Kicking In Jersey- A long day of travel.

Whew! What a day.Up and out early this morning.
Pack and grab, and out the door. Got my big bag of goodies.
Forgot my photo op pieces. Forgot half my clothes. Grabbed my coffee and bags.
Thought that I had everything. Not quite. Got to the airport early this morning.
Kissed my girl outside. Checked in at the desk.
Got stopped at security- got inspected, detected,suspected, neglected,
and then told to move to the group W bench. Or so the song goes. Thanks Arlo!
Spent time with my friends at security.
Just because I always have so much stuff in my pockets.
Then off to Gate C -they put us on the plane a half hour early. Then they had an hour and a half delay from take off. We sat, we sat, we sat.
Then we flew out of Phoenix.
I witnessed a shocking cat fight between four flight attendants. The older attendants didn't like how the younger attendants were collecting trash.
They were all swearing at each other.
Never have I seen the like( not true- seen it at a roller derby).
After six hours I was finally let loose off the plane.
I then met a man named "Big Tony". Big Tony was waiting for me at the baggage claim. Big Tony was like an Italian version of the butler 'Lurch" from the Adams Family with a hint of Tony Soprano. Standing next to him I felt like I was twelve.
Big guy. Really big.
He called me "sir". I was going for my own bag on the carousel. Tony actually moved three guys out of the way to get my bag. Physically moved them.
Never have I seen the like( not true- seen it at a roller derby).
Big guy. Nice guy.
He drove me to Tinton Falls.
Where I shall arrive at the golden gates of Ranger tomorrow morning.
Tony gave me the layout of the land. Recommended a few bars, where I could play the ponies if I so desired. A race track down the way.
He figured me for liking the ponies.
I think Tony likes to gamble.
Checked into the hotel. The front desk then left a cryptic message for me. The front desk attendant told me 'The people in room 2@#! are looking for Rangers". This sounded odd to me. Who are these people in 2@#! I thought to myself. Will they want a call from me? Are these other Ranger U attendees? Do they know its me? Or will they be creeped out when a strong, bass sounding voice says hello "I'm a Ranger looking for other Rangers?" I decided to pass for tomorrow night. Perhaps its a special group in room 2@#! that has nothing to do with Ranger at all. I then treated myself to an individual dinner for one at Applebees. Where the plethora of big haired waitresses- put me in the part of the restaurant where they like to put all the single individuals together. That was not exactly what I had in mind.
But thats where they put me. You know the single guy place-
just old guys eating by themselves reading papers.
For a brief minute I was that lonely guy.
I looked around Applebees at certain groups.
A few groups of ladies ate here and there in the restaurant. Are these some of my fellow Ranger U attendees? Hmm... I thought.... looking around ...
Who will I meet tomorrow? Hmm?
Exciting times.
Dinner was good- a quiet moment in the day to prepare and relax.
The cool news is Ranger is directly behind my Hotel.
The weather is crisp and cool.
You can hear crickets -a sound I greatly miss.

The leaves are getting ready to turn and fall from the trees in another few weeks.
It all has that perfect "Trick or Treat" October vibe starting.
Perfect.
Gotta love it.
Here is a night pic of my hotel. More pics tomorrow.
I need to watch the Vice P debate.
Then take a hot shower. Throw my feet up-read a good book.
Then off to sleep -to dream about inks, stamping ,Utee,melting pots,
alcohol inks, and other such glorious goodies.
Tomorrow will be grand.

A good day of reflection during it all.

Who I have in my life, what I have, what I'm doing, where I'm going.

But isnt that the point of any good journey or art retreat?

Talk more later.
Thanks all.