Patience

Travel is so many things. It offers us so many opportunities, not the least of which is the opportunity to practice, or learn, patience.

When I left Denver Friday the flight was delayed, and then delayed again. I was on a time schedule because I hoped, and had planned, to arrive, pick up my rental car, and be at the cemetery before it closed. The delay made this look unlikely. The plane had arrived so I was curious why it was just sitting there. There is always something new to learn. The explanation was this: the crew is only allowed to work so many hours at a time which I knew. The plane arrived just late enough that if the crew had stayed on as planned they would have been 'illegally' working during our flight, being over the time limit so a whole new crew had to be called in. The crew arrived rather promptly I'd say and we were just over an hour late leaving.

I was so glad that I had only taken a carry on suitcase so there was no wait for luggage. Made it to the car rental center and got in the car and couldn't find the key for the car. Found something that was a remote but no key and then noticed a button that said start. Pushed it and it wouldn't start but eventually it did. My first experience with a push button starter. Finally I was on my way. After getting lost on the toll road I called my cousin for help and was soon headed back the right way. Patience! Luckily the hours must have changed and I arrived in time. It's been a few years since I'd visited so I'm glad it worked out. After that visit I went to see two of my cousins and we went for dinner at a wonderful barbecue place. I think it is hard to beat texas barbecue. After that yummy dinner we said goodbye and I was on my way to see another cousin who happened to be in Houston from San Antonio. Well I thought I would be on my way, but the car wouldn't start. It kept saying 'brake' on the dash, but I kept checking and te brake wasn't on. Patience! I went back up to the door and my cousins husband came out to help me. Evidently that brake message meant that I needed to have my foot on the brake to make the starter button work. Maakes sense now!

Had a nice time visiting with my cousin and then it was time to head out to find a hotel for the night. I was beyond exhausted and knew i would never make it to Galveston that night. Her husband was telling me about a nice hotel not too far away. Now I'm not sure you can even imagine how many hotels and motels there are in Houston. The one he was suggesting was a Marriott that wasn't too far away. As he described it, I realized he was sending me to the hotel where I had my huge wedding 33years ago. He hadn't been around then and had no idea! What were the chances of that recommendation? Another step into my past! Anyway I told him, id Been there and done that, keep thinking. I wanted to stay in a different direction, towards Galveston so we made that arrangement and the two of them were kind enough to lead me there, it was quite a drive but finally the long day was over!

After a good nights sleep I was leaving and asked a lady what conference was at the hotel and it was a doll conference. On the way out a door was open in a conference room and I peeked in and saw the most incredible dolls ever! I couldn't resist going in and had a personal tour of the handmade porcelain dolls that were incredible! People make the entire doll, porrceline faces, clothing, accessories and all. I have never been much of a doll person,but seeing these dolls created as dolls from around the world was truly fascinating! I'd never have imagined that people created such beauty that way. The faces and clothing were so amazing! There is so much to see and learn about in our world! May I never stop having these learning experiences! Well except for those patience learning ones...those are my challenge!