We almost didn't go. Debated for days and put Monday Dec 20 as Decision day. Mr. Maven had been exposed to Covid, last day of waiting the 20th. Covid was working its way through one grandchild's family. Huge storm and subzero temperatures predicted. Took deep breaths and decided to go on our Tuesday Dec 21 flight.

It was only -9° when we got to Chicago, -29° wind chill. It warmed up to -2 the next day. Instead of lots of snow, just a few inches fell. But that wind!

A few years ago we were stranded at O'Hare post Christmas after we checked in our luggage. We were stuck several days and had to go to Target to buy a change of clothes, underwear. That time it was the snow and delayed planes. We learned to take one small carry on with extra medications, underwear, and PJs. So we did. And at least had some notice of cancelled flights.

Holidays were great, although we got to see one family open presents only via Zoom. Fabulous food, lots of homemade goodies. Wardrobe adequate. I made changes at the last minute of packing, and forgot to pack a black velvet blazer I'd bought on sale to wear on Christmas. I think it was all the "will we, won't we?" that confused me. And I wish I'd brought along an extra pair of shoes. Only a pair of sneakers and a pair of booties.

We were to leave Tuesday, 27th, but at 10:38 pm Monday got an email--flight cancelled. Southwest website showed all flights cancelled. You couldn't get through on the phone. So after having hugged goodbyes, our relatives were stuck with us. Again.

Luckily the hotel had no problem with us staying, and my son lent us his SUV a few more days. My pet sitter has been taking care of my cats for almost 2 decades and she was willing and able to keep it up a few more days.

Next day we searched and searched. I read that Delta had the least cancellations and we got a flight for Friday, non-stop to San Francisco. From Detroit on Delta. We grabbed it. Then we looked for a rental car to drive there. Rain predicted but it had warmed up to the mid-50s. Well, by Tuesday afternoon there were no rental cars available in the Chicago area, at least not in our part of town. The train? Decided to fly. Found flight for Wed.

We had a nice day in Detroit. Not in Detroit the city, but at the Henry Ford Museum. What a place! I'd never been to Detroit, but everybody advised the museum.

The people we met in the Detroit area were the nicest, friendliest, most helpful people I've met anywhere.oWe'd hesitate a few seconds and someone would be right there to offer help.

Friday morning the airport was a horribly overcrowded confused mess, but we got there by 6:15 for an 8:30 flight. We barely made it to our gate.

After breakfast on the plane, despite being early morning, I drank some wine and fell asleep. Nice flight, a bit bumpy. Rains didn't start until we left, and the predicted hard rains for San Francisco arrived late. An hour in an Uber car and we were home.

We are really fortunate that at least we had our luggage and could afford to book the flights we could get. We wore our masks in the airport and everywhere in public except when eating. In the minority, but when you are our age, you don't want to even catch a cold.

I'd give my wardrobe a C+. Just too tired and stressed to wash out any clothes. Jeans too tight by then, so wore black NYDJ ponte pants over and over. At least the waist was a bit bigger.

This morning got news another grandson sick. Didn't say if it was Covid, flu, or something else. Hoping our breath for the next few days. Other than being tired we are doing ok.

Happy New Year!