First Class

I recently traveled to MI to visit my family. I had a late night flight from Phoenix. That was great. I put one of those half moon shape pillows behind my head and slept the whole way. My upgrade to an aisle seat though was 30.00. Getting expensive for sure
On the way home I was standing in line to board the plane and I heard my name called from the desk. I got out of line and went up there. The lady said, "We are going to move you up front." Wow, what a nice surprise. She gave me a new boarding pass and I walked right on the plane. My seat was in the very first row and next to the window. In first class there is only 2 seats to an aisle instead of 3 like in the back. And the seats are much bigger.
I couldn't figure out why they upgraded me like that, but someone told me that I probably had the most miles that day. I guess it pays to have World Perks. So even though I had paid another 30.00 for an aisle seat, the trade off was well worth it.
The flight was awesome. Flight Attendants wait on your every need.
The only thing I could complain about was that my iPod died right near the end of my movie before the flight was over.

Goldfield Ghost Town, Goldfield, AZ

I just recently moved to AZ so I think that means I can also be a tourist for awhile. My daughter and her step-sister drove my car out here from MI and brought our 2 dogs with them. We took them to the Goldfield Ghost Town while they were here. That was fun. Actually it is a true tourist trap. Lots of little shops, a Mine tour, A place where they had snakes and spiders, a train to ride on, jeep tours of the mountains, a bakery, ice cream shop, and restaurant. The girls went horseback riding while we walked around and waited for them to get back. Many people in the town were dressed like cowboys and saloon girls. They even have a staged shoot out. People gather on the sidewalks to watch. When the first guy was shot and fell to the ground I heard several children start crying loudly. I guess they should have prepared them better. This town is the gateway to the Superstition Mountains. The picture here is part of the mountain. I heard a tour guide say this section was formed from volcanic activity. This is one of those places where you can say 'been there, done that'. The mountain view though, is awesome. If you click on the title it will take you to their website.

Arizona

I just recently moved from MI to Arizona. We left MI with 17 inches of snow and 20 degress and arrived in AZ to sunny skies and 80 degrees. Paradise. I had been to AZ a few times before the big move. Once we went to Wickenburg to visit an old gold mine. That was pretty cool. We did get to pan for gold, and I got a few flakes. Not enough to get gold fever though.
The views here are incredible with all the mountains and giant Saguaro cactus everywhere. The Saguaro Cactus is the AZ state flower.The largest plants, with more than 5 arms, are estimated to be 200 years old. I learned that they are endangered and that if you cut one down it is a felony. If you want to have one on your property you have to get a permit.

Airplanes in general

I have traveled with most of the airlines. Spirit was nice with their big front seat, sort of like first class. Now it is just that, a big front seat. You pay for your drinks, period. I have only been in first class once and that was with US Airways. That was awesome. The flight attendant constantly asks you if you want something. The food isn't the greatest but at least that is free. Most times I wait until 24 hours before flight to pick my seat and I will upgrade to either exit or aisle. I just have to get up too much to be sitting in the middle or window. US Airway used to let you see a movie but with the cut backs that has changed.
I always hope not to sit near children. Not that I don't like kids, I love them. But not on airplanes. More than once I have had children sitting behind me either kicking the seat or crying continuously. One time on my way back from Vegas a little girl, about 2 years old, kicked and cried for 4 hours. I thought I would lose my mind. The parents just ignored this and let her keep kicking my seat. People just don't care sometimes. Oh, another obnoxious thing are people bringing their luggage on board to avoid paying the extra. Their luggage is too big, then we have to wait while they find places for it. People, just pay the extra.
I am thankful for the ipod. I download a movie or two depending on how long my flight is, then hibernate until the flight is over. Flying still seems the best way to travel. As long as I am going somewhere, I am happy.