AT&T… we have a connection!

I bet you thought I was going to talk about my phone, huh? Well, I’m not. Okay, maybe I am – a little. We have been having major challenges with our cell signal at the house. AT&T just can’t seem to keep us connected no matter what they do lately. I think it’s because instead of fixing our cell tower, AT&T has been putting all their resources into the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin, Texas.

I've stayed in this hotel before, and again it was a wonderful place to stay while attending a conference. The conference rooms were excellent and the breakout refreshments were very nice. My room was comfortable, quiet, had a great work desk, and fast internet. Our group had a couple of very good evening meals (and more than a few drinks) in the bar and were served by a great bar staff.

Now let’s talk about those new-fangled energy efficient light bulbs.

If I have anything negative at all to say it would be that the lighting in the room was a little dim for my taste. I appreciate the energy efficient lighting and the fact that it softens the wrinkles when I look in the mirror… but it would’ve been nice to be a little brighter when I needed to put on my makeup. Even soft wrinkles need a little help when you get to my age.

Texas is better with whipped cream

The Rio Grand Valley and South Texas are a part of my territory now, so I will obviously be looking for a great home-away-from-home. I think I've found it already. The Staybridge Suites Brownsville, in Brownsville Texas is a wonderful and comfortable property.

I was a little worried when I was given a room on the first floor, because I don't like to hear stomping around above me. But this turned out to be one of the quietest hotels I've ever stayed in. Either it was extremely well insulated or there was no one else there. I think it was just well insulated.

I asked the desk clerk to steer me to a good Mexican Restaurant and was sent to Mi Pueblito, just down the street. It was wonderful and offered a regional cuisine, not typical Tex-Mex.

Then, just when I thought I'd found a nearly perfect hotel, I went to breakfast. The waffle machine made Texas shaped waffles. I've had Texas waffles before - but this hotel offered fresh strawberries and whipped cream as toppings.

I think I'm in love.