The large white seagull coasted the airways over the lake as I watched it looking out of my hotel window in Pasco, Washington. Pasco is one of three cities that make up the Tri-Cities region of the state of Washington explained my son Andrew as he dressed to rush off for his interview as a cardiologist along with Annika his wife who is a rheumatologist. Both are at the end of their fellowships in Omaha and are interviewing across the US to find a different, more balmy city to live in from Omaha, which can get very cold for most of the year. I had come in to give them a hand with their new born little baby girl.

The flights were not too long -- the first one from Eppley to Chicago and the second from Chicago to Pasco. I am truly amazed at the ease with which things function in this country. We drove one of the cars to the airport and left it in the parking area. Then we took the waiting shuttle to the airport which was driven by a little old lady who was very helpful with all our stuff. Travelling with a baby means tons of stuff including the car seat.

Then in the airport the attendants took the car seat in and very kindly wrapped it in a plastic bag and we checked it in. The flight to Chicago was quite uneventful except my back pack did not go over head but went under the seat infront cramping my legs. Anyway we were off in two hours and made our way to the gate taking us to Pasco. In a jiffy we changed Alainas pamper in the ladies and Andrew went off to get us something to eat. The terminal was crowded and there seemed to be a large crowd travelling to Pasco.

At Pasco Andrew just got himself a rental car and in a few secs we were off to the Hotel. Thats what is great about this country, things are easy and simple for travellers even with tiny baby's. In a few minutes we reached the Marriott where we were booked by the hospital authorities. As we walked in to the reception, tired and hungry we were met by a huge basket of goodies sent to Andy and Annika as a welcome to Pasco. Wow! you can be sure it was well received and I immediately finished all the large pink Californian grapes in the basket. I am not interested in Cider and wine which the others finished along with the cheese and Italian crackers.

It was well past midnight and we needed to sleep quickly as their appointments began from breakfast time onwards. Heaps of food was sent to me to the room and I watched the myriads of geese and ducks swim around in the bend of the Columbia river infront of the room. It was very scenic and I was glad of the view.

The next day we were taken around the town to see the possibilities of them buying a home in Pasco, incase they accepted the job offers. The town looked very pretty and we stopped to collect Quiznos toasted sandwiches and some Starbucks coffee on the way. Rattlesnake mountain was pointed out by the realtor and long lines of very dry looking vineyards, as it was winter. We were driven past several residential areas which looked marvelous, to consider the choice of homes available

Omaha has been a heart warming experience for the two of them, but the cold gets to be overwhelming for most of the year. They have loved living here for the last eight years as people are very family oriented and friendly. But they feel it's time to move and I am sure they will miss Omaha which gave them their first steps.