LAX - January 6, 2010

There is blue sky and sunshine outside; we have the window in our room opened to let in warm breezes! Tom is enjoying a morning coffee in bed and I've already been downstairs had my breakfast & read the newspaper. Saw the small bottom left paragraph of the Sport's section the results of the Hockey game "US Gold" - I guess if Canada had won it would have gone unreported!

We arrived at the airport at 4 pm for our 7:55 flight. Did you see us on CTV news - interviewed re new security measures?

We were no time at all getting through the first security and US customs; however the only carry-on permitted were a knapsack (if it had a laptop), meds, small purse & cameras. Tom was using a knapsack for his meds & camera and could not take onboard. His stuff was moved to my knapsack, since mine had the laptop. Then he had to pack his knapsack in the suitcase. Once we cleared the initial screening process; before we could enter the hallway to our gate, barriers were up, gender lines formed and very thorough pat downs were given!

We met a very nice couple during the process (they were interviewed as well by CTV) Tom & Marion Warne from Oakville. They were flying out of LA this morning at 7 am for Hawaii; no doubt they were extremely tired. They use "Vacation Rentals by Owners" for their 8 week stay; last year they did the same thing only for 6 weeks. It was good to have extra company! Our plane was delayed arriving from Montreal (the first 20 minute delay); then the plane had a mechanical issue (another 30 minute delay); decision to call up a new plane (another 30 minutes delay); finally around 9:30 pm boarding commenced. Then we waited onboard for catering to arrive -- around 11 pm we started the taxi down the runway -- with a minor wait for the snow plows to finish! When we finally arrived in LA (smooth flight) we had to wait for a gate - the plane passengers irrupted in snickers! 5 hour flight - 12 hours of commute! We finally made it to bed at the Comfort Inn at 2:30 am or 5:30 am (Toronto time).

But we made it - safe and happy! Now we can rest until noon before we begin the journey back to the airport. At least we have free internet here at the hotel! Now I must check on our NZ flight!