Ed

My suitcase was the last one off the conveyor. Everyone else had gone. Cobwebs were starting to form. Someone's bag has to be first off, doesn't it? Whose? Has it ever been you?

Had a wonderful welcoming committee, hugs all around. Then to Mom's for tostones and carne frita and rice. The plantains were freshly cut this morning. There's just nothing like that.

Now to bed. The coquis are delightfully loud. The traffic and sirens, louder but less delightful.

Typing with chocolate-smeared fingers at 7,400 feet. I expected to be higher, but my altimeter watch doesn't lie. The highlight of the trip has been today's NYT crossword. It was a doozy; felt more like a Saturday than a Friday. Almost two hours, with minor interruptions for eating and nodding off. Maybe it's the lack of sleep?

Most of the passengers on the PR leg seem to be cruisebound. They have that look and that aura: excited, happy, anticipacious. Pale. I expect that on the trip back the colors will be more crimson.

Mary Jeanne and Ginger, thank you. The caramel corn was perfect when my stomach suddenly rumbled to life in midair. The chocolate-sesame nuts were a perfect end to a two-bite inflight lunch. My keyboard will bear traces of chocolate for years to come.

The morning's highlight was meeting a deaf couple at the Continental counter in ABQ. We were early--the counter didn't open until 4:30--and we got to talking. Or, in many cases, writing: it's pathetic and shameful how I've forgotten my ASL. All those years. I wonder if it would come back if I practiced?