Yesterday was a long journey, starting early, Darren took me to the station at 6.30 am as he headed off to work. Waiting for the train there was a 'Turner moon' in the sky, a good start, as he is my favourite artist.

The train journey was fine, but improved after York as a complete class, or maybe two, of very lively children filled the coach! The walk from the station to the airport is quiet and impressive, and I had plenty of time so managed well.

I was organised and was sure that no more little 'problems' would raise their ugly heads, how wron I was! As I checked in the very nice lady said my esta wasn't valid. I had the paperwork with me and it said it runs out next May. then she asked if I had updated my passport, I had, but had  used it and the esta last year. No esta, no travek. So had to log on to a computer at the terminus and went through endless questions, they have added a lot more. When it came to paying it said I already had a valid one and a new application would cancel that one. I went ahead but then it said it was pending, oops, no esta no travel!! Anyway, it went through but then a guy took my passport and disappeared because he was worried that the original one may not be cancelled and you can't travel if you have two applications either! You may be able to guess just how stressed I was by this point? Once through customs I still had over two hours to relax before the flight, was so happy I had got there extra early. I was in a window seat on the plant, fairly near the front with extra leg room. the window was sort of behind me but I still took lads of pictures, as the whole journey was bright and the clouds amazing.

The first sighting of land as we neared our destination.

Then under the large clouds but still above some fluffy little ones!

Then almost there.

Lee had booked assistance for me at the airport. Deidre was waiting, it is a very long walk. Straight through border control and then she took me to the baggage collection and out to meet the driver. Another problem there, of course, the preparations for this trip have not gone that smoothly. But with Deidre's help and a few phone calls, I did eventually get collected and the journey was long due to very heavy traffic. Took a picture of my guardian angel

You really were a star Deidre. Here a bit after 7 pm USA time so after midnight by my body clock. Pleased to see everyone but didn't stay up late as was ready for my bed!