Candids and Comments

As my day becomes a 8 car pile up - meaning I'm getting nothing done at all - why not procrastinate another hour or so and post some pictures from the trip that didn't quite make the cut the first time?  the trip seems so long ago!  Mollie is settling in just fine.  The Nun is busy doing all kinds of nun Stuff.  And Scampi's business is beyond busy - which is great - keeps my mind off of all kinds of things.  But whenever I get busy - Really Busy- I tend to procrastinate and spin resulting in very little ending up completed.  Half of the Laundry - 3 dishes in the dishwasher - eBay pictures taken but not uploaded.  Descriptions curtailed after I can't think of the perfect - uh - adjective.

Thank Goodness for trip pics.  Check out the Nun standing next to the Popeyes sign - she's in total sodium bliss!    If i get really busy at work I might even waste enough time to figure out the flipping flip camera!

Trip Stats

The Big Goodbye

Best Hotel - Hampton Inn in Pigeon Forge, TN - Also - Worst Shower
Most Dentally challenged Town - Pigeon Forge, TN
Favorite Place - Moab, UT
Biggest Let Down - Santa Fe
Sodium Consumed - 3,097,496,224 mg
Number of Physical Steps taken - 300 ( except for Arches National Park - race to the Porta Potties and the distance between the Wheel of Fortune Slot Machines at Harvey's Casino).
Number of Water Bottles in Scooter on arrival in Orinda, CA - 48
Amount of Fresh Fruit consumed - 2 Bananas and one Apple
Cheapest Motel - Big Texan Motel - Amarillo TX - $20.00 a piece
Best Ribs - The Rendezvous, Memphis TX
Scariest ride - Top of Lake Tahoe
Weirdest Thing - All the Salt in Salt Lake
Most nurturing - The Nun
The Most Entertaining - Scampi
The Reason We Did This - Mollie
Worst Hotel Clerk - Patryshara at The Best Western in Winnemucca, NV
Best Shower - Big Texan Motel, Amarillo, TX - also Winner of Scariest Sheets

Reservoir in Lafayette, CA where we finally walked after logging only 300 steps after 9 days in the car.  

We had the BEST time - More videos to come of course as it's hard to say goodbye and to realize that a trip we all loved and planned for is over.  The Nun and Scampi had to leave Mollie in CA where it is so sunny it is almost ridiculous and so beautiful we didn't want to leave.  But The Nun wanted to get back to Hank and her pup and Scampi her daughter and dogs.  I will miss sleeping with the Nun though - but I know she will be happier sleeping with Hank!  Stay tuned for our BEST OF Videos and pics.  And then it will really be a wrap.  Think of the last post as the Best of Bloopers Reel.

The Wide Load Bush Cows go to The Ghetto

Finally the long awaited and much anticipated movie version of our trip!  Thanks to John Christian for helping us wrestle with the Flip Camera which Scampi will be returning as soon as we get back to NJ tomorrow.  The first video is from our first day and the second from our visit to Memphis.  It was quickly realized that Scampi only could seem to video the Dashboard.  A vote was quickly taken and in addition to not being allowed to drive I could no longer take videos.

A side note here is that we looked up our blog info and discovered that we had 1597 visitors to our blog on Day 5!  Not too shabby for Mollie, Scampi and The Nun!

home stretch...

Harvey's Casino!

For all of you fans out there, nope we did not crash "Scooter" our ever trusty Volvo we are still here...  Scampi and the Nun hit gambling ville... and frankly I was informed that there would be no internet available at the Harvey's Casino (I am thinking that the lure of the slot machines was ever so powerful that there was no time for blogging.  Well in the meantime we have arrived safely in Orinda, California with a ride that none of us soon will forget.  I think Scampi should have been tied down to the roof in a box, at least she would have been unaware of the scary ride along Lake Tahoe... The Nun thought it was great and wanted to stop at every opportunity to take pictures only to have Scampi have "mild" panic attacks.----

Ok Scamps here - Jesus you think they would put guard rails along the sheer cliffs along the Highest points overlooking the lake!  Especially with the Nun and I being just slightly under the weather with all those free drinks they give you while you're gambling.  But we are getting ahead of ourselves.  Scampi woke with a quick step and so excited, she was going to be going back to a time and place that gave fabulous memories.... and so we came  around the bend on rt. 50 and there it was LAKE TAHOE!!! She started looking for her old boyfriend.

Second Floor Top Left - Can't believe it is still standing!

The Nun and Mollie could not help and be excited.  The casino came in sight and Scampi was over the moon seeing Harvey's in lights!  Then she was crushed to think that her love nest next door had been reduced to rubble.  Thank goodness Mollie is directional challenged because inadvertanly we ran into the love nest.  Scampi ran out of the car for a photo opportunity~!   From a furnished apartment that was then barely acceptable, you can now rent it by the hour!!!

Mollie and The Nun - Safely arrived at Lake Tahoe

So, it was like this, the Scamp and I went to wander through the casino, seeking employees that had been there longer than 30 years that might remember Scampi, aka Susan Boynton.  Mollie went for a walk earlier with us down main street and of course Scampi couldn't find anyone that remembered her on the street.  We were on our own for an hour or so while Mollie rested up for an exciting evening.  First stop was registration - we needed "casino cards" to earn points, etc.  Scampi was on record already so she got her updated card and after filling out the appropriate paperwork, I was issued mine, given my free gift and a book of coupons (always looking for something more!).  We got right to work acclimating ourselves and looking for the Wheel of Fortune slots.  Scampi didn't think we should start on the dollar slots, we should look for the quarter slots.  We started off helping the casino with their bottom line so we headed up to check on Mollie who was looking for us because she had forgotten the room number and was having no luck getting into our neighbor's room.  By the time we got up there, Mollie was happily watching TV.  After discussion, we decided that Scampi and The Nun would further explore their gambling acuity while Mollie napped.  We decided that Harvey's might not be so lucky (they had been bombed right after Scampi left) and took the tunnel to Harrah's.  First up were the slots and we found the quarter slots and got to work.  Scampi had her "casino card" attached to her belt loop by a long stretchy cord.  While she played it was attached to the slot machine and her belt at the same time (she wouldn't want to misplace it!).  Things were going along smoothly, each in our own vortex, when I hit the Free Spin and got 1000.  The Scamp was seated two or three seats away from me and I was very excited to let her know without wanting to call too much attention to myself for the win.  Well, no such thing for the Scamp - she couldn't get out of her chair fast enough.  "How much, how much", she started to shout. People started to gather around my chair as Scampi shouted that I should, "CASH OUT, CASH OUT" but she couldn't come any closer as she was still attached to her machine with her Casino Card and kept getting yanked back to her chair.  All the while, she was attempting to get her camera out of her bag to document the win  up while Scampi and I tried a little more and cashed in where we could. in. 

White Knuckle Photo Op

OK - Scampi here again - My main goal was to try and find someone I had worked with 30 years before.  Lots of over 30 year employees still left - but except for Rose the Transgender Dealer who freaked me out then and even more so now - I remembered no one and more importantly no one remembered me!  I did meet a pit supervisor who dated my old friend Rita - but he had no idea who I was.  Oh well - the good news is that I wasn't escorted off the property!  We had a great boozy dinner and turned in.  Our last night on the road...  Tomorrow we reveal our last days adventures!

The Finish Line!

We Made It!!!

After exiting the Mountains and Scampi's full fledged panic attack looking down at the Lake, once again the landscape changed.  Regular highways and byways, rude drivers and lots of signs.  Not so Welcome but at the same time so familiar even though we're on different coasts.  We headed towards Sonoma - home to small wineries - and Scampi's Westover friend Darcy.  What a treat to see her!  She's one of those buddies that you feel like you saw last week instead of 5 years ago!  She even pilfered through her husband's wine label and we came up winners with 3 coveted bottles that we will enjoy on Saturday.We all had an amazing lunch in Sonoma and then wandered around the square.  It was time...

Scampi and Darcy

An hour later we landed in Orinda - Mollie's new home.  Amazing mountain views - an incredible meal cooked by her kids John Christian and Thea.  Scampi was reunited with her beloved vodka and all was right with the world.  After dinner we headed out in John's new Audi to check out the views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge at night.  The poor Nun has to endure a couple of more nights of sleeping with Scampi - but I think I might miss her!

San Francisco right after Sunset

Don't worry - we're not done yet!  Just because we landed intact and still speaking in CA doesn't mean our adventures have ended.  Look forward to Mollie - Scampi and the Nun - The Movie and  candid interviews with all of us.  What did we Love?  What was a let down?  Who was in charge of who and what on the trip?  Who would we travel again with?  A little sun on the deck and some wine this afternoon we will recharge and recap.

Morning in Winnemucca

morning fromWinnamucca -- I am NOT a gambler and I have been proven right.... Yes, Scampi did get that "old" feeling yesterday.  Betting on how many miles toWinnamucca, etc.  The last signs tells us that it's 54 miles away....how long will it be before we hit town (4:50pm) ... Mollie shouts out 5:35pm, the Nun 5:25pm.... Scampi 5:20pm. Scampi is driving!!!  I wish I had Depends on and not because I was laughing.

Well - we all lost!  Except the nun and  at the Slots.  She has Scampi to thank as she had a big win and was going to keep going.  The smart gambling Scamps hit Cash out before she could pull the lever.   We are going to try and find post cards before we head to Lake Tahoe.  what an amazing morning - the light coming over the nuclear power plant reminds us why we love the good old USA.  I hear the bikers wheezing - it must be time for breakfast.

Winnemucca, NV - need we say more?

Well tonight it's Mollie who is snoozing - we had a 9 or so hour day in the car.  but what a day it was!  Driving out of Moab was breathtaking.  Every turn, every twist was a new sight to see!  We climbed to 7800 Ft and I have to say we were all a bit light headed.  Thank God Scampi was not at the wheel!  When we got to Salt Lake City Scampi was on the lookout for Big Love Sightings.  Every time we saw a Big House - I was sure they were there.  Mollie did a great job of navigating the mountain ranges with impossibly beautiful foliage and the big storm we hit through Salt Lake City.  Lightning that hit the ground in front of us, rain that was impossible to see through.  Then came the Lake - the Great Salt Lake!  Salt just laying on top of it - you could scoop it out with shovels it was so thick.  The salt flats were blindingly white.  We watched the salt being harvested.  Truly something to remember!   The Nun drove through it all.  Totally straight and so boring it could put you in a coma!  Everyone was happy to give Scampi the Wheel - I brought us into Winnemucca. The 75 mph speed limit did  wake us all up.  I could smell the gambling ahead and started to wager with the nun and Mollie.  How long til we hit Winnemucca?  A quick note to all  future travel partners.  Don't take this bet with Scampi at the the Wheel.  A one street town lined with tired Casinos and Motels.

Our Lucky warm up Casino

A side note to Margot at AAA.  The Biker convention promised to us consisted of a few old geezers actually trucking their bikes to the edge of town to putter in with their oxygen tanks attached to the back seat.  No worries as we hit the Winnemucca Inn and Casino though.  The Scamps had put on her lucky purple pants and the nun and I had convinced Mollie that a chicken fried steak was just what we all needed to get ready for Tahoe tomorrow.  After our order the Nun had disappeared....  we waited and waited.  Well she had hit the slots and after that there was no stopping her.  Big disappointment in that the Chicken fried steak was 86'd, but our last clear artery thanked us.

The Great Salt Lake Salt Flats

Mollie called it a day while The Nun and I hit the slots.  We were warming up for our big pay day tomorrow. I felt like I was among my peeps and wondered what my life would have been like if i had stayed in Lake Tahoe and not been fired from Harvey's casino.  Then I saw Sally in the Cashier cage and realized that she was probably my age and thanked whatever brought me back to NJ.  The Nun and I are both up 100.00 each so far.  Tomorrow it's Harvey's and hope that my Lucky 17 will come up on my third Roulette Spin!

A WOW Day !

The Nun and Billy

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Scene of The Nun's Hatscapade

Last night I was all excited to go to bed and get a good night sleep (and forget about my hunger pains) Scampi had read up on all of  Santa Fe facts, one of which was one could experience altitude sickness, sleeplessness, headaches and of course I had all of the symptoms! Tossed and turned all night... only to discover that this "sickness" does not occur unless you are at 8000 or higher not 6000.  The power of suggestion... so too tired to drive the Nun took over...

The Nun here - We left Santa Fe this morning with a re-organized trunk space, Scampi riding shotgun and Mollie with her head leaning against the back window.  Scampi tried valiantly not to grab at the dash board and hit imaginary brakes for the next 200+ miles.  Mollie rested fitfully and I pointed out amazing vistas while Scampi reminded me that I was to watch the road (she would too, just to help) and forget the scenery.  That being said, Scampi was fascinated with the Meth problem that exists in the west, as witnessed by the explicit bill board signs warning people against the dangers of this horrible drug.  I lasted for about three hours and turned the wheel over to the Scamp.  I nestled into the back seat and closed my eyes, listening to the very intense direction conversation taking place in the front seat.  There she goes again, arguing with the skillfully detailed directions provided by AAA.  Mollie tried to be insistant but the Scamp went the way she felt she should.  I awoke from a semi asleep state (you know when you hear what's happening around you but aren't really present) by being hurled against my seat belt (absolutley had it on) and tossed into the door.  We almost took out the man we asked for directions and eventually got back on the road.  I should point out that none of us has lost our sense of humor (or any weight).  At a very necessary break for water and facilities I came out of the store only to find that the car was gone!  Knowing the two I'm traveling with, I rose up on my tip toes and saw the car partially hidden behind some others.  Both "sisters" were laughing hysterically - what friends?.  They didn't do it once but twice, the next time they moved the car further away and I have to tell you I wasn't sure if I wanted to find them!  What a ride..............wait til you hear about the rest of the day!  Now, it's Scampi's turn.....and she says, "it's about time!"

Mollie, Scampi and The Nun Are West!

As part of my new "awareness of self" I've been trying valiantly to let go of the blog control.  It's not so bad - the pressure's off!  What the girls wrote is pretty true - but the map thing is not.  I am usually Always right!  The hell with Mrs. Garmin and AAA.  Didn't I find the Authentic Navajo Tacos?  Anyway -- we pass through the meth labs and the pawn shops and the Salvage yards.  We rounded a turn and looked over a hill and there it was - This is the amazing USA!  We gasped (and not because of my driving!) and ooohhed and aahhed for the next few hours.  Getting to Moab was the Highlight of our entire trip so far.  It is majestic and awe inspiring and even silenced the 3 of us.  Arriving at The Arches National Park was just what we all needed.  I have to say that I was the one praying as The nun took us up the winding roads.  She was pointing at all of the sights and i was trying to drive for all of us from the passenger seat.  Check out the pictures - this was amazing!!  When we went to The Windows - we hiked up the hills and there we were.  Framed in the arches and then it happened - the Nun's hat blew away - all the way down the canyon.  Billy - The Hero - went scurrying after it and emerged over the top of the ledge with hat in hand!  We had an audience now and sang and laughed all the way down the ravine.  As we rushed to the pot o potties wondering if we would be arrested for breaking and entering to use the facilities of an open RV, I mentioned to a hiker lugging tripod and camera bags to the top that no photos, flash or otherwise, were allowed today.  We thought we were hysterical until we realized he spoke no English.  It turns out the only people who think we are funny are ourselves.  At least we are easily amused.  Off to Winnemucca, NV tomorrow just in time for the biker festival!  Then its on to Harvey's Casino - can't wait!  Signing off, all present and accounted for! 

Mollie and The Nun go Rogue

Just had to show this - an actual Tub O' Butter

Mollie and The Nun

BIG TEXAN Motel and Restaurant!

On the way to Amarillo

well Scampi is sleeping and Mollie and the Nun have taken over the keyboard.  So let me tell you what is really going on.  We have to go back to yesterday, it was going to be a very long, long drive on a very, very straight road so what is the harm in giving Scampi the wheel.... The Nun prayed enough for a live time.  Not sure if it is doing any good. Scampi has "scampi rules" one of which is questioning the GPS system, triple A's direction and certainly all maps... if it looks like it should be the road it must be right!  The country side was amazing, never knew that country side could be that flat.  Not a tree insight, hate to have to make a pit stop there is no hiding anything!  After many hours on the road we landed at the Big Texan restaurant and motel.  Our heart skipped a beat, it was all worth it in then end. Middle America at its best....After quickly checking in, moving up to our room, checking the bed for bed bugs... The 72 ounce steak was waiting for us (it is free if you eat it within the hour) Our hopes were squashed when we realized that our plan of all three of posing as one would not work, there was a direct link to Channel 7.  Outside of that "the Nun" had taken to the slot machines.... after losing Scampi scolded her for not betting high enough.   We were serenaded by three very handsome men with guitars, just 80 years old.  Playing our request with lots of  yee haws brought the entire dining room to its feet..... still no free steak!   There was a "bucket " of butter on the table which certainly discouraged us from dessert.

We all crashed early (Or so we believe) the bathroom had a shower pressure that would knock you into the next state... The Nun took care (and always does) of any of our beverage needs... i.e. coffee when we woke up (NO no wine yet) Mollie did a final check of the room, while Scampi and the Nun were checking out the bikers leaving for the road (don't blame them)  and found all of our items left in the room.  I wonder how much we have left in other rooms?  You see Scampi checks that and always assures us it is fine!!   Don't forget she is a minor control freak.  All kidding aside, she is one funny chick and a great travelling friend. We had a quick ride today and guess what, Scampi took the first leg of the ride, and Mollie was only allowed to drive in the parking lot of the hotel.  Did I tell you that the Nun was praying all this time? So no she did not drive.  Tomorrow will be her turn.  Hit Santa Fe around noon, checked into our rooms, checked for bed bugs (thanks Beth we are all paranoid) I guess John would not be happy with that present when we arrive. Hit old town Santa Fe had a lovely lunch on a patio Cafe De Artiste, first real fresh food since we left Atlanta.  Galleries were amazing.  Scampi came to the rescue to make sure that the Nun would not be purchasing a very large painting.  I question if she was concerned about sharing space in the back seat.  After such a day and our fun meter full we brought cocktail and hors oeuvres to poolside (in the middle of the lobby) have you ever see a fish bowl?  Laundry machines were humming while we sipped our refreshments -- thanks Nun, again she took care of this and it was not coffee.  While Mollie cleaned upstairs -- Scampi and the Nun ordered a pizza and ate a pizza... they must really think that I overload the car so best not to give her any.... I am bloody starving.   Signing off and resting up for our trip to Moab and the hot springs.  Mollie and the Nun.... I hope we did not wake Scampi

Scampi here - no they did not wake me - but of course with my SLIGHT control issues could't resist a peek. Added some pictures.  Can't control the flip video however - we have some great stuff - but can't seem to figure it out.  We'll have to do a mini movie when we reach Cali.  Off to the backseat I go - and we head to Moab in search of a Hot Spring.  Fun meter is ready again for a fill up!

Long Day on the Road- Musings from the Backseat

Mollie and The Nun did let me drive today. But they sure kept an eye on the spedometer. 11 hours in the car today so we can get to Amarillo by dark. Santa Fe is calling us and we want to get there early to take it all in. Stopping at The Big Texan Motel and Steak House - home of the 72 oz steak webcam. The Nun thinks she can take the challenge. Mollie and I cried uncle!
We decided to share our day from the car for todays posting. One liners, questions that just popped out with, and places we did NOT visit.

Mollie's goal is to get a ticket and leave a bra in every state.
Driving across the country is not our best look.
No more Binging for food.
Look its the Silo Village estates!
Scampi begins to understand why people might think she's a minor Control Freak
Loves truck stops don't sell magazines because your not supposed to read and drive!
Why is it humid some places and not others?
Alma, AK is the spinach capital of the world.
Places we did NOT stop at today. Toad Suck Park, Pig Tail Trail and The Cock Walk Restaurant.

We have heard that some people have their doubts about our finishing the trip. Please know that we know who you are and you. Will Not be getting a Post Card from Harvey's Casino!
Maybe more to come today - but maybe not. We can't wait to hit Santa Fe!

A Full Sized Day

Just a little bit of the love The King gets Every Day. 

Elvis' Rumpus Room

New Hats, New Sunglasses, New Bras - What a Difference a Day Makes!

Now that our salt intake has been decreased we had a day where the fun meter seemed to just fill up!  Kristen and Jim's house was the perfect place to stay last night and she had homemade coffee cake waiting for us when we stumbled out of bed.  I enthusiastically headed for the front seat only to be given a warning look and took my place in the back seat.  I even smiled during a Waffle House Stop.  My good behavior was rewarded after a fill up outside of Memphis where I drove us to Graceland's Thrift Stop - not quite where Elvis lived or even drove by - ever.  The Nun and Mollie got us back on track and the next thing you know we were in Shag Carpet and Gold Lame Heaven.  Graceland is a truly amazingly uniquely tacky place.  $30.00 and a shuttle ride later we were done - the pictures tell the story.  All the memorial flowers that arrive every day were kind of jaw dropping.  we were all glad we went though.  We are very certain Lisa Marie and her children have no financial woes in their future.  Then it was off to The Peabody Hotel to see the Ducks Daily Parade through the lobby.  It was awesome!  Mollie and the Nun totally indulged me in that - the bar after the ducks left were the best part of the activity though.  A big shout out to Anastasia's Make up Counter at Nordstrom's in Atlanta for The Rendezvous recommendation for ribs.  We can't seem to stay away from the salt. A pitcher of beer later we were careening through Memphis looking for our Hotel.  Singing Elvis songs and driving on the trolley tracks probably wasn't the smartest move we made today especially since I was videotaping  the Memphis Police shaking down some unsavory characters, but we're here finally and the wine being lukewarm just makes the day even sweeter.  We're having a terrible time with the Flip Camera (I am Flip Video Challenged it appears).  We promise that when we figure it out the videos will be worth the wait.  We truly believe we are hilarious!  Tomorrow is a long long day to Amarillo and the 72 oz Steak Webcam.  I predict the Nun will start looking for a BoJangles,  that Scampi will redeem herself behind the wheel and Mollie will realx and enjoy the ride.

It Was a Busty Kind of Day

Well Dollyood turned out to be kind of a bust - it is probably one of the most bizarre places we have ever been. The Nun and I took a hike in the morning and after climbing up the Smokey's we had a feeling it could only go down hill from there.  First off - we couldn't even find the place - all we saw were dentally challenged people lining the highway sitting in chairs looking at the street.  At first we thought they all recognized us from the blog!  After turning around and heading towards Atlanta for our Bra Fittings, I was banished to the back seat for being too "involved" in the safety rules of the road.  I mean aren't we supposed to be cautious?  Thank goodness I had bought myself a very cool Cowboy Hat to sulk in.  And everyone knows how hat challenged I am.

Well the Nun decided she wanted Chicken - not just any chicken - POPEYE'S Chicken.  23 miles and 40 minutes out of our way there it was.  The Sodium Capital of the World.  Well - Mollie and I have no problem with Fried Chicken - but spicy fries and a biscuit?  No Diet Soda or water in the place!  The Nun was Happy though.  So off we went to our very special appointments with THE GURUS of Bras - Oprah's Bra Specialist no less all jacked up on sodium.  We looked like the Michelin Men when we got there.  $$$$ bucks later we walked out with the most fabulous amazing and expensive bras in the world.  However - when we were told our sizes we weren't sure they even made bra's that large.  It has to be the sodium right?

Then we had to go to The Sunglass Hut - our budgets are now blown on Bras and Sunglasses.  The Nun and her gorgeous daughter - who we met up with in Atlanta vetoed every pair I wanted - I thought Retro was in!! I did walk away with the coolest pair in the store - I think I have one more modestly cool year left in me - and now with my new hat and bra??  Who knows what will happen!  Pictures tomorrow of all 3 of us - all brand new and shiny.  We had a fabulous and yummy dinner at Kristen and Jim's house - thank God I found vodka tonight.  Tomorrow is Graceland and NO Sodium!  I've been told that I might be able to drive if I don't snore tonight.

It Was a Busty Kind of Day

Scampi Takes The Wheel and The Nun Starts Praying!

 Whose cup is whose?

The Rainbow at the end of the day and below is the sad picture of what we all look like at 4am without coffee!

Even though Mollie decided it would be a good idea to start packing at 4am we still got an early enough start at 4:40.  We were on 81 Forever!  Apparently The Nun's bladder is very small.  Scampi took the Wheel after A Cracker Barrel Lunch and brought us into Pigeon Fordge, TN about 5 pm - ignoring The Nun's complaining about bathroom breaks!  There was lots of gasping and grabbing at the door - she doesn't appreciate the fine art of changing lanes and planning ahead.  We got here too late for zip lining - but just in time for cocktails by the pool and a rainbow over the Smokey Mountains.  I liked my story about the Smokey's being smokey because of the moonshine - but they are really SMOKEY!!  This is a really pretty place, but so odd seeing all these neon signs everywhere!!  Had the BESt wings and Beer at The Blue Moose - The Nun is confident we won't get scurvy now on the trip because of all The Blue Moons we drank with Fresh Orange Slices.  Phew!  That was a big concern...  Tons of hilarity today over trying to video the Elusive Bush Cows on 81 - and don't even get us started on the Wide Load Escort Vehicles!  Do little kids dream of growing up to be an Oversized Escort Vehicle?  Just an interesting question.  We have the videos and are trying to freakin figure out Scampi's new Flip video!  Tomorrow its all Dollywood all the time until our very important Bra fittings in Atlanta at 4:30.  It is said to be life changing.  Scampi is hoping that it is!

With Wing and a Prayer

Tomorrow is lift off - or take off .  If anyone is on 81 S tomorrow watch out for a Volvo careening towards Dollywood.  No one is ready to go.  Scampi is as usual procrastinating by writing the blog, Mollie is trying to cram in a weeks worth of work into one last day and the Nun has been writing grant proposals and trying to spend time with her husband before 4 am tomorrow.  Scampi's goal today is to try and find the vacuum before dark - and actually use it!

Last night was the last gasp Birthday dinner.  Thanks you guys for sending me off in style at Burger night.  I'm going to sync my new Birthday iPod after I procrastinate some more and load all my songs leaving out the Christmas music I can't seem to get rid of on my old one.  I will be sending thank you Birthday Postcards from the road.  Who knows where yours will come from.  Graceland?  Santa Fe?  Monument Park?  I can guarantee they will be the best postcards I can find because everyone knows I love my funny cards.

Will break out the Flip video camera tomorrow too - I think I'll bring it on the zip line at Dollywood!  By the way - people have asked me how to follow our blog.  As you look at what I'm writing - look to the top of the page - now look left.  You will see the word Follow - click on it and your in!

Last Stop Harvey's Casino - Lake Tahoe!

The Nun, Scampi and Mollie celebrate my big 54 with Walter who is now the big 59.

www.harveystahoe.comI know I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but since I just "celebrated" my 54th Birthday I was taking a trip down memory lane.  Actually - it seems more like a flashback.  Mollie and The Nun are indulging me by agreeing to stay at Harvey's Casino in Lake Tahoe before we drive to Mollie's new home.  Harvey's was the place I had my first post college job.  My parents were beside themselves. My fancy pants education of  Rumson Country Day School, Westover School and Ohio Wesleyan University resulted in my new job as a Change Girl at Harvey's.  I like to think they hired me as a change girl because of my quality degree - but it really was because I looked ridiculous in the Cocktail Waitress uniform. I just couldn't pull it off.  and its hard to carry a tray of drinks and tug at your skirt without spilling.  I learned more in the 2 years I was at Harvey's than all my schooling combined.  I can get along with anyone in any situation and collected some of the BEST stories in my vast collection of life stories.  The "Throw Silver Dollars at the Change Girl" Story,  the " So a Man walks into a Casino with a Shotgun Story", The "Change Girl Befriends one of the First Transgenders" Story and my shameful " Changegirl gets Fired for Mouthing off to a Customer" Story.  I wonder if they'll remember me after 30++ years?  I wonder if they'll give us an ex employee discount?  I wonder if they still have 25c Roulette?  I hope Mollie and the Nun have as much fun at Harvey's as I'm planning on having!  Do you think we can stay there even though I was fired?  Should we use our assumed names?  Whats your favorite Casino Game?

Dollywood or Bust (no pun intended!)

September 16 - Rumson, NJ to Orinda, CA.  Total Distance: 3809.7 miles.  The Nun and I (Scampi) are piling into Mollie's Volvo for the Mollie's big move West.  I did two cross country trips in my Pinto wagon and don't remember anything about the trip except that I lost my gas cap on the way and we ( my boyfriend - The Scrimshander - but thats another blog) stuffed the opening with a tube sock making us essentially one large Molotov cocktail.  And I smoked and threw my cigs out of the window the Entire way!  Just one of the many reasons I'm surprised I'm still alive.   Do you know that I NEVER once changed the oil  in that car?  But thats off  topic too of course...

The Nun and I headed to AAA this morning to start to map out our route.  We're going to zig zag along the bottom half of the country.  First stop will be Dollywood  - 11 hours on our first day.  We're going to get tickets to the great Dolly Dinner Extravaganza.  The pictures feature prominently the dinner we will be served.  Everyone gets an Entire Rotisserie Chicken, Biscuits, Corn, Beans and an Apple Turnover.  Thinking that we either need to take turns running behind the car or just bring sweat pants!  I think we'll have to do the Zipline Before we eat!  I'll be mortified if I'm turned away for being over the weight limit before we even hit Graceland!  .
We have lots of planning to do, hotels to book and music to download - do they still call it mixed tapes?
Would LOVE any hints on fun things to do on the way!  We've got a pretty good route planned out - but have factored in time to go up limb and into a Canyon.   We're first class mooches too if anyone wants to put us up for the night.