November 22, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Travelling.

The highway was crowded driving to the farm. From Bethesda until we turned on Orleans Road the roads were full of cars. At some point on the drive, we decided that people were heading out of town for their Thanksgiving holiday. AAA announced that 48 Million Americans travel over 50 miles for Thanksgiving. The number of people using airplanes is down, which means the highways will be crowded all week. I'm grateful that this time we will be flying.

These days, flying is difficult. The planes are crowded and the security system is unpredictable. It requires five minutes to clear security most of the time, but when Jose and Elaine were leaving San Diego last Monday, it took them 55 minuted. It was fortunate they left themselves two hours at the airport. Ken and I usually leave plenty of time at the airport mainly because I hate to be rushed. Years ago, flying was comfortable. The plane was uncrowded and the food was decent, but not anymore. The whole experience is uncomfortable.

Ken has tried to use the trains, but getting to San Antonio or Mexico via train is next to impossible, which seems a shame. We did take the train to Halifax but it took two full days, with an over-night stay in New York, so it is not really cost effective in money or time. This is one of the parts of life when the good old days were better. Ried Buckley's book tells of taking the train from Connecticut to South Carolina, and taking a day and a half of fun and games for the whole family. Not any more. "Bring on the trains" I say,"and the sooner the better".