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M's Musings
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Sometimes He Hits the Jackpot -
Sometimes He Hits the Jade
by
M
I was an 8-year old kid from
Louisiana at the time experiencing the trip of a lifetime. I
struggled to stay awake in the backseat of the truck as I had been
traveling for about 12 hours from New Mexico to Wyoming. We were
just getting ready to check in at a motel in Rawlins. I noticed we
passed a Super 8 across the street, wondering why we did not just go
there. However, Dad did not believe in indoor motels because he
wanted to see his truck from the room. After all, he was from the
suburbs of New Orleans, one of the most crime-ridden cities in
America. Dad pulled into the parking lot of a small green motel. I
glanced at the tall sign towering above us - “The Jade Lodge” it
said. I was dubious of the quality of this motel, because it seemed
rather old and junky.
“This looks interesting,” commented
Dad, “I like motels with character.”
Mom left the truck to
check in. When she arrived back in the truck about ten minutes
later, she explained that the owners had locked her in the
curry-reeking lobby,
saying they wanted to keep her safe in the dangerous town. From what
she explained, I ascertained that the owners of the Jade were not
very friendly. Our family was exhausted, so we piled into our room.
Mom and Dad were aghast to find the sheets grimy and unwashed, the
towels dirty, and worst of all, the television had a giant hole in
it.
Dismayed, we left the motel. Mom and Dad seemed nervous
as though the proprietors would be angry that we had not paid for
the room. I was frightened as we quickly piled into the truck. To
this day, I recall nervously pacing on the big yellow French fries.
Anyway, we left the Jade and stayed the night in an upstairs room of
the Super 8.
My father is famous for his traveling styles.
Long days and short nights are a staple of our vacations. We also
frequent motel chains but for some reason, Dad enjoys trying out
motels with “character” like the Jade. Of course, we have had much
better experiences with independently owned motels, like when we
stayed at the Mini Golden Inns in Hungry Horse, Montana. The sign
for the establishment reads, “Squeaky clean"! It is true. The rooms
at the Mini Golden Inns are spacious, pretty, and wonderful. It is
my favorite motel and I have stayed in many. I have been traveling
around the country since before I was born.
Once we
were checking out a hotel for my grandparent’s upcoming visit. The
man at the desk of the establishment told us, “It’s the best motel
you’ve ever been in!”
Of course, Dad had to object and say that
it probably was not as nice as the Mini Golden Inns. “Ohhhh, our
motel is even better than that motel!” guaranteed the man. He was
wrong.
Dad’s motel picking styles have brought excitement,
disgust, and interest into our lives. Sometimes he hits the jackpot,
and sometimes he hits the Jade.
©01/07/10
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