Reporting:

So when I arrived at Mary's (KY) I began to take stock of how I was doing physically. My ankles by now, from all the sitting, were the size of Newfoundland, and I knew I was heading into a stressful set of more conferences and meetings. I was much tireder than I normally would have expected to be under such circumstances, mentally and physically. I concluded that the first conference had been so mentally stimulating that I needed to rethink my balancing plan... more physical exercise (which for me means aquatic), and more totally-alone time. I also realized that a floor-flop while already tired was probably not the best choice. Cuz... I was on a mission, not specifically a Mudcat Journey, and it seems I don't have the stamina yet to mix the two real well.

Well, at Foxy's I had learned of some encouraging funding news. So at Mary/KY's, I made the hard decision to do a motel stop near Nashville, and the cheapest one I could find with an indoor pool was, unfortunately, not as close to Kim C's as I had hoped when I booked it. It seemed not the best idea to try to head out to find her place from where I was. So when I got to the room and dragged my stuff in, I called her, and we had a lovely chat, laughing and laughing. I can't remember now what was so funny, but that girl positively CRACKLES with live-wire energy! And I will travel that way again, so...

The motel was the BEST. It was VERY cheap, right off the highway so easy to find, VERY mobility-impaired accessible, and the pool--- it was huge, VERY warm, easy steps down into it, a nice deep end for aquajogging, and lit only by the lights in the Waffle House and Wendy's parking lots. The surrounding deck was solid wall up to about 4', then glassed up to a high, ribbed-fiberglass, slanted ceiling-- like a greenhouse roof. And I had it ALL to myself. Just lovely. And quiet.

The motel had all-exterior corridors, which meant I could use the car as the closet and bring in only the essentials, and go out easily if I needed anything. No stairs, not even a curb to step up. Warm evening, so back and forth to the pool was no problem. I dined on a repast of ramen noodles and I forget what else, that I had with me, and I had tea in the room for slow wakeup time. A magical night.... Great, comfy bed. TV!! (Had not had TV news for 5 days by then.) Wonderful breakfast. Very nice Hindu proprietor, SO gracious. Not like usual US manners-- when I thanked him so much for his motel, he said, "My pleasure to serve you, lady."

Kim, next time I stay, come party with me over there, and bring your suit! :~) We can play some tunes over at the Waffle House!

On from there to sunny Sewanee. More later.

~S~