Never count your chickens....Tales from the road

High  45F so far
Low  43 F

This is NOT a Texas wildflower!
My itinerary says that right now I will be on a docent led tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  The reality is that I am sitting at the computer posting yet another blog.  Has anyone ever traveled a whole day to get nowhere?  I guess many have.  One reads about them and I actually spoke to ALL of them yesterday at the Dulles (we weary travelers decided that Dulles rhymes with fools) airport where, despite all efforts to get to Austin, Texas, two of us failed(weekend travelers) and returned to our starting destination, two left with the hopes of reaching Austin by four o'clock on Saturday via Dallas and three other standby planes(wedding Saturday night) and two others spent the night and are leaving to go to Chicago and then reach Austin by late this afternoon (visiting family for a whole month). The six of us were left stranded due to our flight delay out of Providence and subsequent missed connection to Austin. That missed connection was the only on-time flight out of Dulles yesterday! Customer Service at United should be renamed 'Customer Dis-Service'  as one has to stand in line for over an hour to hear that the next, overbooked flight leaves at 5:55 p.m.  and the one after that is Saturday at 5:45 p.m.  In addition, the overworked customer service representative told me that there would be no refund as I did fly to Dulles and then had to get back to Providence.  It is my privilege to take a whole day to fly United and get nowhere! Oh, but my luggage is visiting Austin right now so all is not lost.  I hope it can talk if it ever gets home.

Eye candy to get you through this post!
  It could be worse!  I have an uncanny ability to hear life-stories.  Sitting waiting for the one final flight to Austin, which was over-booked by four ticketed customers, and six stand by, stranded customers, the gentleman on my right said 'Oh, they have delayed my flight again'.  Of course I commiserated with him which generated a bit more conversation.  What would you like to know about him?  Well, he was from Ethiopia and had been traveling for 48 hours trying to get home to New York.  He was drinking tea but owned a coffee plantation which was running smoothly.  I had noticed him earlier in the day having gone from Terminal A to Terminal D then back to Terminal A and then back to Terminal C and then on again to Terminal D.  He was elegantly dressed with suit and tie.  He had a fairly large scar on the left side of his face on the cheekbone.  An old scar but probably hand sutured as the line was large, an inch and a half long, and the dots were, well, dots!  He had neat, waist length dreadlocks.  That, to me, is a contradiction in terms (neat dreadlocks).  His day (48 hours of travel) had been worse than mine!  He was still sitting waiting for his flight when I left to return home on a day of traveling in circles. He was not the only stranger dishing details of his life.  Mark, in the left side seat, was coming home from Tehran where he had been managing family issues. That is a three page tale but suffice it to say, he was a very interesting, very educated individual who is now at home in Austin.  The cast of characters also included Ken, Elaine, Kevin, Louie, and my seatmate back to PVD whose name, believe it or not, I did not get but I do know that he ...well never mind!  Too many stories.  I have to remember that it is the journey and not the destination.  In this case, I am sure this is not true.  My Mom was right, don't count your chickens before they're hatched. 

Pam and Elizabeth have already posted details from the day and evening and I am looking forward to more pictures from the Spring Flingers in spite of the almost desperate disappointment of not meeting each and every one of them.  On a positive note, I did get to actually speak to Pam to apprise her of my plight.  A voice, an inflection, and a tone gives added life to her daily written posts and I now can hear the lilting Southerness of this still, unseen, but now heard voice of 'Digging'. 

Comments

[Kim]

Argh. I had just read the note on Pam's post... sorry to hear about that, Layanee. Boo to United!

I think it's a tribute to your sunny nature that you're putting up such a pretty, interesting and fun post today in spite of all of your troubles. I would probably have posted a "woe-is-me" post worthy of Eeyore. lol.

Maybe you should host the next Spring Fling, btw? You and Kris from Blithewold... I could DRIVE to go see you two, and you wouldn't have to worry about getting a flight anywhere! *grin*

[priscilla]

I'm sorry to here you never got to Austin. I don't think that is right that they did not refund you just because you had to fly back to your home. At least you were able to meet unique people and look on the bright side of the matter. I would not have been so optimistic as you have been about the situation. Maybe next year or a nice garden blogger meetup up north some time of the year.

[Benjamin]

Everytime you fly it is like this now. EVERY TIME. I've flown three times recently: to Minnesota in December, to Mexico in January, and to NYC in February. Each time I was delayed--a whole day, 6 hours, 3 hours.... Whole industry is crap. What you DON'T do is stand in line for customer service talking to people. You get on the phone and wait on hold there, and 9 times out of 10 that's much faster. Usually my wife and I travel together, and one of us stands in line while on the phone, the other sits while on the phone. We could all go on--but I'm driving this summer to MN and OH. No more flying for me (and they're CUTTING routes, pilots, planes to top it off!).

[jodi]

Oh, Layanee...I just read Pam's post (been away all day today ) and came here and read yours. I'm so sorry for you! Double Booooooo to United, and to Dulles, too. I would drive before I'd fly, these days, (and I'm a pilot's daughter, from back in the days when airlines CARED about their customers.)
You deserve a new plant--preferably an orchid, as that's what some of us plant addicts have been going on about. And yes, I think a Spring Fling in Rhode Island would be awesome!

[Annie in Austin]

I'm so sorry we didn't get to meet you, Layanee - and am glad you were able to find something interesting in the journey - Kim's thoughts about your sunny nature seem true to me, too!

Annie at the Transplantable Rose

[Pam/Digging]

I echo Annie's sentiments, Layanee. I was struck, each time I spoke to you on the phone, by the sunny note in your voice despite your horrible predicament. I would have been whining or crying from frustration. Hats off to you.

We did have a good time, but it was incomplete without you, knowing you should have been there too. Next time!

[Robin]

I'm so sorry you missed the flight and didn't make it to Austin. My husband travels frequently and we always dread the trips when he has to fly. It is so stressful!

[mss @ Zanthan Gardens]

We were all so sad not to have the opportunity to meet you. When everyone heard that you were stranded there was a collective groan. I felt sick with disappointment imagining how I would feel in your place.

Stupid weather. Stupid airlines.

[eliz]

Hi Layanee,

This really sucks. I was looking forward to meeting you as well. I was lucky and Susan just BARELY made it in, as she missed her flight got in Atlanta, but finally managed to get in on standby. I'm in Atlanta now, where it is foggy and I imagine my flight to Buffalo will be delayed. I agree with Benjamin--flying is ALL BAD ALL THE TIME now.

Austin was fabulous; we missed you.

[Sandy]

Sorry to hear you didn't get to Texas, Layanee. I am sure it would have been wonderful. Lately, we have been giving some thought to the Hill Country, as our retirement approaches. Sounds like lots of gardeners live down that way.

You made interesting use of your airport time, it seems!

[Pam]

Oh, now how rotten is that? I'm with you on Dulles - I avoid it whenever possible. I'm really sorry that you didn't get to go, because I'm sure that it was something that you were looking forward to - but at least there are good stories still! I think that Kim is right - you should thinking about hosting the next one. Do it in the heat of summer, when all of the summer gardeners would love a trek to New England!

[Heather's Garden]

Layanee, I'm sorry you didn't make it to Austin, I know how much you were looking forward to the trip. This is actually part of the reason that I opted not to attend Spring Fling this year. I only fly direct when I'm visiting for less than 4 days or trying to make a specific event. Otherwise missed connections always seem to lead to missed fun.

I heartily concur that you should host Spring Fling next year. Of course with our strange short springs you might have to call it Late Winter Fling or Early Summer Fling.

And Kim, I'm on your drive to Layanee and Kris!

[Lisa at Greenbow]

What a nightmare Layanee. I commend you for not throwing a tantrum. I am afraid I might have been one of "those" people, whining. Hopefully next time you can get a direct flight. Boo to United.

[Frances]

You were missed Layanee, we even had a discussion on the pronunciation of your name! Were your ears burning, and not just from the treatment from the airlnes? There was talk of a Chicago site for next year in the fall, talk to Mister McGregor's Daughter about it. It was wonderful, no lies here, but it would have been more wonderful with you there with us.
Frances at Faire Garden

[Kim]

Hey Heather, I'd be on your way to a Chicago site! ;) tee hee. You could start the caravan if it comes West, and I could start it if it goes East--heaven knows I'd rather drive than fly.

[layanee]

Kim: I only SOUND sunny...LOL. What can you do? They have us hostage. You have to promise to go to the next fling and as for hosting...well, sometimes I have trouble finding time to post for bloom day so we shall see and I hear that Pam and her crew would be a very tough act to follow. RI is lovely in May through Oct.

Priscilla: Your words help ease the pain! Next time, you too need to go if possible!

Benjamin: You are RIGHT. Someone is left sitting in an airport every day. I'm glad I did my turn.

Jodi: An orchid or dozens of perennials. They are coming up now!

Annie/Kathy: I was the voice of doom for two days but just seeing the pictures and reading the stories about the Fling are helpful. Thanks for your words and I'm coming to your next gig!

Pam: OH,you are just saying I sounded sunny because I couldn't possibly have! You sounded sunny and I know you and the rest had been working hard on the event. Kudos to you all and I look forward to more posts!

Robin: Flying is never fun! I hope your husband travels smoothly for the rest of his life! It is something to wish for isn't it?

Melissa: How hard you have worked on this! Reports are coming in and all are glorious. Good job and I will have to settle for pictures and stories. I wish I had seen your larkspur!

Eliz: Thanks for that and so glad no one else was stranded at least on the way there. Lessons to be learned! Can't wait to read your posts. So, how are you different from your blog? There is one for the ages isn't it!

Sandy: Hill Country? Hmmm, but Maine is Vacationland!

Pam: Thanks for the thoughts. Sometimes the heat of summer is unbearable here as not all is air conditioned. Not usually but sometimes. Would you come to New England for Summer Fling?

Heather: I think I would have to actually attend a Fling before I could think about hosting one with you! LOL and that is my new rule also, the one about direct flights!

Lisa: There were plenty of tantrums in my mind! Almost laughing!

Frances: Lay-a-knee Long A, short a and then Knee! LOL I wanted a different name when I was a kid, something like Farrah and then I realized that I had a different name. Chicago would be fun! Never been there. Would go for a week! My ears were burning but I thought it was just the frustration factor. I'm so glad you had a great time and I am looking forward to the pictures.

Kim: Caravan? Road trip? Gotta be better than flying in circles!

[Kylee]

Oh Layanee, I'm so sorry you didn't make it to Austin. That had to be disappointing to the Nth degree. And United - BOO HISS! They DO owe you a refund. They did not get you where you needed to be for the event you were traveling to, which is the very reason you made use of their service. While it may be in their policy to not guarantee service, well...I don't think I'll go into it here, but I've been in your position and I fought with them - yes, United also - for WEEKS and I was very diplomatic and polite, but I didn't get a refund. I did manage first a $50 voucher, then a $100 voucher, but I had to use it on a full-price fare and I couldn't use both of them on the same trip. Thank you for nothing!

I'm glad you enjoyed your fellow travelers though. Aren't people the most interesting creatures?

[kate]

Layanee,

I was sorry to hear that you missed Spring Fling. At least you have some good airport stories to tell, but I'd much rather read your take on the gardens and gardeners at Spring Fling.

[gail]

You were missed and many a blogger sighed with disappointment for you to miss Spring Fling and that we would miss meeting you.

There shall be many posts on this remarkable weekend....I was there and I am looking forward to visiting them!

Gail

[susan harris]

It was a BIG disappointment to not get to meet you in Austin, but I'm inspired by your cheerful nature - unlike my own, I hate to admit.
I waited for hours at Reagan National Airport, then missed the connection in Atlanta and came THIS CLOSE to spending my entire weekend at the Atlanta airport. INcredibly, the last flight to austin, though not just full but oversold, was able to take 30+ stand-by fliers, including yours truly at 24th in the queue! And I'd just been told I couldn't even get back home to DC for another 24 hours or so, with no hotel room provided for me in the meantime, I might add - "act of God" and all that. I finally landed in austin 9 hours late at almost midnight their time but boy, I had no complaints about the late hour because it could have been Atlanta-Airport-all-the-time.
Here's what I was pledging to myself: no more trips I can't do nonstop. Also, I should check Southwest Airlines directly (they don't participate in Travelocity, Cheapseats.com, etc) because they DO travel direct to austin, from BWI. Last year I flew with them to Bufflo from only 100 bucks each way - what a breeze.
So if it's Chicago next year or somewhere else, I hope we make sure it can be reached nonstop. It's the damn connections that'll kill ya, right?
Again, kudos on your positive outlook. I needed some of that myself last Friday night. S

[Kathy Purdy of Cold Climate Gardening]

I came here expecting to find a rant, but I have to echo the others expressing my amazement at your restraint. I wonder what they do if someone says, "Well, there's no point in going forward, and I can't afford a new ticket home?" I think I would have been in hysterics.

Sometimes there isn't a direct flight, and then what do you do? Just not go?

I hope the negative energy generated by acute disappointment and poor treatment can be put to productive, positive use in your garden.

[Ginny]

Hi Layanee,
Been wondering how it all turned out once we heard you were stranded. Thanks for the details...or some of them. You sounded like you made the best of a frustrating situation. We missed you at the Annual Mtg., too.
Ginny

[Rich]

I am blogging you from Austin! Miss you.

[Layanee]

Kylee: People are very interesting if they care to share! So far the refund offered is $150 for $529.00. I would rather cut off my left hand and you all know I need that for gardening!

Kate: We have lots to read from all who were there! Thanks for your thoughts!

Gail: That is right back at you! I am enjoying your posts though and there is always next year. I will be planning to go TWO days ahead! LOL

Susan: I missed you also! Your experience seems only slightly better than mine! You must have been tired all day Saturday!

Kathy: I have been ranting in my head and to EM and to United. They are deaf! Someday we will meet. When you love gardening as much as this group it can only bring you together!

Rich: Thanks!

[Carol, May Dreams Gardens]

I echo the sentiments of others. We missed you and at the same time admire you for the attitude you expressed in your post. I flew AA and it was smooth sailing the whole way, even with connections. But the week before and now this week, they were cancelling a bunch of flights for plane inspections or something like that.

I feel very lucky that I didn't have problems traveling after reading your post!