I never worry about stuff I have no control over. And with that decision I find travel a calming experience.
I can detach and just fly. And plot TKG Travel.
Travel can be a dicey business sometimes, when leaving for an airport so early; and flying out at an unseemly hour, in the middle of winter, the plane sometimes needs de-icing. Aunty Google says the de-icing solution is a mixture of propylene glycol and water, heated to around 150 degrees, and sprayed under pressure to the wings of an aircraft. It’s good for around 22 minutes so if there are delays in takeoff, another application might be needed.
But we were only slightly delayed so that worked out. But I LOVE this short clip.
I left the frosty inclement Illinois temperatures behind and came out watery California. I have missed the worst of the rain here – they had rain in the Central Valley but not the flooding. And the flights were easy- though I rounded the corner to catch my second flight in DFW just as the last of the last of the passengers were disappearing down the jet bridge! I literally never broke my stride as I streamed out of the crowds on the concourse, my wheelie bag following like an obedient little dog; a quick scan of my phone at the gate and a raised eyebrow to the flight team and I strolled straight onto the plane.
Then two Ubers in one day and both drivers just wonderful.
Travel Tip of the Day
Uber is incredibly useful and reasonably priced and the app is terrific. I use Uber all over the world for quick trips; but the drivers get paid about half of what you pay Uber and the driver covers their own gas. Not to mention wear and tear on their vehicle. However the driver keeps 100% of their tip. So (as in American restaurants), tip responsibly.
These people are out there hustling. I have great respect for these drivers.
Yesterday after landing I spent some time in Third Sons workshop. He was the one trying to save his brother in this story.
After his work day ends he is hand-making big super-grills in his spare time. Plus is a solo Dad to three.
I love working in his workshop with him. It reminds me of working with Dad. Last night he got distracted and made a grilling stabber for turning steaks, as a gift for the guy who is buying this grill. We call them barbecues in NZ. Or Barbie’s. But not for Barbie. Of course. Though I am sure Barbie could cook a mean steak on this machine.
I don’t grill, so much of this is way above my pay grade but one of the features is a little chain – exactly like a bicycle chain that keeps the kebab sticks revolving. Plus all kinds of other bells and whistles.
My mother (who famously said that frozen tomatoes are the perfect murder weapon because you could hit a person on the head then eat the evidence) would be eyeing up those kebab sticks.
Third Son grills all the time so he is in his element designing exactly what he would like to cook on.
There is a lovely TKGTake10 of our take off into the sunrise coming this evening. Here.
Have a lovely day! (I miss the barn already)!
Celi.
PS I have a quiet day in the suburbs today so maybe I will make bread. I will check and see what flour is in the freezer. Hmm. Bread.
The Kitchen's Garden 
17 responses to “Swapping out ice for rain”
I also find travel relaxing as there is nothing I can do. So I sit back and relax, often falling asleep before we even take off! Your son sounds amazing and talented. My son was a single parent of two for a few years before he married and had two more children. He loves being a dad. Enjoy your visit although I know the farm will miss you.
It is hard, watching our kids win their struggling along by themselves with their own children. But I guess I did too, and we survived and really well actually but still I’m glad I can come out and stay with him for now and then he needs help.
I didn’t live near my son either but I still had my mom who jumped in and helped him a lot. Subsequently when she became old and immobile, it was him and his children who helped her out. What goes around comes around.
Those look like fantastic grills! I hope you get some dry weather and sunshine.
Today is sunny. Yesterday was terribly rainy but today there is sun and hopefully this holds for a few days because we’re going away this weekend with the children more about that later but yeah it’s warmer. I’m going for a walk shortly./
I’m sure California could do with some sun to dry out after all the flooding.
I love traveling with you, and I am rolling with laughter over your grand entrance onto your final flight. I can picture you fully simply taking it all in stride 🙂
How impressive is 3rd son! He is a talented man. Three cats eating together. I suppose black cat is still in the rafters, not ready to join in.
I think Black Cat has gone walkabout again. But I have always suspected he comes down in the evening to eat.
Seems like a typical black cat then… 🙂
Once I’m on the plane, I’m good but getting there can be stressful. I’m glad that the rain isn’t torrential for your visit. Bread sounds great to me!
Yes! I am the same and I never much sleep the night before a super early flight like that. We are in control up until I get to the gate – then I leave it all to the gods.
I see people on planes winding up into a fury when they can’t get off the plane fast enough – but that also is not in our control. The technology is so good for tracking passengers now and if your luggage is the hold they will wait another few minutes.
Have some fun while there with family. BTW. I didn’t know you could freeze flour. Wouldn’t it change the consistency of the bread?
No. It does not bother the flour at all – I always freeze organic flour because – you know – no insecticide!
Thanks I am always learnng something from you.
That steak stabber looks like a medieval weapon for poking out eyes, or something. Terrifying, but extremely efficient, I’m sure. Enjoy the milder climate and your baking session…
That’s a hell of a bespoke barbie!
wow, that is a barbie on steroids! glad you made it there and that the travel never worries you, I always figure it all works out in the end. enjoy your family!