Berkeley

A bit of a vacation...albeit a working one.

We drove up to Berkeley yesterday so that I could do a poster presentation at the California Sectional AWHONN (Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses) Conference.

I am doing a presentation on our comfort care program.

Buzz came along so that we could take a little vacation at the same time.

We are staying at an old hotel ~ The Claremont Hotel Resort and Spa. It is absolutely beautiful. Built back in the early 1900's with lots of old pictures and history.

I have been stuck inside, attending the conference but I have been able to look around the place. Here is a photo of the lobby. We just sat in here last night watching the people and listening to the piano. There are fresh flowers everywhere. The flowers are so pretty (even if the smell reminds me a bit of a funeral home...)

The hallways to the room are wide and have sitting areas - though I haven't seen anyone sitting in any of the chairs.

This is our room

The bathroom

Now, who needs a phone in the bathroom? Guess if you get hungry you can order room service??

The view today from the room where my poster is hanging. Way back in the distance is the Golden Gate bridge. I could see it but you can't really tell in my picture. It was a lovely day...wish I could have been out and about!

Buzz was to find us a place to go to dinner tonight. He decided we would just drive along College Ave and find a trendy place to eat. So we drove around, not much was open which was weird for a Friday night, then some how we ended up on the Bay Bridge. Since we were on the bridge we decided to just head over to San Francisco and we ended up here:

Where I got a yummy, sourdough bowl of clam chowder.

We took a little walk along the pier. It was freezing cold so we did not stay out very long. (snow is forcast for tonight in San Francisco!!) The only people out were totally bundled up. I had my heavy coat and gloves on and I was still cold! We saw the seals and decided to call it a night.

It is wonderful to get away. Even if I do have to work while I am here. Two of my friends from work are up here also. I've made some new friends and reconnected with colleagues that I have know for a long time. I have a full day of conference activities tomorrow, so will update you on that later.

My take away from today:

"Birth is not about babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers, who trust themselves and know their inner strength"

Dodi Gauthier.

Debbie