Alone for a bit

Dropped G off at the airport today. His suitcase was 7lbs overweight, and the charge for that would be $150!!! So we did some rearranging. And then the computer he so carefully packed had to be completely unwrapped and inspected. They seemed to have done a pretty good job and putting it back in, I hope it survives the trip without too much jostling around, taking out all his clothes left a bit of space and we didn't have any more of the air pockety things to fill it with.

Had a veggie burger in the airport cafe to help fill the time before his plane took off, I finished in time to see it taxi down the runway and lift off. There were another couple of families watching - "You see Eric's plane there?" And I thought - but it's G's plane! and then thought how there were probably 50 or so people on that tiny flight, and all their families and loved ones thought of it as their plane, but it's the same plane. Strange no?

Then I wandered through the airport gift shop. Was drawn in by the display of women's shirts that said across the chest: "Not everything is flat in Iowa", which totally cracked me up. Then decided to look at the books. Usually when I travel I allow myself the treat of the latest "chick lit" paperback that catches my eye. I wasn't traveling but I noticed that Twilight was on the shelves and decided to go for it, partially because I want to see the movie and know I need to read the book first.

Drove home and was feeling a little sleepy, and have always wanted to check out the historic swinging bridge in Columbus Junction, so I stopped to get out and walk over. Apparently it was first built in 1886 (or something like that) and has been rebuilt a couple time, most recently in 1956. A big bunch of the side boards are not attached at all, which I don't think makes *too* much difference structurally, but it did feel a bit more "swingy" down at that end. Legend has it that a lovesick Indian maiden threw herself off at one point, but "only the trees know, and they'll never tell." hrm.

Came home and set about devouring Twilight. Finished it. Loved it. I like discovering book and TV serieses AFTER they are done or at least several "episodes" in because then there's none of this waiting for a year or a season before I can pick up the storyline again. I guess there are 3 more books in this saga.

It was also a good way to distract myself from the idea that G is gone for 20 days starting now. We've been apart for longer - I was in Colombia for 2 months! - but never quite so far/so many time zones away. He's supposed to call me when he gets off the plane, which should be something like 9 am tomorrow. Hopefully his phone will work. It's unlocked, so it should.

I meant to call my girls who were getting together in Oregon for Thanksgiving, and having their big meal today, but the book was sufficiently distracting that I forgot that too. Tomorrow I guess!