A memorable Closing Ceremonies tonight.........and it reminded me of just how much this week here at the Special Olympics has really changed me. The love.....the acceptable diversity....and the togetherness among ALL people of all races and disabilities......well, it was so incredible that I feel like my life has changed this week!!! There is no way of describing this week in words that can give any of you a real feeling of what has gone on here in Ames over the past 6 days. I can only say that everyone should spend some time at a Special Olympic event such as this......or even on the state level. I can only encourage you to seek out an experience like this.......get involved and work with those who do have the disabilities like the thousands of wonderful people who were here to participate in these National Games. You will never ever be the same again!!!
This morning after breakfast......well, let me just say that the service and staffing here this morning was 100% improved. Why the 5 days before today was so unacceptable I do not know.....except for what I have written about this week. Why did it take an email to the corporate headquarters yesterday before the staffing and service improved enough to be what the quality should have been all along???? Someone was letting the "ball drop".
After breakfast, we all went to the Reiman Gardens here on the ISU campus.....and it was a beautiful two hours as we wandered through the many flowers, shrubs, and wonderful landscaping of the Gardens. It is just beautiful.......and if you ever are in Ames, or even just passing through, plan to spend a couple of hours in this gorgeous setting.
We had a late lunch at "Aunt Maude's"......and it was an incredible meal!!!!! Probably the best meal of the entire week!!! Most of the limited lunch menu was contemporary cuisine and each meal that was ordered had a beautiful presentation......and the flavors and textures were just as great!! And the price........quite nice as the five of us ate for less than $60 and that included my glass of Pinot Grigio. When in Ames........be sure and eat at Aunt Maude's on west Main Street. You will not be sorry for the experience.
The afternoon was spent by the 1st Lady and I wandering down the Main Street and enjoying the shops and small boutiques that are doing a really good business......even "old fashioned" shoe shops that actually measure your feet prior to bringing out the shoes for you to try on. It was a fun afternoon.
We returned to the hotel and before long it was time to leave for the Closing Ceremonies, of which I have discussed above. The MC was Kurt Warner.....and the entertainment was by Jo Dee Messina, the CW singer. We returned to the hotel and then enjoyed a beer and some appetizers prior to returning to the room. We will leave tomorrow for Missouri and the unfinished remodeling project at home.
After a week such as this one.......
Life IS GREAT.....and I hope it is for all of you, also.
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