The 'Burgh

Monday morning - December 15th - we got up early - we had a 9:55 am flight and Aunt Frankie made blueberry pancakes. YUM YUM! Carl drove us over to the airport in sub-freezing temperatures. When we got to the American concourse, we heard that one plane couldn't open the door upon arrival. We had about a 45 minute delay after moving gates and we were in The Burgh about 1:30 pm. And guess who was waiting for us at the Baggage Claim - Kate and Grandma Libbie! Can you believe it? We were surprised to say the least.

After we picked up the "Grandpa Car" - a 2009 Lincoln Grand Marquis - we sped off to Beaver and the Cafe at The Wooden Angel for a quick lunch and a short visit with Grandma Libbie and Aunt Hunsey.

Then it was off to Wilkinsburg to pick up Kate's car from the Progressive garage before the 5:45 pm close time. Can we slow down a bit? NOPE. Off to the Marriott in Cranberry for check-in, a quick stop at Target to pick up supplies for our hotel stay and a late dinner with Kate and Justin before we turned in for the night. Ugh

Day 2 in the Burgh - Lunch with the Westinghouse RRAS team in New Stanton - See the photos above - Kate was able to join us and then we discussed checking out of the hotel and moving into Laila's room at our house for the duration of our stay. So, we ran to Linens and Things in Greensburg for their Going Out Business Sale - picked up a Queen sized Aero bed and some bath towels. Then it was off to Marshall's for some queen size sheets and a blanket. We were good to go HOME. Will it slow down? NOPE.

The snow began and I missed visiting with my friends at EDMC.

Day 3 - Lunch with Regina and Denice and Kirk - Max & Erma's in Monroeville. Regina loved her Chinese gifts. Then it was cocktails with the Vintage Westinghouse procurement team at Damon's in Miracle Mile. Lots of fun.

Day 4

The doctor's visits begin on Thursday - continue on Friday and even the dentist gets into the act. Had to make another dental appointment for December 30th and blood work on Monday.

Day 5 - My Birthday

Never got my birthday cake - may wen ti! Chinese for NO PROBLEMS. Besides, it's only another day.

The Windy City

December 12th we landed in The Windy City. We flew in on an American flight that was a dream. I took a sleeping pill and slept 8 of the 12 hours airborne. The food was good and the champagne was better. Julian was the flight attendant - he's from Taiwan - and he was so nice. We were early - if you can believe it - early into Chicago and they didn't lose our luggage.

My Uncle Joe and favorite cousin Carl arrived shortly after Immigration to transport us to Palatine and the fun began.

Saturday morning we treked over to the Woodfield Mall and picked up the sweaters and long sleeve shirts we had to get to survive Winter in the US. Great sales - I'd heard the stores were discounting but they were great. If only I could get Liz Claiborne sweaters in China; they make Liz there - you just can't get Liz there - they export all the good stuff.

Then it was to the Verizon Store to activate my "pay as you go" US cell phone. Unfortunately, I couldn't get my old number and I had to buy a new Samsung phone but it all worked out.

Jet lag is my friend - I kept saying that, thinking that maybe it would be over soon but not for me or Mike. We took a nap and ended up going to Mass the next Morning. Then it was off to dinner at a really great place called Milrose with Aunt Frankie, Uncle Joe and Cousin Joan. Great meal - great wine - great conversation. Lots of laughs too. Joan recommended Melatonin and it worked. We got some sleep that night.

Sunday we ambled on over to St. Theresa's and then it was off to Joan's for a family holiday party and the Steeler game. Brother Jim and Anne showed up and a good time was had by all. Monday came way too soon.