The get-away

Good morning!

'Wish I could boast, we broke our chains and enjoyed a coastal getaway.  But no.  'Twas more 'ticker' care.  Nevertheless, I was excited to linger at Publix's deli for snick-snacks and wine. 

Early Wednesday morning we got the 'lady girls' situated at boarding and hit the road.    Sunny skies, light traffic on I65 -- what a gorgeous day!    My big-city readers probably do exaggerated eye-rolls each time I go crying the blues about navigating downtown Birmingham.   But no, this time I'd worn my big-girl panties -- and without asking, 'Mother may I?' just steered my Camry where I wanted.  Figured mine's a lot older and uglier than 99% of the other vehicles, they're less likely to engage.  Right?

UAB Footprint (from web)

Having learned that snagging a wheelchair transport's next to impossible, I dropped Tom off where he needed to be, scored a parking spot and even got most of my steps in.   God bless the NP!  Initially there was a little concern -- they couldn't draw blood and his heart rate dropped to 23.  But she took all the time in the world to explain the upcoming procedure, what they think's going on -- in language an ordinary John/Jane Doe can understand.

Having plenty of time before check-in, Tom suggested a detour.  He knows I love Cheesecake Factory's unfailingly delicious food, attention to detail.  After a leisurely lunch, we made it back with (necessary) doggy-bag desserts.

So, let me ask y'all:  When choosing lodging, what's most important to you?   {Aside: some of my newer friends may not know -- most recently I worked 15 years for a famous hotel chain.  In the words of Forrest Gump, "And that's all I'm gonna say about that."}

Normally, my criteria runs to affordability, cleanliness.  In this case, I wanted as close to UAB as was  possible.

Believing Tom would have to spend the night in the hospital, I booked a charming, affordable bed-and-breakfast just a few blocks away.  

Hassinger Daniels Victorian Mansion

Isn't she pretty?  I've never stayed in a bed-and-breakfast.  Have you?

No, Tom leans more to a traditional hotel environment -- somewhere he can watch movies or wander out to smoke his pipe 24/7.

Disappointed when the hotel directly across the street was fully booked.  But what a stroke of luck when another, nearby had plenty of availability!   Unlike the first, whose rooms were hugely disappointing, I was pleasantly surprised by the Hilton's bathroom, the upscale linens, their congenial staff.  (Almost 20 years ago my GM told me, "You'll never check in to a hotel with quite the same mindset.")   I'll definitely be leaving them a great review.

'Always concerned the alarm on my cell phone might decide to malfunction, sleep was fitful.  Plus, Tom's nerves were getting the best of him.  That, and no coffee, made for a grumpy fellow.

All that's best left for Part 2.  I've already yakked on longer than I meant.  I sure appreciate you making time to visit!

Hugs, Myra 

Construction crew's message outside a nearby urgent care facility last year.