Monday, December 28, 2015

Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten Stuttgart, Germany - Revisited

In September 2015 we stayed for one night at the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten in Stuttgart. It was our second stay.

Since we have written about the hotel more detailed before, this is a short review.

We were in contact with the hotel before arriving, because we wanted to have a room on a high floor again and asked if the hotel could accommodate a low fat and low salt diet. We received each time a quick reply and were in regards to our dietary requirements directed towards the Zirbelstube - the hotel's one Michelin starred restaurant. A review is going to follow about our experience at the Zirbelstube.

At check in we were recognized as return guests and given a room on the 6th floor, the same floor as last time. Check in was pleasant and efficient.

Our Superior room overlooked the Schlossgarten and the city. During our previous stay we had views over the main train station.

Other differences were the artwork (a Carolina Turtle Dove and a plant painting) and the size (This room was slightly smaller than the previous one, but same room type).

We liked the pillow menu and the "Help to sleep better" offer, which included hot milk and honey or a hot water bottle.

Turndown replenished the welcome Gerolsteiner Naturell water and left chocolates, which we appreciated.

During dinner and when returning to our room we could hear some noises, like a demonstration, from the park, but it quietened down after midnight and we could sleep peacefully.

Breakfast was again delicious and we were positively surprised how much the Maître d' knew. She welcomed as warmly and said: "I don't have to explain how breakfast functions, since you are return guests and it's also your last day with us."

She brought us into the dining room and offered us a large table for six persons or a smaller one for two. The larger one was already set up, but the smaller had to be cleared. We decided to take the smaller one, since we didn't need so much space and didn't want to block the larger table in case a group arrived and needed it. The breakfast restaurant was essentially full.

It didn't take long and the table was available for us.

We had to check out early since we had a lunch reservation at the Moevenpick Stuttgart Airport. While the receptionist dealt with the formalities we were asked if we enjoyed our stay and how the Zirbelstube had been.

We would return to the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten, since the staff is very warm, friendly, service orientated, personalized our stay and the hard product was as perfect as we remembered it from our previous stay earlier in the year.

 ©2015  

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Stuttgart, Germany

The Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin Stuttgart was on our bucket list as long as the Althoff Hotel Am Schlossgarten. When we had the chance again to go to Stuttgart in September we split our two nights between the Graf Zeppelin and the Althoff.

The Steigenberger Graf Zeppelin is a large, grand hotel, just opposite the Main Train Station.

When entering the lobby the check in is in the front with a large photograph of a Zeppelin airship. Overall the hotel is very well branded and there are a lot of historic photographs, showing the airship and light features in the shape of Zeppelins are placed on the Mezzanine floor and lobby. It is also included in the hotel's logo.

To the left is the Zeppelin Bar and to the right the Davidoff Cigar Lounge.

Check in was friendly and efficient.

We were promised a very nice room and our receptionist was right.

We loved our room immediately.

The room layout was unusual. It was L-shaped (caused by the location of the bathroom). When entering, the bathroom was to the right, the wardrobe and luggage rack to the left and the bed straight ahead. There was a seating area for two and a writing desk with a flat screen TV.

The room was medium in size and contemporary (The other style available is Art Deco). The color scheme was red, brown, white and cream.

We overlooked the courtyard and the neighboring office building.

The bed was two twin beds pushed together, but it was very comfortable as was the seating area with two chairs and a coffee table.

We received Teinacher Gourmet Water medium as a welcome gift and turn down had been already performed, so two Ritter Sport mini (milk and Knusperflake) chocolates were waiting for us, a nice touch.

The minibar was stocked with Coca Cola, Granini fruit juices, Vio mineral water, Bacardi, Steigenberger sparkling wine, white wine, Prosecco and German beer, including Radeberger and Clausthaler.

There was a good choice of regional and international TV channels. We liked CNN and Bloomberg best.

The bathroom was also medium in size. The amenities were Steigenberger own branded. There was a sink, a large shower - no bath tub - and a toilet.

The only issue we had with the room was the frosted glass door leading from the bathroom to the room. It was facing the bed and disturbed my fiancé when I had to use the bathroom during the night and switched on the light. Of course it looks stylish and the thought was good - ideal for a single traveller, but it would be better to replace it with a normal door.

We used the 24 hour room service and ordered two pasta dishes. He had the penne Carbonara. It was a Swabian version to the Italian. He liked it and thought it was different and tasty. Mine was penne with olives and tomato sauce. It was delicious too. I only wished the durum wheat pasta could be replaced with whole-wheat on request, which wasn't possible.

After an overall good night's rest we went to the Graf Zeppelin Restaurant, which serves breakfast only. It is on the same level as the meeting rooms and the one Michelin starred Gourmet Restaurant Olivo with French inspired cuisine and the chef is Nico Burkhardt.

Other outlets are the Zeppelino's for steak and Zeppelin Stueble for regional cuisine.

The breakfast restaurant is in a sun flooded room with dark furniture, dark wooden floor, a carpet with flower prints at the center and still life paintings. It overlooks the Main Train Station through floor to ceiling windows.

The choice at breakfast is of very good quality and featured lots of healthy selections.

We were brought to the table by the maître d'.

The headwaiter explained that the buffet contained cold items and one hot item - mostly egg dishes - could be ordered a la carte and were included in the rate of 26 Euro per person (ca. 28.15 USD).

There was also an extensive tea and coffee menu available. We ordered two Ronnefeldt Green Dragon green tea and an egg white omelette.

The buffet offered a wide selection of cold cuts, smoked salmon and Gravad Lax, cheese, fresh fruits and vegetables, fruit salad, honey from the hotel's rooftop, pastries, cakes, grilled vegetables, olives, a wide bread selection, at least five juices, a minimum of six different cereals and much more. It was a delight to eat, drink and talk here.

Beside all the restaurants there is also a spa and gym on the 5th floor.

All spa products are from Shiseido and the Ligne St. Barth.

Facial treatments start from 42 Euro (ca. 45.65 USD) and even teenagers can be accommodated.

Massages begin from 70 Euro (ca. 76.10 USD).

In our opinion this is reasonable priced and I might have a treatment when we stay here again in our future.

Check out approached as always too fast and it was time to move on to the Althoff Hotel am Schlossgarten. A review of our second stay there is going to follow next.

Staff was always friendly and efficient. The atmosphere was great and the food very good and memorable.

We will return and definitely try Olivo then.

 ©2015 

Impressions of the Board



The board was very happy the criminal cases were solved within Foreman Scandinavia Import and wanted now to meet the new Chief Security Officer.
Carnita Graziano, Wes Clinton, Roman Bush and Laura Meegan made up the board, while Stanford Powell was the CEO.
He had described Coldham Fintan Noose III as young, but capable and driven.
Neither Stanford Powell nor the others saw it necessary to inform Mr. Noose.
They were in for a surprise. When they arrived at the security they were shocked to hear a baby crying with earsplitting volume. Children weren’t normally allowed on the premises. What was a kid doing there?
To Stanford’s dismay Mr. Noose had brought his 21 months old daughter Casey to work, because his wife had suddenly become ill and couldn’t take care of the daughter. Stanford didn’t believe his ears, when Mr. Noose claimed he had given him permission to bring the kid to work. He was fuming. Mr. Noose hadn’t told the CEO anything about his intentions. Of course Stanford had to play along.
Thank goodness the rest of the meeting went fine and the impression the board of Mr. Noose was overall good. They thought he was a specialist in his field and competent.
Of course the toddler had to cause an embarrassing incident. She called Carnita granny, who wasn’t delighted at all since she was only thirty eight. Mr. Noose apologized and explained what he thought was going on in Casey’s mind. The board didn’t believe it, though. It was unlikely that Casey would ask after her real grandmother, when Carnita didn’t know the family at all.
When they were back in Stanford’s office he was confronted by Wes about the child. “How could you let Mr. Noose bring the kid to work? Even if it was only an exception if others hear about it you will soon have a crèche and a kindergarten. This place isn’t made for kids and we aren’t insured to have them around. Did you think about what kind of liabilities we could face should something happen to Casey?” “Yes, I thought about it, but what is better? Mr. Noose is here and taking care of the business or he’s staying at home, because that’s what he was threatening to do, since he was unable to get a babysitter at such short notice?” Stanford was furious with Mr. Noose, who forced him essentially to lie and take the blame for him bringing the child unauthorized to work. “Now, don’t worry, Wes. It seems Mr. Noose has the toddler under control and it’s not in his own interest something is going to happen to her. From tomorrow there’s a babysitter in place and everything’s back to normal.” Roman soothed. “I agree with Wes,” Carnita put in, “it was irresponsible of you and hope this is a once off.” “Naturally it is.” Stanford struggled to keep calm. Laura touched Stanford’s arm and said: “It’s not a big issue for me and maybe we should really consider to offer a day care option for our employees…” “No, that goes too far!” Carnita interjected. “We aren’t a welfare state. The workers must look out for themselves.” The others agreed, so the idea was buried. The meeting came to a close.
As soon as they were gone Stanford went looking for Mr. Noose, who had conveniently left for the day.
Sleeping over it the CEO was much calmer when he confronted his CSO the next day. Originally he had asked Mr. Noose to come immediately to his office. Being own minded Mr. Noose didn’t obey. He first released his nightshift team. Stanford thought a serious talk was necessary. "When I ask you to come immediately to my office I mean it, is that clear?" "Of course. If I follow the order is another thing." "I think you have a real problem with authority, haven't you?" "I do." Mr. Noose admitted it freely. "Does it make sense to reprimand you for bringing your daughter to work, which isn't allowed?" "Probably not." Stanford sighed and nodded defeated: "I thought so. I still demand that it won't happen again, or I will cut your pay. Is that clear?" "Very." "Good. Go back to work." "Yes, sir." When Mr. Noose had closed the door behind him, Stanford shook his head. Mr. Noose and he had very different personalities and it caused them to clash on a regular basis. The CSO was going to leave in five months’ time to pursue his own career somewhere else. Originally the position had been offered temporary to Mr. Noose, but he had proven to be capable of doing the job, so Stanford had offered Mr. Noose he could stay on as the head of the security department, which he had refused. Stanford wasn’t clear what he felt about it. There were going to be less arguments. That was for sure. On the other side it was refreshing to have somebody, who wasn’t a yes sayer. It added a bit more flair and drama to the day to day business. No matter how Stanford looked at it he was going to miss Mr. Noose.
 ©2015 

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

The Chocolate Lounge @ Dublin International Airport Terminal 2 air side, Ireland

Normally we always go to Butlers or Flutes at Dublin Airport, Terminal 2. This time we wanted to try something new, so we went to the Chocolate Lounge.

Unfortunately it turned out to be one of the worst experiences in a longer time in terms of eating at Dublin Airport.

The first impression was good with contemporary furniture and views over Dublin Airport and the runways.

There was even a bar with a Sushi restaurant set up (a conveyor belt transporting small champagne bottles).

The lounge was packed, which in hindsight we couldn't understand given our experiences.

The waiter took our order and there came the first turn off. We have a dislike for Deep River Rock water. It was served warm, which isn't a good sign at all.

When our main courses arrived they were a disappointment too. He had ordered the Monte Cristo, but it was stone hard - presentation wise it looked perfect. There was no maple syrup or any other fluid condiment offered, so it was dry as well.

I had a "Nicoise Salad", but didn't recognize it as one. It could be maybe called tuna salad, but it definitely wasn't a Nicoise. The fish was flaked and drenched in mayonnaise. It hadn't been stated on the menu. Beside the fish there were salad leaves, chickpeas and tomatoes on my plate. The side dish of toasted bread was very good and there was nothing to complain about the salad itself, but for health reasons I couldn't and wouldn't touch the tuna. It also looked very unappetizing.

Our next issue was to catch a member of staff to complain the first time ever about a meal. The waitress apologized and offered my fiancé a replacement, which he took. Unfortunately it was as hard / unedible as the first. This time around the waitress apologized again and offered to send the manager. We agreed, because we weren't willing to pay for the meal. The manager asked if he would like to have to have a third Monte Cristo. We refused, because we had enough and had to go to our boarding gate for our flight to Stuttgart. The manager agreed to waive the fees, but wanted to know what they could do better or how a good Monte Cristo should look like, so my fiancé described how it's done correctly and as we had Monte Cristo a few times at other outlets in Dublin. We received another apology. We went our separate ways afterwards.

We were glad we found a solution, but very disappointed with our experience and will not eat / drink again at this outlet.

©2015 

Aqua Restaurant @ The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We already had visited Aqua at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur when this outlet was operating under the name Cascade.

When booking the hotel - please see also our review -, we thought the new venue at the pool wouldn't have open during our stay. We were positive surprised when Aqua opened around two weeks before our stay.  We reserved a table for dinner.

Aqua is an improvement and is much more in line what guests would expect in regards to dining and design today in a Mandarin Oriental hotel.

It is casual, but elegant and the staff very attentive and friendly.

When we showed our reservation we were brought to our table with great views over the pool, the KLCC Park and the city.

We ordered a bottle of still Armani water, two glasses of Patron XO Cafe, homemade Conchiglie Bolognese, Pizza Chorizo, Valrhona chocolate ice cream sundae and warm Valrhona chocolate lava cake.

The food was delicious and the portion size was generous.

During our meal a very strong thunder storm was raging. Even though we were sitting under umbrellas and nearly under the roof, we were getting a bit wet, so our table was pushed back by the staff, but this wasn't a problem at all.

We were also invited for a free cappuccino, an offer we picked up. Overall, we loved our experience at Aqua.

Our bill came in at 321 MYR (ca. 68.85 Euro or 75.30 USD).

We would return to the Mandarin Oriental and Aqua.

  ©2015

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Greenhouse Restaurant Dublin, Ireland

Every year we have a pre-Christmas lunch. This year we went to the 1 Michelin starred restaurant The Greenhouse in Dublin, lreland.

Reservations are only taken by calling or filling out a reservation form and sending or dropping it in.

Prior to our visit we were in e-mail contact with the restaurant. All emails were timely and friendly answered.

For December reservations a deposit of 30 Euro (ca. 32.85 USD) per person was charged at the time of booking, otherwise the deposit applies to groups of 5 or more guests. It is higher for dinner reservations.

Two days before our meal Agnes from the Greenhouse called to confirm we were going to have lunch with them.

The Greenhouse is located on Dawson Street in Dublin city center. It is opposite The Mansion House and the Celtic Whiskey Shop / Wines on the Green.

The chef, who won only this year the Michelin star for The Greenhouse, is Mickael Viljanen from Finland. During our meal he was present and came sometimes out to observe the dining room.

It was a rainy and very windy day, when we arrived on a Saturday in December, so we were a few minutes early, but it wasn’t a problem. Our coats and bag were taken and kept safe for us. We were then brought to our table, which was just the ideal location for us. On the one side private enough on the other side we could overlook the whole restaurant and part of the kitchen.

The design is contemporary and residential with innovative Christmas decoration.

Our fellow diners were a ladies group, businessmen and couples. The further the afternoon progressed the fuller it got, but it was never really loud.

The wine list and menu were brought to us and we were asked if we wanted to start with still or sparkling water.

A bottle of still Tipperary water arrived moments later. We were still studying the menu, when we were asked if we were ready to order. We took our time and the staff was attentive enough to realize we had made up our mind.

We ordered van Nahmen gourmet juices (one white peach, one Riesling grape and one rhubarb) and the three course set menu. There was also a five course tasting menu available.

Originally we had been advised a six course surprise menu would be served, so we had mentally prepared for not knowing what we would be eating beforehand.

The drinks were followed by an amuse-bouche of crackers with cream cheese. The morsels were delicious and served on an interesting plate. It looked like it was material used at a building site.

When removing the napkin from the bread plate we realized the plate wasn’t one colored, but featured a wintery tree.

For our appetizers a bread basket with sourdough baguette and Irish Glenilen butter was brought to our table. It was very delicious and the presentation was rustic, understated and elegant at the same time.

We started off with the Foie Gras Royale with apple, walnut, smoked eel and frozen Foie Gras and the Celeriac Veloute with scallop, truffles and chestnut. The Foie Gras was melt in the mouth and he loved it. My Veloute was creamy and moreish. I liked also the scallops.

We both had the Sika deer with Jerusalem artichoke puree and skin, blackberries, potatoes and delicious croquettes. He had the dish without mushrooms. The presentation was beautiful too and looked like artwork. According to my better half the dish is more 2 Michelin starred than 1.

The desserts included the passion fruit soufflé, white chocolate sauce and bitter sweet chocolate pave , brown butter ice cream and peanuts.

He ordered the Tokaji Aszu Eszencia from 1999 with his soufflé. The sommelier bought the bottle and had already filled the wine in a carafe, so that it could develop its flavor. The Tokaji looked like liquid gold and was a standout in every way.

When I said I wanted the Rhubarb juice with my dessert, the sommelier replied it was his favorite and that they had only recently started to work together with van Nahmen. Later when the Maître d delivered it, she also said it was her favorite and it turns out it’s mine too. The flavor is fruity, not very sweet, but crisp.

The desserts were outstanding too.

To round up the meal we had two Valrhona hot chocolates. Even this was unusual, because there are two flavors involved. One is local honey, the other sea salt and praline. It came delivered in a cup (honey) and the sea salt hot chocolate came in a small jug. I mixed them up, when I was nearly finished with the first cup. The combination was tasty too and it was definitely an indulgence.

With it came four very tiny madeleines, which were again beautifully presented and tasty.

Too soon (even if we had already spent two and a half hours in the restaurant) we had to ask for the bill and leave our cocoon to face the cold and the crowds outside again.

The bill came in at slightly under 195 Euro (ca. 212.20 USD) minus the deposit we had already paid.

We are still raving about the memories and can hardly wait to book again a table at the Greenhouse, so there is no doubt we will return and rather sooner than later.

©2015

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Before our flight to Dublin via Dubai, UAE we had two nights in Kuala Lumpur. We've known where to stay on our last night - the Sama-Sama at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, because our flight was leaving early in the morning. Please see review.

The first night was unclear, but we definitely wanted to spend it in the city. He wanted to have a hotel near the Petronas Towers; I the Villa Samadhi, because I enjoyed our last stay very much. After agreeing we wanted to go to the Suria KLCC and see the fountain show, it was clear we needed a hotel that was centrally located, so we decided to book the Mandarin Oriental and a Twin Tower View Room, which had been on our bucket list for ages.

We arrived by taxi. The doorman and bell captain greeted us warmly. We were directed to the reception. The queue was surprisingly long, but waiting time was minimal.

The check in was quickly done and all important features of the hotel explained. We were then brought to the elevators.

Finding our room was easy and soon we were gazing out towards the Petronas Twin Towers, the park and the fountain.

Our room was large and held in different brown and beige tones. We liked it and didn't see any need of it being refurbished or renovated, because the furniture was in top condition and looked classic and timeless. We know, that's a personal taste thing.

We loved the comfortable bed and seating area. We also received two oranges as welcome gift. Free water was daily provided and replenished during turn down.

Reading material on the coffee table included the Mandarin Oriental Magazine, National Geographic, KL100, Vision KL and essential Kuala Lumpur.

There was a writing desk with two chairs and a complete set of office supplies, a credenza and flat screen TV with regional and international channels.

The minibar was stocked with Swell Juices, Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino water, Asahi Beer and different liquors, snacks and the obligatory pot noodles.

The wardrobe was spacious.

Our fully marbled bathroom was on the smaller side, but well equipped with a separate bath tub and shower and a sink. The toilet was in a separate room. The only critisism I might have is that the toilet room was slightly too tight and I banged myself a couple of times on the toilet tissue holder.

Amenities were by Senses, exclusive for the Mandarin Oriental KL. We liked them a lot.

We had in room breakfast on the day of our departure, but also went to the newly opened Aqua Restaurant & Bar beside the pool. A review about this is going to follow.

Beside 24 hours in room dining there are also The Mandarin Grill, Lai Po Heen, Mosaic, Casbah, The Wasabi Bistro, the MO Bar, the Sultan Lounge, Lounge on the Park and the Mandarin Cake Shop.

When we were staying a pop up restaurant Azimendi 88 by Eneko Atxa from Azurmendi Restaurant was also on offer for 88 days. Eneko Atxa holds three Michelin stars.

There is also a spa on the same level as Aqua.

We organized also Limousine transfer (Mercedes E-Class) to the Sama-Sama KLIA Hotel with the concierge. It went smooth and cost 375 MYR (ca. 81.15 Euro or 88.75 USD).

The wakeup call arrived punctual. We had the previous night thought about what we wanted to order for breakfast and were ready to order. Room Service advised it would be delivered within 30 minutes. My fiancé had ordered the Mandarin Breakfast and I had the Arabic. We both could choose a hot beverage and a juice of our choice. His included sliced fruits with berries, yogurt, a bakery basket and waffles. Mine included sliced papaya, honey and lime, Arabic mezzeh selection and Arabic bread, Shakshouka eggs (scrambled eggs with onion and tomato) and Ful Medames (mashed fava beans with onion and garlic). The breakfast arrived on time and the bill was correct. The amount was 170 MYR (ca. 37 Euro or ca. 40.25 USD). The waiter and I were chatting a bit and I learned that he is from Penang. The service was attentive. The breakfast was delicious, it was a lot on offer, all high quality. The Arabic pastries were a delight as were the different dips.

Before checking out we explored the lobby, bought a Mandarin Oriental branded polo shirt and took in the new design of the superb and memorable public spaces of this elegant luxury hotel.

Having visited the hotel before our stay, it was unrecognizable. We enjoyed the Chinese elements and the idea of a pop up restaurant.

As always check out came too fast. Everything was in order and the checkout was done efficient and friendly. Our limousine was already waiting and our luggage in the boot.

We would stay here again, when looking for a luxury option in the vicinity of the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC, which is just a few steps from the lobby, when taking the right exit.

©2015

Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Cookie



The Noose family was checking in. All went smoothly until five year old Solomon asked: "Where is my cookie?" "Sol!" Frieda, his mother reprimanded him. Fin, his father fought hard not to smile. They had recently stayed in a lot of DoubleTree by Hilton properties and of course they had always received cookies at check in. Fin loved the cookies in fact. They were gooey, contained a generous amount of chocolate chips and were warm. Thinking about them made Fin's mouth water. His thoughts were interrupted by eight year old Casey, who said: "Dummy, it's not a Doubletree." Sol got flustered. He didn't like being called a dummy by his sister. Before a fight could break out the receptionist said with a smile: "I will see if I can find a cookie for you.” She left for a few moments and returned with one for Casey and one for Solomon. The siblings thanked the lady. “You are welcome. I hope you will enjoy your stay.” She handed a key card to Fin, explaining, where the family could find their suite. Taking a bite from his cookie, when they were out of earshot Sol complained: “It’s not warm and there are too few choc chips.” “Well, darling, they use a different recipe and the lady went above and beyond for you, because they normally don’t give you cookies.” Frieda explained patiently. “Wouldn’t it be nice every hotel would offer free cookies?” Sol asked. “Yes, it would be definitely nice.” “And all should taste like the ones at the DoubleTree.” Casey continued Sol’s dream. “Yeah!” Sol agreed wholeheartedly. He had already forgotten he was angry with his sister and couldn’t wait to see their room.


©2015


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Meeting the board



In this story Casey Noose is twenty one month old. Casey was at her father's work place, because her mother got suddenly sick and couldn't take care of Casey. Mrs. Graziano was a member of the board of directors, who wanted to meet the person, who solved the fraud and burglary case bugging the company. They arrived unannounced and found not only Fin Noose in his office, but also his daughter. Mrs. Graziano is in her late thirties.

I missed my Mama and cried. Daddy was there, but I still wanted Mama. She didn’t come. It was a big disappointment. Daddy tried hard to calm me. I felt inconsolable. The strangers in the room didn’t make the situation easier for me. I don’t like people I’ve never seen in my whole life. Watching them interact with my Daddy, who explained things to them I didn’t understand, I liked an old lady and wanted to go to her.
Daddy and the lady understood, so I gave her a big smile as soon as I was in her arms. She was delighted. The woman reminded me of my Abuelita. She smelled even slightly like her, which reminded me that Grandma was coming to visit us for something called Christmas. Since I didn’t know when Christmas was I wanted to check and asked: “Abuelita?” The old lady frowned. “I am not your grandmother.” The woman said disgruntled. That was an odd answer to my question. “Mm, I don’t think Casey believes you’re her grandmother, Mrs. Graziano. She wants to know when her real one is coming.” My Daddy told Mrs. Graziano. To me he said: “You have to sleep two times and Granny is going to be with you.” I wondered if this included my naps or only the nights. It would have been nice, if it would be with the naps included. I doubted it, though. I was glad Mrs. Graziano wasn’t angry with me anymore and the focus changed to Daddy’s work and of course I was right that my Granny did arrive on the third day.

©2015