The Annual Escape

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By Patti Parish-Kaminski, Publisher

I have made a monumental decision this month.  It’s groundbreaking, one I highly recommend, and truth be told, I’m a repeat offender.  I have decided to run away from home.

The precedent for this particular activity was set several years ago.  I blame Lisa Ann.  Or maybe I should say, I give her much deserved credit.  We were traveling during the Texas summer to San Antonio for just a couple of days as Lisa Ann had some continuing education to complete.  Rather than drive back and forth from New Braunfels, we decided to head to Alamo City for a two-day respite.

We packed up, headed out and checked into our hotel.  Now I don’t know if y’all have even been to the Hotel Emma in San Antonio, but if you have, you will understand our desire to never leave there.  It’s not a five-star hotel; it’s a ten-star hotel.  There’s a welcome margarita in the library upon arrival, magnificent bars and restaurants, an underground jazz club and macaroons on your bedside table each evening.  Plus, daily housekeeping and an amazing pool.  I mean, why would you leave?

The next day after checking in, I went to the front desk, a task I performed daily.  I sadly told the sweet concierge that Lisa Ann had eaten my macaroon the night before leaving me cookie-less at bedtime.  That very night, and every night going forward, we had not two macaroons by our bed, but four.  Now that’s hospitality.

I went for my welcome margarita every day promptly at 2 pm.  Yes, they tried to declare that this perk was upon arrival only.  I responded appropriately, with, “Well, I’m arriving again today.  Am I not welcome today?”  That solved that issue.

Daily, I went down and extended our reservation.  I also politely inquired what was behind the desk that day in regards to giveaways.  I got water bottles, pens, pads of paper, sewing kits, chocolates, various soaps and lotions.  Every day Lisa Ann came back to the room to a stash of freebies.  I mean, the hotel wanted us to stay, right?

Every day I also called Mr. Kaminski and informed him of our extension with no immediate plans for returning.

“Have you run away from home?” was his query.

“Yes, I have,” was my succinct reply.  No additional explanation necessary.

Since our San Antonio escape, I have run away from home every summer for a brief respite.  For the last few years, I have run away to Colorado.  Much cooler temps, well worth the escape.  This year, I made Lisa Ann run away again with me.  We have no regrets.

But honestly, is it running away if you disappear for a while, but you run from your house to your house?  Semantics I believe, but I assure you, this running away thing is a worthwhile activity to escape, if only for a short time.  An annual escape, an ongoing adventure and one I highly recommend.  See y’all next week – on the porch!

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Patti Parish-Kaminski

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