transit

As noted in the prior post, we're out in California visiting my parents for Christmas. One of the quirks of getting from east coast to west, for those of you in other lands, is that if you want a direct flight to California from the DC area, you must either leave at the crack of dawn or much later on. We've tried the crack of dawn approach before, and it's just ugly leaving the house at 4.30 a.m. with tinies.

 

So this time we tried the late run. United hosed us somewhat by changing the flight time from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (probably something to do with all the mayhem caused by the Denver airport being closed, did I mention that we prefer direct flights) but it all went very well. The guys at the security check couldn't have been any nicer to the girls, and helpful in shepherding everyone around us while we regrouped our assorted crap. We ate at the gate, the girls made friends, and the flight was shorter than expected... unfortunately Rr only slept for half of it, and L for maybe 1.5 hours after weeping for 30 minutes because she couldn't sleep. It was nearly 2 a.m. on their body clocks when they staggered off the plane, but they were distracted by my parents, who couldn't wait to see the grandchildren and kindly took the suitcases off our hands.

 

At the risk of channeling an old Seinfeld joke, why is it that even when car rental companies promise that you'll get what you rent, you don't? The people at Hertz were very nice about it all, but the fact remains that I wanted the sporty soccer mom SUV-lite, not the responsible soccer mom SUV-lite. However, not having the Nissan with the same basic engine as in a 350Z will probably make me more popular in the long term since I won't be trying to race on the mountain roads, and the extra row of seats is proving useful.

 

Most importantly, however, we can get the iPod playing through the stereo and soothe many a savage breast... and with the bizarre hours and time zone adjustment, there are some authentically savage breasts in the back seat. Still, the hope for presents is keeping things under control, at my case anyway.