Sleep was at first elusive and then would not let go. The time change seems more brutal this time, but I found it always harder in the shortened days of winter. Sleep measured only a few hours on Thursday night.
I had a light breakfast as I had tea with all the works at 11. Keith saw me, and we talked. He runs the food for some of the week, and I told him I would be back around Christmas. We talked about my travels, especially my visit to Ebenezer Baptist in Atlanta, and he said he likes the singing and the feeling of the African American-style Baptist services. But then he asked if it went on and on. I told him that the preacher said he was told to “get in and then get’m out.” That got a smile.
I returned to my room after finishing the blog, dropped off my computer (my room was already cleaned), and got my coat and hat. Next, Deborah picked me up in her mini for our only event on Friday, a Tea at the Royal Park Hotel. A higher-end hotel than my usual IHG, with a complimentary industrial breakfast that has me now a Gold member (and, like Airlines, Diamond is where the perks are, with Gold and Silver being more participation levels). The rain was freezing, and the hotel staff told me to be careful, as the maintenance person had fallen while spreading salt and was being checked out. Yikes!
Deborah and her mini with winter tires, and she with spikes in her boots (when walking the dogs), had no problem, and we soon arrived at the Royal Park — just a few minutes away. But the valet parking was not available, and Deborah parked, and then we risked the parking lot (and a downpour) to reach the hotel. We arrived for tea without falls or getting overly damp, and wandered the decorated lobby until it was time for our tea.
Aside: Deborah believes that if you respect Michigan’s winter, prepare, and remember to move more slowly, it is not that bad. Nothing to fear, but to be ready.
The room for the tea opened, and the line was soon seated, and we found a classic tea with finger foods, the required cucumber sandwiches, and our choice of tea. We went with more regular teas, English Breakfast and Earl Grey (not drowned in Bergamot oil). The clotted cream and lemon curd added heavenly flavors to our scones. Our steeped teas were a bit weak.
Time change, airplanes, and lack of sleep had me back at my hotel for a long nap. Deborah joined me there later, and then we met her kids plus a girlfriend for post-Christmas dinner at the brewery and restaurant. The menu was more elevated than the usual burgers and fries you see at breweries, and I had goulash with spazael and others had short ribs. All was declared good.
We returned to Deborah’s house, and I got to pet Zelda and Trixie. Deborah and I may have nodded off on the couch while her son tried out some video racing game and/or Cyberpunk 2077. Deborah dropped me off at my hotel, and soon I was back in my room, falling asleep with the light on while reading. I woke a few hours later and turned off the light. I woke many times, but managed to fall back asleep each time. There were forgotten dreams and one nightmare (also forgotten) that knocked me awake. I startled awake but soon calmed and fell asleep; I had forgotten what scared me.
Thanks for reading.
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