#216 - Don't Like Changes in Springfield

​Motel in Springfield

Today we woke up at the not-exactly-ritzy, Rail Haven Motel. We've stayed here before when visiting Dad. It's cheap and easy and I've always been fond of the old place. 

Should we have changed our Springfield routine and stayed at a (possibly safer) Marriott this time? We're here during a pandemic, trying to visit my elderly dad. Was this a wise choice? It actually felt wonderfully safe, since we could drive right up to our guest room door. The room was very clean, but I used my own sanitizing stuff, as well. Plus, we had access to a huge covered patio (not pictured) for outdoor visiting. 

​This Morning

I told Dad we'd pick him up at 10 for an outside breakfast. I haven't been sleeping that well, so I was up before dawn. I put on my running shoes and headed off, towards a familiar neighborhood. Changing leaves! I like that kind of change.

I loved running down Weller Street! Such fond memories of so many sweet houses... best of all my grandmother, Daw's house. My sibs and I used to climb that stone post!

Surprises

Such fun surprises along my route. "Who gave you permission to look that cute?" bleached onto the sidewalk. A crochet covered sign pole!

Skeletons and a little library! A sweet yard sign, explaining their rain garden! Such a friendly and welcoming vibe.

Political Surprises

The biggest surprise was seeing 33 Biden signs on my grandmother's street. Springfield has always seemed pretty conservative, so this was an unexpected change.

I chatted with a woman who lived next door to Daw's old house. It was fun to tell her what I remembered of the neighborhood. The elderly woman had a Biden sign, but she told me there was definitely one Trump voter in the area. I found the house and laughed a little.

Inspiration Arbor

At the end of Weller Street I found a stone arbor that I vaguely remember from childhood. Someone made a change to this arbor that totally delighted me. The 100+ year old structure, now holds artwork, antiques, poetry and flowers.

One sign listed the artistic contributors. Another sign invited visitors to enjoy, but to please stay socially distanced. What an odd and wonderful surprise to see on this morning, before visiting with my dad.

What a beautiful start to my day.
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