adventures in South Dakota, part one

The great pheasant hunter landed safely on South Dakota soil a little after seven last night.  So far he’s learned a few things about South Dakota he felt necessary to share:

• not that many people visit south dakota so the planes are really small
• it’s really, really cold
• there aren’t a lot of people in South Dakota so it’s not real developed

Piggybacking on bullet point three, I’d like to share my South Dakota experience thus far.  Keep in mind it was probably WAY funnier first-hand at 6:30 this morning. AND also, if you’re from SD, I apologize in advance.

Lofton and I last chatted around eight last night.  He had landed safely and was waiting on another member of his hunting party so they could grab the rental car and make their way towards the hotel, a mere 2 hour drive away.  We said our “I love you’s”, he reminded me {for the 3rd time} to feed the pups, and then I went to bed.  A sick girl needs her rest.

This morning I checked my phone at 5:30 for signs that the hunter had checked in once he arrived at his destination.  No dice.  I proceeded with my usual morning routine, which basically includes flying though hair and make-up, throwing all my crap and Reese’s into our respective bags, yanking him out bed, and then brushing our teeth while also combing his hair.  

After depositing him safely in Tracy’s arms, I hoped back in the car and saw that my favorite hunter had sent me a message, via Facebook.  Here’s what it said:

We are here I got here about 11:30 last night. The hotel if you can call it that is in the middle of no where. I do not have phone service but a am able to steal internet. My outlook will not connect though i don't know what the deal is. The name of the hotel is the dakota inn. I am positive it is the only one. Maybe you can find the phone number and call my room it is 208.
Love you

I immediately google “Dakota Inn” and this place appeared.  A real beauty if i do say so myself.  I called the number, spoke to someone who sounded like Rosanne Barr, and was connected to room 208.  Ring, ring--- no answer.  I then messaged Lofton back, via facebook:

Maybe you can use your Gmail. Tried to call your room but no answer. Little man is missing you. I love you.

Then feeling defeated and sad I drove to work.  When I got there I found this email:

Did you get my message on facebook?  I got my email working now.

To which I replied: Yes.  I called your room but you didn't answer.
To which he replied: Try room 210.  My key says 208 but the phone says 210
Me: Sorry Babe.  Can't get anyone at the front desk to answer the phone.  I called six times. Is there a direct number on your room phone?
Lofton: 487-7404 room 210

{It was at this point that I realized there is more than one Dakota Inn.  Lofton is actually staying in these fine digs. I'd like to note it's billed as "luxury for less."}

Me: This is getting comical.  You aren't in room 210.  The guy that answered in 210 called me an asshole.  Twice.
Lofton: I am in room 208, but the phone says 210 asshole.

And finally, finally we were connected.  

I’m currently reading “Little House in the Big Woods” to my class and I’m envisioning South Dakota as being similar. Except with Lofton in place of Laura.