To those it may concern:

This is the view from the final resting place of the evening. Hard to tell, but it's the vantage point from the lifeguard's post at the ocean. If I had only one day to visit, this would have been it. Hands down.

That is, minus my run-in this morning...my 'Tussle with Russel' as it were. Brother and I were en route to purchase groceries when we decided to detour for some tools at the Home Depot. Once we found our aisle, we began meandering for the particular tool. An employee asked to help - an old, slightly griseled man. I told him what I needed, he said he didn't think they carried it. I said, "Well that's unfortunate."

At this point, most folks would part their seperate ways and call it a day. Not old Russ. His response was more like "What did you say?" (actually, it was exactly like that). I repeated myself - to his face to be clear, and said thanks anyway. No more than five seconds later Creepy Mr. Russel was half an aisle away helping Soccer Mom find the best bit for her drill. Go figure.

Moral of the story: do not neglect your mom and pop shops.

Short story for the rest of the day: lots 'o shrimp, a decent amount of Uncle-ing, chimnayas, air hockey coffee tables, legit dart boards, Dora and her Troll, reminiscing, walks and beach views via the seat pictured. Like I say, this was the day to beat. 'Night.

Naptime, kids.

...and I'm spent. I get Dr. J's room because folks here are real thoughtful.

I still can't believe I'm here. More on that later.

Goodnight.

Touchdown!

Let the Shuby Brothers Reunion Tour commence!

Flight Safety Instructions, Part 3

"...and finally we'd like to remind you: don't be a dick to your fellow passengers."

"Like a car from the future that takes you back to the past."

I'm sure it's not clear, but the St Louis airport allows one to step 'Back in time': A time of crude and elementary web interface. A time when floppy disks ruled the land.

Flight Safety Instructions, Part 2

"In the unlikely event of a water landing, the youngest infant aboard will be fitted in flotation gear and tethered out to sea as a homing beacon."

Flight Safety Instructions, Part 1

"As always, American Airlines asks those capable to refrain from use of all super powers for the duration of your flight, for the comfort and safety of our mortal passengers."

A bobsled with exit rows

Man - this is fixing to be a breeze of a trip! Though it's a sausage tube of an aircraft, I have more room surrounding me than I know what to do with. Maybe I'll play 'Ghosts of Flights Past' - you know, that game where you guess all the previous passengers' causes of death?

You played that with your family too, right?

No, I meant 'bombed' in the inebriant sense, officer.

Just dropped off @ the airport, I woke up way too early and much too awake. Thanks to The Happy Couple for the monkeyshines last night, however I'm pretty damned tired now. Good thing the next five hours only require me to sit.

Whining aside, the rest of my morning/afternoon can only be descibed as pleasant. Gorgeous weather, an introduction to a new (and particularly delicious) pizza joint, playing with my goddaughter (first steps, no less!) and good company with my oldest brother.

Even check in here was a breeze - so much so that I will say it's the best experience I've ever had doing such a thing. Kudos, Saturday afternoon check-in folks!