Pennsylvania, Here We Come!

With the disappointing outcome of the Puyallup Fair compounded by the Superintendent's reasoning that doilies are functional, I found myself too bitter to spend my birthday attending The Fair. Plus, we had already conquered Shrimp-Fest at Red Lobster so my grand plans for the day were crumbled.

We started brainstorming. I checked the major national park sites to see if we could spend a few days at the Old Faithful Inn. Openings were available after our time frame. All other parks were booked solid. No last-minute get-aways to be had there.

I had thought maybe we could slip quietly into the South, visit Atlanta or Savannah, gorge on barbecue and drawls, but we soon realized we had no real plan of what to see and do. Our time would not be best spend on such short notice.

Now for many years—I believe all four of them—I've pined to just fly back to Pennsylvania for a weekend and eat ourselves silly on good pizza, Chinese food, and horde those things from the grocery store that aren't sold out here. Pooky would always nix the idea saying "It's a lot of money for just eating," or something very discouraging and totally responsible.

So on Wednesday I hesitantly said, "I have an idea, but you won't think it's good." I shared my grand scheme of jetting to visit his family as a cover story for our weekend of caloric indulgence. Surprisingly, he thought the idea had merit.

Priceline Used to Be Good

Heaven only knows what is going on with the airlines anymore, but last night we spent way too much time on Priceline and hardly got a deal! It used to be I could swindle fabulous prices for a ticket, but we only saved about $5 from the published prices on other travel sites. In the end the "Name your own price" feature was a bust so we opted for one of their special offers.

We got a sweet deal of two non-stop flights from Seattle to Philly. We have to drive from Philly to where his family lives in the Lehighton area, but that's not bad. The non-stop flights are so divine!

What to Eat!

I calculate we have about 8 meals to enjoy during our time in the commonwealth. Cracker Barrel is everywhere! So I know that I'll have at least one breakfast and one lunch or dinner there. Then there is pizza, the Irish tea room, Chinese food, and so much more...I hope that many of our favorite haunts and eateries are still in existance. Business can come and go in four years.

I'm hitting a grocery store, too, to buy a few things I miss. Like Entenmann's crumb donuts, Karo pancake syrup, and if they weren't perishable, real pierogies.

Departure & Arrival

We're taking off Saturday morning and returning Tuesday evening. I'm not risking having my crochet hooks confiscated by some misfit security goon thinking that they will save the world by denying me my crochet hooks, even though it is clearly stated on the official government website that crochet hooks are allowed as carry-ons!

My ostomy scissors are also listed as approved, but with that I have more of an arguing point that I medically need them. My scissors are less than four inches so regardless of their functionality I am allowed to have them.

The new rules about cosmetics and toiletries is freakin' insane! But get this, you aren't allowed hair gel, make-up, lotions, etc., but you are allowed up to four ounces of personal lubricant! On your carry-on no less! I suppose they want to insure that passengers can still have uncomfortable sex in the bathroom?

The Excitement Builds

I'll be spending the rest of the morning scurrying to pack, getting last minute business tended to, making sure the cats don't implode as they *know* when we are going somewhere—Mr. Doo knows what the luggage means and he gets weird. The fish are so much easier to leave for a couple of days. I have no idea how I am going to be able to part from Smee!

I just better put it out of my mind. Smee will be fine. He's got his brothers and Lord Doo. He may suffer without his daily love, but he is strong. I'm going to miss my little Ecru Wonder!

Enough said. I need to make check-lists and start packing!