USA Oct 2009

12th October 2009
Mary has finally completed packing two shipping containers which she calls luggage. These not only contain sufficient clothes, shoes (four pairs), sweaters, shirts (Long and short sleeved) underwear (including Thermals) children's gifts (Many and various) pot scouresrs and dish cloths (Don't ask!) chocolates, swimming goggles, sweets, comics, a top for Megan, electrical components, but packets of Bisto, jars of Colemans mustard and various food stuffs which are specifically banned on the white customs form that I fill and hand in, with fingers crossed, to Immigration on arrival.
13th October 2009
Awake, far too early. Cold morning but resist Marys urging me to wear a coat as well as a sweater, load car and set off. Get to end of road and return to house to unpack coat and put it on.
Arrive Bristol Bus Station with half an hour to spare. Quite crowded, Mary elects to wait with me. Coach on time, load containers and sneak small roller bag on coach. "Not allowed anything with wheels to be carried into the bus" says driver to little old man. Take back seat next to toilet. It is very cold. Ask driver to put heating on. "Its broke"
Connect to iPod and open BLT sandwich pack. Slept for an hour. Arrive Terminal 3.
Successfully find a trolley, load containers and roller bag, unload trolley as they cannot be used between Central Bos Station and Terminal three. Juggle the containers through barriers and stumble the three mile to terminal. Check in, no upgrades.
Into security, I have three trays to contain laptop, shoes, coats and sundry electrical. Buzzed when going through scanner, told to remove belt. Ahh! therein lise a snag. Belt is a trendy canvas type with a cam locking action. This actioned is fine for the slim hipped yooth but problematical when securing a 70 year olds steadily expanding waist line, Any exhalling of breath causes it to jam. Also belt is supporting a pair of my youngest sons hand me downs which, although extremely comfortable and perfect for travelling being very large, has the tendency to make the wearer look like CoCo the clown.
Two security people grovel at my groin trying to unlock my belt. Success, now all I have to do is pull belt through loops to remove it. Belt too big for loops and will not pull through. "Remove the buckle" suggest the lady security guard" This worked
I'm through. Trouble is I am blocking the line so I have to carry the three trays plus coat and shoes to a clear area where I can dress. This I do with my trousers now at knee level waddling like a deranged duck.
Buy two bottle of Bombay Gin, Hello magazine and The Times. Found out later that these were free in the Departure Lounge!
Found sandwich and crisps had been mangled and were scattered over inside of case so bought new.
Mens toilet had a long queue and a small Bangladeshy person shouting "U rhine oles" to the right" and "Cabinets to the left"
Boarded, I am sitting on the inside seat next to a Black Girl. Plane takes off half an hour late. I had noticed on The Net that there was a very deep depresion on the weather chart over the Bay area! Perhaps it will clear by the time we get there.
Lunch, "Sorry sir we only have the beef left" Beer and red wine. Flight Attendant pours red wine on my trousers. F.A. and B.G. mop my groin with white wine. This seems to be a popular spot!
Have forgotten to take Warfarin so no danger of DVT as blood is not circulating. Drop spinnage on trousers! No one offers to help.
BG asleep, my wallnut size bladder needs emptying frequently so rather than wake her tried to slide between seat and fuselage. She woke up, just as I got wedged, and kindly assisted me.
Watched three bad movies half listening to a loud mouth behind me, who wore a knitted cap, chatting up the F.A. She was saying that the Captain had told them that the conditions at San Frabcisco were bad and prepare for a lot of air sick people!
Announcment, Due to heavy weather we would be held in a holding pattern for 35 minutes. Very bumpy, noticed BG with head in hands. Was she praying? tried to say reassuring things. Cannot see wings from aircraft, very thick cloud. Long approach, Nobodys talking. BG starts praying again as bumping gets very bad. 1500 feet see Bay water very choppy, plane lurching, Pilot bangs it down in driving rain and very strong winds. Passengers applaud and cheer.
Clear customs and collect baggage. Told to go through another channel where they were X raying the luggage again. Noticed people other side of machine being interviewed about food stuff found in their luggage. Here goes, definately a night in the cells. Miracle! they just waved me on.
Jim waiting, his Audi 7 is huge with all the gadgets, Thats my boy! Lots of accidents caused by flooding and trees down. Jim tells me he has passed his building exams and now technically he can build anything. Also Jack is being assest for a special Basket Ball team.
Great welcome from Kate and Kids. Megan bouncing with excitement. Thay loved all the gifts, particularly the watches.
Nice meal, glass of beer than bed about 0900.