Notes from Philly…

We were worried before we left that the Northwest pilots’ slowdown would impact us.  We had read in the newspapers that 20% of Northwest flights from Detroit had been cancelled in previous days.  So, we called several times to make sure that things were on schedule.

When we arrived at the airport, all of the news crews were out.  We saw the WWJ reporter working in the news truck.  As we waited in line, we waved to Brandon Trutling of Channel 7.  He laughed and yelled “Is your flight cancelled?”  “We sure hope not.  But we’ll be sure to come back if it is.”  Strangely, Joanne Purtan, also of Channel 7, was just in front of us in the security check line.  We didn’t get a chance to talk to her.

It is amazing what we have to put up with these days in terms of security.  I spent about ten minutes yesterday measuring plastic baggies for my toiletries.  A traveler can pack a one-quart, clear plastic bag full of shampoo and the like.  I am a firm believer in only taking carry-on bags, but this time we decided to check bags.  It goes against my nature to check bags.  But it wasn’t a problem.

The flight was a bit bumpy, but the highlight for me was our route along the SW Ontario shore out of Metro.  You all know that I love maps and I just love to compare the mental maps that I have in my head with the reality of the actual ground below.  I always locate the Fermi II plant first and then follow the coast.  We had a great view of Point Pelee and Pelee Island today.  And we could follow all of the Lake Erie Islands out to Ohio.  Our region is beautiful!

Can I just say that I love Philadelphia!  Kathy was a bit tired this evening from all of the traveling, so I headed out into the city myself tonight.  I walked in the vicinity of Rittenhouse Park and everyone was out walking, playing guitars and soaking in the pleasant summer evening.  The town is so laid back and unpretentious.  I love it.

I located a grocery store and stopped in.  Kathy and I packed a small collapsable cooler and two ziplocks for ice.  It’ll be our little refrigerator for the week.  I also picked up some couscous to cook in the coffee pot.  You gotta love hotel cooking.

Tomorrow we register at the convention center and return for the Michigan delegation meetings at the hotel.  It is going to be interesting.

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