The flight from Newark to Toronto managed to leave a few minutes early today—the captain attributing this to the fact that all passengers and checked bags had been accounted for a few minutes before scheduled take off. It almost made up for the 45 minute delay on my flight down... but not quite. With the hysteria about gels and liquids still lingering, nobody seems quite sure about what is and isn't allowed. Flying sucks anymore.
When we took off this morning I could see the New York skyline to the east. There were no clouds at all to be seen on this clear blue October morning sky. I was in an introspective mood, reflecting on the past. Looking at the city's changed skyline echoed the distance and time since I had moved to Canada. There is no going back. There are no repeat performances. This highway is one way only.
It didn't take long for us to climb up and away from the Newark with New York on the horizon. It was perfect weather for flying, as if a crystal blue ball surrounded the plane as it hung in the air.
As the city that was home for years disappeared from view, the reflection turned into anger with myself. Why was I still 20 pounds too heavy? Why has my professional life found me in a cul-de-sac? When did I get so complacent instead of being fearless? I was pissed.
But Luigi was in quite another predicament. Mark had gone to his Mother's house for dinner last night, and when more guests showed up, Luigi had been spooked by something he saw in the back yard.
That turned out to be the skunk that sprayed him right between the eyes.
Can you imagine a swifter way to end a dinner party than with freshly atomized skunk juice over your beloved dog, partner, partner's mother, house, clothes, rug, kitchen floor, hair, fingertips, etc.? Poor Luigi.