Dallas, TX 2011

"Get off your horse and drink your milk."December 15th, 2011

I'm sure Artie will get the quote. And Uncle Dad.

Though we've only been back a week, it was time to pack the suite case, put the Trixie shield on the bed (she gets sick when stressed), and head once again to Richmond. This time we're going to Dallas, TX At least we're staying in the country.

The trip so far is... Interesting. When I turned my phone on upon arrival, we got notification that our luggage got lost on its way. All I can say is, it my luggage so of course it got lost.

The hotel is a lot nicer than the one in Paris. Dave only hangs slightly off this bed! There's a lot more room as well. Unfortunately, the power seems to be questionable. We only lost it for a bit, but the rain is still going strong so who knows.

We made it in time for the big dinner. Never get between an engineer and free food. One guy was actually trying to start on the buffet before time. The server had to take the plate out of his hand. The guy just stayed by the salad to make sure he was first in line. Dave and I decided the napkin arrangements were flying ducks, or geese. Dave and I either smelled bad, or looked funny, since no one sat with us.

Now, if only our luggage would find its way to us...
Susan

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway."
November 17th, 2011

Our luggage did arrive Thursday night. So we didn't have to worry if the other conference attendees would notice us wearing the same clothes as the day before. I was the last person to present on a Friday afternoon so it wasn't surprising that there were only 5 of us in the room when my time came. What was surprising was that 2 of the people who were supposed to present didn't show.

Dave and I decided to branch out for dinner and leave the hotel. Being in Texas, we figured we had to either eat Mexican or steak. So, using Yelp to find a good place, we got into a cab and headed out. We opted for Mexican at the 7 Salsas and were not disappointed. The food was quite good. Getting a return cab was not so good. It took a while, but the cabbie eventually found us.

Then it was time to pack for the trip home. That only took 5 minutes since we were there for such a short time.

While waiting in Atlanta for our next flight, Dave and I figured out what happened to our luggage while watching the baggage trucks between terminals. Child carriers and luggage all fell out from different trucks. It also explained why our suitcase from Paris was crushed (still finding plastic pieces in it). You will be glad to know all the trucks and planes stopped for the fire truck and ambulance when they arrived on the tarmac. I am curious what would happen if a plane ran over the baggage. That would be an interesting story to tell.

 Dave, myself, and our luggage have all made it home safely. Trixie is talking to us, but only because we turned on the fireplace. Thankfully our next trip isn't till next year. :)
Susan