June 29, 2005
What's in your satchel?
Today, my plane was delayed for "paperwork." Just in general. It was announced to us as if someone important to the flight, a pilot perhaps, had forgotten to file taxes. "Thanks for your patience today. Just a slight delay this morning while I hunt down my e-filing PIN." My mind was full of images of pilots shuffling through hanging file folders on the flight deck.
Later, on the connecting flight, everything was in order and we were in the air quickly sans last minute faxes. I sat next to Ellouise, who likes clouds. Ellouise is 78 and lives with her friend, Bessie, so she can take care of her. Bessie is 99.
"Is that a cumulus?"
"You know, I don't know. That sounds right."
"Ha ha! I haven't flown in fifteen years. That airport is so much bigger than I remember."
"All the airports are busier too with new security."
"Oh, yes! Today, I forgot to take my gun out of my satchel."
"You had a gun?! At the airport...in a satchel? Do you always travel with a gun?"
"Well, yes! When I'm driving! Look at that dark cloud right through the white ones."
"What did they do?"
"I don't know. I guess it must be from another plane flying the other way."
"I suppose you're right. Hmmm." (short pause) "What did the security do?"
"Oh! Well, I was halfway through the security line when I realized I had forgotten to leave my gun at home. I called a guard over right away. They took my gun away and said I could pick it up when I get home. Look at those! They're white as cotton."
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The show was great tonight in Virginia Beach! Had a fun time. The audience was into it and happy.