A Blur ...

Landing at BWI in the wee hours of the 15th of April
OAFS Photo

As we were coming in for a landing, I was impressed by the lights, the feeling of speed as those lights rushed by the window. I had the thought, "Take the shot!" So I did.

Yeah, the image is a bit blurry, wasn't like that looking through the lens, but all in all, I like this outcome. The past week and a half went by so fast I hardly know where to begin to tell the tale. It's all a blur.

So, I'll start at the beginning. Monday, the 6th of April in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Six.

LUSH's youngest was going to celebrate her First Communion on the Saturday after Easter. As we attended her older sister's First Communion a couple (or more) years ago, we felt that our presence was required. Not a problem, I haven't been to Hanford (where they live) in quite some time. So a trip was overdue.

Big Time's parents, his brother and his wife and their son, would also be there. Unfortunately, Big Time couldn't be there, he's over there, fighting a war. Not his first rodeo but damn, I hope this is it for him. I mean he's close enough to retirement that he can smell it.

Anyhoo, here's what the outbound leg looked like:

Est. Travel Time: 13h 15m

Flight  #4306 Departs  PVD 12:40PM Providence Arrives  MDW 02:25PM Chicago (Midway)

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #3996 Departs  MDW 04:05PM Chicago (Midway) Arrives  SAN 06:35PM San Diego

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #2216 Departs  SAN 09:30PM San Diego Arrives  FAT 10:55PM Fresno, CA

Made for a rather long day, especially that layover in Sandy Eggo. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we were in the new terminal, so I didn't get a chance to see where I've been before. But as Sandy Eggo was only a stop on a long trip, no time for reminiscing anyway.

But still.

Now LUSH and her tribe are non-stop, both girls are heavily into cheer competitions, which has to be one of the most intense sports I've ever seen. Non-stop movement, tumbling, aerial stuff, and all coordinated to a level that the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds might recognize.

L to R: The Missus Herself, L'il Sweetie, LUSH, Little Bit, The Nuke, and Your Humble Scribe
Everyone, except moi, looking rather Asian I might add.

That photo was taken at what they call a showcase, the two teams at their gym put on a short program for the parents, grandparents, and friends. The two teams consist of the more experienced athletes on one team (both of my granddaughters are on that team) and the other team being athletes who aren't as experienced. These teams travel around the country competing. The senior team has won a number of championships. Having seen them in action, I'm not surprised.

I was out of breath and aching all over just watching them tumble and twirl.

So during the time we were out there the girls were going to cheer practice, going to school, and trying to spend time with their two sets of grandparents. Of course, there's also the time difference. I'd wake up at 0830, wondering why, then realizing it was actually 1130 back home. I was just about getting used to it when BAM - it was time to head home. As the team was heading to Orlando for a competition at the end of the week, we had to return home. Primarily because The Missus Herself's garden ain't gonna get itself ready for summer!

The return trip:

Tuesday, 04/14/2026

Est. Travel Time: 11h 35m

Flight  #2575 Departs  FAT 05:30PM Fresno, CA Arrives  LAS 06:50PM Las Vegas

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #1673 Departs  LAS 10:15PM Las Vegas Arrives  BWI 05:45AM Baltimore

Stop:   Change planes

Flight  #1263 Departs  BWI 06:45AM Baltimore Arrives  PVD 08:05AM Providence

I much prefer flying from Vegas to Baltimore for the long leg as opposed to Chicago to Sandy Eggo. Felt a lot shorter, and that makes a BIG difference.

It was sad having to leave though, made three new friends ...

This is Elsa, LUSH's cat. We got along famously.

This is Aurora, Lush's oldest dog and a big old sweetie pie.

And this lovely lady is Brownie, the youngest of the household. She got very attached to me. And I to her. A wonderful dog.

It was fun, but it all ended far too soon. We'll need to get back out there when Big Time gets home. Not sure when that will be. Sooner rather than later I hope.

Now it's back to normal and ...

Oh wait, it's time to clean the koi pond, lay the mulch, and cut the grass. Not my idea of normal but hey, it is what it is.

I can but obey my master's call.