Tiki Is Off to LA

[The Outlaw]

Dear Peeps:

Tiki aka Tara, is off to Los Angeles to visit family and friends before returning to the southeast next week. I must confess that I didn't expect her to be so charming, generous or fun. I should have. The indicators were surely there, but I was delighted to learn first hand. The world gets smaller every day.

I received the most special gifts that I shall cherish always including a genuine belly dancer belt/scarf and a head scarf. A native Aussie bird calendar and some really beautiful coasters were also happily received and some special disinfectant that is readily available in Australia, but scarce here. She thought of everything and having helped carry her bags, I can vouch for that

We spent this morning scrambling around re-packing and eliminating the weight overages from her luggage. Seems that everywhere she goes, they insist upon hasseling her and making her repack everything. Once that was done, our own Birdboard Oprah asked to do a video interview of me. Imagine. I'm a celebrity (LOL). Please tell that to my family. I get NO respect around here.

Tara got to hold the Fabulous Margarita and Tilde the quaker. Rita was in good form and didn't bite or even threaten. She really is God's most perfect creature. Tilde is always a crapshoot but even he failed to draw blood, so that's a good thing .

We had a lovely lunch at Panera, looked at the time and realized we were already getting behind. A quick stop at Macy's (hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do) and then a mad dash to BWI got Tara onboard for the third leg of her adventure.

I encourage ALL of you to make yourselves available to meet and greet the members as the opportunities arise. Its fun, informative and can lead to the most delightful friendships.

Anyway, stay tuned. I'm sure she'll have all kinds of fun things to report along the way.

[birdyland]

I get to see her Wednesday hopefully!

[Spinnergirl]

Outlaw it sounded like a wonderful visit indeed!!

It just feels good to have something nice to think about in this world, that meeting and getting to know people is still one of the best you can do in this life!!

Glad you all had the opportunity to do so ~ one day I will too ~ one day :)

Love hearing about all your visits everyone!

Esp around the holidays like now, it gives me even warm feeling knowing friendships are are being kindled :)

[Kevin]

Sounds like I will have fun taking her to a couple local spots, and showing her some stuff on the pc comes tues or wed...

[kensbuns]

Oh Tara I am sorry you couldnt stay longer, our visit was soooooo short. But I just really dont have time. Someday!!! Have a wonderful, safe trip!!!!!

[Tiki]

Originally Posted by The Outlaw

Dear Peeps:

Tiki aka Tara, is off to Los Angeles to visit family and friends before returning to the southeast next week. I must confess that I didn't expect her to be so charming, generous or fun. I should have. The indicators were surely there, but I was delighted to learn first hand. The world gets smaller every day.

LOL, Nancy, I don't know whether to blush from the compliments or wonder what the devil you were expecting me to be like! YOU were exactly as I knew you would be, sweet, loving, great hostess, great cook and like the big sister I never had! I wish we could have had more time together! Thanks again for putting up with me and also thanks again for the lovely hand sewn gifts!

Here's an update on my adventure:

I am in California now after yesterday's flights from hell. Nancy and I had a great lunch with some shopping and we went to Macy's so I could play with make up and get a makeover. Then she dropped me at the BWI airport and we said goodbye and I managed not to cry this time.

I checked my bags and waited for the flight to DFW.............and waited..........and waited.............it was 3 hours late! There was a mechanical defect on the plane so they had to switch us to another plane. Because we arrived in DFW 3 hours late, I missed my connection to LAX. After a hassle with American Airlines (because my ticket was United from DFW to LAX) they put me on the 10pm flight to LAX. THAT flight also had a "mechanical defect" and we were running back and forth between terminal A and C. Finally it took off around 11pm DFW time and arrived in LAX about 1am Calif time.

I waited for my bag and carton containing my new purchases, finally the carton came out and the bag didn't. Exhaused and PO'd, I filed a claim and took the shuttle bus to the hotel. The hotel Embassy Suites booked on Priceline for $45 was really nice and I got a huge buffet breakfast the next day. My bag finally showed up and was delievered to the hotel so I could change clothes and pick up my rental car. I drove up the coast to visit with family stopping at the Camarillo factory outlets for more shopping.

Tomorrow I get to meet Mike, Dana and I will be at the Hyatt Regency in Anahiem. The next morning, I get to meet Keev. I will check in when I can get online, I never know what I will run into. Hugs!!!

[The Outlaw]

Thanks for the update. I was getting quite worried. Now you see why flying is just such a nightmare for so many folks. How in the world can you possibly cram anymore stuff into your bags . You're gonna need to rent a mini van just to go shopping.

[Kevin]

yEA Thats what i was thinking!! girl is gonna fly back to aussie with her own plane packed full of goods...