"Away" for awhile

[Carol]

> > Carol, whose mother missed her flight (sitting in the wrong
waiting area) and will arrive in Tucson six hours after her luggage!
> >
Catlady: 
> I did that once. Phoenix to Los Angeles in the 1980s - I only lost
two and half hours.
> 
> But just last week, I was in the clinic waiting room and didn't hear
them call my name three times.
>
Carol:
But at least the waiting room didn't take off without you! Poor mom,
watching out the window as her luggage headed for Tucson via Las
Vegas! At least, a nice Southwest employee helped her arrange another
flight (to Tucson via Oakland).

Carol, whose mom is safely back in Boise after an enjoyable visit
slightly marred by Carol having to finish one editing project before
the next came in