Road Trip-Part 1

6:00 a.m. on the morning of the girls road trip, we clicked together our plastic cups in a toast to the beginning of a ten day journey. Ahhh! Nothing like a spicy Bloody Mary to pop open even the sleepiest eyes. 

We drove off as the sun peeped over the horizon in shades of pink and blue. Determined to make good time, we drove several solid hours until starvation and the need for a potty break called us in to a Bob Evans restaurant in Cape Girardeau. Delicious food and a clean bathroom. What more could a traveler desire?

Eager to get more miles behind us, we didn't linger over our eggs and toast. Back to the car we went, tummies full, bladders empty, and ready to roll.

After pushing through with only quick pit stops and a grab-n-go late lunch, we finally arrived at our first night's hotel stop...the Hollywood Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. This welcome respite couldn't come soon enough. Everyone was stiff-legged from sitting in cramped car position. But we soon forgot our achy muscles. Now we had diversion other than the radio. 

The hotel had numerous displays of film-making paraphernalia such as Batman's car, costumes from The Munsters television show, and a replica of a sinking Titanic. All this, and slot machines, too. Who knew?

I'm not much of a gambler, so I sat at the quarter slot machines while my co-travelers took on a few rounds at the blackjack table. They lost. I came out on top with a whopping $15 gain. Don't worry, I didn't spend it all in one day.

However, my eyes were red and bleary. The hours of driving had caught up with me and my comrades. We stumbled to our room and I can't say I remember much after that.

Except setting the alarm for 6:00 a.m. Whew!

Home Again, Home Again...

After ten days and more than 3,000 miles on the road, the girls and I are back home. As you can see, we did not pack lightly. A borrowed mini van gave us room for lots of stuff. The good news with that fact was we nearly always had whatever we needed. The bad news with that fact is we often had trouble finding it. Items shifted while we drove and at least twice when the back gate opened things all but leaped from the vehicle as though trying to escape the shenanigans within. This became more than a tad embarrassing the day we had to chase aluminum bottles of beer rolling in every direction across a parking lot. Strangers narrowed their eyes at us, no doubt suspecting we were on a wild and reckless 10:00 a.m. binge.

As it happens, we cut our trip a few days shorter than intended due to rain. It's not fun to get drenched when you're trying to see the sights. Thus Savanna, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina were spared our company. At least for now...

Traveling is fun, but it's always great to be back home. Next post, you're invited to ride along with us and see the south.

Road Trip

I love the fact that retirement gives me a chance not only to complete projects, but also to try new things. One of those new things will begin bright and early on Monday. I'm going on a road trip.

Three friends and I will be driving (perhaps not so much driving as meandering) throughout the southeast. There are a few destinations in our plan, but for the most part we have no agenda. This happy fact means if someone spies a local event or historical sight or spectacular sunset along the way, well, by golly, we're going to stop and see it. No time crunch, no pressure, no problems.

Life as it's meant to be lived--flying by the seat of our pants. Doesn't that sound awesome?

I'll be bringing my notebook to keep track of any mayhem which possibly (probably) could occur when four women are free to act on impulse. Fear not, Co-travelers. Names can always be changed to protect the guilty.

Since I'll be on the road for about two weeks (or so--who knows?) Critter Alley will be on a brief hiatus until my return.

P.S. Please consider hopping over to visit my friends at Sketching With Dogs. They are raising funds for a special little dog named Chico in need of pricey veterinary treatment.

The View from the Hotel Window

No, this view isn't mine. Daughter sent the picture to me. She's in Hawaii with her fiance, soaking up sun and playing golf. But don't think I'm left out of the fun. No indeed. I have a four-footed guest at my house for a whole week.

Meet Tinker Bell. She's a very optimistic dog. Her typical perch is on top of the couch where she can easily stare at the front door and wait. Whenever the door opens, she wags her tail and runs to greet the arrival. Unfortunately, it's never the person she's looking for. Don't worry, Lassie, er, I mean Tink, Mom will be home soon.

Fun in the sun. Doesn't that sound lovely? Perhaps I can do something to give us a beautiful vacationy feel right here at home. H'mmm.

Got it! I'm going to take that Hawaii picture and make it poster size to cover my bedroom window.

Every time I wake up...wow! What a view!

Imagination Vacation

As I write these words, somewhere in the world breezes are gently rustling through the leaves of palm trees that stand tall in fine white sand. The scent of salt air penetrates lungs as crystal blue water laps against the shore in a soothing rhythmic pattern.

It's impossible to resist moving into the ocean. Ankle deep, wet sand crumbles and dissolves underfoot. A small wave pushes past pillars formed by two legs, and then retreats back into the vast deep mystery of a tropical sea. Eyes closed, everything melts away except the cry of gulls, the whoosh of water, and the warmth of sunlight touching bare skin.

Do you feel more relaxed? I do.

This isn't day-dreaming, it's mind travel...and exceptionally economical. You can go where you want, when you want, without the expense of gasoline, tickets, credit card, or passport. Today I might even let Indy and Bogey go along with me. I'll watch them run free, exploring the scents of the beach to their heart's content.

Consider taking a mini-vacation of the mind. Where would you visit?

Have a Howa-Whya-Wookie Happy Weekend

Recently, Hubby and I hosted an island-inspired fundraising party. We decorated the place like a tropical paradise. We served pitchers of Margaritas. We encouraged guests to wear their Key West Best.

We also dressed to help inspire the group. I wore a simple costume. Capris, billowy white top, wooden beads, flip flops, and a flower tucked in my hair. Never mind the 20 degree temperature and outside icicles. The warmth of a faux lush vacation spot felt tempting and delicious.

It's harder to describe Hubby's attire. Like staring into the sun, there are no suitable words for such an intensely blinding sight as this:

He has no shame and no sense of fashion. And no right at all to have coconuts that are bigger than mine.

But that's another story. Right now I'm looking forward to the weekend. It's almost here and, as usual, there's much to be done. If you're in the same canoe as me, do try and take a little time to relax.

It's a good thing to enjoy a smile...or two.

Memphis-Part 2

In addition to Beale Street there are a few other places to check out in Memphis.

We took the first-time-visitor-mandatory tour of Graceland.  It's a huge operation that still brings in countless guests each day. The house surprised me with rooms that were small and surprisingly modest.  Though Elvis added on as needed, Graceland lacks the spacious luxury of today's mansions.  Still, it's a fascinating time capsule of the 1970's complete with shag carpet and a faux fur family room.

I couldn't find a hound dog anywhere, but I did see the famous pink cadillac in a garage full of Elvis's collectible cars.

We checked out his airplanes, which were also in 1970's decor.  How would you like to nap in this queen sized bed while flying to your next destination?  It's hard to see, but FAA regulations required the bed to contain a seat belt.  I could say something...but, no.  This is a family friendly blog.  Elvis relics are plastic-covered for protection.  No one is allowed to touch anything upon pain of death...or being forced to listen to Elvis impersonators for five solid hours. 

Musicians and music lovers alike would enjoy the Gibson factory tour. We saw craftsmen hard at work on every step in the creation of the world famous Gibson guitar.  No photography allowed inside, but as you can see, the building took up an entire block.

Back on Beale Street, the sidewalks feature musical notes that include the name of an artist or music company.  My favorite was situated right outside his famous restaurant.  Love ya, B!

This band rocked the street.  The young bass player was exceptional.  When we asked her how long she'd been playing, she nonchalantly replied, "About ten months."

Seriously!  I know young people pick things up faster than we oldsters, but that's just plain wrong.

I hoped to see the Peabody ducks parade, but never made it to their hotel.  I understand the pampered critters are marched from roof top to lobby with an elevator ride in between. If you want to check them out, get there early.  The ducks always command an enormous crowd.

We had a few other adventures, some better left unshared. Suffice it to say that the trip to Memphis was a blast. 

I'm ready to go back again any time, y'all!

Backyard Guests

Memorial weekend, the official beginning of summer is coming.  While some love to travel, for many guests, a backyard vacation is all that's needed for fun and relaxation.

"No getting into the water until half an hour after you eat, kids!"

"This place serves the best honey roasted nuts I've ever had!"

"Tomorrow I think I'll ask the management for an extra pillow."

"What does it take to get some breakfast around here?"


We hope you're planning something fun for the weekend.  We'll report more on what we're doing soon.

Planning a Vacation?

A resident of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

A vacation type that has become increasingly popular in recent years is a "working vacation". By that, I mean you travel to a place with the specific plan of doing something more than sitting on the beach, such as becoming a cowpoke on a cattle ranch. In that spirit, I'd like to suggest a volunteer vacation experience that would be perfect for animal lovers.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary located in Angel Canyon, Utah, is our nation's largest shelter for homeless pets. Housing between 1700 and 2000 animals at any given time, this 33,000 acre ranch is home to dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, and farm animals. The animals come from shelters where they might otherwise be euthanized. Most animals are in need of medical or behavioral rehabilitation before they can be placed in a permanent home.

Caring for so many animals requires a lot of effort. Best Friends seeks both regular and visiting volunteers and has a variety of opportunities available. I have friends who volunteered at Best Friends and described the experience as remarkable. Someday (sigh), I hope to get there myself. Not only is the area beautiful, but who wouldn't love helping a homeless animal?

I'll bet this is one vacation you'd remember for a lifetime.