The Road to Bella

 Day 4: The Storm

How am I doing this morning after two days of hunkering down in my hotel room? I was fine until this morning ...

 I kept busy yesterday by reading and writing (no 'rithmetic necessary). I didn't leave the hotel due to the driving snow. It literally snowed sideways all day.

 One of the consequences of such a massive storm here in Colorado, is when the interstate closed, the hotel filled up with families seeking shelter. Most of these families were traveling with their pets. I'm judging, but it seems like most of these late arrivals have never stayed in a hotel before.

 Mask-wearing has gone by the wayside; an inordinate number of smokers seem to think it's ok to prop the side exit door open to smoke. You have to walk through corridor of non-mask wearing smokers to get to your car. Families are raiding the free breakfast, leaving with dozens of muffins, water bottles ... anything they can carry. I suppose these guests (?) think anything, such as the pouches of coffee in the room, are free to steal.

 But what is grinding my gears the most is the past three hours of doors slamming and children running up and down the halls screaming. My room is near the elevator, so I've been privy to some interesting conversations. Children have been the issue, not dogs.

 I watched last night as Elva, the on-duty desk clerk, did a masterful  job of juggling check-in's, jarringly ringing phone lines  and guests asking questions. As I said yesterday, restaurants closed due to the storm, so food options were limited. I did well because I had carried food items with me. Around 8pm, I asked Elva if she had eaten yet (She had not). So, I brought down a bag of cashews and a soft drink to her. She was grateful and appreciative.

 But, this morning .... Arrgh ... I have politely asked the folks in the room across from me (to no avail) - (three adults and four children), to remember there are other guests at the hotel and to please stop their children from running up and down the hall screaming! I'm also putting on my Mask-Police Hat and reminding people that masks are mandatory in the hotel, especially on the elevator. Yes, I've been THAT person this morning.

 Oh, well .. rant over. Check out is in an hour.  The headaches will be gone! The hotel has been fine the other three days I've been here, so I'll go in search of some patience.

 It appears I will be staying an extra day. Bella was scheduled for spaying and a dental exam; but, a decision was made that NMDR will be closed today. Everything Bella has been delayed a day. 

Maggie and Greg are leaving Colorado Springs this afternoon for another destination. I am hoping to see them before they head out. I'm hopeful I can visit Manitou Springs and the Air Force Academy, just be a bit of a tourist.

 Well, guess what! The sun just appeared! I just may leave my room!!

Day Five - Playing Tourist

After the noisy, rough start to Day 5, things turned around for the better, hour by hour. With the bright sunshine and bue skies, I decided to drive to the North Entrance of The Air Force Academy to see the stunning Chapel there. I just wanted to take photos, but I was turned away at the entrance. The MP told me I could not drive on to the campus if I wasn’t connected to someone at the university, due to Covid-19 restrictions and because of the weather over the weekend. He said even if you have proof you are fully vaccinated, you’ll have to turn around. There was no point in arguing, so if you see a photo of the Chapel attached to this post, it won’t be one I captured.

 It’s not a well-known fact that in 1972, I was nominated by Senator John Tower of Texas to attend the Air Force Academy. The appointment came through. I was thrilled; but, in an uncharacteristic action on my part, I ultimately declined the appointment without consulting my parents first. I had decided I really wanted to attend The University of Texas in Austin and major in music and theater. My parents strongly disapproved of me attending that “Goddamned Hippie School”; consequently, I wound up at Texas A&M which turned out to be an excellent choice.

Back to today ... Maggie and Greg left about 2:30pm. They stopped by my hotel on the way out of town and dropped off gifts of servings of chicken pot pie and beef stew thoughtfully provided by Teresa, founder of NMDR. I followed Greg’s truck South on I 25 to the exit for Garden of the Gods. When I arrived at the Garden of the Gods Welcome Center, it wa closed. (I was disappointed because my Houstonian friend Jim Bernhard told me only this morning that his son designed the displays at The Welcome Center.)

After, I left Garden of the Gods, I drove to Manitou Springs, Colorado. It was close by and a really charming hippie haven of an historic town with many art galleries and eateries. Its ambience reminded me quite vividly of Eureka Springs, Arkansas! I drove around town taking photos (It’s a favorite pastime - taking photos of interesting architecture.) I had a blast!

 Maggie called me a few minutes ago and told me Bella had been spayed today and also had her dental exam so I can pick her up at noon tomorrow and head home!