Travelling the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend

We always fly to Sacramento the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend. It’s a challenging but often entertaining experience. This year was no exception: a plethora of “Huh?” and “Oh, wow” moments.

First, I was fortunate enough to get a TSA prescreen check-in so I didn’t have to disrobe, take my shoes off, or put my drugs and potions in a plastic bag for the world to see. I thought all people in this line were experienced travelers. I was wrong. There was a gentleman who tried to send his coffee through the scanner propped up in a bin by his murse (man purse). Following him were the two ladies with the dog in a carrier who thought they had to send the dog through the scanning machine and were practically hysterical. No. ladies, dogs – like children – dogs go through the people machine.

Second, some unfortunate individual left his or her shoes at the security checkpoint. TSA announced “Would the person who left their shoes at South screening checkpoint please return for them?” Three times in a half an hour period the announcement was repeated. How do you not know you forgot to put your shoes back on?

Third, Dudley and I met early to have breakfast and go over some things and although we had arrived 2 ½ hours before the flight, we almost missed it. Luckily Sean and Kerry were able to evil-eye people away from sitting in our preferred row. And what do you know – behind us in the plane was the dog – barking!

I saved the best for last. When we were on the tram heading to the terminal, there was a woman and her probably 10-year-old daughter. The tram was jerky and the girl wasn’t holding on. She grabbed her mother who promptly hissed in a loud voice, “I am going to kill you.” She was serious. After she realized everyone was watching her, she announced, “She was supposed to fly home but pitched such a fit they kicked her off the airplane!” Imagine banned from flying at age 10. She won’t get a TSA pre-check notice!

Finally, I’m tucked into my satiny Hilton-sheeted bed. I did need a room change, though. For some reason they thought I wanted a low floor and my first room was a superior room overlooking the accounting department. They seemed to be working hard but I didn't find this particularly superior.

It will be an interesting week!