Quiet House

As I sit here tonight in a quiet empty house, my DW and kids are on an airplane to visit the Zoo in San Diego. I got them to BWI with no problems only to have their flight out delayed about 1/2 hour. They had a layover in Nashville and I talked to her then. About an hour after their scheduled departure from Nashville, my phone rings with DW's special ring. I couldn't believe they were still in TN, but I was wrong. Shortly after they took off, DS said they never really gained any real altitude and thought it was strange (he is observant sometimes). The captain came on and said they were turning around and landing in Little Rock with maintenance problems.

When they landed, DW said there were a few fire trucks lining the runway and following them (that is never a good sign). The captain finally came on after they were safe on the ground and said they had a "minor" engine problem. In my opion, "minor" problems do not require fire trucks, but it could have been a precaution. Better safe than sorry. What a praise that they were safe.

Another plane was dispatched from St Louis to Little Rock to replace the broken one, so they had to wait for that one, but at least Southwest had a plan and was taking action.

They were supposed to arrive in San Diego at 2200 eastern time (I would have gotten to sleep shortly after that). Now it will be closer to 0030 my time, so I probably will not be able to sleep until I get the safe on deck phone call.

It was strange getting home to a quiet house with just Tora here. She will probably be OK tonight, but I think tomorrow, she will be sad wondering where her other people are.

I know DD is getting VERY anxious to get to see her Auntie and BFF (Best Friend Forever). I just hope Suzie Q will save a piece of birthday cake for me when I go to visit them in Nov (at the govt's expense).