Driving Yorktown to Norfolk and vice versa is a big part of this experience. I'd like to say it is lovely and scenic, but at least it keeps William interested.
The trip starts with a section of highway that's been under construction since my first visit in January, and shows no appreciable progress. So many orange barrels! However, William does love the "big diggers"! Next comes about 25 miles of interstate highway, featuring the crossing over and under the James River (a tunnel!). The area has a heavy naval presence, as evidenced by the structures along the way and the necessity of tunnels rather than bridges.
The last section of highway ends in another tunnel, this one under the Elizabeth River. AND...this is a toll road :(. Not a welcoming thing for us out-of-staters. But the alternate route is significantly longer and less convenient. We eventually got "EZ Passes" for our cars. (Michael took on this not-so-easy task). But a bill for $30 did show up at our Huntsville address for a few drives through the tunnel in my Prius. The sign says "Pay by Plate" - which means they ID your car by your license plate.
The drive is about 45 minutes, with an occasional day up to an hour. Of course, we avoid rush hour when possible. And you can imagine what happens in or near a tunnel when there is heavy traffic or an accident. There is no where else to go!
About to enter the final tunnel and the city of Norfolk.
These cargo boxes (boxcars?) are loaded onto trains which parallel the highway.
Mounds of coal and sprinkler systems to keep it moist.
About to enter the tunnel under the James River.
Inside the tunnel. And the speed limit is 60 in here!
Our EZ Pass device
Sometimes part of the job as driver is to monitor the sleep patterns of your passenger.
Good luck keeping him awake on a day like this one!
Parking
I don't have much to say about this except it is not my best skill. And you get tired of the parking deck (a.k.a. "place-to-park" in William's terms). Now I know why I transitioned to my smaller Prius. I can park it so much better than the minivan.
The other parking issue is making mental note of where you parked. You might drive that same car home later that day, or the next day. Or, someone else may drive it back home. So you always have to be ready with the location: 4th floor to the right, on the ramp between 2 and 3, etc.
Walking
Part of me wants to count the steps or somehow measure the distance between the parking deck and the hospital, and between the two hospitals. At least I can say I get some exercise each day! The walk from the parking deck is across a fairly large green space. That is nice, but there is no shelter from rain or sun. Thankfully, there have only been a couple of days I've had to cross with an umbrella. Along these walks (the outside part), William keeps his eyes peeled for dandelions!
Another thing I've noticed about walking is this. I prefer to walk faster than most people! This actually surprises me a little. But there are many times I "pass" people in the hallway when they are just sauntering along. Apparently it's a pet peeve of mine I didn't realize.
Talking
And speaking of things I didn't realize, I didn't know what my words of "frustration" were until now. William will let you know what you say! Thankfully it is nothing offensive. Apparently it is most commonly "Phooey!" This all started one night when I decided to sing William the Chiquita Banana song. I started and then was not sure of the words and stopped to say "phooey!". He thought it was just hilarious. He laughed and laughed. After that we have to add "phooey" to the lyrics each time.
Another day while leaving the parking deck, apparently I disapproved of the other drivers and said "mercy!". Now William will frequently say "Amma says mercy in place-to-park"!
So, if any of you need a little parrot so you can hear yourself, William is your guy!
What a mature little fellow!
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