Well, at least I will TRY to make it the short version.? Okay – this will be the first installment.

Just remember my motto I live in Alaska, I make my own fun. I really did have a wonderful time – the conference was GREAT! and I was blessed to be there – it was just the getting TO and the getting FROM said conference . . .

Boarded the small puddle jumper in Kenai along with the other folks – we were on time and everything – but the pilot didn’t start the engines like usual. In fact, the plane door was re-opened. Wha??? Pilot’s voice came over the intercom finally to tell us that ACT (Anchorage Control Tower?) in Anchorage said that due to “something” going on up there we could not even think of starting our engines until they gave permission – finally granted about half an hour later.

Plenty of cell phone usage, btw, of folks who had a close connection to make in Anc. I was okay as I knew I had two hours – that got tested a few minutes after we arrived in Anc. airspace. “Ladies and gentlemen . . . we are now 12th in line. We’re just gonna circle for a bit until we get permission to land. Thank you for your patience.”

More cell phone usage – some folks are beginning to sweat making their connections. I’m still okay.

Holy cow! Gate “N”!!! Where in the world is that? What do you mean NORTH TERMINAL?! Oy! Where’s the shuttle when you need it???? Phew! Made it – now I just need to make it through this long security line. Oh, it’s not the security line. It’s the line for the escalator which leads to the security line. This is just an ID checkpoint. Okaaaaaaaaay.

Got thru security – and to the gate – only to wait for about half an hour past the boarding time – finally!! On board and in the air. Woot!

Arrive LV pretty much on time – Yay! Things are turning for the better. Catch a cab to the hotel – stand in line behind three other folks who are all being told . . . what? WHAT? No rooms available? Hotel is oversold? Wait! Mine is a pre-paid room – I have to be here first thing in the morning, erm, in a few hours, for registration for the conference! No room?!

Very earnest young man apologizes and goes back into the inner sanctum to find me a room. Comes back all smiles – we have a room for you, Ms. Moose! Uh . . . (looks to his right) did you just give away 530? Yes, to the person who reserved it. He blanched. I’ll be right back Ms. Moose. Comes back with the night manager. (very apologetic) I’m sorry, Ms. Moose – the hotel is oversold. We have no room.

Wait! It’s prepaid – I have a reservation – what am I gonna do? (patting of hand ensues) We are going to put you up in another (M word) property off site. It’s not very far. Did you drive? (did I drive?!) “No, I flewewewewew . . .” and the leaking from the moose-lids begins (dratted menopausal mood shifts!) That’s fine, Ms. Moose (more patting of hand) we are going to have our bellman drive you to the other property in our Town Car. (positively said with capital letters!)

But, but . . . I have to be here! It is only for one night. We will pick you up in the morning and bring you back for the conference in plenty of time. Would you like some water? Room temperature or cold? Bellman . . . go and get Ms. Moose some cold water, please. We will see you in the morning, Ms. Moose. You can leave your bags with the bell captain in the morning and we will have a room for you by lunchtime. Okay?

Well, sure, I guess – if you are sure there are NO rooms here . . . and off I went with another very nice young man to the hotel – only he took me to the wrong one (it’s the only [R word] I know, he said. Thank God he was wrong – that place was filthy and the desk folks acted like we would be slumming if we stayed. I don’t think they were far off, either. But they showed him the right way and we arrived safely – that desk person accepted the stay one night free on M word letter and I was given a room key and directions to my bed. There were two more bottles of cold water waiting and, joy of joys, a package of Milano cookies!

Thus ended day one and I will leave you with that much for now. Trust me – it gets even better!

I live in Alaska (not Vegas) and I make my own fun!!!