bobnjulie
Lead Service Attendant
My friend killed herself in July and I have been in deep mourning. Since my cat is still battling congestive heart failure, I can't get away for long so my husband planned a day trip so that I could go have some peace and quiet and get away from all reminders and begin to process my broken heartedness.
It began Friday when my husband said he couldn't go since he had to go to a memorial so it gained another layer as I ventured forth in travel by myself with my disability. I was blessed to have so many kind people help me.
My husband drove me to San Jose to the airport and I took the 6:40 Southwest flight down to Los Angeles. I had some difficulty with my backpack - which was a necessity since I don't have any free hands - but a sweet lady at one of the shops adjusted them for me! I was able to preboard and actually had a seat open in the center.
I arranged for a wheelchair in Los Angeles and was glad I did. Our flight landed at 7:38 and with the help of my sweet lady, was easily able to catch the Flyaway bus to Union Station. A bit of wandering around and asking questions and a daring rescue by a redcap got me from Metro end of Union Station to the elevator for the Metropolitan Lounge. He came to fetch me to board the Starlight and miracle of miracles, I actually had a left side roomette.
I spent more time than expected in the parlour car - getting to eat both lunch and dinner as well as the wine tasting - as well as showing two newbies (who have been converted to foamers) my pictures from my trans-Canada trip.... but I was also able to spend time reflecting - and napping in my roomette - and had a transformational experience at the railfan window....
The Coast Starlight brought me back home - safe and sound- at around 7:50 p.m.
As usual, a link to some pictures.... nothing special.... but such a beautiful and restoring day on the rails.... we keep talking about getting a new computer and Adobe Photoshop and I have asked Santa for a new Canon Rebel.... but my poor little camera captures moments that I enjoy....
https://flic.kr/s/aHskjhJzi9
It began Friday when my husband said he couldn't go since he had to go to a memorial so it gained another layer as I ventured forth in travel by myself with my disability. I was blessed to have so many kind people help me.
My husband drove me to San Jose to the airport and I took the 6:40 Southwest flight down to Los Angeles. I had some difficulty with my backpack - which was a necessity since I don't have any free hands - but a sweet lady at one of the shops adjusted them for me! I was able to preboard and actually had a seat open in the center.
I arranged for a wheelchair in Los Angeles and was glad I did. Our flight landed at 7:38 and with the help of my sweet lady, was easily able to catch the Flyaway bus to Union Station. A bit of wandering around and asking questions and a daring rescue by a redcap got me from Metro end of Union Station to the elevator for the Metropolitan Lounge. He came to fetch me to board the Starlight and miracle of miracles, I actually had a left side roomette.
I spent more time than expected in the parlour car - getting to eat both lunch and dinner as well as the wine tasting - as well as showing two newbies (who have been converted to foamers) my pictures from my trans-Canada trip.... but I was also able to spend time reflecting - and napping in my roomette - and had a transformational experience at the railfan window....
The Coast Starlight brought me back home - safe and sound- at around 7:50 p.m.
As usual, a link to some pictures.... nothing special.... but such a beautiful and restoring day on the rails.... we keep talking about getting a new computer and Adobe Photoshop and I have asked Santa for a new Canon Rebel.... but my poor little camera captures moments that I enjoy....
https://flic.kr/s/aHskjhJzi9