Meyer Sisters! Last week, my sister and I (along with our spouses) stayed at The MEYER Hotel, in the sweet town of Comfort! During our stay, Jennifer and I forgot to pose with the hotel sign! (Meyer is our family name!) However, we did stop to pose with another sign, on our drive to Comfort. "Sisterdale, Texas Cotton Gin 1885" We Old Sassy Sisters clearly felt a little ownership over these 2 historic places. We don't date back to the 1880's, but both of these cool places do! Meyer Bed & Breakfast in 2001 I've been eager to stay at this historic property since my daughter and I found it, 22 years ago. It was a B&B then. In 2002, Heidi and I spent 3 days exploring the Texas Hill Country, in our Dodge van. Our mission was to find a place for our Meyer Family reunion... that would please 20 family members, coming from 6 states! We came upon this historic gem (with the perfect name) and wanted badly to choose it. But the set up wasn't a good fit. March 2024 22 years later, I got my wish to spend a night at the "Meyer Hotel Complex". New buildings have been added to the 33-acre property, but the historic Meyer residence and hotel building, looked just how I remembered! Office No need to stop at the office anymore, since there is contactless check-in. Some folks love getting a text and using a code. Not me. Meeting hosts and asking questions, is part of the adventure for me! But the office door was open wide, when we arrived. I stuck my head in and a gracious employee let me peek at the old photos on the wall. The Old Homestead In the morning the same friendly woman (with a name I can't recall) was out and about and chatted some more. She allowed us to look inside the Meyer home. The entire Old Homestead can be rented for about $460. a night. 155 years old! I compared the exterior to one of the old photos, displayed in the office. I wonder what happened to the upper windows? Busy Meyer Family The home was built in 1869, by German immigrant, Frederich Christian Meyer and his wife Ernestine. They had 8 kids, so we can assume they are the youngin's in the photo. Mr. M operated a stage stop for some time. Mrs. M worked as a midwife, in a maternity building, constructed on their property. How did Mrs. M handle all the local ranch women having babies AND tend to her own 8 kiddos?! I doubt they had much leisure time for porch sitting. Interior It was fun to step inside and imagine the Meyer family living here, one and a half centuries ago! No bathrooms in 1869, but 2 now! This would be a fun stay in the future, for a few more bucks! In Back I wonder if the Meyers ever had to dash into the storm cellar? Maybe it was just used for storing jars of jam, or canned tomatoes. I peeked down the stairs and it seemed to be set up as a work shop. 1887 Hotel In 1887, the railroad came to Comfort! The Meyers figured, Why not build a 2-story wood frame hotel building, to house travelers? They built the inn behind their home and housed guests upstairs. The downstairs held the kitchen and dining room. The 8 Meyer kids ended up helping Mrs. M run the place, after Mr. M passed away. "Gast Haus" In the original hotel, (called Gast Haus) there are only 2 guest rooms. I was determined to book them. Easier said than done. The website didn't give complete info and some recent changes in ownership, led to a bit of confusion about availability. It took a number of phone calls to nail down the 2 rooms in the old hotel. On the Veranda Cheers for the Gast Haus and cheers for all hotels with porches! Jennifer and I did another fine pose, on the front porch... or should I say veranda? We should have dressed up for our porch pic, like the ladies in white! Entrance We arrived around 4 and entered the door between the 2 signs. One sign for the hotel and another for the newly acquired restaurant, "Food For the Soul Bistro". As the door opened, we were met with sounds and smells of a busy kitchen. We passed the kitchen door (open at the time) and waved to staff. Then we passed a pair of portraits. Mrs. and Mr. Meyer? They didn't look as friendly as the people in the kitchen. The Dining Room When Heidi and I visited years ago. I remember spotting the MEYER sign, hanging in the quaint dining room. I remember the wispy branches and lots of antiques and doodads. As we 4 headed up the stairs to our rooms, I looked down and fretted. "Why does that sign say HOTEL, not MEYER?" But the space looked much fresher and more spacious than before. Porch Stop Before heading into our rooms, we stepped out to the front porch. There were no chairs on the east end, but there was a good view of another historic building. Julia Ellenberger House This additional guest house was added in 1900. It was named for Julia Meyer Ellenberger, one of the 8 kids. Julia operated the inn until her death in 1956. There were only 2 rockers on the long porch. Jennifer and I rocked a moment. With no leaves on the trees, we had a decent view of the property and the pool area. We also had a close up view of a rusty old pulley. For lifting furniture? The East Side Don and I had the King Room, on the east side of the second floor. There was access to a screened porch in back and an extra space for a couple of kids... if we'd had any with us! We didn't exactly need the trundle bed. I'm so curious how this upstairs space was broken down, for guests in the 1800s. The bed was quite comfy and it was a treat being surrounded by 6 tall windows! However a none opened and a couple had no coverings. Fresh Air We could easily open the door to the screened porch to let in some fresh air. There was a ceiling fan and a standing fan and an a.c. unit, if needed. It wasn't quite chilly enough to need the gas stove. It was handy having a fridge, microwave and coffeemaker. It was less handy having the sink about a mile from the bathroom. I did appreciate having ample counter space near the sink. The bathroom wasn't exactly luxurious, but we had one! We had a tub and toilet and towels, which is more than the guests had in 1889! Bathroom Addition I have no clue when the hotel first got plumbing. But you can clearly tell the bathroom came later. The addition in the center sort of cracks me up! It looks like a floating outhouse! The Screened Porch! In this photo, you can tell there have been a number of additions to the back of the old hotel. The red arrow points to our screened porch! Oh how I love porches! If you don't, then scroll on down. I'm gonna talk about this porch! A lot. Old This was no recent addition. You could tell by the worn and sloping floorboards. That floor space offered up lots of room. A table for games and snacking... and a comfier area, for chatting and reading. A rocking chair, too! I first learned to appreciate screened porches at my grandmother's house. Daw's porch was about half this size, but it had similar wicker furniture. As a little kid, I remember pressing my nose against the screen and inhaling the funny smell. (Not this time!) When I was a little older I did puzzles and played Scrabble on Daw's porch. The porch was heavenly at night, when all was quiet... except frogs and an owl! Morning on the Porch The early sun spotlighted the slanted bookshelf in the corner. It's hard to capture the comical way the angled ceiling matched the slanted floor. At 7 am, I felt like I'd been drinkin', when I walked across the sloped floor. This space was likely used as a sleeping porch, before days of air-conditioning. We heard from staff about a local guy who shared memories of living in this building as a kid. This porch had been his bedroom. Come on Out! After the sun rose a bit more, I tapped on the window to hurry Don along. I texted Kate and Jennifer. "Door's unlocked! We're on the porch!" You have to love this tall skinny window, with 3 parts! Slide up the lower section... slide down the upper one! Clever, but no longer functional. View I haven't even mentioned the view from the porch! Ahhh...! Green spring lawn, sloping down towards Cypress Creek. When Jennifer and Kate joined us, they told us about the storm we totally missed durning the night. (loud a.c.unit!) All we could hear in the morning, was a giggling boy on a swing, Wandering the Property The property was even more peaceful the evening before. Jennifer and I wandered into town and returned to enjoy the creek views, around sunset. I love swings as much as I love porches. There were 4 swings. I briefly tried out the tire swing. I'm first to admit, I didn't give it my all. I should have climbed on top and let my big sister give me a mighty sideways push, to get me spinning! No telling how my adult stomach would have reacted. Sunset The clouds had disappeared by sunset, so we were able to view the sinking sun. If we'd booked our stay a few weeks later, we would have seen lovely green trees. But, they would have blocked the sunset. If Jennifer and I had traveled with our Nikons, (like we used to) we cold have gotten clearer photos. My cellphone pic only reveals 2 white blobs beneath the sun. 2 sweet longhorns were enjoying the evening! Pool Time? Back in the day, I imagine the Meyers and guests, did all their swimming in Cypress Creek. We had pool options, but the weather was a little too cool. Things were getting spiffed up for the season. The new lounge chair cushions still had protective covers. Food at Meyer Hotel Dining at the Meyer Hotel has changed a bit over the years. I'm not sure if this stove is original, but we found it in the Summer Kitchen. The screened in area is no longer safe for cooking, but we did find an ice machine and filled our buckets. "Food for the Soul Bistro" A century ago, they served 3 meals a day at the hotel. 2 decades ago, they served a complimentary breakfast at Meyer B&B. Somewhat recently, a local restaurant moved into Gast Haus to offer dinner, 3 nights a week. They still need to work out a lot of kinks when it comes to communication, but luckily our dining experience was wonderful! Reservation Worries As I said before, cooking smells greeted us when we arrived at 4. I was incredibly relieved to know the restaurant really would be open that night. Days before, I had struggled to get information and make reservations. When I finally did reach someone, I still couldn't get firm answers about what might be served or what the cost would be. I'm all for laid back and casual approaches, but this seemed a little un-pro. Tiny Bar I kept fingers crossed, since Comfort is small with few other dining options on a Thursday. On the day we arrived wandered downstairs around 5. In a tiny bar just off the dining room, I met restaurant owner, Kathy. She was sitting beneath the stuffed boar's head, touching up her make up. Kathy was warm and welcoming. She told me the chef would be serving Special Meatloaf and Tucson Chicken and we could arrive anytime between 6 and 8. We arrived around 7:30 and all tables were available. When we spotted the MEYER sign (which had been hiding behind the HOTEL sign) we sat right beneath it! Our Feast! With just 2 dinner options, it didn't take long to decide. Luckily both sounded wonderful. All came with a trip to the salad bar, set up in the sunroom. Kate and I went for the Tuscan Chicken, with mushrooms, potatoes and beans. Chef Derrick Jennifer and Don went for the Special Meatloaf, with beans, mashed potatoes and a very yummy gravy. We enjoyed chatting with Kathy here and there... and Brandon who took our photo! We especially enjoyed meeting Chef Derrick. He playfully begged us to steer away from catsup. He gave us a little history about his family meatloaf recipe, served with gravy... not catsup. He was right! The gravy was delicious, as was the entire feast. What a great guy! Good Night I always have to sneak outside and take a night photo or two, when enjoying a Notable Night! I imagined a warm summer night with more guests, enjoying fire pits and swings and the little gazebo. As I strolled a bit, I imagined the Meyer family. Did they speak German to each other as they sat on the benches? I imagined my own Meyer family enjoying this property, during a future family reunion. None of us would speak German... but my great grandparents did. Then I headed inside and eventually slept well... right through the storm! Comfort The next morning we enjoyed the hotel, then wandered around Comfort. It would be insane to stay in this lovely town and not absorb the history. Photos below give just a glimpse. I added a couple from a previous visit. Ahhh, the curious comfort, of small-town Comfort. It was established about a century before I was born, by German immigrants. They considered themselves Freethinkers and abolitionists. They created a thoughtful town, so very different than any Texas town I've visited. What's Notable? The combined history of the Meyer Hotel and the town of Comfort, is remarkably curious and fascinating. You get to enjoy both, when you stay. But, more than anything, I'll remember the fun of sharing this hotel adventure, with Jennifer and Kate... and of course Don! The memories that I'll cherish the most are... relaxing on the screened porch, strolling along the creek and watching the sunset, enjoying the delicious meal beneath the Meyer sign and wandering the town.
What a special place!
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Switzerland, Germany or France? Last November, Don and I stayed at Hotel Suisse in Strasbourg. It was the first weekend of the month-long Christmas Market! The hotel's name kept confusing me. We weren't in Switzerland, but our hotel was in Strasbourg and that sounded German. So... our hotel had a Swiss name, but was in France, very near the German border. It had flavors of all 3 countries! 14th Century Residence You'd never guess from this photo that our tidy little hotel, was over 600 years old! The hotel website said the building was originally a residence, in the 14th century. I can't imagine how many facelifts and makeovers this building has experienced. Arriving Don and I arrived in Strasbourg, on a chilly-damp day in November. The hotel was only 1.5 miles from the train station, but we somehow wandered endlessly with our bags. We took in the storybook scenery as we walked. We finally came to a bridge that took us over the River Ill, to Strasbourg's Grande-Ile in the city's historic center. Grande-Ile The historic island felt a little like Venice to me. An escape from cars to an island, surrounded by the main channel of the Ill River and the Faux-Empart Canal. The entire area was declared a UNESCO site in 1988. As a young kid I dreamed of going to Paris. Like most kids I was drawn to the Eiffel Tower. If I'd heard of Strasbourg, (and its Christmas markets) when I was young, I would have wished on every birthday candle! But I only learned of Strasbourg recently. We were booking a spontaneous trip to Paris last Thanksgiving, when photos of the festive Christmas Markets popped up in some travel ads. "What is this magical place!?" I hardly looked for an answer, before I scrambled to add 2 days to our trip! Row Houses Our 2-building hotel, was located at the end of a long series of row houses. It was interesting to study the various shapes and colors, of so many connected buildings. As we approached I could see the hotel's coffee shop, (Cafe Suisse) on the corner. Festive Entrance We passed the cafe and headed for the hotel's decorated entrance, under the awning. I hardly understand these tricky buildings that stand side-by-side. The yellowish building (holding lobby) and the tannish one with the cafe, seemed to be glued together, sharing one wall. Is that what a row house is? More Baffling But the roofs are even more baffling! Look at the dramatically steep roof with the dormer windows, scattered here and there! Those oddly shaped attic windows are actually called "sitting dog windows". I can sort of picture a dog... maybe. But how random these windows seem! Usually you can study windows to count the floors. Are there 6 or 7 stories? Lobby It was nice to escape the chilly day, when we stepped inside the cozy lobby. This cute little stairway didn't lead up to the top floor. Only to a small loft with a sitting area. Sadly it was roped off. Too Early We waited for a bit at the lobby desk, until a young woman rushed over from the cafe. Our room wasn't ready, but the woman offered to hold our luggage, then guided us to the cafe for some complimentary coffee. Cafe Suisse I wish my photo better captured the storybook feel of this sweet cafe. We warmed up at our cozy oasis-table, sandwiched between Aladdin's carpet and the timbered-beamed ceiling... of Cinderella's cottage. While I sipped cappuccino, I studied the delicate decor in the windows and thought of more fairytales. A gingerbread men! Stars and snowflakes... even pretzels! Above the Cafe When our room was ready, we only had one flight to climb. Our room was right above the cafe. We passed some interesting framed prints and stepped into our curiously decorated hall. Actually we had to wait a moment. The maid was still vaccuming. Hints of the Past I was totally entertained as we stood in the hall, on the mod carpet with giant flowers. What was behind that closed off doorway? How many layers of paint? Is that a thick wall, or just an oddly reconstructed wall? Is this the original staircase? Oh, why didn't I just wander up for a moment. Regrets! "Family Superior Room" When we stepped into our room I couldn't have been more pleased. Our corner room was filled with windows! The windows over the radiators looked directly across to Rohan Palace. Box Bay Window? I think that's what they call a bay window that juts out, this way. I loved how the soft curtains framed it. I could step right into the alcove and look down the side street, towards the bridge. Our Glowing Windows From the street in the evening, you could see our windows glowing, above the cafe. It's intriguing to imagine all 25, (totally different) rooms in the hotel. Our room was long and spacious and I loved it. But I'm still curious about the rooms within the roof! I'm sure they're the smallest and most charming rooms. Modern Yet Quaint Our updated modern-sleek room felt very fresh and clean. I liked the calming colors. The curtains added cozy, quaint charm. I'm not a fabric person, but I learned about the Alsatian linen and cotton Kelsch fabrics, used in the hotel. Even the little "Do Not Disturb" notice on the door, was made with Kelsch plaid fabric. The Bath No complaints about the bathroom! The windows brought in lots of light. Well, as much as a drizzly day could offer. The floor and tile work blended well with the room color! 2 Views of Notre-Dame de Strasbourg! I was impressed with the lovely print, propped on a shelf in the bathroom. It was an image of the gorgeous cathedral, just steps away from our hotel. Instead of looking at the print, I could glance out the bathroom window and admire the single spire of the same Gothic beauty! Blending with the Room Don did a nice pose for me, in his nearly matching shirt! He looked like an employee, in a Suisse Hotel uniform. Side By Side Like many European hotels, our King bed was made of 2 beds. Kind of like the row houses, stuck together! Fancy Wall I was pretty delighted with our fancy wall texture behind the vevet-y headboard. As I admired it, I noticed the obvious slant of the ceiling. This photo is not just taken at a jaunty angle. Embossed Wallpaper On my 10th birthday, I remember being in the Ladies Room of a fancy restaurant and touching the velvet softness of flocked wallpaper. Oooo! It was deluxe! 56 years later, the raised design on our room's embossed wallpaper, gave me a similar thrill. No colors and no velvet, but the kid in me was just as tempted to touch the intriguing texture. Hanging Out Despite the Market crowds filling the streets below us, our guest room was very quiet by bedtime and in the morning. Our room was just steps away from markets and restaurants, so it was easy to return and warm up here and there. The room was warm and comfortable, although the velvet "gumdrop stools" weren't ideal for lounging, or sitting at the table. Dining Cafe Suisse served a fabulous breakfast each morning, but it was costly and we weren't hungry enough to make it worthwhile. Instead, we purchased bakery treats and made our own coffee. Au Fond Du Jardin Right next door to our hotel, was a magical little tea shop that we missed out on. The line to get in was endless on Sunday. On Monday, the lavish shop filled with decadent treats, was closed. Macarons Instead So on Monday, after a day out and about in the rain, we had our own tea time. We hurried back with some macarons and made tea! Once again, we appreciated the convenience and the coziness of our room. Christmas Market I don't like crowds and I don't like cold, wet weather. I'm actually not a big fan of shopping, either! But it was impossible not to love it all! It was the Christmas Market that lured us to Strasbourg. So here is a slideshow filled with images of the magical moments we enjoyed, just steps from our hotel. We didn't see the sun once on our 2 day visit, but we were happily distracted by all the colorful decor and delicious smells and friendly folks, wandering the cobblestone streets. Location I can't emphasize enough how nice it was to come and go, without needing tricky transportation. So happy to just use our feet! The convenience of Hotel Suisse was so appreciated. Especially when we returned both nights, so see this glowing entrance. Strasbourg Without Crowds I hardly I took a photo, that didn't have splash of holiday decor. But the traditional Alsatian buildings were plenty festive, without decorations or summer flowers. What a treat to wander the winding streets and take it all in, early in the morning! What's Notable? I'll just repeat myself. Staying at Hotel Suisse was comfortable and cozy. Sleeping in such an historic building, was the icing on the cake! The best part of the hotel was the location. Looking out our windows and seeing the Cathedral and the colorful markets, was even better than I imagined. I don't need to list all the places we walked to. The photos are above!
Yes! I would gladly stay again... for longer! Vestay Montaigne Don and I made a quick decision to spend Thanksgiving in Paris. Sounds decadent, but we grabbed cheap airline tickets and found a reasonably priced hotel on the internet. We booked Hotel Vestay Montaigne for 4 nights and crossed our fingers. Arrival One of the perks, was that our hotel stay came with a complimentary ride from the airport. After 45 minutes our car pulled up to this magnificent door. I hoped our driver hadn't made a mistake. I had not spotted this 2-story entrance, in website photos. Haussmanian Building I did expect this building though. (tall door was to the left) I had spotted the grand building in an internet photo. But I still had fingers crossed. The website had shared very few photos. The site had mentioned that the hotel rooms were located in a "Haussmannian" building in a "typical Parisian refined setting." That certainly sounded intriguing. Mid-19th Century Paris I had to look up Hassmannian. I learned that Baron Haussmann played a big role in the 2+ decade project to reconstruct Paris, in the mid 1800s. Today, his buildings still dominate central Paris. Our hotel (right) was surrounded by them. The buildings looked very similar. Haussmann buildings had strict guidelines. Exteriors were cream colored stone, with shops and restaurants on the ground floor. No taller than 6 stories. It seemed like every building in every direction had the same iron balconies and mansard roofs. I learned later that Medievil neighborhoods had to be removed to create these lovely boulevards and buildings. Sad to think about. Second or Third? The 6 Vestay hotel rooms were all located on the "second" floor. In the U.S. we call it the third floor. The arrow points to our room. The ground floor space in Haussmann buildings, was reserved for businesses. First floor was often used for storage. Second floor was considered the most desirable... the Noble Floor. Yay for us! Entrances There were so many impressive doorways in the area. I loved the smiling face above another nearby door. The face above our tall door, was less cheery. As we plugged in the code to open the door, her shifty eyes kept an eye out for suspicious characters. At least that's how I read her expression! Heading In! I was eager to step inside! Luckily the heavy door wasn't really 2-stories tall. The decorated arch around our door, made it look twice as large. The window below the arch was actually a window into the floor above. Once inside we could see couldn't see the window above the door. But we could see a Doric columns and large mirrors! We approached another set of doors and punched in another code. This area near the elevator and stairway, also had a large mirror. On our way out later in the evening, we paused in front of that large mirror. We let it help us with what I call an "Old People Selfie". Don't think we'll frame this. Up the Red Carpet For most of our stay we used the staircase to reach our room. If you look to the right of the lovely window, you can see the narrow doors to the elevator. Narrow Stairs The view looking up 6 flights, was eerie and dramatic. I wondered about the Parisians who climbed these steps in the 1800s. I climbed to the top just once, to take this photo. I paused to catch my breath and wonder about the attic rooms tucked into the mansard roof. The top floor was usually reserved for servants or lower class. I'll bet they were the fittest residents in the building, with daily climbs! Modern Elevator I'm not sure when the elevator was added, but the modern addition still seemed mighty old to me. There wasn't room for Don and me plus luggage, so Don rode up. I happily took the stairs and hoped he wouldn't get stuck. We always took the stairs after that. Room 14 The walls and floor in the stairwell were a little worn. But when reached the Vestay entrance on the "second" floor, (and punched another code) we found an immaculate hallway, with gray doors and red carpet. We were early for check in, but one of the very busy housekeepers, (who spoke English) said our room was ready. There are only 6 rooms, so I'm not sure about these high numbers? Our Host Frederick (the owner, I believe) had just arrived and was happy to show us to our room. The room was small, but clean and charming. Modern I usually love old and original, over sleek and modern. But Don and I had recently dealt with our first Covid illness. We were all about comfort. The heavenly bed and spotless surroundings were very welcoming. Frederick pointed out the "kitchen corner". The fridge held all the makings for our continental breakfast. (bread, meat, cheese, juice) He told us it would be replenished daily. The dishes and glassware were lovely! Bathing The bathroom was also small, (no bubble baths) but quite luxurious. There was a heated towel rack and an illuminated make up mirror. The towels, robes and slippers were cozy soft. View! As soon as Frederick left us, I pulled back the sheers to reveal our view! We knew not to expect the Eiffel Tower or Arch de Triumph. But I was thrilled to see our lovely city view. The building across, looked very much like ours! The November weather was chilly, but I had to open the doors! Rear Window I could easily see activity in the doors directly across. I felt like a spying Jimmy Steward, in Rear Window. I was more curious about who might live or work behind the tiny windows at the very top! On the Balcony There was just enough room for a cafe table and 2 chairs on the balcony. There was lots of pedestrian activity to watch below. I could also study the businesses near the street. We ended up dining at Maitre Pierre, after studying the red awning. Coffee and Tea Jet lag kept us from rising too early in the mornings. I needed a few of these small cups of coffee after my showers! After dinner one evening, I was determined to brave the cold and have some tea outside. The street never got overly active at night, but it was fun watching friends and small groups traveling here and there... voices and footsteps echoing off the buildings. Wine Time We made a lot more use of our inside table. Our table by the window was perfect for a glass of wine, purchased from a wine shop around the corner. The owner was kind enough to steer us towards the best of the cheap! Lunch Another day we walked to a nearby deli called Pret. We bought sandwiches and enjoyed them in the room, on flowered china. Don and I so rarely stay at a hotel more than a night or two. It was a treat to have 4 nights, with time to dine out and explore and still have some relaxing time in our cozy room. People Encounters? A tiny part of me missed being in a traditional hotel. A hotel with a lobby, restaurant and bar, offers more opportunity for memorable people encounters... or just good people watching. We never saw another guest on our floor. We did however enjoy peeking in on the activity that took place in the salon that occupied the "first" floor. At night, we could spot a little beautification happening, when we peered into the well lit windows from below. On every trip I took up or down the stairs, I paused on the first floor to peek in the (wide open) door. So many sounds and smells to absorb in that busy, happy place! There was always laughter and sometimes music, along with sounds of blowdryers. I'm disappointed with myself that I didn't just step inside and inquire about an appointment, just to take in the festive vibe. Golden Triangle One of the best selling points of Vestay Montaigne, was the location. Except for an Uber ride to Montmarte, Don and I did all our exploring on foot. I'd never heard the term, but our hotel was in the middle of the Golden Triangle. The Triangle is described as an upper-crust neighborhood, sitting within 3 famous boulevards. The snooty notion didn't sell me, but the walkability did! Champs-Elysees I'm not really about high end boutique shopping, but I loved being such a short walk from the most famous of the 3 boulevards. The Champs-Elysees was already festive and decorated, when we arrived in mid November. The Shops and Sights Below are some of things we spotted on and around Champs-Elysees. Only window shopping for me! Heading Towards the Seine The first evening of our stay, we left our hotel and headed on Avenue George V, in the other direction. We lucked out with a sunset view of the Eiffel Tower. The sight was an energizing lift to these worn travelers. We'd been awake for 24 hours and were still a bit weary from Covid. Sights Not Far From the Seine From our hotel, were able to easily reach all these places with our easy wandering. I couldn't resist snapping photos of tourists posing with the Eiffel Tower... or bridal couples near the river. Last Evening By the 4th night, Don and I were finally feeling rested. Energy was returning and yet it was time to go! We hadn't "done it all", but we'd done plenty. It was pretty much the perfect short stay for a spontaneous trip! What's Notable? The Vestay Montaigne was so incredibly comfortable and luxurious. The sweet housekeeping staff (working 10-2) made us feel like we were being taken care of! For around $275. a night, we stayed in a lovely hotel, located in an ideal part of Paris. We also got the experience of staying an historic Haussmann "flat". Which made it fun to imagine what Paris was was like, 150 years ago I would easily book again... although I'd ask for their largest room!
Back in Grinnell! Last October, I stood in front of Hotel Grinnell, in my Grinnell College sweatshirt, grinning like a kid... after 2 notable nights! I was happy to be back in the town, where I lived the first decade of my life. The Hotel Building I was happy about spending some time with 2 special people, in this old building, which became a hotel in 2016. My older siblings spent a lot of time in this building, but I have few memories of it. That's surprising, since our home for a few years, was just a minute walk away. With My Sibs in 1967 In this photo I'm the one wearing a (smaller) Grinnell sweatshirt, standing between my older brother and sister. I was in 4th grade. Chris and Jenni were in high school and junior high. Little David hadn't started school. Chris and Jenni have many memories of the building where I slept, last October. It was their school. Grinnell Junior High The bold structure that now houses the boutique hotel, was originally built as a junior high school in 1921. Before my trip, I asked Jenni what she remembered. She recalled sitting in class and staring out enormous windows. (note the arched ones above the doors) Joanna and Debbie My family moved away after 4th grade and I never got to attend Grinnell Junior High. My friends Joanna and Debbie did! The photo below, shows the 3 of us in 1967. We look mighty proper and subdued! The other photo was taken 56 years later, when the 3 of us reunited in Grinnell! Deb and Jo were my guides at the old school. School Memories Most of my school memories in Grinnell, involve this amazing building. I went to 2nd and 3rd grades at Cooper School. My buddies and I share interesting memories of strict teachers and dangerously fun playground equipment. Oh what I would give, to step inside Cooper School one more time! But it became a parking lot, instead of a boutique hotel. A Friday in October On a Friday last October, Deb and I traveled in separate cars to meet up in Grinnell. (Jo would come the next day) I was excited and just a bit nervous about this meet up adventure. I parked near the ivy covered building and headed towards the entrance, with automatic doors. I had spoken with Debbie minutes earlier, when she called to say she had checked into the room. It was surreal to hear her voice! The last time we'd had a "sleepover" we were 10. The last time I'd heard Debbie's speak, it was when we were 18 and met up for an evening in St. Louis. Crazy that we planned the reunion through texts! Lobby I stepped inside the glass doors and took a deep breath. No smells of sassafras, like the cleaner that Mr. Smith (our janitor) used at Cooper School. I'd read intriguing details about the renovation of this building. But mostly my brain was focused on the reunion ahead. I absorbed a few details quickly. I walked towards the giant "g", recognizing it from the sign in front. I would see many more of those gs during the stay. I headed for the reception desk and absorbed the fun mix of old and new. The travertine floors and lighting fixtures over the desk, looked vintage. The refreshing wall garden looked very current. I spoke with the woman at the desk and babbled something in my nervous voice, about meeting up with childhood friends. My words were too fast and she was too young, to grasp the importance of this exciting reunion. The host gave me directions to the room, just as a young man wheeled a bike out the door behind me. I turned down the main hall and saw a lineup of more bikes. Complimentary hotel bikes! Just grab and ride when you like! I suddenly remembered my Red Schwinn, named Nelly. The nostalgia of it all! I passed a chalkboard and felt tempted to leave a message... but Deb was waiting. I passed some sitting spots with retro and trendy furniture. Modern-hip artwork decorated the walls. I'd read that Hotel Grinnell had 300 original pieces of art. No duplicates. Cheers With Debbie Debbie and I reunited in the third floor hallway. Nerves disappeared. It felt totally normal, hugging my childhood friend, even though we never hugged as kids! We explored the building together and ended up with early happy hour drinks, in "The Periodic Table" lounge. Yum! Almost as tasty as the Kool-aid we drank from Dixie Cups as kids! Fun at School School was never this fun, when I was young! Our bartender Chad, (I think!) certainly helped make it fun. He whipped up our drinks and took pics with my phone. Chad seemed genuinely impressed with the idea that the 3 of us would be were having a reunion, for the first time in 50+ years... and that Deb had gone to school in the building. Chad was young enough to be our grandson, but he didn't treat us like old grannies! Play! In the '60s, Debbie lived down the street from me, so we have a lot of memories of playing. Rollerskating, hopscotch, iceskating, Liddle Kiddle Dolls... dancing to the Monkees! But we were too busy catching up to make use of all the "Play Space" surrounding us! The renovated gathering areas were done so well! But why so empty on a Friday evening? It turns out that Grinnell College was on fall break. That actually worked to our advantage. If we'd had a few more days, maybe we would have taken full advantage of all the games. Skeeball... Scrabble... Shuffleboard! Scoreboard... Gymnasium The scoreboard decoration was a reminder that there was more to explore! The glowing board was relocated from the school's gymnasium. I needed Guide Debbie to take me to the gym... which is now called The Ballroom and used for events. If only I'd been wearing some old Ked's sneakers, I could have jumped and made echo-y squeaks on the original maple floors! Debbie's memories kicked in when she set foot on the gym floor. She told me some stories about a certain (very mean) gym teacher, while she stepped on one of the original court lines, using it like a balance beam. I took a video of her comical impersonation of a junior high cheerleader, which I promptly texted to Joanna... so she'd know what kind of fun to expect! New Wing We left the gym and did some exploring outside. I spotted probably the largest of all the gs. It was on the rounded structure which holds a stairwell. I believe this section of the hotel was added in the recent renovation. There was a large patio off to the left, that would have been nice, on a warmer and less windy evening. The sounds of pounding and blasting that we'd heard earlier had ceased. The workers on the roof were cleaning up for the day. I wonder if they'd been amused by the giant fried egg, on the far end of the building? The Auditorium There's only one part of the school that I actually do remember from childhood. I once saw a production of South Pacific on this stage. I could be confused, but I think this auditorium, (as well as the gym) may have been part of the old original 1904 high school. The gym and theatre were saved when the school was later demolished. Up to Third Floor There was another set of stairs that we could climb to our third floor room. The terrazzo patterns were impressive. Debbie told me a very embarrassing story of falling down these stairs. Everything is embarrassing in Junior High, but especially back in the days of mini skirts! Room 313 The hall was quiet. No bells ringing. No voices echoing. No lockers slamming. Our room was at the end of the hall, up a few more stairs. The first thing I noticed was the soaring ceiling and the tall window! We were located right above the entrance. Then I noticed Andy Warhol through the canopy bed. And a chalkboard on the wall. The iron furniture was created in Iowa, for Hotel Grinnell. There was a "g" cut right into the head board! The room was a little smaller than I had hoped for and the little blue couch/bed was not as useable as we'd expected. But the high ceilings made the room feel more spacious. Stuff The rolled towels and iron shelf reminded me of something we might have seen in a vintage locker room. The coffee maker and water bottles reminded me it wasn't the 1960's. I loved the "Not Now" tie, that served as a do not disturb sign. There was a desk in the corner, below a framed "ink blot". (very 1960's!) The desk looked nothing like the desks that I imagine once filled this room. The goodies on the desk were fun. Our key cards were in a Hall Pass sleeve. A number 2 pencil and a report card allowed us to "grade" our stay. The Big Window The most impressive part of the room, was the window. I had an easy time imagining my sister daydreaming out this window. Later that night, Debbie and I ended up spending a lot of time peeking through the glass, from our darkened room. It was around 9 pm when we heard some commotion below. It was coming from a very troubled man who seemed to be conversing loudly with some kind of wheeled cart, while his worried dog watched. It was a bit unsettling until Chad from the bar made call the police to do a check. Deb is a psych nurse and was concerned for the man who needed help not an arrest. Joanna Arrives The next day, Joanna arrived before lunch and we spent the day acting like we were 10 again. At some point we kindly asked to borrow some extra ties, for a little photo shoot. Luckily Chad was back working the bar and was willing to be our photographer. Going to the Office For our second night we were able to get a room upgrade. Room 112 was much more spacious. I pulled out a pack of candy cigarettes (Thanks airport gift shop!) and we enjoyed some more posing, near the entrance of our new room. Room 112 was located on the first floor, between the entrance and the reception desk. Jo and Deb recognized the location right away. "Yep! This is where the principal's office was!" Huge Improvement! Here are a few photos to show just how much more you get for an extra $20.! However when I checked out the next day, our kind host said the upgrade was complimentary. We had the same great floors and canopy bed, but there was a sliding barn door for privacy. The door from the lobby opened to a black & white tile floor. Double sinks on one side and chalkboard on the other. The toilet and shower had their own large room. The wooden bench reminded me again of a locker room. I pondered the mystery spot on the wood floor. What had been removed from that part of the floor? Gathering Area Our little sitting area had a TV and a couch sleeper, that was much more useable than the one from the night before. There was more colorful art on the walls. I especially liked the "shoe art" in the hall. Looks like colorful fish! Serious Discussion? I wish I'd captured some of the hysterics and laughter from our stay at Hotel Grinnell. Instead I snapped pics during quieter moments. This photo looks terribly serious! We were probably talking about where to go to lunch, but it looks like Deb and Jo were disagreeing about something very serious... Like, No! Cherry is the best flavor of Tootsie Roll Pop!... or These salty Bugles taste awful now and they don't fit on fingers like they used to!" Maybe the discussion had more intense questions. Was Mister Magoo a woke comic book? or, Is it a sin to pretend your Necco candies are Communion wafers? Old Photos Actually we didn't discuss those things, but we fiddled with silly puddy and talked about our kids and grandkids and even about politics. Thankfully we all are in agreement... We gabbed and reminisced and looked at old Grinnell photos on the laptop, Most of the photos made us laugh or sigh. Some made us stop and ponder and try harder to remember details of the past. Exploring Campus The best remembering surfaced when we took off on foot, to explore the nearby campus, where my Dad taught and Jo's dad was president. We 3 knew the campus well. As kids, we rode our bikes all over campus. We played in the grass and explored the buildings. It was incredible to wander and recall with friends, who shared memories. So many memories flooded back on that beautiful fall day. Downtown Hotel Grinnell's location was ideal. It was less than a minute walk to "downtown", where we 3 had more memories. I remember choosing boxed Halloween costumes, for sale at Ben Franklin's. At the Cunningham Drugs. (Now Merchants' Row) my doctor wrote our "ice cream prescriptions" on his pad, so we could have a treat at Cunningham's soda fountain! Our hotel wasn't just close to downtown. It was only a minute walk to my first home that I remember, on Park Street. A few steps further was St. Mary's Catholic Church. I stared at the babies and the ladies hats, while our Father Kubrick did mass in Latin. I'm so grateful that I had some time to wander and swap stories with Debbie and Joanna. Back to the Periodic Table The bar was little livelier on Saturday evening. We spotted a few Halloween costumes and a curious and colorful assortment of liquids on the bar. There seemed to be an eyeball in the beaker! We toasted with green eyeballs instead and ordered some tacos off the light menu. Then off for an evening drive and a visit with Joanna's step mom. Simple and lovely! Morning The 2-night stay went quickly. It was suddenly Sunday morning. We enjoyed a complimentary breakfast in The Periodic Table. Jo and Deb had to hit the road pretty early. My plane was later, so I did some art on the chalkboard and took time packing up my rental car. Hotel Bike Check-out wasn't until noon, so I grabbed one of the bikes from the hall and took off to explore on my own. I rode to my favorite park, then I rode down Summer Street and knocked on the door of my old house. It wasn't yellow anymore. Not sure what I would have said, had someone answered. But it gave me an excuse to stand on the porch where we kids once drank lemonade and played, "Kitty in the Corner"! Oh Summer Street! You were a good one! What's Notable? As I flew home that afternoon, I felt such a sense of satisfaction. I had combined a unique hotel stay with 2 special friends. The playful, creative reinvention of this old school was just what we 3 needed to rediscover our own playful selves! My memories will be more about friends and nostalgia, than luxury sheets and welcoming staff. That certainly helped though!
I would happily return or recommend this hotel to others. However it would be hard to duplicate the full package experience I enjoyed! Where? Last October, Don and I stayed in the modest little town of Perry. About an hour from Des Moines. I found photos of Hotel Pattee on the internet. What was the story about this spiffed up little beauty, in small town Iowa? Why? Before heading on our trip, people kept asking the same question. "Why are you going on a road trip in Iowa?" The easy answer was, "Oh, I like Iowa. I used to live there." But that was 56 years ago. No family in Iowa now. Mostly, Don and I just love simple, meandering-trips, driving on chill country roads. Iowa has a lot of them. The state also has a lot of very curious small towns, as well as historic inns that aren't expensive. Perry and Pattee seemed like a good combo. Flags and Canopy I was happy to see the flowers and waving flags welcoming us. The canopy added a bold city-look to the hotel. I learned later that the ritzy canopy was actually removed in the 1960's, when the hotel became apartments. That happens... I'm glad it came back. The planters with healthy ferns, added a retro hotel feel. And I loved the classy "HP", built into the bricks. "Hotel Pattee"? Harry Pattee I spotted more "HP" decor on the terra cotta floors, when we entered. Were the letters for Hotel Pattee or Harry Pattee? Harry Pattee and his brother began building the hotel in honor of their father, in 1912. (Harry seems to be the name more associated with the hotel) Sadly, their dad died before the hotel's opening in 1913. 1913... Perry was a prosperous agricultural and railroad town, when the Pattee brothers decided to build. Seems odd that they sold the hotel less than a year after its opening. This is how the lobby looked in 1939 after quite a few owners and re-openings. But by 1993, the hotel was in sad shape. Luckily, multimillionaire philanthropists, Roberta and Howard Ahmanson bought the hotel. Roberta had the needed passion, for rescuing an iconic hotel in the town where she grew up. Howard had the family money. They did an amazing top dollar renovation job. Re-Opened in 1997 After a massive remodeling the hotel reopened in 1997, with 40 theme-based guest rooms. The only theme I could spot in the lobby and common areas, was an Arts and Crafts theme. Which isn't really a theme. That's just the decorative trend that was still popular in 1913. When we arrived, we were welcomed by Gabby at the front desk. We were also greeted by Lopso the 3-legged pup, who was lounging on the carpet. Fireplaces and Art Don and I wandered the first floor common areas and were blown away by the quality of craftsmanship. The leather furniture and Persian rugs added a classy warmth. I was drawn to the 2-sided stone fire-place, with artwork on both sides. Words on the Wall We spotted quotes stenciled throughout the hotel. Some words were thought provoking. Some made me feel like I was at church. The artwork throughout the hotel was quite impressive. From what I've since read, the Ahmansons are both passionate about the arts and religion. Artwork Supposedly there are 117 pieces on display, all from regional artists. I liked some of the small town scenes. Much of the art reminded me of the the work of Iowa native Grant Wood. Wood actually created a lot more than the well known American Gothic couple. Louie in the Ballroom There was a huge mural in the Spring Valley Ballroom. There was a lot going on in this mural. Louis Armstrong and his horn, is shown just above a circus tent. Evidently he stayed at Hotel Pattee long ago, when he was not welcomed in any of the Des Moines hotels. The Basement I was excited to get down to the basement level and find more artwork. I don't know the story about the funny floating lady, but she reminded me of a whimsical marionette. Beneath the painting of a farmer, I saw a collection of doggy toys. Lopso's Story The toys of course belonged to the 3-legged hotel mascot, Lopso. He had a lot of toys and numerous lounging spots in the hotel. Gabby at the desk, told me the story of Lospo. In 2020, the sweet pup belonged to a homeless man, who got into an issue with a man and his gun. Lopso ended up with more than bullet injuries, but was given good care by a local vet. Hotel Pattee became his new home, where he now has many fans. Arthur "Oley" Olson's Bowling Alley There were more fun surprises in the basement. The hotel has had a bowling alley since its opening in 1913. The bowling alley was given a huge makeover and a new name, when the Ahmansons renovated 25+ years ago. They named the 2-lane bowling alley after Roberta's grandfather, who happened to be a champion bowler in the 1920s and 1930s. Chapel There seemed to be no end to my basement exploration. I found artwork and bowling options and doggy toys. I think there was possibly a fitness room, that I totally missed. And I found a chapel, that wasn't exactly big enough for a hotel wedding. This was a tiny space with enough room for 4 praying people. I started thinking about some of the bible quotes and wondered if the hotel actually opened in 1913, with a chapel and stenciled bible verses. I don't know that I've ever stayed in a hotel with a chapel. I should have taken a seat (or kneeler) to ponder that. Up We Go The 3-story building had an elevator, but the marble stairs were so lovely. When I'm not lugging suitcases, I always prefer stairs... especially when we're not on the top second floor. With each climb, I admired the dramatic view of artwork and skylight. Sitting Areas There were comfy sitting areas on both guest floors. I loved spotting the horse sculpture out of one window! The hall decor (along with the plaque outside of our room) was perfectly in touch with the Craftsman style. R.M. Harvey Room There were 40 themed rooms to chose from and I chose a room with a name that I didn't even recognize. Don knew he had no say, about our room choice. I was too excited to pick the theme. It was a quick decision. Circus Room! I didn't really care who RM Harvey was. I just knew I wanted to be in the circus room. I can't help it. I have a thing about circuses. This room just made me grin and clap like some kind of amused 2-year-old at the circus. It's embarrassing how entertained I was. Tiny Room with Lots of Stuff! I knew our room wasn't one of the large ones. But they squeezed in 2 rooms worth of colorful circus themed decor. The walls were packed with photos and news clippings about R.M Harvey and his involvement with numerous Iowa circuses over 60 years. There was lots to read above the desk and even in the bathroom! I didn't read it all, but I quickly learned Mr. Harvey was a business man, not a performer. If he'd been a lion tamer or trapeze guy, I'd have read every word. Colorful Accents My eyes got busy taking in every detail! Performing animals on the lampshade... ... a tidy little pillow and blanket set with lions and clowns, on a cozy red chair. The Big Picture I love a kitschy, themed room! Even if it's a little worn or dusty, like the Clown Motel in Nevada, I'm so easily amused. But honestly this dandy little circus room was spotless. It was 10 times cuter than the website photos. Our queen bed fit neatly between 2 tables, holding circus animal lamps. (The horse and lion kept an eye on us!) Above the colorful pillows was a striped circus tent canopy! The ceiling light glowed through a clown hat. Love it! Spotlight on Details I was thoroughly impressed. The room was not decorated with random circus-theme decor purchased from a thrift shop or Kids-R-US. Every detail was thought out for adult circus fans. Even the mural border surrounding the room, was entertaining with a lively circus scene. There was a ledge with extra lighting to enhance our viewing. Ta da! Quilt, Curtain and Dishes! I do love an old quilt! But I was happy to sleep under one that wasn't faded and musty smelling. This one had a tag saying a local quilt group had made it for the Circus Room in 2022. The colorful patchwork design made me think of the painted stands, that roaring lions sit upon, in the ring. And look at how the window curtains part, just like the opening of a circus tent. Then zoom in above the headboard to see the display of children's dishes. I looked for the china (with creepy clown faces) on Ebay and learned that the dishes were put out by Union Pacific RR! Not cheap! Popcorn in the Circus Room After looking out the window a moment, I noticed a wooden popcorn wagon, parked in front of the library across the street. Kids were stopping by on their way home from school, to buy a bag or 2. I was inspired! I dashed downstairs and bought some popcorn, to enjoy in the circus room! "Tomfoolery Supreme" What a caption! And what good news, that Tom Mix and his horse Tony, "Will positively appear at each performance!" I studied the fine vintage posters as I nibbled my popcorn. You just can't beat this Tom Mix circus poster, with a plate of pancakes and a winking clown holding Castor Oil! This would freak out a lot of people, but I chose this side of the bed, just to be near those pancakes! Happy Hour Don and I were excited to make use of the lounge and restaurant, just off the lobby. The classy Inter-Urban Lounge was a bit quiet, on a weeknight at 5:30. The lounge was named for the electric train that used to take folks from Perry to Des Moines. The beautiful remodel was done in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, who spent a lot of time in Iowa. Back in the Day I'm guessing this photo from Hotel Pattee, is from the 1940s or 1950's. No FLW Prairie Style in this bar. I wonder if Mr. Wright ever visited Hotel Pattee? Wright actually designed a hotel in Mason City, Iowa around the same time Hotel Pattee opened. Wall of Photos While Don ordered us drinks, I glanced at the display of photographs. The walls were covered in framed images of the town's railroad history. A few spotlights on Perry locals as well. Willis Library The lounge was eerily quiet, so we took our drinks to the library. This cozy place with copper hooded fireplace, needed some appreciators. We moved right in! I liked the quote above the painting of the mysterious faceless farmer. I studied the book selections and studied the vases and treasures, tucked into the shelves. Don tried out one of the Mission Style rockers, resting on the lovely William Morris replica carpet. Ok, I didn't know the name William Morris. Had to look him up. Cheers! Don and I put the timer on the cell camera and had a quick toast. It was the evening before our anniversary and our last night together in Iowa. Cheers to 44 years of crazy travels! Pattee Cafe And then there was dinner in the railroad themed restaurant! The Hostess Station/Ticket Booth delighted this theme-lover! The hostess told me the train on the track above our heads, wasn't working at the moment. But it looked pretty festive anyway. Dining Room I snapped a photo of the empty dining room earlier, so I wouldn't annoy diners. But at 7:30, there was no one to annoy in the dining room anyway. We had it to ourselves. We sat in a cozy booth, with seat cushions that made us feel like we were on an old train. Above us we enjoyed a mural of the Perry Train Station. There were also painted images on the panels above our seats. My eyes couldn't stop wandering. I looked across the tables and studied another mural from an earlier decade. I wish I could go back in time... Food! First we split a humongous Caesar salad with sliced egg... which was wonderful. Then we devoured our entrees. Don's Cornmeal Sautéd Walleye Filet and my Chicken Parmesan were both over the top. It seemed impossible that we were getting this big city quality food, with small town prices. And where was everyone? We had nothing but good things to say as we dined, but we found ourselves practically whispering. The place was so quiet. No music to muffle our voices as we discussed how bewildered we felt about the hotel. "How can this food be so good and cheap? How hard is it to keep a good chef in this town? How much did it cost to renovate, with such expensive materials and craftsmanship? How can the hotel like this even break even, with so few guests?" Night Time Luckily we stopped stressing and just enjoyed the feast and the hotel for the rest of the evening. I loved stepping out and seeing the hotel lit at night. Soumas Court was also glowing, right next door. The hotel's art-filled outdoor gathering space, was lovely in the day and night. Around Town At night, I took a few photos of some of the lit up art installations, along the street. In the morning Don and I wandered the curious town. We spotted the train tracks that once made Perry so prosperous. A couple times we caught a whiff of the Tyson meat packing plant, that later brought jobs and new smells to Perry. Funny how it didn't bother me. It was just another piece of the Perry story. I felt drawn to the town. What's Notable? I've rambled way too long, so I'll be short. Hotel Pattee delights me! Perry intrigues me. The hotel's history and themed rooms are curious and fun. The fabulous top dollar renovations make the stay comfortable and classy. I'm glad the city now plays a part in the ownership. (There were a few owners after the Ahmansons suddenly closed in 2006) Hopefully the hotel will never close again!
Update: Since I posted this piece, Perry has gained a spotlight in the news, that they never wanted. Learning of the horrific shooting at Perry High School was jolting and infuriating. My heart goes out to the residents of this special town. |
Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
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