A friend suggested that we go to Aggieland. It is an animal preserve with all types of animals. There is an area to ride through and a walking area. We enjoyed both of them.

We purchased cups of food for the animals in the ride-in area. Our first encounter was with the camels. They were aggressive putting their heads inside of the car to try to get more food. The ostriches did that too. Most of the animals followed the car along, but did not invade our space. We saw wildebeests, warthogs, elands, oryx, and more animals than I can remember. We actually went through the riding area twice to be able to finish the food we bought to feed them. It was about eighty degrees that day. I opted to sit in the pavilion while they went through the walk-through area.

After a time to rest at Carly’s apartment we stopped where there was music in the park. A father and son were singing country music. It was so hot and I had walked so much that day that my feet swelled. I just hoped that they would be better the next day as we prepared for our flight home. Oh, and I hoped the blister I got on the day Carly got her white coat would go under a bandage and not bother me. By the way, I left that pair of shoes in Texas.

Following a delicious breakfast/brunch we left for Houston. Jill got a notice on her phone that our flight was delayed – an hour. We stopped at a meadery along the way and took some photos of Carly in her white coat by some of Texas’s wild flowers.

By the time we got to the airport, our flight had been backed up again. We were in danger of missing our connecting flight. We talked with an airline representative. She advised us to book passage on an early morning flight just in case we missed our connection. We agreed.

Finally, our flight from Houston was ready to board. As we took off, we were warned there would be turbulence. I can honestly say I have never had a rougher flight in all of my travels. The pilot tried to go up to avoid the turbulence, but that did not work. A few prayers and we were fine. We even lost power to our monitors for a while. They apologized for not being able to serve beverages. They tried but had to give up. We did get our drinks, but had a time drinking them. I feared my cranberry juice would be all over!

When we arrived in Atlanta the airport was wild. Every flight was delayed. We had a chance to make our connection. We had no idea when it would take off, but if we hurried to our next boarding area there was a chance. Jill tried to get a vehicle to get us there, but none showed up so we hooved it. When we got there, they were boarding – thank goodness we were not stuck in Atlanta overnight.

There was some turbulence on the flight to Buffalo, but it was not as bad. They suspended the beverage service on that flight too. When we got to the terminal, my luggage was not there. We assumed they thought we did not make our flight and would be taking off in the morning. I filled out papers and gave the details of what the luggage looked like. I told them I could not come back the next day to get it. I was told that they would deliver it. I would get a call when the luggage arrived in Buffalo and make a plan for delivery.

That also meant I had no coat. I packed my windbreaker figuring I could get it out in Buffalo. No such luck.

On Monday a man called me about 12:30 p.m. They were good to their word. He told me he would be at my home between 5 – 7 p.m. I told him that if he arrived at that time, I might not be home since I had to pick up my dog between 5 and 6 p.m. I told him I lived in a rural area and it was safe to put the suitcase by the garage if I was not home.

Snaps was ready for me when I got there. Don would never have believed how good he was for me. He rode on the seat beside me all the way over. He walked on a leash to go in. He did neither of these things for Don. I guess I will have to start taking him with me more often because he was so good.

The man with the suitcase came shortly after the dog and I got home. It was only missing for one day. Their transport service was very reliable.

Although we got home just after 4 a.m., it was a successful ending to a wonderful trip!

Ann Swanson writes from her home in Russell, Pa. Contact at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.