June 20, 2001
Dear Everyone:
Update on the Saga of the Singing Lobsters: Evidently, Canadian customs had no problem with singing lobsters entering the country. The lobsters arrived a day ahead of schedule. However, the custom-made jackets were stopped briefly in Vancouver. Singing lobsters, Yes. Jackets, No.
In other news…
I woke up this morning in Oklahoma (“…where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.”) “Wilbur” and I had flown to “Oklahoma City”, via Dallas, Monday afternoon. We spent all day Tuesday at the “Oklahoma City” Records Center to see how their operation works and how our two systems might be integrated. The “Oklahoma City” Records Center belongs to That Other Company, the one we’re in the midst of merger-mania with, pending FTC approval, of course. More than that I can’t say until said approval is provided.
We flew back this morning, taking the “later” flight that leaves “Oklahoma City” at 7:15 a.m. Allowing for time to get ready, plus pack and get to the airport in plenty of time, this means I got out of bed at 3:00 a.m., Central Daylight Time (or 1:00 a.m. my time). Also, I have a Homeowners Association Board meeting this evening. Hence, this will be a short letter.
As for the new luggage, I tried it out this trip. The luggage store saleswoman had assured me the suitcase would fit easily under the seat in front of me. Of course it didn’t. It did fit in the overhead bin, with the assistance of a helpful gentleman or two. I have found that if you hold a piece of luggage that is obviously too heavy for you over the head of the nearest male traveler, he will almost inevitably offer to help in his own best interests.
I had decided to reduce the number of “carry-on” pieces to two by squeezing my purse into the suitcase (where it actually did fit). The advantage to this was that I had only two bags to deal with, the suitcase and a smaller (12X12X9) companion piece that actually did fit under the seat. The disadvantage was that the addition of my purse effectively doubled the weight of the case.
By Monday night, I discovered a number of new bruises, undoubtedly acquired while luggage-wrestling. I also discovered the advantages of slipping a few cereal, or breakfast, bars into the case. When you drag yourself into the hotel room after 9:00 p.m., you really don’t want to deal with restaurants or room service (not that this particular hotel seemed interested in room service). A bar or two sufficed nicely. They’re also nice when you’re leaving for the airport at 5:30 and discover that the breakfast buffet doesn’t open until 6:30. Have breakfast bars, will travel (but only if forced to do so).
On the return trip, I decided to brazen it out and board the plane with three pieces of “carry on” (the purse being Number Three). Even though there were posters everywhere declaring No More Than Two, no one stopped me. And, as a bonus, there was no one in the middle seat on the long fight back from Dallas to Oakland.
Of course, the best part was having the time to finish yet another Amelia Peabody murder mystery and begin the next. These books really make a lot more sense when you read them in order.
No Letter next week. Most of us will be in Ashland, attending the annual Shakespeare Festival. Can you believe some guy in the “Oklahoma City” airport asked me if Twelfth Night (I was wearing an Ashland T-shirt) was the name of a new movie?
Love, as always,
Pete
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