Thursday around noon I departed Maui for nonstop to Portland. It was a great flight as Alaska was celebrating it's acquisition of Virgin America.
Upon landing, as soon as I turned on my phone, there was a message from Kate. Schools and businesses closed at noon due to snow! Not much accumulation but then it turned to ICE. My neighbors and friends talked her out of driving to get me ... it took some of them SIX hours to travel two miles to get home.
She and Jesse called all the airport hotels and just like a few years ago, no room at the Inn. Some cabs had chains but the line was 471 miles long to wait to catch one.
I became a Bag Lady and spent the night on the floor at the airport! I had two large suitcases and my carry on. I took my suitcase strap and looped them through everything so if I fell asleep, anyone trying to take one bag would have to pull the cart plus all the bags, including my purse. My main excitement was finding an electrical outlet to keep my phone charged.
At 4:45 am a Security Guard suggested I move as check in for flights was starting (PACKED and I don't know how they got to airport!) So I hobbled myself upright (with two offers of help), loaded all the bags back on and found a table nearest to a donut shop figuring they would be first to have coffee.
When I checked my phone ... a lady I worked with over 30 years ago had texted (and messaged on FB) that she would drive 20 miles to the airport then drive ME 20 miles home. No way would I have her risk her life as I was willing to wait 5 more hours hoping Kate could make it during the afternoon. Several more messages and she convinced me. She was already near airport after taking a niece to work. I bought donuts and more coffee and met her downstairs.
Yes. She drove me home (front wheel drive with studded tires). We caught up just a little bit on the past years, sipped coffee and ate donuts ... without one little slip!
I have been blessed by angels. Thank you Deb!
Sitting tight overnight was the right thing to do...and four wheel drive with studded tires is the only way to travel on ice. Glad you made it home without an accident. That is one good friend you have there!
ReplyDeleteI have not been out of the condo since arriving! Oregon is really having Michigan weather!
DeleteWhat an experience. Good decision to wait it out. I'm so glad you made it home safely. When everyone lives, it's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteYeh, living was a top priority! I cancelled my rental car until the freezing spell is over. Lisa got my car shipped from Maui ... arrives in Seattle Jan 11 ... then they will tell me how long before they deliver it to my door. I was on pins and needles hoping I did all the limited Power of Attorney and other forms right. Whew! Let fun continue!
DeleteWhat a greeting...glad you are safe and sound and home.
ReplyDeleteYou're one hardy soul. Do sleep well in a real bed now. You have quite an adjustment to mainland weather!
ReplyDeleteI did venture out today ... to take the dog out! Found my shoes and a wool cape!
Deleteand now you are home, with your Cuddle-Duds on and enjoying the pre-Christmas with the boys. YAY! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
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