TORONTO’S FIRST FLIGHT Toronto
Our first flight with Toronto was a new experience for us! We arrived at the Portland, Oregon airport just after 5 am to board a JetBlue airship to Reagan International in Washington DC via Boston. We were the first to board and sat down on the left side in the first row, just behind the bulkhead. This selection gave Toronto a little more room to stretch out. The passenger in our row did not mind that Debby had me take her seat, nor that Toronto occasionally lay on her foot.
With a 2 hour layover in Boston, we had ample time to get Toronto to a doggie relief station on the way to our next gate. He did not need it so we continued the long walk to the far end of the concourse. We found our gate just in time for an announcement about a gate change. We found our new gate, which was verified by a young lady sitting across from us. Debby left me with the luggage while she went to find us something to eat. After wolfing down a sandwich, they announced pre-boarding so we did. The flight to Reagan international was barely an hour and a half. I sent John a text that we had landed and we began to make our way towards baggage claim.Our cousin, John, picked us up at the curb right on schedule! He was happy to have us in the car. His 45 minute commute home with us in the car allowed him to drive for free in the HOV lanes, saving about $15 to Stafford.
The next day we rested. John had to work. Lisa needed to make a hurried trip to SaInt Louis on business. Deb and On Saturday, John drove us out to see Great Falls. It wasn’t far away; a pleasant drive. As we drove north on I-95 in the HOV lanes, we saved another $15. The entrance fee into Great Falls National Monument was another $15 savings, flashing my Codger Card to the Ranger on duty. It occurred to me that we are worth a few bucks to have around!
The Falls were beautiful! The entire Potomac River tumbles down across ancient granite lava, dropping nearly 90 feet in elevation in several places, forming several smaller Falls. From our observation decks we noticed a pole with posted levels identifying former flood levels. It was unbelievable !
We drove to the airport to pick up Lisa. We were a little early so we waited in Security’s Parkin lot because the cell phone waiting area was closed for repairs. As we waited, a black squirrel came down a large tree to have a look around. This was my first black squirrel sighting since I was a teenager living in Kansas. There was one area along a small creek where I could often spot one in the big trees as we drove by.We enjoyed going to church with John and Lisa on Sunday. The congregation was not very large but the people were friendly and the service was great! Toronto took a nap.
Almost every day I would take Toronto out for a stroll of one to four miles, depending upon how lost we were! Actually the trails were paved and easy to explore. The trail along the golf course ponds was nice but way too short!
On Wednesday, Debby and I rode in with John to DC. We took the Metro train into downtown and made our way to the Zoo. We went in and walked around for an hour or two. Debby wanted to see the Pandas. They were not very active this time of day but we enjoyed an informational lecture by one of the young zoo keepers. She was very knowledgeable on the Pandas but kept rocking back and forth, like she was taking a step forward, then quickly rocked back, only to repeat the act. This went on the entire half hour. During her question and answer period, some jakeleg late comer stepped up and began asking her questions that she already answered had he been on time. Very annoying!
We took a bus part way and got off to walk along the White House, the Washington Monument and The War Memorials square. There was a lot of construction going on in the back of the White House. Tourists milled around taking pictures while a lone man with a sign that said, "Build the Wall", quietly informed everyone of what to do. They are building a wall. Yes. They are constructing a 13 foot high steel fence to replace the old 6 foot kind. We did not get to see the Donald, er, Mr President. I’m sure he knew we were there but with his schedule and all, we weren’t able to have coffee with him. Maybe next time!Walking along the dark granite wall with the thousands of inscribed names is very emotional. I cannot help but to feel blessed that mine was not among them. At the same time, seeing my friend’s name etched in the black marble is even more emotional. Michael Ray Conner, a friend and fellow Airman was shot down over South Vietnam in the summer of 1970. I was also flying that day in a nearby quadrant. The events of that day are forever etched on the gray matter of my brain.
We flagged down a bus that took us to the Metro. Before boarding a southbound commuter to rendezvous with John, we grabbed a sandwich and sat down beneath the high vaulted ceiling while Toronto stretched out on the worn white marble floor to cool down. John picked us up at the train stop and back on the HOV to Stafford. Lisa would work from home part time a couple of days a eek so we had time to go out for morning coffee with her. That was nice. She is a very busy lady!
We borrowed Lisa’s RAV 4 on Friday and drove a couple of hours away to New Market/Timberville area to visit with my younger brother, Cliff, and Katie and kids. Cliff bought a beautiful place on a ridge top looking over into the Shenandoah Valley and mountain range. He has 5 acres with a barn, chickens and a cat. He said he was going to get some goats. The sprawling house with it’s 80 foot long deck was spacious and unique. We nicknamed it the Thomas Resort! We really enjoyed our visit with them. We rented a motel nearby as their house was full with kids and Katie’s Mom.
The Day’s Inn in New Market turned out to be a dive so we checked out the next morning and got a room in the only other motel in town. Across the freeway was a much cleaner feeling place with more room.
We returned the car to Lisa Sunday night as she worked on Monday and needed it. Deb and I hundred down for a little rest and relaxation. I managed to get in some more walking time with Toronto. He loves getting out and about. The only problem is that he wants to stop and play with every dog that comes down the sidewalk. He strains and tugs on his leash and sometimes lunges toward another dog. It’s very frustrating to me to have him act this way. I try to correct him but every day is the same. He seems to do better wearing his head collar then he does without it. But he despises having to wear it. He keeps trying to rub it off. If I was totally blind I would probably send him back to boot camp for a refresher course! I will work more intensively with him after I get home this week. On Thursday we asked our things and got ready to go to th airport. We had a leisurely morning. Lisa slept in . Took Toronto outside and gave him a grooming. He likes to be brushed. I always wipe down his fur with a large wet wipe cloth we get at the pet store.
We stopped on base at Quantico to do some shopping at the PX and Commisary. Lisa needed some groceries and things. Afterwards, we decided to go out to unch. Lisa knew off this shopping area in Woodbridge, so we chose Firebirds wood Fired Grill. It was not rowed but seemed like thy had just opened. The dining room was large and open. The lights were turned down and it seemed dark inside. The air smelled of burned wood. The waitress sai we woul need to sit outside I the patio area because of my dog not being allowed inside. Lisa told her he was ADA approved and my Guide Dog. That did to matter to her as she turned and opened the outside door for us. We reminded her that Toronto was allowed anywhere, etc. Debby, not wanting to dissent with her agreed to go outside; that it would be fine. I decided to agree to sit outside with Debby, so we followed the waitress/hostess . Lisa called over the manager and told him that we were being escorted outside. The manager admitted that, as an ADA go, we could sit indoors. The manager sent another hostess out to let us now we could sit indoors if we wanted. We said no. I told Lisa I old all 9
We had a good lunch an then headed on to Ronald Reagan International to easy ourselves for our trip home. We have a few hours before we board but we needed to arrive early I order for Lisa to make her afternoon appointments. We went ahead and checked our luggage an printed our boarding ticket for our First Class rie on Alaska Airlines, ire the to Portland.We found the ogre relief a station and let Toronto sniff around before he took his leave.
Thanks again, Firebirds Wood Grill of Washington DC for your considerations. No, I will not report you.
TSA today was a pain. For some reason the line moved very slowly. The agents were very thorough, complete with xrays and pat downs! Toronto and I made out pretty good. They didn’t bother us with the X-ray machine. Probably because they couldn’t get him to stand upright and plead his front paws! I also held his leash so the X-ray couldn’t work or us. They did send us through the magnetic sensor to detect metal. I had no trouble and Toronto, as well. I was surprised his collar did not set it off as it contains a double chain with rings for the metal leash clip. Even the TSA agent was surprised it did not go off! I told him if it had he would have needed to pat down the dog. He agreed.
As we waited at the gate for our plane, it arrived direct from Portland. On board was half a plane load of World War II, Korea and Vietnam Honor Flight recipients. Dozens of wheel chairs rolled down the walkway to bring in these old timers from WWII and those who needed it. As they rolled by us, the applause from onlookers in the waiting area was very moving. Some of the old vets expressed shock at the reception they received.The applause continued until the last veteran walked through the road of well wishers. It was a very moving experience for all of us. What a welcome they reek ed! The thought occurred to me; {What if we had received such a welcome the day we came home from Vietnam?{. I believe that if our soldiers got such a welcome home, much healing would have been accomplished in an
Welcome home, Soldiers. Welcome home.
