The decision is made!!!

After a number of regular SKYPE calls and emails from family and friends in Australia Julie decided that it would be good to go home and spend some time with her Mum and Dad. It wasn't certain whether we would both be travelling as it was certainly not going to be a cheap flight. And as it was not certain that I could add a lot to the trip, we decided  that I should remain in Gravenhurst. 

The decision to fly home was accelarated when it became clear that Doug (Julie's Dad) had been admitted to hospital. Calls were made, the internet checked and a decision to fly on Saturday June the 4th was made. Julie was flying with United Airlines from Toronto arrive in Sydney 24 hours later.


That was the theory......





The facts weren't quite that simple nor was it at all easy. The first part started with 3 huge days of school work for Julie so she would be able to finish 2 weeks early. Work had to be completed and, most importantly, Reports had to be done! With a great deal of hard work and wonderful assistance from the staff of Muskoka Beechgrove School http://mbs.tldsb.on.ca/  those tasks were completed. One tick for Julie!

Moving the expected flight forward was easy. IF YOU WERE A MILLIONAIRE!! But it was important, so it was done. Two ticks!!


Getting to Lester B Pearson Airport in Toronto was going to be easy. Julie would drive. Getting home might be a bit more difficult and when our neighbour Hank said he would drive down with us  and help the Senior Active Beekeeper with the drive home that was  taken care of. We have been very lucky with friends in Gravenhurst. Tick number 3

When I arrived home and checked emails as I was preparing to SKYPE Melissa, Greg and Jeff to tell them Mum was on the way I read an email from Julie saying that her Toronto flight had been delayed. Hmmmmm.

As it happened there was a delay taking off and there was a further delay for the plane landing due to a thunderstorm near the windy city. These delays meant that Julie missed her connnection to Los Angeles. I think that is a cross!

Chicago Airport is a busy one and she was able to get a flight but unfortunately it did not arrive in Los Angeles in time for the connection to Sydney!!!! This necessitated an overnight stay in the City of Angels and a 3.15 am phone call to Gravenhurst. 

Well tomorrow couldn't be any worse for Julie and when I read my next email I was happy to read that there were some positives of the day spent in LA, and that Julie was set to make the flight to Sydney. Albeit 24 hours late!

I'm looking forward to hearing that she's on the ground with her welcome committee and that the luggage including the maple syrup made it home. Julie will need sweetening up after the 48 hour flight! 

AND I DON'T THINK WE WILL EVER FLY WITH UNITED NOR WILL WE EVER VISIT CHICAGO!!!!!