JFK to Newark to Milford, New Jersey

20 December 2009- Sunday

Fortunately, I was one of the first to be at the door at 6 am for the first cab to JFK (for $35) as they were short of drivers. Roads were passable and almost waved off at the departures gate by a guy who said there would be no Delta flights until 2pm which is what I had been ticketed for. Entered a new world when I went in to find myself the only Anglo among 60 some people lined up at a counter with 3 agents of varying ethnicity. An hour trek to the counter without incident and bags checked for the flight to Cincinnati by way of Atlanta and proceeded to security solo- not another passenger in sight. Went to a window to see snow plows working- a few commuter jets and a bright sunny day. About noon they announced cancellation of the flight and report to gate 11 for re-ticketing. Since I was again 25th in a long line I used my cell phone to call Delta Skymiles for help- a 45 minute hold with funky music and I was told the earliest flight was the 24th if I could get to Westchester. Unacceptable. So next flight was Christmas day from Newark NJ by way of Detroit and I grabbed it. Went to retrieve my baggage and was told it was unavailable as they did not have the personnel to download any flights and none of the 3 Jamaican ladies had ant idea when that could happen. (Somewhere along the line the New York City area left the USA and has become a polyglot mess that must be a real shocker to foreign visitors- because even I have trouble understanding them) Called my nephew in Tinton Falls for a ride up to Milford where I had planned to spend Christmas anyway and took the shuttle over to Newark. Was met successfully and transferred to Milford. (what did people do before cell phones?) First order was a pharmacy where they accepted my DEA number to wqrite scripts. A 5-day supply of meds ($80 dollars- so I wonder what it costs the Air Force for the 90 day supply I get) and toiletries. Then a visit to Wal Mart to buy clothing (Sweat suit, 6 pack of socks, T shirts and shorts). Informed by the lady of the house that there was a dress code at the Manor and so another trip for shirt, jacket and slacks plus dress shoes and socks. Leon let me borrow one of his ties. All the uninteneded consequence of canceled flights.