The Road East:  Day 4

We were about 50 miles into our drive across Nebraska when it suddenly dawned on us that we’ve actually never been in Nebraska.  We’ve been in the surrounding states, South Dakota, Kansas and Wyoming, but not Nebraska.  And guess what?  Nebraska actually gave us a really good day.  Who knew?  Yes, it was a l-o-n-g drive, flat and very straight, but surprisingly our road to retirement is actually green and full of fall colors.

The Road East: Day 3

Day 3 dawned this morning with clear beautiful blue skies and we were on the road to our retirement by 8:00 a.m.  And our first stop is what I’m going to label as step 4 on my 12-step retirement program.  Treat yourself to something yummy for breakfast, even though you know it’s really not good for you, because sometimes it’s just fun – and yummy – to do so.

The Road East:  Day 2

I think there should be a 12-step program for major life changes such as retirement.  One day you’re working full time, the next day you’re not.  There should be some kind of phasing out period.  Don’t you think?

On the Road to Retirement

Sometimes, when you’re trying to figure out how you’re going to get it all done, an angel comes along and loans you her car.  Not only does she loan you her car, but she tells you to keep it until the day before you leave.  Sometimes, “thank you” doesn’t even begin to cut it.

I think the biggest misconception about B&B’s – for people who have never stayed at a B&B, or for those who are just unaware – is that a B&B is not a hostel.  And, there are those who do not seem to understand the difference.

The alarm nudged me out of a deep sleep at 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  Tuesday, May 27, the last day of what was a practically perfect 8-day whirlwind of joy, laughter and yes, a few tears.

Do you stay in B&B’s when you travel?  That’s probably one of the most frequently asked questions from our guests.  We always smile, look at each other with a secret little gleam in our eyes, and answer, “No, we don’t.”  And, of course, the next question is, why not?

I wasn’t sure what to title this post:  Southern Hospitality is Alive and Well?  The 25-cent Martini? The 3-Martini Lunch?  Happy Birthday to Me?!  So fueled by a 3-Martini lunch, I thought I’d just start writing and see where it takes me.

If you’re of a certain age you may remember fine dining with white linen table cloths, numerous utensils on the table and trying to figure out which fork to use when – always start from the outside and work your way in – and the waitstaff always seemed to know exactly when you were finished and how to properly pace the service.

If I had a nickel for every time someone told me I should write a book about our lives in the hospitality industry, I’d be a wealthy woman.  Well, no, actually, I’d have about $1.35 in my pocket but you get my point.