Smith's Away

 After a delicious breakfast of biscuits and gravy we headed into Columbus to visit the Franklin Conservatory. I have to say the biscuits were in a container which you popped and out the scones cames to just be baked in the oven. Why can't we buy these in Oz?? The Conservatory was well laid out for kids, lots of flowers and plants and the beautiful  butterflies.  We tried to photograph the big blue one but it avoided us. There was beautiful glass work by Chilhuly all through the place.  After lots of walking we went for lunch where I got a delicious hamburger,  followed by an ice cream. This was all in the German area which also had beautiful old houses and cobble stone streets. Home for a cuppa and a nap in the hammock near the pond.

 Nothing beats a bed to sleep in. So up surprisingly early and down for breakfast with Tom and Paula. They each had some appointments today so I was happy to start the day slowly. A glorious sunny day, birds chirping and their little pond burbling as I sat outside having  a cuppa and toast. Love their jam, or jelly as no lumps!!!  Tom and Paula  came home and we had lunch out by the pond. I went shopping  with Paula. Blueberries were very cheap. Petrol $3 a gallon.  Love wandering the shops. How come we don't  seem to have cookie, scone or shortbread dough??  Dinner was meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy,  real comfort food. Mind you if I was any more comfortable here I'd be asleep.  Facetimed with Tom and Paula's grandkids that I met in Minnesota last year.  Red wine around the fire pit and now ready for bed.

 Melinda and Rutts picked me up bright and early to drive me to the airport. A very quick drive and off on my day of flying. Easy check-in and security and into the Air NZ lounge. All on time and I settled back in my business class seat, ahhhh.  Obviously I'm  becoming too used to this luxurious mode of travel as I found the food, selection of movie a little disappointing.  Only watched Napoleon.  Also I find I like shows with sub titles!! Arrived in Auckland and had to wait awhile for them to clean the plane I'd just been on. Finally on our way to Houston.  I slept in my lovely  bed after dinner and woke with 3 hours to go. Collected my case and sent it onto Columbus and then we were led past a bottle neck at security. We followed like lambs and myself and one other lady found ourselves in the bowels of Houston airport. A big hike and finally we found another smaller security line. Again I tried to get into the United Airlines lounge but no go. Didn't...

 21st April. So this time next week I'll be flying  to the US. Getting excited.