Detroit, blech!

Here I am in Dearborn, Michigan.  Rain, cold, wind, blech.  At home, my kids played outside without jackets.  Blech. OK, enough of the sob story, on to the day:

I flew out of KC at 9:45 this morning, after arriving at the airport after 9.  Sure, Terry, no problem.  Some folks are used to being late, I'm not.  By the time we got through security, the plane was halfway loaded.  I guess it worked out fine, and there was no down time, but I am used to getting there earlier.  When you ride with someone else, you're at their mercy, and I didn't want to pay parking. 

Toward the end of the flight, we hit the icky weather, and it got a bit rough.  Not horrible, but the pilot was obviously ducking and dodging the worst of it, so it was interesting.  All in all, it wasn't too bad, other than Terry's conversation.  That man has an opinion and advice about EVERYTHING.  I SWEAR he would tell me what tampon to use, if it came up in conversation.  Sheesh, just sit quietly for a minute, would ya?

When we landed, we took a shuttle out to the rental car place, and picked up our car.  They had reserved a "small car" for us, and Terry said, "nope, that won't work, upgrade us to that Impala over there...the white one."  They did it.  I hope, if I ever get a company credit card, I am that bold with it.  We were both starving, so on the way to Dearborn, we looked for somewhere to eat.

Most folks from my work, especially the women, want only the best when travelling.  Terry came upon this little joint in D.O.W.N. T.O.W.N. and said, "wanna eat here?"  I think he meant it as a joke.  I said, "sure!" and we went in.  It wasn't very clean, and my dad would have left, but we stayed.  Best Philly Cheese Steak sandwhich I've ever had.  In my life.  Seriously.  Dang, but it was good.  He was amazed that I agreed to eat there, and I said, "these places are often diamonds in the rough."

We got to the Dearborn Inn, and checked in.  After a quick drop-off of the bags, we went to the ballroom, or whatever the big place is, and set up our booth for the trade show.  That took less than a half-hour, and we decided to head across the street to check out the automotive hall of fame.  It's pretty darn cool.  I got a little something for the girls and my mom there.  All I have left is Kevin, Dad, and Brett...I'm halfway done with the gifts!

When we got back, we hit the hotel pub for a beer.  I was wishing for a way to get away from Mr. Advice/Mr. Knowledge/Mr...well, never mind.  At last, a couple of guys he knows from the industry showed up, and they sat down with us.  The final four game started, and they settled in to watch.  That was my chance.  I excused myself to go to my room and "call the family and get ready for tomorrow" which translates into, "boredom is better than this" and I came up to the room.

I have the work laptop running, playing CD's, and my laptop connected to play online.  The kids have been called, Kevin has been called, and I'm bored and lonely, but I'm not getting advice or watching college basketball, so life is just fine, thank you very much.

I know this was a long post, but I've got nothing but time.  I forgot my cable to pull images off my camera, so all pictures will have to wait until I get home, and after a late Monday arrival, and work Tuesday, it'll be Tuesday night before I post pictures, but I hope to have some good ones. 

More to come tomorrow!