Ten Things of Thankful: Yee Haw and Other Flight Delights

 

The view of a sunset taken from an airplane. The sky is orange and just a sliver of sun is visible.

I made a quick trip to Oregon this week to visit my parents. As I waited at the airport to depart, I noticed a baby sleeping on her dad's shoulder. I was flying on Southwest, which doesn't have assigned seats. I was in boarding group B. As I boarded the plane, I noticed that the window and middle seat in the first row of the plane (the row with lots of legroom) was empty. I was surprised, but gladly took the window seat. I alternated between reading a book and looking out the window. It was so good to see the mountain lakes filled with water. I got a wave of nostalgia when I saw the peaks in the Cascade Range, as I have memories of going across the mountains to visit my grandparents when I was younger. I used to see Black Butte from the front window in my grandparents' home, but from the plane, I could see it in relation to the Three Sisters. Though Black Butte is aptly-named, seeing the other peaks white with snow and all in a row against the brilliant blue sky was simply stunning. A picture wouldn't have done it justice, so you'll just have to use your imagination. Jefferson, Washington, Hood, St. Helens, Adams, and Rainier were all visible. Soon we touched down in Portland and I was off the plane very quickly. I noticed the sleeping baby was still asleep on her dad's shoulder. 

I had a nice visit with my parents. Under the careful observation of Mom, I was able to take care of some ladder-involved tasks, as well as help with some other chores. I accompanied my parents to some of their appointments, and we went out for lunch one day. Of course, Mom and I spent some time with family history research. Ever heard of the given name Doogabea? Neither had we, but turns out she's the wife of my grandma's second cousin. 

All too soon, my trip was over and it was time to leave Oregon. As I waited for the shuttle to take me to the airport, I got a notification that my flight was delayed an hour. I had plenty of time to get in steps at PDX. The departure time kept changing, but in the right direction, and we ultimately were only delayed about 45 minutes. The plane that was in our gate before us was also delayed in taking off, but the gate attendant made the announcement, "Somebody vomited on the plane so we're just going to clean that up really good so you don't have to smell that." I assume the cleaning crew did a good job, because the plane to Las Vegas eventually took off, and I was able to get on my flight. There were only 63 passengers on a plane that holds 140+, so although I didn't sit in the front row this time, I was in the second row and not crowded. On the flight home, I saw Crater Lake and a beautiful sunset. I did snatch a photo of the sunset, but it really was better in person. 

The landing was smooth, albeit a bit hard on touch-down. The older woman in front of me yelled, "Yee Haw!" 

Yee Haw indeed! John picked me up from the airport, and it was good to see him. The next morning I was at my grandchildren's school for a recorder and band concert. 

I haven't been counting, so let's just bullet-point the thankfuls this week:

• I'm thankful for leg room on the plane. 
• I'm thankful for water in the lakes.
• I'm thankful for beautiful mountains.
• I'm thankful for a quiet plane (and that the baby got a good nap!)
• I'm thankful for my parents.
• I'm thankful I can still climb ladders and do other things to help.
• I'm thankful for time spent together.
• I'm thankful for the relative ease (pun intended) of family history research.
• I'm thankful for unusual names, which makes it research easier.
• I'm thankful the plane wasn't too late.
• I'm thankful I was able to walk a bit before the flight.
• I'm thankful my plane wasn't the pukey one. (Sorry, Las Vegas travelers!)
• I'm thankful for a not-packed plane.
• I'm thankful for the beautiful scenery of Crater Lake, and the sunset.
• I'm thankful for a "yee haw" to add levity (lol) to a hard landing. 
• I'm thankful for John.
• I'm thankful for grandchildren and their efforts with musical instruments.

What are you thankful for this week? Leave a comment, or write up your own list and link it up at the Ten Things of Thankful blog hop!