I'm back from Alaska. The pros of the trip included seeing the Northern Lights and visiting with friends and family--the worst part of the trip was the actual travel to and from Alaska to Tennessee. Airlines are never fun to deal with and I ALWAYS forget something in my pockets when going through security. No matter how much I try to remember all the rules--lap tops out of packs and in a separate bin, shoes off, all items in bins, liquids in baggies, I always do something wrong, which brings on the pat-down. By the time I'm through security, I'm not only feeling violated, but cheated that no one bought me dinner first. Once through that nightmare, the next obstacle is the actual plane flight. On the way there, the airlines were actually congenial and accommodating, on the trip home, the passengers were treated like herds of cattle and the airline personnel weren't far from being prison wardens-personality-wise.
So back to the positives, because remembering the positives of life is better for my disposition and health--the Northern Lights were amazing. I happened to step outside around midnight one night and there they were, a dazzling display of streaks of light, dancing in the sky with tinges of blue and green. I fought the urge to just stand there and not share, but then I remembered the Alaskan Golden Rule that when you see something cool you must tell everyone. I woke up my brother and his wife and sent for my sister, nieces and everyone else I could think of. We were outside for nearly an hour. The last three trips to Alaska, I've wanted so badly to see this but was not graced with this sight, now I feel whole again, at least for a few more years.
It's good to be back. Fall in Tennessee is my favorite time of year and at least I didn't miss it. Although Frankenstorm Sandy has brought winter our way, at least I got to enjoy the yellow, red and orange leaves of the hardwoods for the last week.
Take care all and I appreciate all your support.
