Steve and Vicki took Southwest Airlines from Cleveland to Norfolk (with a stop in Baltimore), arriving in Norfolk airport around 4pm. The seats (non-upgraded but reserved) were comfortably wide and the legroom was adequate. This was our first experience with Southwest not using the first-come first serve boarding method. VG: the aircraft was roomy and I think it was a 737-800. Usually, we were on the 737-700.
Babcia (Chris/Mom) greeted us as we left the Norfolk airport’s secured area, and we found Dzia-dzia (Joe/Dad) waiting for us by baggage claim. It was great to see both of them. At their home we had, of course, tons of food. Enough jambalaya for the entire weekend invasion, of which we were the first. Sorry Cynthia, you aren’t part of the invasion, more of a permanent outpost since you live in the area.
More troops came in on Thursday: Greg and Barb, Dennis and Margaret, Jeanne and Bob. We had a full table for dinner. Cynthia and Babcia had prepared five kinds of pierogies and two trays of stuffed cabbage rolls (gowambki) for dinner.
For Babcia’s birthday on Friday we started with lunch at Beach Bully (we love going there and it is again a tradition.) Somehow the guys ended up with orange “Beach Bully” shirts.
Dennis, Margaret, Bob and Jeanne made a wonderful dinner of wilted Romaine lettuce salad, roasted vegetables, and Bob’s seafood extravaganza. Everyone else’s job was to keep Babcia out of the kitchen, which is quite challenging since she kept looking for opportunities to go ‘help’. Joe Siko joined us that evening, Nancy was out west with a new grandchild.
The drunkels sang to Babcia with verses mostly crafted by Greg (but others did have contributions). And mostly following the tune of “You are my Sunshine”. And mostly in different keys.
Breakfast/lunch on Saturday was at the Beach Pub. The food was tasty and crab seemed to find its way into many foods.
Vicki and Steve were going to cook dinner Saturday night but it was decided that we all needed to have leftovers. There was no room in the refrigerator for any more food!
Vicki and Steve were at the airport the next morning by 6:30am. Babcia insisted on driving us over to the airport. Dennis and Margaret said their good-byes the night before, treasuring their sleep.