We made it. The pets made it. American Airlines in Seattle jerked us around for nearly 4 hours, telling us they couldn't take the cats because we hadn't made a proper reservation with American Cargo but I had confirmed the "pet space" three times with passenger reservations. That was the problem, the cargo folks are unionized and don't communicate with the passenger reservations department. It was harrowing, but we got them on as checked baggage (Cargo wouldn't take them at all because they didn't have an airbill) and the manager at Sea-Tac and the cargo guy got through to the Cargo people in Dallas who met us as we deplaned and took our documents and put the cats in cargo, so everything met the british Pets Scheme requirments. It took 3 hours to clear and pick up the pets at Gatwick but they're fine and we're all staying in a hotel in Ilchester.
We don't have any photos to post yet but this is only our second day in England. I (we) now have a cell phone, the number is 07867921563 but take note of the time difference, the GMT is our time zone and is displayed in a small box on the right side of this page under the weather pixie. If you're not a friend or family and want to prank call me at my cell, go ahead, it costs at least $3.00US per minute so knock yourself out. I know I'll get a kick out of it.
We've been in touch with just about all the letting agents in Yeovil and Sherbourne, and have a couple of possible rentals to look at next week. I'll have to rent a car for a fortnight (two weeks) so we can go look at them, which I'm not too thrilled about, the cars rents for about 100 pounds (quid) per week, multiply by 2 to get US dollar equivalents, and I'll still have to buy gas. It's a necessary evil, as is eating here which is very expensive as well. Oh, did I mention the cell phone? I suppose I'll stop complaining when I get my travel claim settled and start getting paid COLA.
On the brighter side, Ray and Stephanie Saldana have rented my house...they'll move in the first week of Feb, and have already sent the first month's rent and deposit. They're great and I know they will take good care of the property.
Rhonda decided yesterday that she never (yes, never) wants to leave England. Everyone (yes, everyone) here is SO very nice and polite and helpful it would just make you sick (with envy). The villages are beautiful, even now in late January...the river Yeo runs just behind a grassy lawn behind our hotel. So, don't you "wish you were here" (some of you will get that). More later,
Love, Phil and Rhonda.
Happy you 5 made it fine. Remember you pay on cell
calls too. So unless its prepaid, it could get costly! That is what friends can send, cell phone cards! All goes well here, gave keys to Ron late yesterday. They got in from Germany on Sun night, he picked up his Durango yesterday at Tacoma. He seemed happy to be here. Take care of yourselves. Good luck with the househunting! See ya! Sheilah
Glad you and the animals made it, I wasn't sure how I was going to explain to Shea that we were getting two cats and a dog.
All of your stuff was delivered today and I already unpacked a few things. Did you send the remotes with the boxes or should I go get one?
Also, Brock is already busy reading the books and will be enjoying those tapes soon (thanks again).
Things are hectic here as you can imagine (I shout and no one seems to hear).
Good luck with the house hunting and take care of yourself and Rhonda.
Love ya,
Steve
I'm glad you guys are having a good time. Also I wish I was there. But maybe someday. Take Care
Posted by: Valerie at January 30, 2005 06:41 AM