Wednesday
It is a beautiful morning, and we are ready to go, traveling first-class in Mary's spiffy red convertible! We are excited as we enjoy the 4-hour drive to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and arrive about 2 hours before the flight. I check no luggage, just my roomy carry-on, inside which is packed an empty L.L. Bean nylon duffle for souvenirs. The British Airways flight departs at 5:30pm. Once on board, I put on my slippers, tuck some reading material into the pocket in front of my seat, and settle down for a relaxing 6-7 hour flight. I don't actually sleep per se once the lights are turned out, but I am able to rest quietly for a few hours. The plane is only half-full, so "stretching out" isn't a problem. The flight is long, but uneventful.