The Wild Blue Yonder

This line from the Air Force Song always come to mind when I am on a long flight. This is the longest direct flight I’ve taken - 13 hours from SFO to Aukland. Flying Air New Zealand was a good experience. We opted for the premium economy class, read more leg room, a recliner-style seat, and more personalized attention. Arrlene was impressed that our stewardess addresses her by name (Mrs Lennox) every time they spoke.

And sometimes it is the little things that delight. The rest room wallpaper:

Take a moment to read the titles. ☺️

Second Christmas

This was my view for about 24 hours while visiting with the Lennox’s before Arlene and I left for NZ. That’s the Bay bridge looking towards San Francisco.  

I wish I could say I really enjoyed it, but I was much too concerned that I had strep throat to fully appreciate it. My throat hurt so much, I was having trouble swallowing - even tea wasn’t appealing and you know I’m not well if I don’t want tea! The flight from TX to CA really was an ordeal and I got off the plane with both ears so stuffed I had trouble hearing and was barely able to talk. I had texted Emily about urgent care clinics, and when she met me at the airport, she had checked into them, and got me to one later in the day. I was feeling so miserable I wondered if I should postpone leaving for NZ. Thankfully, the strep test came back negative, the PA  made suggestions for switching up my OTC meds, and gave me a prescription for antibiotics to take with me in case my symptoms got worse. I was “on the verge” of an ear infection but not there yet. 

I’ll get to appreciate this view at the other end of my trip, since I’m staying with Emily for a few days again on the return journey. 

Almost flight time

Almost Flight Time

Yikes! It's almost time for my trip to NZ. I get pre-trip jitters, more like a caffeine rush style of jitters than butterflies in my stomach type, as I start thinking of what to pack, what to not over-pack, planning vs. improvising . . . . I don't worry about the travel itself. I've been blessed to have had great travel experiences that have taught me to enjoy the journey.

So, it is Christmas Day and I’ve gotten a cold 🙁 I am hoping it will clear up quickly. I am packed for a multi city trip - California, New Zealand, California, Pennsylvania (for the Library conference), then finally home to Texas. I’ll be gone for 33 days. 

This picture, taken by my nephew in NZ is the park about a block from his home. I’m looking forward to seeing it myself. My nephew and his family moved to NZ 7 years ago, and while we{ve used video chat to stay in touch, it will be great to meet f2f!

I have a rough itinerary for New Zealand: all on the North Island: Auckland ~2=3 days, Havelock North and the central North Island ~ 6 days; Wellington ~ 5 days; New Plymouth, ~ 3 days; then back to Auckland and a visit to the northern peninsula before flying home. 

Next stage: San Francisco for second Christmas with the Lennox clan!