1st day April 17th

1st Day - April 17th Mpls to Amsterdam
Got up at 0715. Zipped up the big suitcase last nite. Projects for this morning -finish the details - head out to Kowalski's market for picnic materials. We made many lists and at the end of the day its the same list each time. Judy shopped her brains out over the weekend to get the proper picnic gear - personal igloos, little bottles for nibbles, candy, handiwipes, etc. It took me a while to finalize the carryons. I bought a new roller and Judy brought her Mr. fluffy [the fuzzy carpet bqg]. I downloaded "Eli Stone' overnight to the i-pod. Headed off to Kowaslki's before 0800 and shot through the store - scored an A+ on every requirement. Final picnic bag for each couple:

• red licorice
• dates and chocolate covered almonds
• wasabi peas
• linen napkins
• sporks
• ham and cheese + roast beef and cheese sandwiches
• green and black olive
• mini dill pickles
• mandarin oranges
• light cow triangles
• hard boiled eggs

Got home at 0830. Lorraine is picking up Diane and Martha - they sounded really stressed last nite. Mom is very quiet - the pups are following closely. Went through the check lists many times and headed out just after noon. Darla dropped us off without incident. Looked around for the gals...no sign. Checked in at the International Desk - no hassle, didn't even weigh our checked bags. Going through security the mandarin oranges were nip and tuck but survived the cut. Over to G6 and there they were. We had giddy joyous hugs and immediately dug into the picnics. Bounced over to the NW club to grab a pop and stock up on snacks. When we got back to the gate boarding started shortly thereafter. We boarded at 1430 - on time take off 1500.
D&M were in 34 H&I, judy and I were in bulkhead 29 H&I. Plenty of leg room and not hot! D&M watched "There will be Blood". Judy and I watched Eli Stones. They provided two meals and there were personal tvs. The plane was full. Sat in front of two talkers - they talked and giggled about very personal topics [pregnancy and divorce] ALL NIGHT LONG.
We immediately converted to 1500 + 7 Madrid time. We decided to shut off the tv way after midnight. Breakfast was terrible and we landed to a cold rainy day.

June 1, 2010 5:23 PM