Posted 5:08 PM by Marco

Made it to Dallas.
I had heard all kinds of horror stories, so I was at PHL way early.
Of course, the lines were no worse than those before 9/11.
There was a three-step process to get to the gate.
First, I showed my ID and printed confirmation of my e-ticket.
Second, I went through the usual magnetometer while my bags went though the x-ray.
They did not ask me to turn on my laptop (although they had me remove it from my bag and put it through separately).
Also, they did not sniff my bag zippers and handles for explosive residue.
Third, I got wanded pretty thoroughly (I had to undo my belt, so he could be sure there was nothing behind the belt buckle), and frisked thoroughly also.
If the frisking were any more thorough, I would expect to be showing my health insurance card and covering my co-pay.
But all that did not really take all that long, and I was able to get out on an earlier flight than I had reserved.
So, at least I did not sit around PHL for a couple of hours.
We landed at DFW right on time, had the usual endless taxi (both in the MD Super-80, and then in the cab) and I checked into my hotel.
Awesome hotel, for less than I usually pay in DC.
I have had smaller apartments (needless to say, less well appointed), and I have a balcony overlooking a beautiful lake, with the Dallas skyline in the distance.
Pretty nice, and right across the street from our Las Colinas office, into which I just ducked.
Hotelling in a great office here.
I know when I am lucky.