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Yesterday, I didn't do much except slowly prepare for my extended trip, slowly and surely, and follow my list of things to do, packing. I seem to outsmart myself sometimes in my choices, but alternatives are usually available.
I easily managed my boarding passes and check-in online with WestJet and found that I could also get an appointment for a specific time to get in a prioritized line at security... so I did that too!
In the evening, I went up to Bob's with my salad and watched some hockey with him. He is surely going to miss my presence and he mentioned that several times.
I went to bed around 11pm.
Then today, I was awake at 2am and, rather than fight it, I just got up and did chores early, packed some more carefully, and went back to bed around 6am, rising at 9:30am to finalize things. Bob called me at 9:30 to make sure I would'nt miss my plane, hear my voice, and say godspeed.
Since I am only going to Colombia with only my "Turi" carry-on, I am restricted to 10 kg, or 22 lbs. And security restrictions at airports are a pain, so I limited myself to one small bottle of antebacterial gel for liquids, and my laptop that need to be shown at the security scanner. I brought no usual creams, shaving cream, or toothpaste. My fanny pack was cleared of any objects security would remove like nail files, small knife, etc, and it was large enough to also carry my Nikon, which was a bonus.
I weighed myself alone, then held the carry-on, and the difference was exactly 22 lbs! Damn, I am getting good at this! Not that it mattered.
Since my security appointment was at 12:15pm, exactly 3 hours before my flight, I jumped in Brenda's Ford Escape at 11:15pm and we hit only 4 red lights all the way to the airport, arriving in just over 1/2 hour.
I made my way to the WestJet counter and confirmed that, since I had my boarding pass, and no bags to check, they did not even weigh my carry-on. I did not need to do anything further, just go through security. I arrived there early at 11:50am, they were not busy, so I was rifled right through, although they did have to check the laptop. All I had to remove was my watch because my my belt is plastic and I have no other discernible metal other that the metal holding my broken neck which does not set off the detector.... and the bottle of gel.
I had a leisurely lunch at Tim Horton's, read my book, and we boarded on time. They were begging people, because the flight was supposedly full, to please check and unneeded carry-ons. I conferred with them, but could not let my beautiful "Turi" bag get abused, scratched and pummeled in the hold.
We boarded quickly, I was about the 5th on the plane, boarding early as usual, and the carry-on fit perfectly in the overhead bin. A quick stop in the restroom and I was ready to fly! The seat next to me in the Exit row was empty... probably the only empty seat on the plane.... Bonus!!
We backed away on time, but the ice fog was heavy so we had to stop and de-ice the jet. We got underway and had a smooth flight. Unless a person is willing to pay about $10 for boring pasta dishes, we got offered only one beverage, and either cookies with chocolate or pretzels...
I read my book and the time passed quickly. There was zero in-flight entertainment as I recall they promised on their website. We landed early at Pearson airport and made the long walk to the exit, with no further stops for any security.
My sister and brother-in-law were waiting and I phoned to let them know where I was standing for pick-up. It is amazing that they could hear me at all because my phone was acting up and I could only catch snatches of what they were saying... The traffic there was horrible but they managed to stop a few yards away and we swept out.
The drive to Vineland was mostly uneventful and we devoured a very welcome ham and cheddar sandwich, then rhubarb-strawberry pie with ice cream. I love being here because I get so spoiled and we play games and enjoy each others' company.
I discovered that my phone problem was serious for the sound and it only regenerated after several restarts. I think the problem is resolved... I may have to find a less strenuous location for it in my fanny pack.
So I am happily on my way at my first stop of my journey with caring family, and it warms my heart. Hugs to everyone.
I hope you enjoy the pictures. That was the day’s excitement.
Al
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Severe ice fog in Edmonton YEG 
De-icing machines need 2 operators 
It is done quite quickly 
Nice night drive to Vineland
