Continued.... Upon waking on Sunday, we made a speedy pack-up and lugged ourselves and our luggage downstairs to be driven to, finally, The Wyndham who would hold our luggage until after the game. We chose to walk to the game, it being only about a mile away. This way, we were part of the game crowd and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Before entereing the stadium, we walked through a nearby parking lot full of Dawg Pound tailgaters who where there was much grilling, drinking and general pre-game frolicking. It was a different world. At the stadium, we finally found our seats. Being second row from the top, we were on top of the world and I loved the view; but all the stair-mastering I've been doing didn't even come close to preparing me for the trek up those stadium steps. My calves still ache! Unfortunately, the Browns lost pretty big and most fans had left by the end of the game; but we, along with the die-hards next to us, endured. On the positive side, we had no crowd trouble when leaving and we were able to spot our friend, Chuck, on the field; further proof that he was who he said he was. A quick trip to the gift shop and we headed to the Wydham. Once again, there was a reason for the unfortunate over-booking because we were rewarded with the honeymoon suite at no extra charge, complete with a complimentary cheese tray for our troubles. This room was amazing, being circular with at least 12 big floor-to-ceiling windows surrounding the bed. We were pleased. After showering and changing we dined at the Windsor and decided to spend the remainder of the night in our room. Could have been a lot more romantic if we both weren't so tired and stuffed. We awoke early the next day for a quick trip through the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. After a nice lunch at the hotel, we boarded our shuttle and were off to the airport. We arrived home safely at 8:00 last evening and were happily greeted by our dogs. Although we both hate to admit it, we really missed those little creatures. Little bro, Levi, had been our house/dog sitter all weekend and it was amusing how much evidence he left from the apparent party he hosted there. Yeah, it was funny until I discovered someone had drunk all my vodka and most of my Maui. Lathen's beer stash was completely depleted, as well has his Southern Comfort and Crown Royale. I won't even tell you what I found in the bedroom! Squeeze!!!!

I've returned. Even though, and if you close your eyes you can imagine, I have stacks and stacks of files on my desk, I just couldn't really begin reality again until I wrote about my weekend. Lathen and I had an amazing time in Cleveland and I will attempt to jot the highlights. Our flights were uneventful with the exception of being a victim of a random body search. And yes they were quite thorough, but did ask permission for each place they touched me. Not used to that! Upon finally reaching The Wyndham, they regretfully informed us that they had over-booked for the night and would be shipping us off to the Embassy Suites. Disappointment. The Wyndham is a very classy joint and I chose it for that reason. Being, in all actuality, two farm kids, I always want our travels to be "spare-no-expense" type things. On the positive side, we did stay for free at the Embassy Suites and we had a full suite. Really could't complain too loud; especially since the old, rich ladies in front of us, who - heaven forbid - had to endure our same fate, were doing enough bitching for all four of us. We didn't spend too much time in the room. I, once again, donned my sparkly jeans, Lathen spruced up as well, and we headed to The Flats. Cab driver, a Russian whose family is here courtesy of the Green Card Lottery, was very helpful in dropping us off at a suitable location to begin our night of intended debauchery. First stop, Dick's, where the first person we saw was a big, goofy, ray-romano-looking guy seated at the bar who offered, very loudly, to buy us beers in celebration of the victory of Tennessee over Florida State. My first impression of this guy was, "what the hell?". He was loud, obnoxious and, obviously, quite drunk. But free drinks - ok, I'll tolerate. It was my plan to grab the drinks and run, but Lathen, being a friendly guy, immediately began a conversation with, who we later learned to be, Chuck. Chuck claimed to be a writer for The Knoxville something-or-other, in town to cover the Titans/Browns game. I, at first, thought there was no way a guy like this could be gainfully employed, but he had the credentials to prove it. After a few drinks on my part, he ended up being a lot of fun and we spent a couple hours at Dicks yukking it up with Chuck and the hilarious bartenders. I laughed a lot. Then we were off to "The Blind Pig" (ie: Iguana's with a really good band with brass!!!) where we danced and made friends with a few members of the infamous NYFD, and watched in horror as Chuck fell right on his ass into the brass ensemble! We then made a quick departure and headed next door to "The Velvet Dog" (ie: Banana Joe's) for more dancing and witness to Chuck's continued failure to pick up women. Lathen and I danced and danced and danced. We were good! Chuck disappeared. I hoped he found a suitable companion, but odds are against that. As those of you who know me can surely understand, I was soon feeling most ravenous and in need of victuals and we left the dance club, sweating, to begin our search for same. We were directed by a helpful young lad to Panini's for a sandwich. These sandwiches were about 8 inches think (really!) and contained the coleslaw and french fries right there between the bread. How convenient! and my favorite part of the evening - Lathen found some roses and presented them to me. This is a note to myself - readers will not understand this significance. With our buzz still on and our bellies full, we began a leisurely stroll and ended up at The Metropolitan. A classy place where we sat by the window, drank wine and slowly relaxed. After one glass, we returned to our room. Our Saturday was not yet complete, but I will cease in my explanations now. Oh boy. I should return to work, but I haven't even started on Sunday. I will post more later.