I wonder, is there anyplace better to 'people watch' than a large metropolitan airport?
Unfortunately, arriving two hours prior to our 6AM flight time (I'm nothing if not obedient!) there was little in the way of entertainment.
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| (Lifted from the web) |
.... That is, until a young lady arrived at the gate with a big ole hairy pooch wearing a 'service' scarf, a goofy grin and waggily tail. Aw!
Dog lovers, DH and I got a real kick out of watching 'Pearson' wander around, accepting pats and scratches.
So, what's wrong with this picture? I've no issue, but it's my understanding a real service dog won't leave its master/mistress while on the job. Color me curious!
Happily, once on the plane we were seated directly behind Pearson and his girl ... where I eagerly eavesdropped on her conversation with their seatmate.
Turns out Pearson was originally prescribed as an 'emotional support' animal after repeated panic attacks. The seatmate inquired, "So, what does he do if you become distressed?"
"Oh, he'll jump in my lap and start kissing my face."
(I guess she didn't plan on having a panic attack while on her cruise, so Pearson was spending time with his 'grandma and grandpa' while in Tampa.)
Too cute ... if you can get away with it.
On the other hand, our return flight was delayed while the flight attendants asked passengers upfront if they'd mind relocating to accommodate a service animal.
I don't know what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't an attractive 20-something wearing a micro-miniskirt, pulling an aging black lab. From his aisle seat, row 5, one congenial fellow kept me amused:
"Ha! Now, the dog's laying across the other lady's feet."
"You're not going to believe this. The princess is already on her cell phone and we're still climbing!"
"... OMG, the dog's licking her seatmate's toes!"
Something else. 'Mr. Congeniality' shared that his best friend is deathly afraid of big dogs. "... and what about folks who are allergic?"
I sure don't have answers, do you? Takes all kinds, I guess.
Gotta say, unlike so much ugly brouhaha the media is fond of trumpeting, our Southwest flight crews and fellow passengers were really, really pleasant.
* * *
Yes, we're really planning to relocate to Alabama (hopefully) next spring, and took advantage of our unscheduled vacation time to drive this-way-and-that.
'Just wish I'd been more candid up-front.
I don't want to call it 'wasted', but we lost one day looking at neighborhoods my DIL recommended that were way, way out of our price range.
Pretty sure, we'd like to plant ourselves in a SMALL town - with easy access to the metro and good health-care facilities.
I'd in mind a 50's-era bungalow with a little yard, sweet front porch and blessed central air.
We'd have been wise to consult a real estate agent.
You know that phrase, 'Right Love at the Wrong Time'?
Back home, I've fallen in love with this place online. Seriously, it meets every stinkin' item on my wish-list. Tom's reached out to the listing agent ... but we're just not in a position to act on it now.
"1945 bungalow-style home, close enough to walk into town and enjoy a popsicle, a hot dog or enjoy a specialty treat at Dairy Queen.
No need to fight traffic for parking for downtown fireworks; just walk down to the historic Bibb Graves Bridge for the very best views."
Like an idiot, I keep going on Zillow every day to make sure it's still there. I'll be hugely disappointed when it sells, but have to trust God has something else - maybe better(!) - in mind.
* * *
So, zat's zat .. thanks for visiting!
I hope y'all have a super new week and stay cool!
Hugs from Phoenix,
Myra
