Nov 08, 2014
Arctic Air and Me :(
Colin checked me in at 5:10AM and off I went to join the very long line for security. After 20 minutes in line I was paged to head back to the check in counter. You can imagine all the thoughts going through my mind. Seems that my checked suitcase had been chosen for a secondary check. They required my lock combination to open the bag to check the contents. I gave them my combination after receiving a lecture as to why I should not lock my suitcase. Back to the line for the security check and now I was once again at the end of the line. Finally it was my turn. I always explain that I have had hip surgery and I am the bionic woman. I had the choice of getting a personal and up front pat down or going through the very latest in a scanned check. I did that and still ended up having to have a pat down. Despite arriving 90 minutes prior to departure I was startled to discover that my flight was boarding and once again hearing my name being paged. Now what? Once again it was related to my checked suitcase which by the way I had to pay $25.00 to check in plus tax. West Jet now charges for any checked bag! I was asked the same question about the lock combination. I explained that I thought it had already dealt with and could they please check that my suitcase was cleared to be loaded on the plane. They claimed that it was and yes I was able to pick it up.
So as we are landing it is very clear that it is snowing. The runways are under a layer of snow and were being plowed as each flight was landing. I see several aircraft being deiced prior to take off. OMG, what am I doing here. Fortunately I had placed my newly purchased closed toe shoes in my carry on. I was soon taking off my sandals and putting on my socks and new shoes. The friend picking me up was delayed. No wonder, considering it was the first snowstorm of the season and vehicles traveling the highway were driving at just a notch above a crawl. Then there were the accidents. Merci beaucoup Denise, I so appreciate the time and the efforts it took you to pick me up. We had just enough time to meet another classmate from our graduation class of ’71 for a quick breakfast. Once again a slip/slide to the car in the ever falling snow and finally I am safely delivered to Dad’s condo. I quickly dropped off my luggage and headed down to the garage to head out to the horrors of the streets. I had promised that I would be here to help Dad with lunch. Well I was 20 minutes late but I did get there. Those tires sure made strange noises as they fought the ice.
So glad I am not driving.
I have to say that I was surprised to find Dad in better shape and spirits than what I had expected. We had a good 80 minutes and then he was ready to get back to bed and to sleep. He was asking me many questions about his finances, always a good sign. I stayed for another hour but as the snow was still falling I thought I better head out and do my grocery shopping and get back to the condo, unpack and have some wine. Yup, I had put some in the fridge before I left here two weeks ago.
So how cold is it? Very!! It did not take more than 30 seconds for me to recall the bitter cold. However today was mild to what is coming over the next few days. I really really should have brought boots. There is a lot of snow. I saw 2 snow blowers being used and many shovels. By tomorrow afternoon they say that we can expect up to an additional 12cm/4.7inches of snow. Wonderful! Not! At 4PM today it was -14C/6.8F with the windchill factor included. The normal for this time of year is a high of 0C/32F and an average low of-8C/32F. Murphy’s Law, Contessa is in town. After only 3 hours at the hospital the windshield was caked with ice. Carumba!!
Taken from Dad's condo.
I have to thank my friend Libby, whom I went to nursing school with, for her lengthy and detailed email on how to drive and what to do, etc. I printed it out early this morning and kept reading it on the flight. Thanks to her I was able to cope today. Libby you probably saved my life today. I really have no idea how I managed.
I had planned to leave here just after 7AM Sunday morning to head to the hospital to help Dad with breakfast and later lunch. But I am not a totally dumb blonde, if the snow is heavy I will wait for more traffic to clear the snow and make some paths for me to follow.
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The condo looks like it’s in a nice spot. Too bad about the white stuff. We had just a hint of hail the other morning, and a few flakes a couple days ago, but nothing has been sticking around. Not ready for that just yet.
Good luck today.
At least you are there, hope you drive safely and keep yourself warm.
Glad to hear you made it safe and sound. What area of the city is your Dad’s condo and which hospital is he in? You might find it easier to take the bus or a cab. Parking at the hospital is always so hard, not to mention expensive!! Prayers for your Dad.
Thanks for checking in. You seem to be doing fine with the roads. Slow and easy and, most important, watch where you want to go! If you look at anything else, you will end up there!
Best wishes for your dad, all things considered.
Flying is no longer a pleasure. Sorry to hear about the bad treatment. The pics of the snow are pretty and I am glad that I am not there. We will have temps down to 5C this week here in northern Mexico thanks to the artic blast.
Behave yourself as always and keep us all posted 🙂