I'm glad you made it back okay, my family has been asking about you since you left :-) I'm sorry that the security at the airport were such jerkwads, and that the jet lag kicked your ass so badly. I am hoping that neither will deter you from visiting the USA again in the future, my friend.

Oh man, A teased me with this during the whole trip back home.

As likely would anyone else who had been there to see that less than glorious moment of yours :-P

Meanwhile the stuffed little snake got a name: navelstreng (umbilical cord) and resides permanently at the handle of her shoulder bag.

I'm glad A ended up liking the stuffed animal I gave her. I'm honored and flattered that it now has a permanent home on her shoulder bag. As for the name she gave the snake...wow.

Thank you for the hospitality and friendship, it's more appreciated than you will ever know my dear friend.

Not a prob, you're both welcome anytime. And ditto to the max regarding my appreciation of your friendship, I value it quite a bit.