Rochester, MN and the Mayo Clinic

Chris has a cousin, also considered the sister she never had, who was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN having five weeks of radiation therapy. Her name is Deb. Upon completion of her five weeks she would ring the bell to celebrate the end of the torture. Chris and I decided to travel to Rochester to help her and husband Tim celebrate the momentous occasion.

 On Wednesday, March 15th, we loaded up the car and drove to Rochester. It was about a six hour drive. The further north we drove the colder it got and the more snow we saw on the ground. After checking into our motel and using the hot tub we went to visit Deb and Tim at the Hope Lodge, their home for most of their stay in Rochester.
That evening Tim and I cooked us a spaghetti dinner in the kitchen at the Hope Lodge. It was LARRAPIN good if I say so myself.

On Thursday, March 16th, Chris and I met Deb and Tim at the Mayo Clinic after Deb had her radiation treatment.
We took a tour of a portion of the Mayo Clinic, checked out the museum, and went up to the 19th floor to see the view.
It is an impressive facility and they were sure good to Deb. All the employees seem to be so friendly and helpful. Late afternoon we returned to our motel and Deb/Tim returned to the Hope Lodge to get some rest.

Chris and I returned to the Hope Lodge with a couple pizzas from Mr. Pizza. Best pizza I ever had and loaded with toppings. After eating we retired to the basement where Chris and Deb talked and Tim kicked my butt at pool. I won the first game and Tim won the next seven or eight. It was embarrassing.

On Friday, March 17th, we again met Deb and Tim at Mayo. It was Deb's last radiation treatment. Upon completion, she rang the bell with applause from all the patients in the room.
It was great being able to witness this. Afterwards, Deb and Tim returned to Hope Lodge to pack up and drive home. Chris and I did a little sight-seeing.

We drove to the Historic Mayowood Mansion, where some of the Mayo family lived in the 1960's.



We left the mansion about 11:00 and drove home, arriving at 6:00. Our total mileage for the trip was 895 miles.

To see all the photos taken today click on the following link:
RochesterPics

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