No ID? No problem!

Here's what happens when you try to board a flight without any ID.

1. Southwest asks for ID. You show photo of driver's license on iPhone. Southwest shrugs, checks you on.

2. You approach TSA agent wondering whether to act humble or guts it out. Go for gutsing it. Say you left wallet at home, first time ever in life, hangdog look. So much for gutsing.

3.TSA agent calls supervisor.

4. Supervisor moves you to empty workstation, says here's how it's going down. Fill this out. I'll ask questions only you can answer.

5. Calls someone to feed him the questions. Shoos wife where she can't overhear.

6. Questions commence: 1) Date of birth, naturally. 2) Last four of SSN, naturally. 3) Name of blood relative over age 18. Getting nervous now but sister comes to mind. You name her. 4) Name of a child. Now really nervous because both kids are adopted, not blood relatives. Name daughter anyway, hope for the best.

6. TSA agent smiles, writes something on form, says you're good to go.

7. "I got an A, Carol!' you whoop. "An A-plus!!!"

So ...

... Your wallet is not something you actually want to forget when you're on your way to Buffalo to see the eclipse and your brother-in-law. I am here to report that, if you do, all may not be not lost.

We had a great time in Buffalo. We're very fond of brother-in-law Latif, who was married to Carol's late sister Patty, and Latif did not disappoint. He's great company, and it was really nice getting better acquainted with Khin, Latif's s.o.

Nor did the eclipse let us down. The forecast was for clouds all day but we went bravely out onto Latif's driveway, settled into folding chairs, put on eclipse glasses Latif got for us, and tried to see anything at all through their opacity. Lo, the clouds parted (from moment to moment, that is), giving us thrilling glimpses of every phase -- including a few seconds of totality. It's a sight I won't forget.

Next day we went to Niagara Falls. The rush and roar of incalculable tons of water, the diamond sparkle of mist in the sunlight, the sheer power and might of it all ... these too one never forgets.

Of course we arrived at BUF two hours ahead of flight time. Had another TSA to reckon with.

Frank S Joseph Author

P.S. IT'S PUBLISHED!!! To Do Justice, the award-winning Book #3 of my "Chicago Trilogy," was officially published yesterday by Key Literary. Check out the book trailer here (a 59-second watch). To order your autographed paperback book(s), just shoot me a check or PayPal payment for $24.95 per copy ($19.95 + $5 postage) plus $1.20 sales tax each if you are in Maryland. PayPal address: frank@frankjoseph.com. Postal address: 5617 Warwick Pl., Chevy Chase MD 20815-5503. Be sure to include your postal address plus any personal message(s) you'd like me to include.

P.P.S. E-books aren't available yet but they will be shortly. List price will be $9.95 but there may be deals, so hold off on that.

P.P.P.S. If you love this book -- and only if -- a review would be hugely appreciated. Post it on Amazon, GoodReads, BN.com or wherever you like.

P.P.P.P.S. Finally, those launch parties. Next Sunday, Town of Somerset MD (where I live), Sunday 4/14, 3-5 p.m., 4510 Cumberland Ave., Chevy Chase MD 20815. FREE

but space limited so RSVP appreciated. And following Sunday (4/21) 12-3, Elaine's Literary Cafe. 208 Queen St., Alexandria VA 22314. Elaine's offers great Mediterranean-inflected meals and snacks, a well-stocked bar, and a literary vibe

unmatched in the DC metro area. Space limited at Elaine's too so pls RSVP if you can. Invites attached for both parties. Hope to see many of you there.