Wow! so much to tell, don't know where to start. Yesterday went quite well, all things considered. Although we were up for more than 20 hours straight, we were in bed by 10 pm local time. Unfortunately, I (of course) woke up about 1 and slept badly off and on the rest of the night. Lots of things on my mind, but my dreams were in French and English and I was exhausted even in my dreams. It will settle down in a few days.

We had our last breakfast of chocolate and French bread before leaving the great little hotel in Toulouse and catching the "Navette" to the airport. This meant schlepping our 8 bags to the bus stop, only a couple blocks. The bus nearly went by as we waved it down. And when I got on, he told me that wasn't the right stop...we had bought our tickets the day before. Ray piled up all the suitcases and we sat and watched our last views of Toulouse, with other people also going to the airport. We exclaimed at the amazing fruit and vegetable market we went by and saw the Airbus factory. At the airport, we found someone to help us get our boarding passes and checked our heavy luggage. There was no sign of anyone with a wheelchair and we made our way to the gate without incident. Since we were two hours early and there were no crowds, it was not hard. Bought some overpriced items in an attempt to use up Euros, but kept some for Paris.

At Paris, we did not see any sign of a wheelchair, or anyone to ask for a ways. We made our way toward Terminal E from Terminal F, following the signs. We had 90 minutes, so were not worried. After about 10 minutes of walking, my mother felt she must have a wheelchair. I waited in line at the Air France counter where I was directed. My father pushed to the front and tried to be more aggressive. Although that system does not work very well in France, the young man said he would order one, but that we should have stayed at the gate. We waited a long time, constantly arguing over whether we should go or stay. The staff said that we would save so much time with the chair that it was worth waiting. My father wanted to walk; he was afraid we would miss the flight; my mother said she could do it. We had to go back through security. Ray's pate (in cans) was confiscated...my mother and I beeped and had to take off our shoes and be wanded. We had to stand in lines, but when we got to the gate, my parents went right to the head of the line and got on board. Meanwhile, Ray and I were almost the last. They were announcing "last call" over and over. And he was selected for additional screening...of course...

I watched 3 movies in a row, a first for me, and did not feel sleepy all day. They offered water many times and I took it every time, no coffee or sodas, but I still think I am probably dehydrated. I knit most of a sleeve and read a little and played some Shanghai. Every seat has a little screen with choice of games, movies, etc. Ray played a lot of games and watched a couple movies. My parents dozed some and watched the plane's progress.

Atlanta international arrivals have a crazy system. We got through it in about 2 hours, as well as can be expected. First you go to immigration (where we got to go first because Mom was in a wheelchair. In Atlanta, they allowed my Dad to push it, while Ray carried most of my carryon luggage for me. Then we went to the first baggage claim. You have to pick up all your suitcases to go through customs. They had free carts and we got two. Finally, we had all the bags and filed through customs, then checked the bags again. Then went through security again. Then to the main terminal and baggage claim. Then all 8 bags and 4 people, including wheelchair, out to the shuttle bus to the car. It was hot in Atlanta, but the shuttle bus driver passed out cold water to drink--brilliant! We retrieved the car and Ray drove us home, dozing.

The house seems big and empty and clean. The people who stayed here clearly took good care of things. It's weird, though, to find all your stuff moved around. They left us with not much toilet paper. There appear to be squash and broccoli that they harvested! I'm looking forward to seeing the garden later today. It is just getting light and I will take the dogs for a walk soon. The house smells--maybe they left windows open during a rain storm?