Sometimes you have to be flexible.

As you know I was scheduled to leave at 4:00am today. And I have mentioned Jose's concern because of road work and road closings and what we might encounter. He called me about 1:00pm to say I really think you should consider going today because the alternate route is also closed at night and doesn't open until 6:00am.
Well, I started scrambling. Thank heavens I was pretty organized. I had moved all the potted plants to where they woul d get rain and I was pretty much packed. Just the last minute things. I was waiting for a gift from Joanna for Heather and the crochet ladies were coming.
I told him I would look for a hotel near the airport and let him know. First I checked the Hampton Inn but their rates were over $200. The Holiday Inn Express was full. I came across the City Express, in the same general area for $69.00. How bad could it be! I let Jose know I would be ready by 6:00pm.
When the ladies arrived I told them I had a problem and about leaving and they got busy picking out yarn for projects for the next couple weeks. I brought out all the perishable food and the containers I used for the Christmas packs and they took care of dividing everything and even cleaning up and doing dishes. I let Ana know I was leaving and let Jose know I would be ready early. Johanna delivered the gift and I got it packed. Hopefully I haven't forgotten anything. I called Jose again about 3:45 to let him know I was ready.
About an hour later he arrived, tried the fudge, and decided he definitely wanted it, and off we went. It usually takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours at the most. It took just over 3 hours, just to avoid a short stretch of bridge. They have been working on it and trying to improve this bridge for like 8 years so this is just another attempt. They could have built a brand new one for what it has cost.
The City Express was a kind of IKEA looking place. Simple but very clean and the front desk people were very nice. Breakfast was included and they offered lots. Gallo Pinto, scrambled eggs, fruit, cereal, breads, juice. Lots to pick from.
The shuttle to the uirport is not free but you can schedule a time and it is operated by their van.
No problems, no complaints. I had two alarms set since I don't usually get up at 5:30am.
I am now ready to board and head for Houston and then on to Chicago, a bit of a wait and then the bus to Madison.