On Friday Mary Ann took me back to Digs, there were things I decided I needed, Kearie sent me money for my birthday , so it needed to be spent, and I couldn't think of a better place, they have IOD transfers and moulds, and cheaper than back home. I went a bit crazy, but I am happy, and that is the main thing, right?
As we drove back home I was again marvelled at the amount of houses surounded by woods, it is truly a lovely part of the world. There are a million little and big lakes scattered through the area and houses everywhere, but really nice, with lovely surroundings, not just house upon house. I love the drives through here. There are all colours of squirrels, black, brown, grey and red, and all different mixtures. There are also little chipmonks and lots of road kill. Which is sad, it is mainly racoons and the occasional deer.
Home depot contacted me and my door handles have arrived in store, so we went and picked them up. I love them, and they were only $17 USD, so much cheaper than back home and They will match my house, so I am stoked.
Joe and Ashley, Mary Ann's youngest boy and his wife, came over last night and they all played Euchre, they were absolutely amazed that I knew how to paly it, I sat out though as it has been literally years since I have played it. I am glad I did as Joe and Chris kept trying to steal the deal. I am like, "that is not even a thing". Yes it is they insisted, I was like try that at a tournament and see how far you get. Joe was, "Okay not in that environemnt, but okay everywhere else". Yeah right, little cheaters, you really need to keep your eye on them two. But although Ashley and Mary Ann lost the three games, they at least kept their integrity, but it was hilarious to watch.. It was a nice last night. Kennedy taught me some new games and I admit, I had no idea what I was doing, but she enjoyed it and she beat me each time. She is a lovely young girl. I didn't really get a chance to get to know her brother, Jamieson, but he seem like a nice young man too.
On Saturday it was with mixed feeling I left Mary Ann's home for the last time. It is really a lovely home, set in lovely woods. It is such a pity she has a crazy neighbour. The guy is serously loopy. We drove to Mary Ann's Aunty Betty's for lunch and a visit before Mary Ann would take me to the airport, Her aunt is so nice, I met Mary Ann's parents, in 1981, when I stayed with them for about a week on my way home from Europe, it was a few weeks after I had met Mary Ann and Laurie. Her aunt is her mothers sister, Emily met us there and we had a lovely lunch and a nice visit. Aunt Betty has ground hogs apparently, but again, of course, I didn't see one. Mary Ann then drove me to the airport and stayed with me until I checked my two large suitcases, which was awesome, as they are a little hard to monouver. I then said goodbye to Mary Ann, but we will see each other agian, and not in 43 years. We may do another road trip or even just a visit. We got along so well, which was awesome as it could have gone really pear shaped as it was such a long time since we had seen each other. We are both pretty laid back so that helps. We had so much fun and some real belly laughs. I was a little teary eyed as I walked away.
Once I got to go through to security, I was held up as my birthdate on my ticket did not match my passport. So back to Spirit check in I went. They sorted it and I was finally allowed through. I got to the gate okay and had about an hour wait. This was delayed by 20 minutes and then we boarded. We sat and sat and finally we found out there was a medical episode at the back of the plane. I felt sorry for whoever it was, but some passengers became quite rude, I mean a person can't help getting sick. It was about an hour and 15 minutes delay. Then that was sorted and they needed to complete paperwork?? A lot of the passengers were from Texas and apparently they had beaten Michigan that day at something, not sure if baseball or football or something else, but they were quite rude about Michigan, we mostly this one young guy, but the rest were playing along and laughing etc. I mean how old are you?? I think alcohol was involved... He looked a little seedy.
We finally got underway with much cheering and carry on from the Texas fans. Once we arrived, all those hours late, we had to wait on the tarmac for a gate, another 20 minutes...
Again they said the baggage carrage number, and again they used two, but didn't tell anyone. I found my luggage, after a short search and went off to find the shuttle pick up area. I was calling the shuttle number but getting no answer, I tried several times, I finally had a transport officer from the airline come up and ask if he could help. He also tried calling them, no nothing. It was after 11 pm at this stage. He offered to call me a taxi and I accepted, I was tired and annoyed and I just wanted to get to the hotel. So that cost me just over $33 USD.
The taxi came and he was headed the wrong way when he asked me to give him the address of the Motel 6, apparently there are two nearby. I told him and he was headed to the wrong one. He had to go back the way we came and he thought he was dropping me at the correct hotel. The large sign in the air said Motgel 6 and the one beside it said Super 8. He dropped me and off he went. I went inside and there were Super 8 signs everywhere, including the mat on the floor. I was like is this Motel 6? I mean it was obvious it wasn't . No, he told me to go down the corridor and turn left and I would see it. I went down the corridor, turned left and after a short walk, arrived back at Super 8. I was getting annoyed by this stage. A couple of guys were coming of the door and so I said "Excuse me is this the motel 6". "No, this is Super 8". Like I didn't know.. They were so sweet, they asked me what was going on and I told them. The younger one looked up at the sign and said he could see how the mistake could happen. He googled and stepped onto the road and pointed up the block. So I thanked them and went to walk off, when they offered to help with my luggsge. 3 suitcases is a lot to manouver. I was no, that's okay , you will be busy, no, they wouldn't hear of it and said Friendly Texans like to help, so they took the two big ones and then Joe, the younger guy, took my small one too and carried them up the embankment and they took them all the way to the reception. What lovely guys, So a big thank you to Joe and Jason for saving me from giving up and sleeping in the Super 8 car park..
No apologies from Motel 6 re their shuttle not being available, just excuses it was a busy night. They should still be able to answer the phone. Not impressed. Once again the shower would not work, I was past annoyed by this time. I called reception and she said, you have to pull the tap out. I said I tried that, so she came and jiggled it a bit and got it to work. This is the first hotel I have stayed in, anywhere, that does not supply shampoo and conditioner. I left my conditioner at Mary Ann's and my shampoo was empty. So I asked her and she was no, we don't supply it to the rooms, but I can get you some from reception??? Like ??? What!!! So she brougth me three small satchets of shampoo.....
This morning I asked reception where the restaurant that was on their website as being in close proximity was, it is in the motel next door, the quality Inn I think it was. So I had breakfast. The latest checkout at the hotel was 11.30, so I caught that shuttle and am now at the airport. My flight isn't until 8.24pm, so a long wait ahead. I asked if there was any places to eat out here and no, all that is once you pass through security, which I can't do until I check my bags. I have no idea how long that will be, my flight is not for ages. So here I am, sitting at the airport and talking to you lot... hopefully it won't take all day for Qantas to open the checkin, but I doubt it.
This guy was outside the motel this morning, Strawberries, strawgerries on his slippers. The calibre of the clientel her is supreme....
So my next and final blog will be once I return home, so till then. Bye for now
Lones
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