Tuesday - Fullerton

Ready for a boring report?

While Nancy took her dad to the dermatologist to remove a growth on the top of his head, Michael did laundry and caught up on some emails, found out how to check LA freeway traffic, and determined what gas stations were close to the rental car return so they could fill up. He also figured out the closest location to his sister's place in Auckland where they could buy a travel SIM card so they can have mobile service while in New Zealand. No official "training" today, though there will be opportunities once they arrive at LAX to log some walking time.

Michael and Nancy had a final lunch with Doug in the more informal "lounge" at Morningside. They began by sharing a citrus salad, then Michael had a baked potato stuffed with broccoli, ham and cheese; Nancy had a boneless baby back rib sandwich which red onion, pickle and slaw on a toasted bun. Doug was able to consume his half sandwich despite the elastic bandage wrapped around his chin. The coconut cream pie was cream- based rather than custard-based (a disappointment) and it was pretty light on the coconut.

We thought bandaged Doug looked like a nun in a wimple.

Both Nancy and Michael have been impressed with the friendliness of Morningside's wait staff, most of whom appear to be high school or college aged. Nancy wondered what kind of in-service training they have. Michael surmised that the interview process was probably pretty thorough to make sure everyone has an innate positive and pleasant disposition.

With the laundry done, they repacked while Doug took a nap. Saying goodbye was not hard since we knew we would see him again on our return trip at the end of the month. Traffic on the LA freeways was in our favor, so we pretty much sailed from Fullerton to LAX. The gods were smiling down on us because we also sailed through the rental car return, shuttle bus to the terminal, check-in and security.

Even though we were getting dinner on the flight, it would not be until after 10 PM PST, so we grabbed a bite to eat at Lemonade, a cafteria that styles its fare as "Seasonal California Comfort Food." We shared portions of butternut squash with brussels sprouts, grapes and almonds; red quinoa with arugula, Fiji apples, sunflower seeds and pistachios; roasted yellow beets with pomegranate seeds and cilantro; and pineapple chicken with Blue Lake beans, jalapeno and coconut. Best airport food ever!

The spread at Lemonade was similar to that at Whole Foods.

The waiting area at the Delta gate was similar to that at ... every other airport.