Finally!

Need to get you caught up.  B.J. arrived in Letohrad on Monday, March 13 after we decided that 50% accomplishment of the mission was better than nothing.  As you can see it was just too tempting not to rub in having a passport WITH visa and a Czech Beer!!

But no hard feelings.  I am sitting in Vienna airport waiting for a hop to Prague around noonish.  Got the call from the consulate early afternoon this past Wednesday and took a quick run over to pick up the passport WITH visa.  The consulate was very accommodating since they close at 1130 daily (that is close of business Prague time) but they made arrangements for me to pick it up later in the day.  All in all the consulate here in Washington was a very big help; sent a couple messages inquiring about my visa.  Whether that did any good or the visa simply had 'reached its time' is immaterial; the goodwill was appreciated.
BJ performed a miracle and with some United Airlines points that have been in the hopper for quite a while, and produced a quick turnaround and here I sit.
Will be in Letohrad late this afternoon (Friday); will try to decompress since Saturday is preparation for St Paddy's Day at the church Sunday afternoon and there is cooking and planning to be done.  Hope I can stay awake.
That's it for now.. keep in touch.