I got to the IBM Learning Center a bit after midnight, and, foolishly, checked my e-mail before going to bed. I found a note from a colleague asking me if I could help out with something we were working on, because he was going to be out for a while, burying his son, who had fallen on ice while doing volunteer work, hit his head, and died.

And then this evening, I got the call I was expecting, telling me that the friend who I’d written about on Saturday had died.

May both of their memories be blessings.

I’m sitting at San Jose Airport waiting to board a JetBlue flight to New York for a week of fun, sun (well, snow), and excitement in Armonk and Somers. The weather in New York earlier today was not good, so the incoming flight was delayed, and therefore, my outbound flight was also delayed by about 90 minutes.

I took advantage of the delay to have lunch at home instead of bringing it for the plane (of course, that means I’ll be bringing dinner for the plane instead of eating it at JFK — I think I come out ahead anyway).

Clearing security today was no hassle (unlike two weeks ago, when it took about 45 minutes). And when I got to the gate, I was very surprised to see baskets full of snacks and drinks available for the taking — I’d never had an airline do that for a mere 90-minute delay. Especially a weather-related delay, which really was out of their control. I was impressed.

I’m beginning to think that JetBlue’s slogan, “we like you, too,” isn’t entirely puffery!