Well, I'm here, and it's Winter

OK, not really. But it IS like winter in Houston: 50's and raining. Hard. Being the dimwit I am, even though I checked the weather etc. I neglected to bring a light jacket. So off to The Bay I went this morning. Then to the convention centre to check a few things, then assorted work-errands, and then met with the caterer/sommelier for our Canadian Wine Soiree we are holding Monday. More just make it nice out of my mouth when things got complex. Then a nap, now here, soon to meet with a lady from Alberta Oil to talk advertising and hook me into her network of contacts, she's taking me to a couple of the 30-something networking hotspots this evening. Should be fun, but will have SHG on my mind. Should I wear my kilt? Just kidding.

Trip up was good. Intercontinental was pleasant considering I did not drive myself, I checked in at E, and left from E. Then, I was placidly sitting in my exit row aisle seat before take-off, listening to Ella on the Ipod shuffle from SHG on my favorite Bose headphones when somebody tugged on the top of them and scared the bejeezuz out of me! And a boarding pass with a new seat, 2B, on it appeared in my face. First Class Bump Baby! Yee haw! Two Heinies, a wee glass of wine, and some soggy shrimp, salami, and cheese, and I was out like a light with more Ella. Slept until it was time to turn the tunes off (4 hours), then slept all the way to the gate. C'est parfait!

It always amazes me how many people just sprint off to immigration...only to wait, usually. But there were 9 immigration-trons happily asking "whatcha here for, eh?" and dutifully letting us all in, to sprint to baggage claim. OK, some people may have had only carry ons, they may sprint. But by the time I ambled my portly ass there, all the sprinters were tapping their feet waiting. It was midnight. What are you expecting, a miracle?

Cab ride was fine, and I was soothed into "ah, home" at the sight of the Palliser, my Canadian home away from home. Good Evening Dr. Ackermann, we've been waiting for you. Good flight? Oh no, let me get all that. No, no need to check in, here is your key, you go to bed now. I have stayed here so much they know me on sight. Freaky. Except that Michael the bellman was on duty and greeted me, and jeezuz he's hockey-player HOT. Phew.

Took a nice HOT bath in the nifty jetted-tub, sweated out all the bad vigours of travel and email banter with the ex that was waiting for me, and promptly went to bed and floated off into dreamland. Ah, Calgary.