Cape Karen
I am getting ready to drive home to Cape Cod this weekend. I don't fly - for various reasons, none of which is terrorism. Mostly it's because of having an 'airplane ear.' My left ear, having been the subject of many ear infections when I was a kid, as a frequent swimmer; and then having suffered a punctured eardrum (thanks to a stupid doctor) as an adult, is extremely sensitive to airplane cabin pressure at high altitudes; and it's especially painful during descents. (Like a screaming, howling, please-just-let-me-die kind of pain.) I found out from my DIL that I'm not alone - that they actually have a remedy for this fairly common problem called, 'hot cups.' They heat a styrofoam cup, half full of water, and then you hold it up to your ear. Somehow, it's supposed to relieve the pain. But, I decided to forego that experiment for now and just drive myself home.
I have my route all mapped out to avoid NYC and the Tappan Zee Bridge. I'll be traveling through NY state on 9-11, and that's not the best day for being in that location - not that any day is. I drove over that bridge once, on my way from the Cape to Myrtle Beach, SC - and that was enough for me. I vowed to avoid it forever after that experience.
So, I'm off on an adventure of uncharted territory. I'll be crossing ten state borders on this adventure, and I'm traveling solo. I bought one of those 300 minute, Net 10 phones, but I'll be damned if I can get it activated. I tried activating it online, and that didn't work - so for the last two days I've been talking to service reps from India to Pakistan - or wherever the heck they're located? Just trying to understand a word they're saying is enough to make me want to throw the damn thing out the window. I'll try one more time before hurling it.
To be able to walk a chilly beach and eat Maine lobster again makes the frustration of getting there worthwhile. I, possibly with hurricane Florence on my tail, will arrive on Cape Cod early next week. Hopefully, it won't rain the for my entire two-week vacation, but, even if it does, it really won't matter - 'cause I'll be "home" for the first time in ten years ~ and nothing can dampen my spirits with that in mind!
Bon Voyage ~ land lubbers!
Posted by Karen at September 6, 2006 11:39 AM