I’m one of those folks who can get lost even with the aid of a GPS. On my way to MO last week, I had my route all programmed in and I had the printed directions from mapquest but then I saw a sign that said “Joplin . . exit here” so I exited. The lady in the GPS began screaming at me. I figured I’d go a little ways and she would calm down but she didn’t so I pulled over and looked at the printed directions and someone was confused about the route . . either the sign that said “Joplin . . exit here” or the GPS or the printed directions. Figuring time was on my side, I just kept going and eventually the GPS lady stopped telling me to make a U-turn as soon as it was safe to do so and began telling me how to get back to I-44. She seemed like she had regained control of herself so I trusted her and did what she told me. Then I saw an Arby’s and realized it was about 2:00 p.m. and I had not had breakfast or lunch, nor had I had a Dr. Pepper. I stopped and ate. Then I saw a Target and decided to run in there and get some things for Chad and Nicole. As I was leaving, I noticed a real nice hotel and just tucked that away for future reference.
This was my first trip back to MO and it takes me a few trips to learn where to get gas, where to eat, where to make restroom stops. The one thing I learned this trip is don’t count on getting past Oklahoma City for a bathroom and gas stop. Whew . . that was close . . on both counts!
It’s about a 10 hour drive, which I can easily do in one day . . unless I’ve had the night shift of baby duty. I was more than happy to take care of Adalina during the night so Chad and Nicole could sleep but I realized there was no way I could drive 10 hours after getting little to no sleep for the past week.
I explained to Vince that I thought I should make this a two day trip. He said he would find me a room and I told him I already knew where I wanted to stay . . right near a Target, a Starbucks and a Cracker Barrel! He said “Fine .. he’d get me a room.”
I checked in and have a huge suite!
Open the door to a little wet bar type area . . there’s a package or two of popcorn!! There’s a bottle of wine in the car . . should I get it out or not? Probably not.
See that long desk? A quick inspection tells me I could easily set up 4 sewing machines, as well as a cutting mat on there. Anyone want to come sew? There’s a sofa and a chair . . and there are knitting projects (provided by me . . not the hotel).
A big, old comfy king size bed. There are 6 lamps in this room, all with bulbs that actually put out light! Shall I crawl in that big bed and read or shall I sit on the sofa and knit?
First things first .. hit the shower and then I’ll decide what sounds good.
Thanks Vince for getting me such a wonderful room. Wish you were here! 🙂
Barb in MI says
I’ll come over for a sew-in… but I may get lost as my relationship with GPS is spotty… and Michigan is far away…
Safe travels!
Carol says
I am glad that woman is living in your gps now she was in mine a few weeks ago and was still yelling at me to turn around as I turned into the drive of the place I was going.
Judy in Michigan says
What’s the name of the motel chain? Sounds like a good one to stop at!! Sorry won’t be able to join you tonight, Michigan is too far away! Drive carefully tomorrow.
Mina says
Wow, thats a really nice hotel. I dont think I have ever stayed in one that nice.
Helen says
Yeah, I’ll be there. Might be after you leave but that’s a sweet room. Leave the knitting at the desk!
Linda Steller says
Wow! If I were in the vicinity, I’d load up a couple of machines or grab my knitting and come visit. That is indeed a nice room. I hope you get a nice restful nights sleep and have a safe journey tomorrow.
Stephani Siekierski says
Sleep off that grandbaby-sitting, till next time.
Connie says
Hold on a minute there missy, are you in OKC and haven’t called me? WHAT????
Susan says
It looks great! What chain is it? Next time I go to CA, I might need it! Too bad we can’t have a sew-in.
Ava Crotinger says
I’m so glad you stopped for the night. That’s a long drive. I hope to be making that drive soon to visit my younger sister (Eastland). I’ll stop after about 7 hours of driving to spend the night with my older sister. I usually listen to audio books when I’ve got that long of a drive. Too bad they don’t have auto-pilot so we could knit while we drive.
Rose says
Mmmm thinking I would LOVE to drop by … just a long way to swim from the bottom of the world to where you ar is all 🙂
Alycia says
Sounds like a great idea – I’ll go grab a sewing machine and join you – tee hee!!! Love the baby’s name!!!
marion morgan says
Sounds like you and the GPS woman have a mixed relationship. I understand there are now MEN GPSers. I think they appeal to men more who get annoyed with women’s voices–ya think. Such fun to wake up to your blogs.
Pat says
Looks like some of the Embassy Suites we’ve frequented and they are pretty nice. They usually have a free cocktail reception at night and a really great cooked-to-order breakfast in the mornings!
Missy says
My GPS and I have constant arguments, but lately she’s started pouting and stops working when I am on the interstate and have no idea where I am supposed to be going!
Debi McIntosh says
Your description is so apt of the voice of the GPS – there is nothing worse than not knowing where you are going!! Love your posts.