I had to fly to Boston a couple weeks back and something weird happened. This bombing incident recalled for me the situation.
My flights took me from Cleveland to Newark then to Boston. My way too early layover in Newark was strange. The plane we were put on was a little regional jet. Probably sat around 60 people. Because of the size of the jet we were at one of the more outlying gates.
For that reason the seating area of the gate was pretty small. Maybe no more than 20 x 40 feet. Small for most gates.
As we were boarding we were surrounded by TSA agents. I would guess about 6 of them all on the perimeter of the gate seating area, hands clasped behind their backs, just observing. I have never seen this.
Another strange thing that happened was the person checking your boarding pass just before you are permitted to enter the jetway to the plane.
He was scruffy, like he hadn't shaved in 2-3 days. He was tall and had a presence that was not typical of an airline boarding agent. He had a trench coat on and a set of wings pinned to his inner shirt that seemed out of place. Think Harrison Ford only taller.
He also had two guys standing behind him.
I noted all of this the day of. But after a couple of days at a convention in Boston I forgot about it.
I wonder if there was any relation to the bombing yesterday and what I saw. It was all pretty surreal and I thought about posting about my experience here but thought, "Nah - your just getting paranoid in your old age."
We will be there! Catie wanted to go to the Chinese buffet for her birthday dinner, followed by ice cream cake at the house. She only asked for money this year for gifts. No drivers license yet, she still has to take Drivers Ed.
Sorry we can't be there, Lisa. Hope you get a crowd.
My friend's brother lost his leg below the knee at the marathon. His 3 year old son also had to have surgery to remove shrapnel. He will be on the upcoming cover of Time, carried by a police officer. I feel bad for the family - the two were taken to two different hospitals. I think Leo - the little boy - gets out today though.
Another thing...I actually stayed in Cambridge which is just across the River from Boston. Across the street from the hotel I stayed at was a mall. I always try to buy t-shirts for the boys when I travel.
I think I was just about the only white guy in this very busy mall. I couldn't put my finger on the nationality of most of the people there but the thought did occur to me that if I were a terrorist this would be a good place to blend in.
15 comments:
Happy birthday, Ellen K, Grace and Cat!
Great photos of all of you!
So, tell us what you did now!
Lisa
Hope Grace and Cate have great birthdays. I wish it was actually spring-like for you ( and me).
Happy Birthday to the two of you! Enjoy your day. Catie are you getting your license?
Monica
Happy Birthday Grace, and Happy Birthday Catie! Any big plans? Mondays and Tuesdays are no good for birthday! You'd better take the week off.
P
Happy Birthday Everyone. So many happy faces....
I had to fly to Boston a couple weeks back and something weird happened. This bombing incident recalled for me the situation.
My flights took me from Cleveland to Newark then to Boston. My way too early layover in Newark was strange. The plane we were put on was a little regional jet. Probably sat around 60 people. Because of the size of the jet we were at one of the more outlying gates.
For that reason the seating area of the gate was pretty small. Maybe no more than 20 x 40 feet. Small for most gates.
As we were boarding we were surrounded by TSA agents. I would guess about 6 of them all on the perimeter of the gate seating area, hands clasped behind their backs, just observing. I have never seen this.
Another strange thing that happened was the person checking your boarding pass just before you are permitted to enter the jetway to the plane.
He was scruffy, like he hadn't shaved in 2-3 days. He was tall and had a presence that was not typical of an airline boarding agent. He had a trench coat on and a set of wings pinned to his inner shirt that seemed out of place. Think Harrison Ford only taller.
He also had two guys standing behind him.
I noted all of this the day of. But after a couple of days at a convention in Boston I forgot about it.
I wonder if there was any relation to the bombing yesterday and what I saw. It was all pretty surreal and I thought about posting about my experience here but thought, "Nah - your just getting paranoid in your old age."
Tom
Autism awareness walk in Council Bluffs on Sat. morn. (Rue elementary)
Have bought 20 scarves so that those coming for Emma can all wear the same color. Can be used as arm bands, scarves, around neck, etc.
Lisa
We will be there! Catie wanted to go to the Chinese buffet for her birthday dinner, followed by ice cream cake at the house. She only asked for money this year for gifts. No drivers license yet, she still has to take Drivers Ed.
Sorry we can't be there, Lisa. Hope you get a crowd.
My friend's brother lost his leg below the knee at the marathon. His 3 year old son also had to have surgery to remove shrapnel. He will be on the upcoming cover of Time, carried by a police officer. I feel bad for the family - the two were taken to two different hospitals. I think Leo - the little boy - gets out today though.
P
I saw that cover online. What a beautiful little boy. So sad. I hope both recover quickly.
Monica
Tom, that story does seem strange.
Chinese food and ice cream cake sounds like a perfect birthday meal.
Lisa, wish we could go to the autism walk.
We are in the middle of another April snowshower.
I saw the Time cover online too. Such a sweet little boy who looks terrified with blood- matted hair. Terrible.
Another thing...I actually stayed in Cambridge which is just across the River from Boston. Across the street from the hotel I stayed at was a mall. I always try to buy t-shirts for the boys when I travel.
I think I was just about the only white guy in this very busy mall. I couldn't put my finger on the nationality of most of the people there but the thought did occur to me that if I were a terrorist this would be a good place to blend in.
Tom
So I need to come up with a burger promotion.
What are some of the best things (combination of things) you ever had as a topper on a burger?
Tom
Mushrooms and gruyere.
P
Jalapeño bacon cream cheese
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