City Flats

I am writing tonight from City Flats Hotel in downtown Holland, Michigan. My work goes on a two day inservice twice a year. Since my job involves childcare for the staff kids, I get to come so that I can do my job! It's nice because I have a change of scenery and get to stay in some nice places that I'd probably never be able to stay in otherwise.

Had to get up early this morning to meet the moms at work. Winter driving in the dark is my least favorite kind of driving, especially early in the morning! But I made it, we loaded up the car and the kids, and off we went. I was wedged between the two car seats in the back, not the most comfortable trip but it wasn't all that long.

Arrived at the hotel, and there was a suite arranged for me and the kids. (That's another extra perk...I generally have one of the better rooms or suites so that there's room enough for the kids to spread out!)

This hotel is just a few years old, and is "green," which means environmentally sensitive. The suite has two couches and several chairs in the living area, and a balcony with a great view of downtown Holland. There is a kitchenette with microwave, refrig, and sink, countertop with high stools. Then the bathroom - large sink with countertop area, then a separate shower, large enough to put about six people into. The tub, rectangular but big enough for two! Dual-flush toilet. Bedroom - king size bed, 32" flat screen TV (another one in the living area) tastefully and beautifully decorated. Wow. Wish Steve could be here to share it.

We (the kids and I) spent the day together and had a good time. The baby had a portacrib, and the toddler slept in the middle of my bed surrounded by pillows (there's only six on the bed...)
We played trains much of the day, I brought Eric's old brio wooden train set as the toddler loves playing with the train table at work. I had the double stroller with us but it's been way too cold for small children to be outdoors today.

When the moms came about 4:45, I had about 45 minutes until I had to meet everyone for dinner. So of course I went caching. I could see the nearby parking garage from our balcony and there was a cache there. Quick find. Then on to a small park, no luck there. Found the third attempt, a nano on a park bench that has had a full log for at least six months.

Dinner with the entire staff after I returned to the hotel. Fancy hors d'oeuvres, then gourmet food. My choice was a gourmet mac n' cheese with truffle sauteed broccoli. Sounds sorta plain but it was really good. I could get used to this life. Chocolate tart for dessert. The diet needs to start soon.

Got back to the suite about 8:45. I had consulted previously with a caching friend who lives in Holland, and he said that the immediate area that I would be in would be safe enough to walk around at night. So I took another half-hour walk and found two more caches. The first was at a bus stop, the second at a large metal doghouse with a metal dog sculpture on top. Not sure what the story is, but the cache is named "Woof Woof."

Came back and logged my caches, then have spent the rest of the evening using the high speed and enjoying watching some shows that we don't get on DISH at home (this is DirecTV.)

Tomorrow - another day spent with the kids much like today has been, then the moms come back and we all go back to Grand Rapids. Then the weekend!

Oh yeah, and I get paid for 9 hours for today and probably the same tomorrow. That helps, since I usually don't get as many hours as I used to.