I can't believe I did that. I really can't believe I actually did that again
::::::shaking my head in disbelief:::::::
Honest to God. I really thought I got over that bad habit of know which was left from right. East to West and North to South. ::still shaking my head::::: and Nancy beat me home. She only had 7 hours on me. I only had 1 1/2 when I dropped Lisa off at her house.
I was listening to my tapes....Go through the stupid toll booths. Just waiting for the WISCONSIN border to show up. It didn't and didn't. I was looking at scenery and said hmmm, I never saw those buildings before. I guess I just wasn't looking on the way down.
Then low and behold are my EYES deceiving me. No, it can't be....::::still shaking my head::::: Where is my trustee ole compass. Guess what I don't have one.
The sign said
DIANE - - - WI
>^..^<
Well any way to continue.
Seven miles from O'Hare
What happened to Rockford, Wisconsin. Where Am I?
Gee, on the way to Chicago instead of Madison, Sheesh.
I had to turn around and go back the way I came. I am so disgusted with myself.
DIANE - - - WI
>^..^<
I have to say up front that I had excellent directions from Lisa and Ottis. I made one turn around in trying to locate Lisa's house and we were talking and missed the turn to get on the interstate. (of course going the right direction. I only do this by myself)
Time went fast. Of course, it would since we talked all the way to McD. It didn't take long for Ottis, Nancy D and Katie to show up. We showed pictures, talked and talked.
Weather was fine until Champaign. Rained and Rained
Went to the suite. NICE
Ate cookies. Everyone received a bag, 4 kinds and I am like the others I won't share. Talked, shared more pictures again and headed out to meet Nora. Nancy D had this thing about being late and made the comment that Nora would already be there.
I want to state for the record that Lisa had the option NOT to sit on the hump.
Dinner was great...Nora was TERRIFIC. Plenty of hugs around. Yes, both Nancy's took the seats next to Nora. We had to change table to make room for Bill the driver. Nice man. He took a lot of pictures for us.
Went to the bookstore. Real Nice. Nora was already in the store and signing the books. At this store, they did not have her read. :(
Long line but it went fast. I had brought my copy of Promise Me Tomorrow (which I would not let out of my sight) and Montana Skys Nora's comment about PMT was oh You got one, I hoped you did not pay a lot for it. After hemming and hawwing, she said, No, I don't even want to hear it. Ok fine by me.
We waited around until the crowd thinned out. Katie managed to get a mouse pad. Nancy D whined. She almost grabbed the apron off Robin. She worked for the store and had a great looking apron that said about Nora and JD Robb and she would not give it up. I am not sure how much she bribed Kelly but she received a larger picture display of Homeport and had Nora sign this.
We said goodbye to Nora and went to Chili for dessert. Ottis parking, well that's another subject. We had to wait at the bar for our table. Nancy D was ogling the bartenders. Fine looking men, I must say. Talked about the evening. Ate delicious ice cream. Katie drooled over hers and said she was addicted.
Went back to the suite.....More talking.....Checked out what Nora wrote in each of our books.
Of course, we found out that the sofa bed wasn't a double. Ottis nearly fell through it when she sat down on the end. No springs or bedding.
Toilet had a little problem. We needed maintenance and a mop. Water was so cold on my bare feet, Brrr
I opted for the floor. I had my trusty sleeping bag and used the cushions from the chairs. Slept like a lamb. Now, I cannot say if it was my snoring or not. I am only going by what people were telling me in the morning.
I was up by 6 or so and decided it was time for coffee. No, Nancy D was not up at that time so I went for MY coffee and looked around the motel. Great looking pool and jacuzzi. To bad my suit was still in Arizona. Boy, did I get the evil eye from Nancy when she saw the coffee in hand. No, it was mine but I will go and get one for her. It made her very very happy.
I am still not sure How many cups it takes to wake Nancy up.
This was a very nice motel but..... there was the toilet thing, the sofa bed with no springs at the end of it, no bedding for it, and the towel bar that decided to come off the wall after my shower. Hmmmm
We could not find a place a table at the motel so we went to Bob Evans. Great breakfast and a lot of coffee.
Sad part was saying goodbyes to Nancy Ottis and Katie. I had the GREATEST time and can't wait for July.
The ride back to Lisa went without a hitch. I said my goodbyes and hit the road
Instead of going west, I ended up east towards Chicago. Turned around and finally made it home.
DIANE - - - WI
>^..^<
