather in many parts of the world!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">So- when traveling, be you a passenger or a crew member, one never know if Mother Nature will decide to throw a wrench in your plans!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Mother Nature -Sure As Shooting- Will Once In A While Throw In A Surprise, Just To Keep Us On Our Toes!!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-7251654656341417262021-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:002021-08-10T07:00:15.308-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- THE GRAND CANYON RAILROAD!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiyCI_G-n7_LAGHMmZjTfu7TwbDZ3igcCamoO5JhKDO36TfmRJ9CNuyGQTWReF9ytAltk4gdrtpaly-44HemZG4LR3gYnsDDIbI8gmL2lBt_PQ6TjUa4N9_UCYzmYAwh0pNut6PMLvyc/s474/1f5928aef73adf9eb7a93c1f3380df53.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="474" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyiyCI_G-n7_LAGHMmZjTfu7TwbDZ3igcCamoO5JhKDO36TfmRJ9CNuyGQTWReF9ytAltk4gdrtpaly-44HemZG4LR3gYnsDDIbI8gmL2lBt_PQ6TjUa4N9_UCYzmYAwh0pNut6PMLvyc/w400-h266/1f5928aef73adf9eb7a93c1f3380df53.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <span>Ever since I was 3 years old I was in love with trains! My step father was a Fireman, then an engineer for the railroad, so we were able to take many trips for free! When I learned that there was an excursion train trip from Williams to the Grand Canyon, I knew we had to have that adventure!</span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The adventure started out with a little wild west show, involving a "guest" in a gun fight!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjQ1nYCytT94VJnad7GtOQo41OIIZxIgiG9C4madmCEyP-K08AtN5xlzzHnRJTLQ52Xu3JjSPNYwGRTDBPIEkslO-GJOUwjlPV6u7AEnqT2veug-vAFXUdjkoprKIp8GnUPTpXTrfCI/s2048/IMG_7459.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="2048" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWjQ1nYCytT94VJnad7GtOQo41OIIZxIgiG9C4madmCEyP-K08AtN5xlzzHnRJTLQ52Xu3JjSPNYwGRTDBPIEkslO-GJOUwjlPV6u7AEnqT2veug-vAFXUdjkoprKIp8GnUPTpXTrfCI/w400-h310/IMG_7459.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We chose the upper observation deck for maximum view! Our train departed at 09:30. There was a buffet set up with coffee, blue berry muffins, dried apricots, water, and juice.<br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9AoVc6wFla4qWMlvMvZdnkeuJKMlVbQc-VzuSJiOYCc3KAbmCuqju7Ae0jE6cALQIAFTNyVjiwkJpk7nE9WD_ipO1AjQw5FL_sH0KCCpxcK-wnPUVoPiQjq-oPaGcnCGBCuELGIWRGM/s2048/IMG_7473.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9AoVc6wFla4qWMlvMvZdnkeuJKMlVbQc-VzuSJiOYCc3KAbmCuqju7Ae0jE6cALQIAFTNyVjiwkJpk7nE9WD_ipO1AjQw5FL_sH0KCCpxcK-wnPUVoPiQjq-oPaGcnCGBCuELGIWRGM/w300-h400/IMG_7473.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Due to covid, masks were required except when drinking or eating. Our hostess was lots of fun, with a laugh like the character on "The Nanny"! She was full of information along the way!</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The views were fantastic! There were areas of lush green as well as barren land with only brush and soil!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVfsBhS-yaw91CDqWDSw-ZFUahWYiwcpKUWVLaEE6sbwRL4XL7ip-QpGNTUabfgz9DuxJ5PmM07eQXnWUMHXcaxhYQJsHmqMiHrRatWYLufLRGnsq4CiMmbZeMT4hro6ZKHmxSbhSWlA/s2048/IMG_0607.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVfsBhS-yaw91CDqWDSw-ZFUahWYiwcpKUWVLaEE6sbwRL4XL7ip-QpGNTUabfgz9DuxJ5PmM07eQXnWUMHXcaxhYQJsHmqMiHrRatWYLufLRGnsq4CiMmbZeMT4hro6ZKHmxSbhSWlA/w400-h300/IMG_0607.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wVwhRAJ-6aOwhMEMG73Ltrq9CrhQhs1XzxMplYuhW7nR6SMwQ3UD2JDfISlReRvXxQVzO9xJkXysOC3bj9MxqulB4UjjaRcTCOO8Tza6A8AjSfmHd9XcYhdAhvf_Sbn_2Jl5JC2cauc/s2048/IMG_0603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0wVwhRAJ-6aOwhMEMG73Ltrq9CrhQhs1XzxMplYuhW7nR6SMwQ3UD2JDfISlReRvXxQVzO9xJkXysOC3bj9MxqulB4UjjaRcTCOO8Tza6A8AjSfmHd9XcYhdAhvf_Sbn_2Jl5JC2cauc/w400-h300/IMG_0603.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq_xgmYe-Dj49C2XfBDAlpHC1CxSMxe3yx6OSB3paHOYbaHdttQbouMU_dZoak33OOV_hGXMtBahNvk7k8i1kuf8ajpMFk092adrXTNMJaQGNRxV3pS_8Xwj1-XpTWilxNatyrJa7xlo/s2048/IMG_0617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkq_xgmYe-Dj49C2XfBDAlpHC1CxSMxe3yx6OSB3paHOYbaHdttQbouMU_dZoak33OOV_hGXMtBahNvk7k8i1kuf8ajpMFk092adrXTNMJaQGNRxV3pS_8Xwj1-XpTWilxNatyrJa7xlo/w400-h300/IMG_0617.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>We past "Santa's North Pole" where the Polar Express stops during the Christmas season!</span></span><p></p></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXBPfOaSxnnS86cMt1CBygzAeAdXdjPh__XHSMlinlR7454nvnIy1ilkYd_B7-hThTFADvfkVN49oAlcoBQUhb6KvKA076yNWuiYhw_U-h0Q58oK_ofGdH4Wa6BUsgfnv7zSdaNBeRKY/s2048/IMG_0581.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXBPfOaSxnnS86cMt1CBygzAeAdXdjPh__XHSMlinlR7454nvnIy1ilkYd_B7-hThTFADvfkVN49oAlcoBQUhb6KvKA076yNWuiYhw_U-h0Q58oK_ofGdH4Wa6BUsgfnv7zSdaNBeRKY/w400-h300/IMG_0581.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>As you can tell, taking pictures from a train isn't all that easy! I had more "fails" than good shots!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nHHCmyRoWpUka7qDReuEiSZu44G8rSyfZAt6BxOEtzhdMXF5DUeyGkorqmA4yaa5r4CtGV_OxPCSDy-HYCE4QAVv5kRDdc3_1mAIVlyhvFYmEN1ewjBC1J6WuNKgsn3PLAN0WM7ATj8/s2048/IMG_0622.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nHHCmyRoWpUka7qDReuEiSZu44G8rSyfZAt6BxOEtzhdMXF5DUeyGkorqmA4yaa5r4CtGV_OxPCSDy-HYCE4QAVv5kRDdc3_1mAIVlyhvFYmEN1ewjBC1J6WuNKgsn3PLAN0WM7ATj8/w400-h300/IMG_0622.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>I met the "Sheriff" of the Wild West Show while heading to The Grand Canyon. Seemed nice enough of a fellow!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-lc4SjEH9xQnEmmImiazyRHDw2vpPGwyfWjY5iye4lJMuDla0GO4tOgxeVO7QfQeI3C28XrhIRpKyJ7PZGFhdlDWzL4UnSvRWMdqvrtN83r51JgzGgTSWDLPxJqaUDEKvchU1TNLLY/s2048/IMG_7484+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY-lc4SjEH9xQnEmmImiazyRHDw2vpPGwyfWjY5iye4lJMuDla0GO4tOgxeVO7QfQeI3C28XrhIRpKyJ7PZGFhdlDWzL4UnSvRWMdqvrtN83r51JgzGgTSWDLPxJqaUDEKvchU1TNLLY/w300-h400/IMG_7484+2.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Once at the Grand Canyon Ron and I were surprised to realize we didn't have a great deal of time to explore! We pretty much stayed at the South Rim, which still has spectacular views! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvqGxe0jwJQVQGtJpUi8Id8rXTvzEWKgpByBbnapmaMGiwd9FHSxsRj_BrPJyfLMOMFKdk6DcWYNuWPZHfI-Yh8TGea79r1dSiunOMAO9PR-vJdONJ4FAB71qyoiw3yofwDK5hPSfOpw/s2048/IMG_7552+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkvqGxe0jwJQVQGtJpUi8Id8rXTvzEWKgpByBbnapmaMGiwd9FHSxsRj_BrPJyfLMOMFKdk6DcWYNuWPZHfI-Yh8TGea79r1dSiunOMAO9PR-vJdONJ4FAB71qyoiw3yofwDK5hPSfOpw/w300-h400/IMG_7552+2.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>I felt so blessed and happy to be in this ruggedly beautiful place!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijak1dQC92sMaLJZa8uPFk4gSurQE9M7F44nHhwwrvxNN5Z8yph6c3FGXpSbZXTeURx3ZcC64goHo4VDQvLvFmTnkjPElXTjoRZuU0Or6EC0-ryzthbYA91a2To2PwWtm1vqRNvkqD5WA/s2048/IMG_0626.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijak1dQC92sMaLJZa8uPFk4gSurQE9M7F44nHhwwrvxNN5Z8yph6c3FGXpSbZXTeURx3ZcC64goHo4VDQvLvFmTnkjPElXTjoRZuU0Or6EC0-ryzthbYA91a2To2PwWtm1vqRNvkqD5WA/w400-h300/IMG_0626.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gf6zzNlf6zrjupHImVBQaMFjYk1rHrzWHrfgioq5vGJhb96lrqw362IoZGLsunsDtZDlc1iU30zd5Y2o_nBxuRxwkLEhc3bCwdZoX0JAJBANnOgByw9_ByHiG_bAdNP4lDbW8TSgpx0/s2048/IMG_7391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gf6zzNlf6zrjupHImVBQaMFjYk1rHrzWHrfgioq5vGJhb96lrqw362IoZGLsunsDtZDlc1iU30zd5Y2o_nBxuRxwkLEhc3bCwdZoX0JAJBANnOgByw9_ByHiG_bAdNP4lDbW8TSgpx0/w300-h400/IMG_7391.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hH9y9V8VhWfJ_dy2rTz8pEJaVFn1efiDubTJpwmD8cyPClcxrqwVM4BPzIbcuPs29-FqpDM0xMcgMmR-F_U-aEN-1irYpPT5aFo8XxuNwpu-AEi1ANu1ou11FioXw1hzv-Vsz1y4M8o/s2048/IMG_7543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hH9y9V8VhWfJ_dy2rTz8pEJaVFn1efiDubTJpwmD8cyPClcxrqwVM4BPzIbcuPs29-FqpDM0xMcgMmR-F_U-aEN-1irYpPT5aFo8XxuNwpu-AEi1ANu1ou11FioXw1hzv-Vsz1y4M8o/w300-h400/IMG_7543.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span><br /></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXe-4HW0puMVxjJM58zJnwwYQxpEGnK7dKwxd6HfIj1BgK2edZrnO_iBwZYkrRsDrdddI64EE0RFV1C2uLYVWnlhhHtXFMpoOnzLSZpT0ueeyjNEj9TSG3nySFYuImBl4nFqD_DaiirE/s2048/IMG_7390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXe-4HW0puMVxjJM58zJnwwYQxpEGnK7dKwxd6HfIj1BgK2edZrnO_iBwZYkrRsDrdddI64EE0RFV1C2uLYVWnlhhHtXFMpoOnzLSZpT0ueeyjNEj9TSG3nySFYuImBl4nFqD_DaiirE/w300-h400/IMG_7390.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>There was beauty everywhere I looked!!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The hotel "El Tovar" is a fantastic looking hotel right on the south rim! I can imagine the sunsets there are spectacular !!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgHUVwiUZCP21bpqgs9VQLcd-dHwS5dAXUPtFvmidvHd5sYWXDQzyq091pPbNeUOQSYyr1RMu8fl31bVj9JYLNLkNwRWdBI9FuaBWzVHQHAJ0UyO9fZObNenxYEwojxqPfyVBFIeUIAU/s472/3f694567475b91a2af74bcf4ad9b8896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="472" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgHUVwiUZCP21bpqgs9VQLcd-dHwS5dAXUPtFvmidvHd5sYWXDQzyq091pPbNeUOQSYyr1RMu8fl31bVj9JYLNLkNwRWdBI9FuaBWzVHQHAJ0UyO9fZObNenxYEwojxqPfyVBFIeUIAU/w400-h223/3f694567475b91a2af74bcf4ad9b8896.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Then there's the "Hopi House" originally designed after part of the Hopi Village of Old Oraihi. It was designed by Mary Jane Colter. Originally Hopi artists lived here, creating their beautiful works and selling them on the main level. Now it's no longer a residence, but many beautiful things are on sale here!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfjgwgzfGMGsvvEPBSEy8bIzTggSQqlJGMkqU45mo65YPqYobA68y7Fblv3uFJh69XYu4XJlG5lEmwmqq_KFdROHboELQTsIehNUBHptyUVfPQ5ZI5vLTmxnK-fWJap_rJd9XMmlc6RQ/s2048/IMG_0529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfjgwgzfGMGsvvEPBSEy8bIzTggSQqlJGMkqU45mo65YPqYobA68y7Fblv3uFJh69XYu4XJlG5lEmwmqq_KFdROHboELQTsIehNUBHptyUVfPQ5ZI5vLTmxnK-fWJap_rJd9XMmlc6RQ/w400-h300/IMG_0529.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>We ended our afternoon by visiting the "Artist's Lookout" on the South Rim. Carved into the side of the Canyon- I believe it was several stories of fantastic views!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH15jy9PrNOQUG4oBciCDYH0IwQ03RnpvKVIUaEI2Hy4S5x90xYYOIfuFSGA2GsmfVsi4W1pIvzN4NXzJzEu-pfpnT_ntxLEeYK6Hf5Jzze4Vmv0fkqSZs3O-L6QFcv_aw_RJ20O1QFMM/s2048/IMG_7576.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH15jy9PrNOQUG4oBciCDYH0IwQ03RnpvKVIUaEI2Hy4S5x90xYYOIfuFSGA2GsmfVsi4W1pIvzN4NXzJzEu-pfpnT_ntxLEeYK6Hf5Jzze4Vmv0fkqSZs3O-L6QFcv_aw_RJ20O1QFMM/w400-h300/IMG_7576.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>By 3:00 p.m. we were back at the station and ready to board the train for home! The buffet of salami and cheese snacks, champaign, and trail mix greeted our return. We were "robbed" by a few elderly gentlemen who were there for a few laughs and good teasing. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We were entertained by a gentleman with a guitar and a good voice! Our hostess joined in on a few songs.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2wgaiZuwvrBNrlt409xTpACDbb-nc-DqEpoUGHvBWBLKyurvqpkKmw4JjBx4Yoa0Luj4KBenQ9uI_Niab_l04dphnvCf5l4-jVQzrlzdGJV-9FYIlQxKp_3h4njB4AgHzFYK9Lq6rI/s2048/IMG_0602+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2wgaiZuwvrBNrlt409xTpACDbb-nc-DqEpoUGHvBWBLKyurvqpkKmw4JjBx4Yoa0Luj4KBenQ9uI_Niab_l04dphnvCf5l4-jVQzrlzdGJV-9FYIlQxKp_3h4njB4AgHzFYK9Lq6rI/w400-h300/IMG_0602+2.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>As we rounded some bends, I tried to take a picture of the engine that was pulling us home!</span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNC1KCYVS4cudAFha85pAkQsNh21vXg3MLCXK8YB0Aw2P7bfCpHBXAACbMD19l7oRvPLpJn1mv8eyrnWm4JplVmBS54aotqoNV4m5janvMqgCXUKfIeeyrRs-nOcEaEAHmPN-XDS2HfA/s2048/IMG_7674.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNC1KCYVS4cudAFha85pAkQsNh21vXg3MLCXK8YB0Aw2P7bfCpHBXAACbMD19l7oRvPLpJn1mv8eyrnWm4JplVmBS54aotqoNV4m5janvMqgCXUKfIeeyrRs-nOcEaEAHmPN-XDS2HfA/w300-h400/IMG_7674.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">My friend Ron and I thoroughly enjoyed our day! Paramount was the train trip, with some of the wonderful views of the Canyon, learning more history of this wonderful place, and just lots of fun adventures!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXGEjXLyLXMTTYE04tWGBhV8qHjdLvKO_i3cG4cA_ZCSbfowwibenp2gT6mxWWYIm_LH3Z_PhYpBB-RUE_UOU9CjUpnaftxD4loiemWA6r7l0mRmQyXr7PajF3ColEF6jk5WbWdnYaNU/s2048/IMG_7675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXGEjXLyLXMTTYE04tWGBhV8qHjdLvKO_i3cG4cA_ZCSbfowwibenp2gT6mxWWYIm_LH3Z_PhYpBB-RUE_UOU9CjUpnaftxD4loiemWA6r7l0mRmQyXr7PajF3ColEF6jk5WbWdnYaNU/w400-h300/IMG_7675.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>Ron's from Hawaii- I'm from Michigan! It's amazing how many folks we met along our little journey from different states- different countries! </span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I have had many adventures here in Arizona! But those stories are for another time!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Being At One Of The Wonders Of The World Makes This Adventure A Thrill!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-493088163560393502021-07-31T09:35:00.004-07:002021-07-31T09:35:56.060-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- A NEW ADVENTURE! WILLIAMS, ARIZONA- CRITTER PASS- AND THE GRAND CANYON<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldMEWwa91JR-FsHwARNu9pzhyphenhyphenmOj4d36j8fQRXdJ2ukqpevSXR6sFNxkj52ez4S2wun69yJ-lHO7ZOF9wDAauEzP21ZZ1uVmTWbBFaPjqhkISTs_YRA2g8OEA6eSOtYFoZpi43tfxOII/s2048/IMG_7377.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldMEWwa91JR-FsHwARNu9pzhyphenhyphenmOj4d36j8fQRXdJ2ukqpevSXR6sFNxkj52ez4S2wun69yJ-lHO7ZOF9wDAauEzP21ZZ1uVmTWbBFaPjqhkISTs_YRA2g8OEA6eSOtYFoZpi43tfxOII/w300-h400/IMG_7377.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I arrived at a Very hot Phoenix, Az. on Wednesday, July 21st. The temp was around 100 degrees! Yikes! My friend Ron picked me up and off we traveled to Williams, Az. The temperature in Williams was around 78, but very cloudy, and threatening rain!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Since then we've had thunder storms with hail, warm breezy days, and everything in-between! The weather is so changeable here! Awesome in it's fury, gorgeous when it's calm- and changeable within minutes!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMhUlsWXSzk2ItCQeV0Xgnk1hV98rzRjp7zx4S4HBm52M55BlXfuVGfDF31xWu5qRQizNvUYJ8UeBmSWdkLPqfHnwr_7viyTHIqSveIhSfLPRs9SWiHojQKjiAKi1z_HAFHfyH5xS1I/s1656/IMG_BD9CB8C9AF5B-1+2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1656" data-original-width="1242" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMhUlsWXSzk2ItCQeV0Xgnk1hV98rzRjp7zx4S4HBm52M55BlXfuVGfDF31xWu5qRQizNvUYJ8UeBmSWdkLPqfHnwr_7viyTHIqSveIhSfLPRs9SWiHojQKjiAKi1z_HAFHfyH5xS1I/w300-h400/IMG_BD9CB8C9AF5B-1+2.jpeg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span>This picture was taken while on a walk with Kim, a neighbor of Ron's. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I've been blessed to be at the Grand Canyon twice since I've been here. There is volumes to say about this place! There's the history, the stark beauty, the wild life, and the ecology. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPttT3DQwzFHnqRiFHVddcse1f8fv7C6s_qJEI5__F0q-j1YcTuwvN4jpoPHJSn4zC0-NCr0XmFFHQ-EMFYZyMubYDP2nrGNzOXyavMISCuRjGaJybU3EyLUW6ILDCZn1oNATAuGY1rA/s2048/IMG_7390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPttT3DQwzFHnqRiFHVddcse1f8fv7C6s_qJEI5__F0q-j1YcTuwvN4jpoPHJSn4zC0-NCr0XmFFHQ-EMFYZyMubYDP2nrGNzOXyavMISCuRjGaJybU3EyLUW6ILDCZn1oNATAuGY1rA/w300-h400/IMG_7390.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">I am constantly in awe of every view- there is beauty to be seen everywhere. The power of the place brought tears to my eyes! </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhOrjLepO3KgGsd19Jj8LLPTT1s6lxO_UOoLXqQmp_MR55W0RcuKx7Y_nGPzb4lNmmStkXfA9bVmwpzgbqwXQN2okl1hrwJ5IpSgL6ILci1cMGFRf339SgWQo9b5FsjMf6fC6nN-W95g/s2048/IMG_7364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhOrjLepO3KgGsd19Jj8LLPTT1s6lxO_UOoLXqQmp_MR55W0RcuKx7Y_nGPzb4lNmmStkXfA9bVmwpzgbqwXQN2okl1hrwJ5IpSgL6ILci1cMGFRf339SgWQo9b5FsjMf6fC6nN-W95g/w300-h400/IMG_7364.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIKJ0CPlgLFHYQNIfn2HUPDLrHOEjWENRfymTBzXnZFK2kgYcLU52ZuB9DNdjSm32zhUd8R7x6hy1ihR7naHgsBwK-Eink6r-3QxcigXJHCNUuok8H9nNKgdl2Qt_X-vYRMq8DEz1tw/s2048/IMG_7391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIKJ0CPlgLFHYQNIfn2HUPDLrHOEjWENRfymTBzXnZFK2kgYcLU52ZuB9DNdjSm32zhUd8R7x6hy1ihR7naHgsBwK-Eink6r-3QxcigXJHCNUuok8H9nNKgdl2Qt_X-vYRMq8DEz1tw/w300-h400/IMG_7391.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">One of the signs near the Canyon tells of the "Rhythm of Erosion".<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHBhWQsOTqrs63g1ecWtcqCUth8CW3X1EIWDymeJ6DI_JuT3gN_9TnmrCb9EdzwA-1ipOTGub8LwLswjdC63mvj8jSJW3OhBn-8cIHlhOb1F8eR8ZwW9-ndAvyqS6CwvA7ymX2KF1qb4/s2048/IMG_7446.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHBhWQsOTqrs63g1ecWtcqCUth8CW3X1EIWDymeJ6DI_JuT3gN_9TnmrCb9EdzwA-1ipOTGub8LwLswjdC63mvj8jSJW3OhBn-8cIHlhOb1F8eR8ZwW9-ndAvyqS6CwvA7ymX2KF1qb4/w400-h300/IMG_7446.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22jZ4ywIksZcGkF_OWSh6X3CyNS9Hah6qjKumyG8QOU6H0QZySZhuNjmGp3SSpdFltYtAOls-Iqr2nFOUaFKNx34mUYQ3Sz_odkqUP1qTzgs7DlPONCV3z3j-9gjjcscJFSn5zlbkyF8/s1222/IMG_0541+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="741" data-original-width="1222" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh22jZ4ywIksZcGkF_OWSh6X3CyNS9Hah6qjKumyG8QOU6H0QZySZhuNjmGp3SSpdFltYtAOls-Iqr2nFOUaFKNx34mUYQ3Sz_odkqUP1qTzgs7DlPONCV3z3j-9gjjcscJFSn5zlbkyF8/w400-h243/IMG_0541+2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xXBlI_eHSLrCiQ_K3gsHZ87i2q-Vk3KW3N049Fiv9tGQ7mMtgUaJuQmyRYnl-w_88tftTEyB8eTlyzJleTjnVKr981Pt-3GF7r2JojgWnViOtrs7KWEHG6e83YERTbVOoXuieE2FJvU/s1921/IMG_7446+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="1921" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xXBlI_eHSLrCiQ_K3gsHZ87i2q-Vk3KW3N049Fiv9tGQ7mMtgUaJuQmyRYnl-w_88tftTEyB8eTlyzJleTjnVKr981Pt-3GF7r2JojgWnViOtrs7KWEHG6e83YERTbVOoXuieE2FJvU/w400-h133/IMG_7446+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;">I had to put that in two sections for it to be readable. The ecology is fascinating!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, dear readers! There is so much more to the Grand Canyon and this area I'd love to share! Plus personal experiences of new things learned!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And New Adventures Are Wonderful, And Fun To Share!</span></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-238148422809461512021-07-10T05:20:00.002-07:002021-09-09T11:46:13.223-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- UNUSUAL PASSENGERS!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV1Jdal3gzWi0LAV2Qd7wRxrZLn5X310xeG9-wOZe8TzMuy7Hj9aTtv5nSBHBpq7Y-BoQzSC3BeKjcpqTkj5Y_ey2x5GVHwMLOdlzLganN5Fvsy6u8Tt8y1_tHilmaBVskcWuPrLAWOU/s500/safe_image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheV1Jdal3gzWi0LAV2Qd7wRxrZLn5X310xeG9-wOZe8TzMuy7Hj9aTtv5nSBHBpq7Y-BoQzSC3BeKjcpqTkj5Y_ey2x5GVHwMLOdlzLganN5Fvsy6u8Tt8y1_tHilmaBVskcWuPrLAWOU/w400-h208/safe_image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">We Stewardess/ Flight Attendants have often had unusual passengers onboard! Some good, some bad, and some just darned funny!- Or strange!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I once had a woman who sat in First Class. She was fairly young, in her twenties, I'd think. I had walked to the back of the airplane, helping to serve water on a fairly long flight. I believe we were going to Los Angeles from Detroit. Once I returned to First Class I realized this woman was not in her seat.. In fact she was in my galley, doing her yoga! By that I mean she was doing a hand stand, with her feet resting on the emergency exit door! I'm sure I let out a "Oh my!"- or something similar! She came out of her hand stand and proceeded to do a few other "stretches" before going to her seat! Her excuse was that she was trying to stick to her "daily" routine of health and fitness!! Ha! That's California for you!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">On long flights I've actually encouraged passengers to stand or walk a bit after the service- reminding them that the back galley was off limits if the curtain was closed. This gave the passengers a chance to stretch while also giving the Flight Attendants a break. We once had a group of young people- on a mission trip- who got up and sang to the rest of the cabin! They were so good the passengers in First Class got up to watched. They sang a couple of songs, getting applause each time! Their harmony was so good- it gave me chills! They were also a delightful group! The youth pastor said he had heard them singing (among themselves) one day and realized how talented they were, so formed them into a Youth Choir! That was fun!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We once had a gentleman who walked up and down the isle, shouting bible verses! This one was hard to deal with. Each time I went to talk to him he shouted me down! Finally he took a "breather" where I could whisper in his ear. I said something to the effect of "I understand you want to preach, but God has told me this is not the place! You need to save your strength for later!" He looked at me wide eyed and said- THANK YOU! After that he went to sleep! Whew!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There was a gentleman who asked to be served as much booze as possible on a long flight. I asked what was going on. He said he was scared to death of flying and was hoping to "pass out" the duration of the flight! When I explained we had to be careful of over-serving he said "Then--Could you just have some one knock me out?" I laughed- but then realized, he was dead serious! Luckily the man in the seat next to him invited him to a friendly game of Gin Rummy. I don't know if there was any money exchanged, but that became a way to keep the frightened passenger's mind on something else. (His Gin game challenger got a bottle of First Class Wine for saving the day!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">A scary passenger was on a flight to Seoul, Korea from Detroit. He originally tried to board without a ticket- with the agent chasing him down the jet way. After finally finding his ticket he boarded and sat down in First Class. When told his seat was in Coach he replied that he was a General and therefore allowed to take any seat. Once we finally got him to his assigned seat we thought he'd settle down. Wrong. About 3 hours or so into the flight two passengers (who were military police) came forward with concerns. The man was walking up and down the isle, stopping to kiss the floor near where any child sat, crying that he needed to make a statement for North Korea. That sent chills down my spine! What sort of "statement" was he referring to?! He couldn't seem to stay in his seat- wandering aimlessly and talking about North Korea. The two military police said they'd keep an eye on him. I informed the cockpit about the disruptive passenger. The First Officer came down to "asses" the situation. When the passenger saw the pilot he saluted. Coming back the First Officer said "He seems fine to me! You girls are too much!" He was on his way up the stairs. I grabbed his arm! I said "He's not fine! Tell you what! There are two military police back there who brought him to our attention! They are NOT girls! Maybe you'll believe them!" I was livid! Why did this pilot write off our concerns -because we were girls?! He went back and talked to the two military police. After that the cockpit radio'd Seoul about the situation. Now I was told by the Lead Flight Attendant to try to keep the disruptive passenger in his seat. I went back, asked him to sit down- and sat down next to him, sort of keeping him there. I told him he needed sleep- I could tell he was troubled. He talked for quite a while and finally slept. When we landed and he deplaned security grabbed him. He kept screaming that he was the "Light" ! We later found out he was suffering a nervous break down- so the company he worked for sent him back to Korea. Whew! That was one long 16 hour flight!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Now on to a lighter story! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once on a Convair heading from Detroit to Northern Michigan I encountered a "reunion" of sorts. A young woman boarded at the last moment. As she entered the cabin a young man at the back of the plane stood up with a shocked look on his face! He called out her name- they looked at each other and ran - hugging each other. We all could tell they were surprised and delighted to see each other! They weren't seated together, but found a few empty seats where they could sit and talk. I found out they were high school sweethearts that lost touch with each other over the years- different collages, etc. They both laughed- sometimes cried, and spent the entire flight totally locked in each other's company. After we landed they were the last to deplane. I looked to the back and there they stood in a long passionate kiss! It lasted so long I began to feel uncomfortable! The agent at the bottom of the steps wanted to know what was holding them up. (The couple was still kissing) Finally the agent came up the stairs. (The couple was still kissing) He cleared his throat and said "Excuse me! You need to deplane!" (The couple was still kissing!) The pilots came out of the cockpit. (Yep- still kissing) The First Offices laughingly said "Hey, you two! Get a room!" - It must have been the right voice of authority- because the couple finally realized it was time to STOP kissing! Lol!! They deplaned, flush with young love. I've wondered what happened to that couple. I'd like to believe they got married, had a slew of kids, and lived happily!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are more "unusual" passenger experiences, of course. But I'll save those for another day!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Unusual Passengers Certainly Make The Adventure Interesting!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-59762891335660939112021-07-03T05:34:00.000-07:002021-07-03T05:34:25.209-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- GRIEVING PASSENGERS<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZcK3mY00WOUVhP8S6qXFQmpqBFm2bm-FaJeYIBx_NI63B3_MM5yYhcV1dqeXio3Nwv5oKQZhrI2i2v8OMZYjbw7lA78wB853No0GAY9JEs6g3Yl5PPoZoO53W2BPFFrK8qgXu2NZv5s/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ZcK3mY00WOUVhP8S6qXFQmpqBFm2bm-FaJeYIBx_NI63B3_MM5yYhcV1dqeXio3Nwv5oKQZhrI2i2v8OMZYjbw7lA78wB853No0GAY9JEs6g3Yl5PPoZoO53W2BPFFrK8qgXu2NZv5s/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Back in the day of flying on the Covair 580 or the DC-9 we Stewardesses would often walk through the cabin after serving and chat with the passengers. I will admit, this was one of my favorite aspects of my career. </span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">I often would ask "And why are you traveling today?" Among the many responses, death of loved ones or emergencies were among the answers. I held many a hand while I heard stories of loved ones who had just passed, or tragedy that had just happened.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One such passenger was an elderly woman who hadn't seen a relative in years. Her eyes filled with tears as she related her story, belittling herself for waiting so long in between visits. We talked about the letters she often wrote or received, and I encouraged her to remember that "letters" were a way of connecting - visiting too! She hugged me as she deplaned, thanking me for my words of encouragement.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The families of soldiers during Viet Nam were the most difficult for me. Many were going to Detroit to receive the remains of their young men, to bring them home. Absolutely heartbreaking. I was often quiet- totally unable to express the pain I felt for them, or knowing what would be appropriate to say. The phrase "I'm so sorry" seemed so hollow. One family was so overwrought they got up and paced back and forth - up and down the isle during the flight. Understanding their heartache, I let them stand or walk whenever the it was possible.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Then there was a man who boarded in Traverse City. He seemed agitated, tapping his foot or shaking his leg as he sat looking out the window. As we neared Detroit the Captain announced we'd be delayed due to weather. The man yelled "No! NO! NO!!!" I grabbed paper and pen, thinking he may have a connection he was worried about, but when I asked him he almost broke down in tears. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">He had a son who was a student in Ann Arbor. His son had been in a terrible car accident! The man was afraid his son would pass away before he could get to him!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I took his name, found out he was being met at the airport by a relative, and went forward to the cockpit. As I relayed his story to the pilots, they said they'd try to contact the company. (This was in the day when folks could meet incoming passengers at the gate.) A bit later the First Officer came out of the cockpit and talked to the frantic passenger. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The company had paged his relative and found out the passenger's son had made it through surgery and was doing well. The passenger shook the pilot's hand vigorously and wipe his eyes. Needless to say, I was proud of our pilots for going the extra mile for this troubled Father!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And then there was my own story. I had received a call that my Father was on his death bed. He was in Arkansas, I was in Michigan. I hastily packed a bag and headed for the airport. I prayed I'd get there in time to say goodbye. When I boarded the aircraft the Flight Attendant took one look at my face and asked how I was. Without thinking I told her I was on my way to my Father and prayed I'd get there before he passed away. She looked over my head for a moment, as if seeing something in her mind's eye. And then she spoke softly the simple sentence "Yes- you'll make it on time." I didn't question how she knew this, but that one sentence somehow calmed me. (And yes, I made it before he passed away.)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">With that one personal experience I realized anew how one act of compassion, even just a reassuring word or squeeze of the hand can mean so much to a grieving passenger!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In Life's Adventure, A Simple Act Of Compassion Can Ease The Pain Of Loss Or Worry.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-71624270370003375302021-06-19T06:56:00.008-07:002021-06-19T06:59:41.008-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- UNPLEASANT PASSENGERS!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPPGIqBZsLsV4p0USO1sBov2vxHLsBkCBOE1ejfTYEfxA9qS5K_7ObQlVdkpPagOLUtODVUR8IfnvOVp9p3Ulwy1CRAaTlLTBWknYeBJnFM-L-UyBrOyUOWwHeNkVMLNpaUdzAk_RNEU/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNPPGIqBZsLsV4p0USO1sBov2vxHLsBkCBOE1ejfTYEfxA9qS5K_7ObQlVdkpPagOLUtODVUR8IfnvOVp9p3Ulwy1CRAaTlLTBWknYeBJnFM-L-UyBrOyUOWwHeNkVMLNpaUdzAk_RNEU/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We Flight Attendants certainly have had wonderful passengers on board- passengers that have engaged in lively conversation and were a delight to get to know! And along with that were a few very unpleasant individuals who also were seared into our memory!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Often times, though not always the issues involved alcohol! One such passenger was a woman, traveling with her husband in First Class. She came on with a bit of a chip on her shoulder, demanding a drink as she boarded. I let her know we'd be serving pre-departure beverages as soon as all the passengers were on board. She rolled her eyes. She and her husband sat in the last row of First Class.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">After the first pre-departure beverage I went through the cabin, doing our pre-flight check of seatbelts, etc. As I came up to First Class she snapped her fingers at me, calling out "Waitress!" I laughed and said "Did you just snap your fingers at me? That's how people call their dogs! And I'm not a waitress, I'm a Flight Attendant!" I did say this with amusement, but the reply was anything but funny! Her reply? "All you ladies are are waitresses in the sky- and whores!!" </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I stood there with my mouth hanging open! My eyes must have bugged out! I couldn't believe what I was hearing!! Her husband shifted uneasily in his seat. At this point he hadn't said a word! I think my reply was stuttered, but I told her I was cutting off her drinks, since I was sure that she would not have said that if she was sober!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">During the flight she pouted. If I asked what non-alcohol beverage she'd like she whined she wanted "nothing!". I noticed that her husband would speak softly to her. Just one or two sentences from time to time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Just before landing he motioned me over, saying his wife would like to say something to me. Her reply? "My husband wants me to apologize!" I said I understand what he wants, but what does SHE want to say? Her reply was "I'm sorry I called you a whore." ... I accepted her apology.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Upon deplaning the husband shook my hand and handed me a $20. I let him know we were not allowed to accept tips. He said "Tell the company you found it on the floor!" With that he deplaned, and I was $20 richer! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There were other such issues during my 39 year career. When people demanded doubles early in the morning I'd pour 1/2 a little bottle into their drink, hoping to spread out the alcohol consumption! The other crazy stories of unpleasant passengers I'll leave for another time!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until next time, dear readers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, Especially When Alcohol And Name Calling Is Involved!</span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-9102635966186404902021-06-16T08:34:00.000-07:002021-06-16T08:34:20.467-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- "RETIREES ON THE ROAD SERIES" PART 12- HISTORY AND HUMILITY!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV6u_x584JYZAQ8eRHHMUC5ixhjWgWXzSSB9dYaxWd8W58iDoV7zwQ9p1xlRzjQ8qGCiOez9eB6D0igBb0lD_K5VSHSzMzvx3U6ngd7jOGhGjKofiO4yfoxjDKXAXta36zUvD4kBYWms/s235/57fd460f6907f6aeb01e366dc43d561a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="182" data-original-width="235" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV6u_x584JYZAQ8eRHHMUC5ixhjWgWXzSSB9dYaxWd8W58iDoV7zwQ9p1xlRzjQ8qGCiOez9eB6D0igBb0lD_K5VSHSzMzvx3U6ngd7jOGhGjKofiO4yfoxjDKXAXta36zUvD4kBYWms/w400-h310/57fd460f6907f6aeb01e366dc43d561a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span><br /></span></span></span></p>For those of you just joining the series, back in 2008 my friend Diana and I celebrated our retirements by taking a 65 day road trip. The plan was to <span style="color: black;"> t</span>ake secondary roads only from Michigan to Florida and back. It didn't take long to realize there were three personalities in the car!</span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span>There was Diana, Myself, and Gertie GPS!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span>This day found us in Fort Pierce, Florida heading to Fort Lauderdale. Our first mis-step was loosing Gertie GPS. We looked everywhere- under the beds and in the car! Where was she! Finally Diana found her hiding under a chair! With all the fights Diana had with that electronic device, I wondered if Gertie was making a run for it!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span>On our way to Fort Lauderdale we wanted to stop at Palm Beach to see the Flagler Museum.We headed south on Route 1- passing acres of dead trees along the way! We thought it was due to hurricanes. The route was so built up we never got into "country". We simply drove from one community to another!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Flagler Museum was the former home of Henry Flagler, a railroad baron, built for his bride in 1902. It was something to behold! It had 55 rooms, a central courtyard, and a pavilion that housed his personal rail car! I grew up in a railroad family- so was fascinated by the railcar and the economy of space that used to be, for it's day, a palace on wheels! It was truly a "Tiny House" before they became popular!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">The home itself was beyond palatial! Marble, art, fine china and silver, statues and high ceilings were everywhere! The rooms used for music had ceilings designed to provide perfect acoustics. This was an excellent example of the grand lifestyle of the wealthy during the Gilded Age of America's industry and commerce.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">After our museum visit we drove through Palm Beach- where Gertie GPS lost her mind!! There was heavy traffic and tall skyscrapers on both sides of the street. At a stop light Diana glanced at Gertie's face- which normally showed the map and the little white triangle that represented us. We were dead still! But Gertie had us moving down the street, turning left, and making circles!! What?!? Then Gertie chanted "Lost satellite signal!" After about the 10th chant Diana yelled "Alright already! We heard you!! Now what!?" Luckily Gertie found us again in short order! I didn't like the idea of doing donuts in the middle of the street!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">On to our hotel in Fort Lauderdale and dinner! We chose GG's- a lovely Italian restaurant with outdoor seating! We both ordered spaghetti and sat enjoying the beautiful warm weather!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Once our meals were served Diana proceeded to cut hers up! I winched! Okay, I only have 1/4 Italian blood, but have always "twirled"my spaghetti on a fork! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> I think I sort of showed off my twirling skills, being a proud (part) Italian! But pride cometh before a fall! Diana casually mentioned over dessert that she thought I was rather "smugly" twirled my pasta with my fork. She then directed my attention to my lovely white top and said- next time you want to show off your skills, wear a bib!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">There- all over my white top was speckles of tomato sauce! We both started laughing so hard- we almost choked on our coffee!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">That was a lesson in Humility! Ha!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">And so ended another day in the life of Retirees on the road!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, Be it Looking Back At History, Or Learning Lessons In Humility!</span></span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-29623978451014129692021-06-12T06:03:00.003-07:002021-06-12T06:03:58.499-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- WHEN PASSENGERS ARE TOO SICK TO TRAVEL!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HSoUAHu2CWVlzZ-2wmTKoMjsIbfM1uk-VKm7yFiac3lregxutABgJyHSoLtiPCJo_fGBR0UwXbv9cY-yYKSlKYoO7TBkY9VK0-q7zganCZq7DH2jvU3f-WPb39N-h47qLpC5lCq1_Pk/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HSoUAHu2CWVlzZ-2wmTKoMjsIbfM1uk-VKm7yFiac3lregxutABgJyHSoLtiPCJo_fGBR0UwXbv9cY-yYKSlKYoO7TBkY9VK0-q7zganCZq7DH2jvU3f-WPb39N-h47qLpC5lCq1_Pk/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I remember three times in my career when I personally asked to have a passenger removed, due to illness.</span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;">The first was out of Sault St. Marie, Michigan. It was the first flight of the day- early in the morning. This was on a Convair 580 turbo prop, back in the early 1970's. The agents had boarded an elderly lady, using a "straight back" chair to get her up the stairs. Since we had stairs instead of a jetway, they would use this chair to get wheelchair passengers on board and to their seats. The woman seemed very weak. What I noticed that was most alarming was her breathing! It seemed to take great effort to get each breath! And each breath had a "rattle" to it. The moment she sat down she closed her eyes and kept gasping for breath! I touched her hand, which was cold as ice- and asked how she was feeling. In something just above a whisper, she said she just wanted to get home! Her lips and nails were blue-ish! I told the pilots I was really concerned about taking this poor woman! Her ticket was to Detroit and then connecting on- I don't remember exactly her final destination. I honestly didn't think she'd make it to Detroit! After the First Officer spoke to her for a few minutes he radioed into the agent that the woman was too ill to fly. Thank goodness her family was still in the terminal. So the agents came back onboard. She almost cried when I told her she'd need to see a doctor before flying home. (That broke my heart, but knew she was too sick) So they persuaded her to try to fly another day. A few months later the agents told me she finally flew out on an ambulance aircraft. She was suffering from Pneumonia and required a long stay in the hospital! (I felt better about my call to have her removed, since she probably would not have made it home!)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The second time was again on the Convair. We were in Traverse City, Michigan. A family boarded, including an elderly woman. As soon as she was seated she flagged me down, pointed to the overhead and asked for oxygen. Her lips were very blue. I asked if she had a heart condition, which she said she had. I grabbed an oxygen bottle and called the cockpit. "We've got a medical issue back here!" Understand, we were still on the ground at this point. I got her situated with the oxygen and went forward to the cockpit. Her son followed me saying he thought she'd be okay- just let her travel!! It took a few minutes, but the decision was made- she would need to deplane. So the whole family got off. I found out later that the family had rushed to get to the airport on time- so she was rushed and apprehensive. A few hours of relaxing in the airport and she was fine. She had calmed down, took her heart meds, and the whole family departed on the next flight!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And lastly was a gentleman who boarded in Detroit. He was a business man who lived in Pellston, Michigan and would commute to Detroit to work. Again- we were on a Convair. A bit after take-off he suddenly grabbed a sick bag and got violently ill! He was sweating profusely. I got some cold cloths to put on the back of his neck. He was pretty shaken. At one point he said he wondered if he was having a heart attack! He had such pain and a "tightening feeling" in his ribs. Plus he was so sick to his stomach! I contacted the cockpit, who then radioed ahead to our first stop- which was Traverse City. Once we landed there and the passengers for that stop deplaned- paramedics came on. After about 5 minutes they told me they had recommended he deplane and go to a hospital. He looked at me and said- "I'll take my chances. I want to get home! If I die- I die!" Well, I didn't like the sound of that!! (I wanted to say- "NOT on my airplane, you don't!"- but of course was a bit more polite than that!) I begged him to get some medical attention because I wasn't equipted to handle a heart attack. And I wanted him to have the best care! He finally agreed to get off and was whisked away to a hospital. Months later he again boarded in Detroit- heading for Pellston. I asked what had happened the time he got so ill! He said that it was determined that his appendix was ready to burst! If he had "toughed it out" and continued to his home it would have burst and he would have been in grave danger! He was grateful that I talked him into going to the hospital!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It's always a tough call when a passenger tries to travel while ill- or is violently ill on a flight. Weighing the best for the passenger against their desire to go home is a bit of a tight rope. I always felt I'd rather error on the side of precaution then to take the chance of something seriously going wrong while in the air!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And Ill Passengers Made Some Flights A Scary Adventure, Indeed!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-13013134356723962292021-06-07T06:59:00.000-07:002021-06-07T06:59:29.816-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- CLEAR AIR TURBULENCE!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nvIlxK-oj73xz9_5FMv0BVIT0uI6s2I1InJGFYi3yIw0-l_hyphenhyphenBncMxmKBvsPXsdgxpTfmDRCBHJx-5jsuv8Hi-R1g34TvPE7olAuw_E0dUIApmJ-Lh8m6SmlmpSPRveU2nBkmVdyxfQ/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nvIlxK-oj73xz9_5FMv0BVIT0uI6s2I1InJGFYi3yIw0-l_hyphenhyphenBncMxmKBvsPXsdgxpTfmDRCBHJx-5jsuv8Hi-R1g34TvPE7olAuw_E0dUIApmJ-Lh8m6SmlmpSPRveU2nBkmVdyxfQ/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My first experience with "Clear Air Turbulence" was on the beloved Convair 580 turbo prop! I was in my first year of flying, 1969. I had finally conquered my battle with motion sickness and looked forward to smoother flights, now that it was Summer! Much to my surprise, Mother Nature had a few surprises in store for me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I don't remember exactly where my trip brought me, but know we were flying around the mid-west. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky! I was in the middle of the cabin with a pallet tray full of soft drinks. All at once the aircraft started bouncing and swaying- violently! The contents of my tray ended up on my front. I was just baptized! I remember putting the tray on the floor and sitting down on the nearest arm rest! With the way the aircraft was moving I knew I'd never make it back to the galley without loosing my footing! The man who's arm rest I was using as a seat grabbed me by my waist and shouted "What's happening??!!"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I didn't know! Once it smoothed out a bit, I put the tray in the galley and headed for the cockpit! Once I opened the door both pilots turned to look at me. I must have been a sight! I was wide eyed and drenched in about 12 beverages! They said in unison "Oops!" and began to laugh! My response was something like "What just happened?!?" Their response was "Clear Air Turbulence!" That was my baptism into the knowledge that very hot air from the ground could jolt the plane around, no matter the clear blue skies! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This all happened before the airline implemented turbulence warning for the cabin crew. Back in the day we were under the impression that you tried to serve, no matter what! Of course, if you couldn't stand, you couldn't serve! It was sort of up to each of us to deem when it was too dangerous. The Convair 580 wasn't the only aircraft that was subjected to Mother Nature's trickery! On many a flight on the DC-9 and larger aircraft I had the same experience! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was one trip I had on the Dc-9-30 that had clear air turbulence so severe that my fellow flight attendant was thrown into the counter of the galley! I don't know her injuries at the time, only that she was hurting! We were on our last leg of flying, heading back to Detroit. I had her sit down for the rest of the flight, and filled out an injury report. I later found out she had a broken rib! Ouch!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having heavy serving carts in the isle when Clear Air Turbulence hits is a dangerous thing! Those things weigh upwards of 50 pounds, depending on whether they are beverage carts or meal carts! On one flight I saw a meal cart actually tip over onto a seat during turbulence. It took two of us to get it back on it's 4 wheels! Welcome to Summer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Out of all the things we Stewardesses/ Flight Attendants dealt with, I think the most dangerous for us was turbulence! I remember fellow crew members having head injuries from hitting galley overhead doors, back and foot injuries. And we all walked around with plenty of bruising on our legs!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I do remember a passenger being in the bathroom during one such "surprise"! After a few minutes of violent bouncing and swaying the bathroom door opened and out crawled the passenger! I didn't know if I should try to get him on his feet or let him crawl to his seat! Thankfully his seat was close to the bathroom, so crawl he did! Once seated he said to me something to the effect that someone will need to clean the bathroom, since his aim was off! All we could do is laugh!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a more upbeat note- I heard a story which made me smile. One Flight Attendant was thrown during Clear Air Turbulence and landed in a soldier's lap! The aircraft continued to sway and shutter, so she stayed there for a bit. The soldier said he wouldn't let go of her unless she gave him her phone number! Since this young handsome soldier seemed heroic and friendly, she decided to do just that. One year later they married, and thanked their lucky stars that Mother Nature threw them together, literally!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Outside of bruises (and a drenched uniform), I was fortunate to not have any injuries from Clear Air Turbulence. And as my career progressed we had warnings and policies in place to protect us from getting harmed during turbulence! We were all grateful for such policies! Depending on the degree of turbulence we were to sit and wait to hear from the cockpit when it was safe to serve.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And Clear Air Turbulence Is An Adventure For Crew Members And Passengers Alike!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-26076716464508183662021-06-02T06:46:00.003-07:002021-06-02T06:46:54.173-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- "RETIREES ON THE ROAD SERIES" PART 11- JENSEN BEACH!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPPF_tD05YRk6uQaiCrk_JEyS7LhsRrjD8PTTDWYQdGnI9whAQ-BETUc_GovNkOcil4Hkdh86m8Qk6mFoQU-BrS4ZyIoKkh_C99oagvgcfUQ_C-51ACUouXpoBWPImunS7kx36jGsRZs/s300/2ee19e1d0e12ef9f5b4db3ebdff22860.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPPF_tD05YRk6uQaiCrk_JEyS7LhsRrjD8PTTDWYQdGnI9whAQ-BETUc_GovNkOcil4Hkdh86m8Qk6mFoQU-BrS4ZyIoKkh_C99oagvgcfUQ_C-51ACUouXpoBWPImunS7kx36jGsRZs/w320-h240/2ee19e1d0e12ef9f5b4db3ebdff22860.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666;"><span>For those of you just joining the series, back in 2008 my friend Diana and I celebrated our retirements by taking a 65 day road trip. The plan was to <span style="color: black;"> t</span>ake secondary roads only from Michigan to Florida and back. It didn't take long to realize there were three personalities in the car! </span></span></span><p></p><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was Diana, myself, and Gertie GPS! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I last left you Diana and I were fighting with Gertie GPS, who was trying to feed us to the alligators!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On this day the predicted high was 80 degrees so off we went to find a beach on the Atlantic Ocean. It was a beautiful drive and some of the homes along the route were fantastic! However, I didn't think I'd want to be in these homes during hurricane season!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jensen Beach had a beautiful park right at the foot of the causeway that crossed the inlet to Hutchinson Island. We crossed the causeway but didn't see the beach! We stopped at a pizzeria- Diana asking me to go in and ask where the beach was.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The nice Italian man who greeted me said- "Whassa Matter You?! You no looka to the right?! Itsa righta there--across the street!" </span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Duh!!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We cross the street, walked up some wooden stairs and behold! There before eyes was a beautiful snd beach and the Atlantic Ocean! It was quite windy, the water was rough and rather chilly- too chilly to do more than wade a bit.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But walking barefoot on the sand and letting the foam from the waves run across my feet felt wonderful! The ocean- any ocean, has always had a tranquilizing effect on me. It's as if the rhythm of the waves and my heartbeat go in unison, and I became part of the great wonder of life! It was glorious to bask in the sun, listen to the surf, and watch the seagulls and sandpipers.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We reluctantly left to find some food. It was a rather somber moment, hating to leave all that peaceful beauty! That mood was broken when I went to wash off my feet at the water pipe. My first attempt ended with an accidental shower instead of a foot bath! Now that was a "shocking and cool" experience!! Ha! We had a good laugh at that one!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And so ended a lovely day at the beach- followed by some wonderful Italian food! I will add that on this day, Gertie GPS was good as gold- no shenanigans! But I knew that wouldn't last! Stay tuned for some fun times with Gertie GPS!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And A Day At The Ocean Followed By Fantastic Italian Food Makes The Adventure Sweet Indeed!</span></div><p></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-64710212364228394812021-05-28T05:56:00.000-07:002021-05-28T05:56:04.834-07:00 MARCY'S FLIGHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- THINGS FORGOTTEN AND/ OR LOST. THE PERILS OF TRAVELING!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdvXKXyn44kmp1Nomv4IE_-NUIOUTtg76hOXRQYkLMHpXaVCSwa_bzjcuXSQxQTFONklEB7iv8YZU4c3Dw7YdxtUxWkZxojIihdlIO-KeJlFflI4hzCFwdUVgExCtj37nrxRlmdCEG_8/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdvXKXyn44kmp1Nomv4IE_-NUIOUTtg76hOXRQYkLMHpXaVCSwa_bzjcuXSQxQTFONklEB7iv8YZU4c3Dw7YdxtUxWkZxojIihdlIO-KeJlFflI4hzCFwdUVgExCtj37nrxRlmdCEG_8/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I've had a reader suggest I write a piece about items lost or forgotten while flying- both by crews and by passengers.</span><br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"> <span>I've mentioned that I was always loosing bathing suits on my overnights! On a long layover I'd go swimming. Then I'd take the wet bathing suit and hang it on a hook in the bathroom, inevitably forgetting to pack it the next morning! That actually got quite expensive!</span></span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It was amazing the things folks would leave on the aircraft! Lost phones were a big thing when cell phones first came out! Computers, diaper bags, coats, and even a pair of shoes were left behind!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">On a personal note, my husband took my boys on a trip once- and upon returning left the youngest ones brand new winter coat on the aircraft! I called, I even visited the "lost and found", but no coat! That thing cost me over $100! It was not easy to replace, back in the day! How could one forget a child's coat in the middle of Winter? Easily, I guess if you're distracted.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I took a tour of Greece with a group, years ago. One of the tour members realized, once we got to New York from Detroit that he accidently grabbed his daughter's passport instead of his own! Looking at the itinerary, he realized there was no way to get his passport and join us later. We had to say goodbye to him in New York as he headed back to Detroit!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I once had a passenger frantically trying to get back on the aircraft after she deplaned. It seems she took her rings off in the bathroom to wash her hands and forgot to put them back on! One of the cleaners looked and looked- finally sorting through the contents of the trash. There at the bottom of the trash container were her rings! I made sure he was the one handing them to her, explaining he was her hero! She actually kissed him, which made him blush! Ha!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I heard a story about two men fighting over one piece of luggage at baggage claim. They were about to come to blows. The agent called security. The solution was to have each man name what was in the bag- then open it- thereby verifying the true owner. All at once both men said "forget it!" and tried to walk away. The Wayne County police stopped them and made them wait while the bag was opened. Inside was tons of drugs and cash! (This was told to me years ago by an agent)</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">One Flight Attendant told me a passenger tried to walk off with her crew luggage! When she realized that was her bag rolling down the isle she stopped the person- who got really ugly with her! That's when she realized it was no accident! He really did mean to steal it!!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">And I'll end with a note about a lost stuffed elephant. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">It was found on my airplane (under a seat) by one of the cleaners. I brought it to the agent at the gate- who had the kindness to check seat assignments for that incoming flight. Then she made an announcement as well as calling the baggage agent. A bit later a frantic mother and toddler ran up to the gate to claim "Ellie" the elephant. The toddler was fussing about something, but the mother couldn't make out what the problem was until she heard the announcement! That was the toddlers sleepy time cuddle toy, so both mother and baby were pretty happy to be reunited with Ellie! God bless the agent for taking the time to help out!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Eye glasses were another often found item when the cleaners came on. One gentleman was traveling with his elderly Father. Once off the aircraft they realized that the Father's glasses were not in his pocket. Connecting with the gate agent, she went back to the aircraft and looked in and around the elderly gentleman's seat assignment. No glasses. Just as she was ready to get off the aircraft she stopped- said "I wonder"- and looked in the bathroom. There on the floor was the man's glasses! I think she must have had E.S.P. ! Since it was a busy day and always pressure to get a flight out on time, I was surprised the agent took the time to look for the glasses. I mentioned this- and the agent said "My Father has bad eyes and very expensive glasses. I feel sorry for the poor old guy! This could be my Dad, frantic for his glasses!"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We had many wonderful ground personnel through the years that went out of their way- often without thanks or acknowledgement- for the passengers as well as the flight crew!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure there are many more stories of "lost and found or forgotten" that will come to mind, but that will be enough for today!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Reader!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure, And These Little experiences Of Kind Ground Crews Warms The Heart!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div></div></div>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2082029361045260183.post-73171956312423613172021-05-22T08:20:00.001-07:002021-05-22T08:20:47.262-07:00 MARCY'S FLIHT NUN TRAVEL BLOG- WHEN THE RULES RULE!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxmOwE2ODTFeItjdndDjdqIVRxf39TZVEepRdMW9_EGMAaiqUgp_L4KH8ueyHTX-qF1gx8QDfFYHz8zizSsAjlKO3ZIQk3CTzYcd78B0VmSPPJMxT8RW4_GaW0Bpf0KQZKpCqt6RdLRI/s1080/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxmOwE2ODTFeItjdndDjdqIVRxf39TZVEepRdMW9_EGMAaiqUgp_L4KH8ueyHTX-qF1gx8QDfFYHz8zizSsAjlKO3ZIQk3CTzYcd78B0VmSPPJMxT8RW4_GaW0Bpf0KQZKpCqt6RdLRI/w400-h225/IMG_6469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-size: large;">I no longer remember the names of the crew nor the station that this happened at, but I certainly remember the incident!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We crew members were required to wear our I.D. badges displayed on our lapels when going through security, in the airport, and going to crew check-in. Now- this was fairly early in my career, so the security was not was it was now days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">It had been newly implemented that the gate agents checked your crew I.D. badge before letting you on the aircraft. I had arrived for check-in at Detroit- and realized that my I.D. badge was not on my lapel! It was a matter of habit to always have it on when I left the house! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I was in a panic! I knew that I had put it on! Where was my I.D. badge!? I had successfully gotten down to check-in without it- but had a long 3 day trip! Now what?! I shared this with my crew. I was flying on a Convair 580- so it was just the cockpit pilots and myself.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">My thinking was that the badge had somehow come off in my car. But I had no time before departure to go back and look for it! The Captain didn't think it would be much of a problem- he could vouch for me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The first two days went by without a hitch. We were boarded without going through security and the gate agents. Whew!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">But on the third day we were informed there would be a aircraft change. Evidently there was an aircraft rotation for maintenance purposes. I don't remember what station this was at. But we had to wait at the gate for our new aircraft to arrive.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Once the crew that brought the new aircraft in deplaned, we were ready to board. The agent looked at our badges as we boarded. The pilots went through, then the agent went to check mine- which I didn't have! I explained the situation- but the rules were the rules! I was not permitted to board!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I could see it now! The flight would need to be cancelled- or delayed until a Stewardess with proper I.D. arrived to take over the flight! I was near tears. Oh man! I almost made it without a hitch! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I sat in the boarding area, my mind a mess with what would possibly happen now! And without proper I.D. I wouldn't even be able to get back home - unless I purchased a ticket! I didn't have enough money for a ticket!! I tried not to panic! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I tried to call crew scheduling- they were still in Detroit at that time and knew me well. Could they do something? I couldn't get ahold of them! Just as I was about to panic my Captain appeared. He simply took me by the hand and led me out to the aircraft, with the agent protesting as we went.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The Captain (God Bless Him) simply said "She's my crew member! I can vouch for her. I've been flying with her for several years- and for the past three days!" But the agent protested, saying "The Rules Are The Rules!" The Captain simply replied to get the passengers onboard- we were getting ready to leave!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The passengers came on- and off we flew to Detroit! Once we landed I was met by a supervisor! Evidently the agent made a scathing call about this "irresponsible" Stewardess who was flying around without an I.D. badge, flaunting the security rules! According to the Supervisor, the agent was hot with anger! Oh my!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I pled my case. I knew I had that damn badge on when I left home! I had to fill out a form, explaining my side of the story. And that was the end of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">When I finally was done with my "scolding" I went out to my car. Sure enough, my security badge was caught up in my shoulder strap on my seat belt! Grrr! Needless to say- I was a bit more aware of where that badge was each time I exited a vehicle!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">That was one of those situations when the rules indeed ruled! Logic and a Captain's word didn't outweigh the rules in the agent's mind! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">For my part, I was beginning to question "Murphy's Law"- where if something could go wrong- it will---at least when it came to myself!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Looking back I write it off to having a bit too many irons in the fire! There's only so many hats you can wear before something slips through the cracks! But all's well that ends well! My I.D. badge was never lost again! I put my badge in my purse until I exited my car! And I'm sure the gate agent realized that sometimes these things happen to us all! At least, I hope so!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Until Next Time, Dear Readers!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Life Is Indeed An Adventure! And Some Adventures Are Uncomfortable Lessons To Be Learned!</span></p>The Flight Nunhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12311926176579173584noreply@blogger.com0