Planes, Danes, And Automobiles

Last week started out like any other.

No, wait.  No it didn't.  Me dropping Bill off at the bus depot is not a normal Monday.
Let me back up and explain why we were doing this.




Billie Jo is a blog friend of mine.  We had never met in real life, but have communicated for years through our blogs, emails, Christmas cards, etc.  She is, for all intents and purposes, my friend.
When she reached out and asked me to do her a favor, of course it was a no-brainer.

Her daughter Madison would be returning from a trip abroad and landing in JFK airport.  Billie Jo lives many hours away from JFK.  We are significantly closer.  The plan was for me to pick up Madison, take her to our house overnight, and put her on a bus home the next day.

When we realized my Bill would be returning from L.A. the same day Madison was flying in to JFK, he came up with a brilliant plan.  He scheduled his flight to land at Newark airport, I would pick him up, we'd go to dinner at my favorite restaurant, and then go pick up Madison.

And that's what we did.   

After work, I got my coffee and started my drive to Newark to pick him up, and the adventure began.

We went to the Chart House for dinner (calling it our belated Valentine's date).  We sat at a window looking at the New York City skyline.  Sun shining at first, then sunset.  Perfect timing for the best of both views!

We trekked over to JFK after that and were a little early.  I haven't been on a plane in 17 years, but I do have a fascination with planes and airports. I was loving all the happenings there.  We sat in a perfect spot to see planes lift off and people-watched for a bit before Madison's plane landed.

When we finally saw that sweet girl, we were so happy she was there and safe.  We got in the car for our long ride home, trying to balance getting to know her with trying not to tire her out too much.  Coming from Denmark, it was 4 a.m. for her!

Earlier in the week we realized the bus trip to get Madison home was going to take too long.  We decided to make a day of it, drive out to Penn State and meet the rest of the family.  I was a bit giddy  with excitement that I'd actually get to meet my long-time blog friend.

When I tell you that it wasn't like a first-time meeting at all, I mean it.  It was like meeting up with an old friend.  We fell in love with each others kids, the husbands got along fantastically, and it just ended up being a happy afternoon all around.  Their family treated us to a great lunch out and spoiled us rotten with gifts and all!  They were a family that were just easy to be around.

Mom and daughter reunited :)

The time came to say our goodbyes, but it wasn't without making plans to meet up again real soon.

If you know Billie Jo from her blog, she is as sweet as she seems.  Such a kind, beautiful person, as is her husband and kids.

Before heading home, we stopped at Penn State's campus for some photo-ops, ice cream, and the 4 o'clock mass.

A big shout out to Bill.  He did all of the planning and driving.  He surely was tired from being away and getting in late for two nights, yet he did all this - not only without complaint, but with a smile.  He is the BEST.  I hope he knows how happy he makes my heart.

To read Billie Jo's post on the weekend, check it out here. Oh, and one last thing.  This is how thoughtful she is....remember my post about about my love of Gene Rayburn?  Well, she got me this book.

Now, that's a good friend.