Dave and I are on the road again, making our annual Christmas run. Here are two sweet stories from along the trail.
Five nights ago we stayed in a Comfort Inn in Macon, Georgia. As you know, I love the big breakfasts these hotels serve. That morning I went down early to look over the selection. It was to die for. Eggs, bacon, danish, waffles, fruit, yogurt, bagels with cream cheese - and the ultimate treat - sausage gravy.
There was only one other traveler in the dining room so I decided to get coffee, read the paper and wait for Dave. Suddenly the elevator doors opened and teen aged girls poured out. The doors closed and momentarily two more loads of girls poured out. All in their jams, Santa hats and socks.
I thought oh, oh! And I was right. They demolished the breakfast. Dave came down and we both laughed at how, within 10 minutes, all of the food disappeared before our eyes. And I mean all! Even the boxed cereal.
As it turns out, it was a girls basketball team. They were happy for the away game but sad to be traveling four days before Christmas. They made up for it by eating hardily.
But, by some Christmas miracle, it took only about 15 minutes for the staff to replenish breakfast for the the rest of us. So a happy ending for all
Five nights ago we stayed in a Comfort Inn in Macon, Georgia. As you know, I love the big breakfasts these hotels serve. That morning I went down early to look over the selection. It was to die for. Eggs, bacon, danish, waffles, fruit, yogurt, bagels with cream cheese - and the ultimate treat - sausage gravy.
There was only one other traveler in the dining room so I decided to get coffee, read the paper and wait for Dave. Suddenly the elevator doors opened and teen aged girls poured out. The doors closed and momentarily two more loads of girls poured out. All in their jams, Santa hats and socks.
I thought oh, oh! And I was right. They demolished the breakfast. Dave came down and we both laughed at how, within 10 minutes, all of the food disappeared before our eyes. And I mean all! Even the boxed cereal. As it turns out, it was a girls basketball team. They were happy for the away game but sad to be traveling four days before Christmas. They made up for it by eating hardily.
But, by some Christmas miracle, it took only about 15 minutes for the staff to replenish breakfast for the the rest of us. So a happy ending for all
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Three nights ago we were in Chicago. Our hotel, the Essex Inn, was on South Michigan Avenue. We decided to walk about ten blocks to Macy's. It was drizzling rain and the temperature was dropping - but we enjoyed the walk. Macy's was bustling. When we stepped outside for the walk back it was much colder and the rain had turned to sleet.
We were making our way up State Street, arm and arm and holding an umbrella when we slipped. We went down kind of in slow motion until both of us were sprawled on the sidewalk. We weren't hurt but we were stunned.
But, no less than eight people surrounded us, gently, easily, pulling us back to our feet. They were smiling and gracious. Some stayed to chat a few minutes, most likely to make sure we were fine.
And we were. More than fine even. So a happy ending for all.
Now it's Christmas eve. Dave's in Chicago with grown grandchildren. I'm in Atlanta awaiting Santa. And that's as it should be.
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