Well, Hurricane Irene postponed my trip up to Wellesley and NYC two weeks ago, but sunny skies returned for my re-scheduled trip this past weekend.
Snafu at the Tampa Airport saw my original flight via Philadelphia delayed, so when I noticed that and realized I would miss my connecting flight, I went to the gate station and the attendant said they were paging me. Either I didn't hear it, or didn't recognize my name, since it is mostly mispronounced. But Southwest had rearranged everything and booked me on a flight that was just finishing boarding, so I was off, only this time via Baltimore.
Everything went smoothly from that point. I booked a rental car with Enterprise and was amazed at the service and speed. There were lots of agents, meeting us in the line, giving out bottled water, and before I knew it, I was being escorted to my choice of cars. And no "I'm sorry but the car you reserved (compact) is not available, but we can upgrade you to this SUV monster for the same price" push.
I drove to my hotel, checked in, then headed over to Wellesley to meet up with Gina after she got out of her class at 4 pm. As I walked into the student center, I heard, "Hi Gina's Dad!" It was Ellen, Gina's roommate from last year. We got to hang out for a while until Gina got there.
I brought the suitcase that got left behind when Irene changed my travel plans to Gina's room and then we headed out to do some shopping for toiletries, and other essentials.
We ended up having dinner at Panera. I set the camera on a nearby table to snap the obligatory blog dinner photo. Afterward, the girls in the background asked if we would like them to take a picture of us. They were laughing and saying they were going to be in my snapshot, so they were smiling for the camera.
Since we were leaving early the next morning for NYC, Gina packed a few things and came back with me so that we could leave right from the motel to drive to the bus stop.
This picture if of the front of Gina's dorm. Her window is located at the left of the lower roof section. This picture was taken Sunday morning.
We had breakfast in the dining hall.
This is the road leading up to Gina's dorm.
While Gina was getting ready for church, I waited in this area at the student center.
Gina's room is above this archway on the top floor.
Looking in the dining room.
Sunday night, looking up at the almost full moon.
We had breakfast on Monday morning at Mel's Commonwealth Cafe. Fun place and good food!
We headed back to Gina's room to hang out for about an hour until I needed to leave for the airport. We hung the Disney poster and the lights.
Then it was time for me to leave. Parting is such sweet sorrow. I won't see Gina until Christmastime now. :-(
There were lots of these "Kennedy" rockers near the gates, looking out over the landing strip. Nice to relax and read!
So, home to St. Pete and Gina proceeds with her junior year. Sunrise. Sunset.
