February 19, 2011 - The day is here, we're on the way

February 19, 2011

It’s 2:30 CST – and we’re at 35,000 feet.  Despite some difficulty in checking bags (when will the airlines finally figure out their own business?), the plane actually left the gate a few minutes early.  Sounds like we will land roughly ½ hour early.  The pilot just gave us the current weather conditions in New Orleans – Scattered clouds and 74 degrees – sounds rough, but its something we’ll just have to deal with.

I think the number of iPods on this plane may actually outnumber the number of people.  My unscientific survey says that the most popular app seems to be the Angry Birds (I hope none of them fly near the plane).  There are even some IPad Angry Birders here.  One thing you don’t see much of – real books (except for A.Z.) – my how things have changed.  Kindles, Laptops, iPods & Magazines (I guess magazines will soon go by the wayside also).  J.W. is out cold – already sleeping on the job, leaving the rest of us to pick up the slack.  Some things don't change, but A.H. would be proud if he were here.

I got a lousy seat assignment – 14A – I like aisles, not windows.  But when 14B & 14C don’t show up – it’s the best seat in the house!  I guess this bodes well for the rest of the trip.  There are several yellow shirt people – some Habitat group from Huntington in full uniform, but in need of an off switch for their bright shirts.

I’m looking forward to the lower 9^th ward tomorrow.  We all hear so much about it.  It’s now 5 ½ years later – it will be interesting to see what is doing.

Oh, forgot to mention – got a text right before boarding.  S.B. is at a hockey tournament in who knows where NY – says she got a real good assist last night – Dad couldn’t be prouder!

So we landed ½ hour early- nice flight.  Uneventful as L.R. says – which is always good.  Took some time to get the cars – Alamo guy was super nice – Delta could learn a thing or two about customer service.  Then it was off to our 2011 camp site – Camp Restore.  Not half bad digs.  The men are in a trailer – could probably hook it up in the middle of the night, tow us away and we wouldn’t know until morning!  I didn’t see the women’s digs, but they seem happy with it.

Had dinner at Rocky & Carlo’s.  Not NY Italian or anything, but not too bad either.  Seemed to go over well with the crew.  A couple of cool signs that were in need of a tweet.

Now back relaxing at camp – its off to the lower 9^th Ward tomorrow.  Teens are playing pool, cards, all sorts of stuff.

Shout out to J.E., J.L., S.W. and L.B. – they are all missed, but life moves on, and I am sure they are all having a good time (maybe too good a time?).

Till tomorrow...