The Circle Trip

Well, that’s what our travel agent called it. We didn’t just do a round trip (from this city back to this city). Instead, we did this:

Cab from home to Walker Field (GJ airport)
GJ to Denver
Denver to Chicago O’Hare
Rental car – very cool Dodge Charger SXT with the high output Hemi – it go fast! - to hotel.
3 nights in Chicago
Chicago to Boston – Logan Int’l
Cab from Logan Int’l to AMTRAK station
AMTRAK from Boston to Durham, NH
Approximately 36 hours in The Shire – lots of holding & snuggling Norah
AMTRAK from Durham, NH to Boston
Cab from AMTRAK station to Logan Int’l
Boston to Dulles Int’l, DC
Cab to hotel – 4 nights
Cab from hotel back to Dulles Int’l
Dulles to DIA
DIA to GJ
Cab from GJ to home

I can only say that given that convoluted itinerary, our travel agent worked wonders and got us an incredible deal all the way through. We even got upgraded for our hotel room to a King suite! Probably helped that I stood all of 6’3” while the gal checking us in was about five-foot-nothing. We made it clear that a double-double would just not work.

Tons of memories…

Grace getting her Master’s degree. With 4 honor cords and two honor pins on her gown. We are proud of her. A moving ceremony, with speeches about committing to a life of public service when they could go out and make 3 or 4 times the money in the private sector. “Go do good – and do it well” was the charge given to this graduating class. I have to modify my morning send-off to TLMK now. Although she’s always done it well and as I think of it, would be a great mentor.

It was especially wonderful that Dallas and Renee were there to help celebrate the occasion. And that they got to attend both Grace’s and Marcus’ graduations in the same weekend! BONUS!

Jak’s Tap was a wonderful place to celebrate and as Renee said, share fellowship. The food was spectacular – I had a Reuben sandwich which was close to the size of my head. Dallas took on the “Truck Stop” sandwich. A huge bun, on which is placed a monster deep fried pork tenderloin, atop which is placed all the sides – onion rings, slaw, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato… I’ll give Dallas his due. He did his best, but about the same time I threw up my hands and said “Surrender!” so did he. But we both gave it our best effort.

And then on to New Hampshire…

Marsh picked us up from the train station, dropped us at our hotel, then brought us to their apartment. Little Norah was lying on her back on the couch, just snoozin’. We just stood there and looked at her – she almost looked like a doll laying on the couch.

Then Sarah said “you can pick her up – you can hold her.” I think it was about a half second between when Sarah said that and Norah was in Jody’s arms.

Eventually, I got to hold my grand-daughter. For several hours. Seems she’s a perfect fit, Just exactly right between the wrist and elbow of my left arm. And you rub (pet) her face on her left cheek and she does a perfect Elvis sneer/smile. This is gonna be one very cool kid.

The Shire – cool place. I now understand Marshall’s earlier comment that the town wouldn’t be there if the university wasn’t there. We went to Mass on Sunday, then spent some time exploring. All 2 blocks of Main Street. Picked up some UNH shirts and stuff, bought some flowers for Sarah’s first Mother’s Day, and then walked to their place. Good weather, nice walk.

Marsh and I went to do some grocery shopping, then back to their place to spoil Norah some more. Made a couple of pizzas for supper – one margherita (white pizza) and one pepperoni and can ban. I believe we made Sarah a fan of white pizza. Some garlic infused EVOO, Parmaggiano cheese, Roma tomatoes, fresh basil and a sprinkling of mozzarella…
Molto belle!

Did I mention that I have a gorgeous grand-daughter?

DC was DC. Jody busy, me riding the Metro and walking a bunch. More about that later. For now, this post is long enough.

Much love,
Jay