The pat-down

No, I'm not under arrest - this time.

We've learned that the best way for me to get around the very long corridors of airports is to use an airport wheelchair. It's a wonderful service the airlines provide - they even provide the "pusher" -- plus it gets me to the front of the security lines and early boarding.

Going through security, they assume I can't stand up to go through the body scanner, so I get "special" treatment, i.e. a personal pat-down. Both times this trip the agents have been very kind and explained everything they're doing and why. They do the pat-down, then take a sample from their hands on a strip of tape and run it through a machine to make sure there are no explosive chemicals on my body.

Three out of four of my wheelchair "pushers" were fantastic - so very helpful and kind and friendly - one even gave us hugs as she parted. This afternoon we got the bad apple though - he was mean and impatient and brusque and obnoxious. I'm just glad that was our last experience, not the first.

We are both weary and glad to be home, and Liza is really glad we're home! The wedding was lovely, it was wonderful to visit with family we rarely see - but there's no place like home!

Photo by Laurie.