We are home! We had a great time and it’s good to be back. There is so much to do, but I am ready to get back into normal life again. Here’s what we came back to at home and a little look at our airplane trip back home.
Unfortunately, we came back to about half of the chickens we left, which makes us quite sad. A coyote snatched away five of them while we were gone, leaving seven. But we were happy to see that our favorite three are still here. My garden is doing fairly well too! Despite the fact that I’ve made a lot of beginners mistakes, I am starting to harvest a TON of tomatoes and some cucumbers.
Yesterday, when we were flying home, we somehow managed to get put into first class on the first leg of the trip. We at first were just happy to be sitting at the front of the plane, but then….. but then….we walked into the plane. First thing we noticed were the the huge seats with a blanket and pillow neatly placed on the seat waiting for us. No having to ask for these here! As we sat down we started drinking the water bottles that we placed there for us (you know, in case we got dehydrated while the rest of the of the plane got seated). The flight attendant quickly got any other drink you wanted. Soon, we were up in the air comfortably situated in our massive seats. Dinner was forthcoming, which was actually quite nice. We ate with real silverware, real glassware, and real wine was offered along with it all (Elena wanted some, so the flight attendant gave her some red cranberry juice). I looked over at Elena at one point in the meal. She had placed the pillow behind her back which she was leaning back on, her flight blanket draped over her chubby knees. Her seat looked like a throne for her tiny figure. In one hand she had imported Italian bread sticks, in the other she held her small wine glass. Oh yes, she was enjoying herself! And I was too!
The next flight we were placed back where we were supposed to be, in the coach section. But it felt like third class as it stunk to high heaven of a backed up potty and we were in the very back of the plane. I was in the aisle seat and every time someone walked by they hit me. It was quite a bit more cramped and uncomfortable. At one point, I leaned over to Joel and asked ” So, how much more is it for first class?”. “Too much” was his reply.
But in the end, it was fine. I even got to watch someone else’s movie across the aisle without them noticing. Though I was a bit sad when she turned off the subtitles. Such is life.
But even better than first class is being back home! I have much to do, including much to write for this blog. Looking forward to it! Don’t forget that I announce the winners of the contest for the Zukay’s contest tomorrow. It’s closed now, but you can get a coupon code if you would like to purchase any.
How about you? Anyone had some fun vacations this summer?
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Marissa
So sad about your chicken loss 🙁 But glad you had such a good vacation!
No vacation for me, but every time I walk around my neighborhood and pick blackberries it FEELS like a vacation 🙂
Chiot's Run
Too bad you lost chickens while gone.
We spent a week in D.C. this spring with some friends. I must say, I prefer camping and cheap vacations to busy city ones. Although the National Gardens were nice!
I love it when I get to fly first class, my dad uses his frequent flier miles to upgrade whenever he can!
Jen
I love Elana’s dress in the picture – did someone make it?
Bummer on the chickens…….. but yay on first class!
Meagan
Those stupid coyotes! Bet those chickens would have tasted good! I loved your story about first class…
Michelle @ Find Your Balance
Sounds fun! I am looking forward to a week in New Hampshire coming up…we’re going with a big bunch of friends and I get to cook for everyone 🙂
Teresa
It is the best when you get bumped up to first class!! It happened to me once at a very harried time…a blessing from the Lord!! I, like you, would like to figure out how I can fit into much budget 🙂 Sorry about the chickens!!
Alison
Glad you enjoyed part of your trip home. 🙂 Ah, the beauty of the flight upgrade! I once got upgraded for no apparent reason on a flight back from London. I was only upgraded to business class, but on British Air, that’s just as good as American first class. We got multiple meals (it’s a loooong flight), afternoon tea and scones, travel kits with socks and sleeping masks, fulling reclining chairs, tons of room, personal televisions, and lots more that I can’t remember anymore. Sadly, those flights cost twice as much, or more, as the coach ones, so I won’t be doing that again anytime soon. 🙁
Alison
Glad you enjoyed part of your trip home. 🙂 Ah, the beauty of the flight upgrade! I once got upgraded for no apparent reason on a flight back from London. I was only upgraded to business class, but on British Air, that’s just as good as American first class. We got multiple meals (it’s a loooong flight), afternoon tea and scones, travel kits with socks and sleeping masks, fulling reclining chairs, tons of room, personal televisions, and lots more that I can’t remember anymore. Sadly, those flights cost twice as much, or more, as the coach ones, so I won’t be doing that again anytime soon. 🙁
OH! You’re my new favorite blogger fyi
Leesie
Aw, what an adorable picture of Elena (love, love that name!) with the chickens. I was laughing through the part about the first class leg of your trip. Glad to see you had a wonderful trip and that you are glad to be home sans some chickens. 🙁 That’s such a bummer about the chickens. You have coyotes??? This summer was the first time we actually got to see a mama bear and her cub walk across the back of our property, and we see a fox from time to time, no coyotes — at least not close by…I think! 😉
No tomatoes for us this year due to late blight here in the northeast. It’s a disaster!! 🙁
I’m looking forward to more laughs and recipes Kimi. Thanks for sharing.
Leesie
Oh, and I have a bounty of cucumbers this year and have been making jars and jars of pickles using Kelli’s recipe over at A Mountain Mama, http://eastkentuckygal.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/pickles/ — so easy and delish! I’ve also enjoyed Kitchen Kop’s zucchini frittatas, you should try ’em!
judy k
No going away for vacations this summer, but rather, I am taking the kids on
hikes around Mt. Hood. Many many trails to choose from – both difficult and short and easy. They love to take a picnic and spend the day. We try to do this once a week and it’s a great outing for all. Poor dad has to work, but he gets the blessing of a refreshed family when he gets home. That, too, can be a blessing!
Melle
Hi Kimi,
I’m new to your blog, found you as I was trying to learn about soaking nuts. I have so much to learn and try, am trying to improve adrenal burn out & insulin/leptin resistance… So, THANK YOU for all that you are doing & sharing.
I wanted to share with you my way of going First or Business Class whenever possible. Once I tried it, I never wanted to go to the “back” of the plane again! I know you’re on a budget (I too have had a big downturn in my income this year – & am trying to budget again for the first time in years – plus I don’t want to work myself into an early grave, as I seem to have been doing…!). But we all have household purchases to make. So I put EVERYTHING that I can onto a VISA card that gets me air miles on the airline hubbed near me (United in my case + they have some of the lowest award rates in the industry). I’m not a huge fan of the airline – but Business or First is nicer no matter what plane you’re on. My trick though is that whenever I make purchases online, I check with the mileage program’s shopping portal for specials. For instance, buying office supplies through the portal instead of directly from the supply store’s website, I can sometimes get an extra 1.5-4 miles per dollar spent, in addition to the miles I get just for using my card. I never was a mileage program person until going Business international (by luck) a few years ago. By trying to max my miles, I’ve managed to fly internationally twice in Business (which is amazingly better, you get there so rested and ready to go!), once with upgrades and once for “free” (you pay the taxes), once “free” to Hawaii in Economy Plus (more leg room), & will be going First “free” to Europe for my nephew’s wedding this winter. OK, I run my own business and purchase all supplies & equipment online (no time to shop), which can add up quickly, but you’d be surprised how quickly you can get a better experience when you travel…
BTW I LOVE the mental image of your daughter on her throne with her “wine” & breadsticks – adorable!
Again, thank you thank you for all the great info!!
KimiHarris
Melle,
Great Tip! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 It would be worth the extra trouble for first class!
And welcome to my blog!