Day 2

Kelly here:  It's really hard to contain my excitement, but I was privileged enough today to visit a world-famous site that I know you will want to put right at the top of your bucket list. I'm here in Collinsville, Illinois, site of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle."

The good news is that it's more than just a photo op, it's for sale!  Not only would owning such a landmark show good taste, but people would flock to it with relish.  I'd quit but I'm on a roll.

We're staying at a Drury Inn tonight in Colłinsville, right outside of St. Louis.  They have free breakfast AND free dinner.  I didn't want to be left alone in the room when they went to dinner, so I cried loudly enough to make them come back.  They realized they could go one at a time and bring their food back to the room.  I knew it would work.  The meatball I had was really good.

They tell me tomorrow we're driving to Oklahoma City.  I wish we could stay in Illinois because I'm going to miss the statue of Paul Bunyan holding a giant hot dog. Oh well, another time.

The Journey Begins

Day 1:   This is Kelly, and I have begun my journey west.  We left from Simsbury this morning, Saturday August 1, and after driving across CT, NY, and PA (and a little bit of WV) we've crossed into Ohio just west of Wheeling, West Virginia, into a town called St. Clairsville. 

I didn't find today terribly exciting.  I either sat on somebody's lap or slept on the back seat in my bed all day.  When we weren't moving, we were parked by signs that said "Pet Area".  I got out quite a few times but there were so many enticing smells and there just wasn't enough time to investigate.  There were also a lot of dogs everywhere I went but even though I cried every time I saw a dog, none of them wanted to play with me.  I did get to touch noses with a couple though and that was fun. (Almost as much fun as sniffing the butts of two plastic flamingos in Sharon and Pat's neighborhood, but that's another story.)  Tonight I'm sleeping in a big bed in a motel - another new experience for me.  They tell me tomorrow is going to be pretty much like today, but there are always new smells around every turn. For now I'm going to bed and I've put in for an early wake-up call.

Best Laid Plans

Well, Susan and Gregg are off, only things didn't go exactly as planned.  The plan was to fly out tomorrow (Tuesday) morning with Jazzy while Susan's son drove the 26' Penske rental truck with all their belongings and towed their car.  On Friday they packed the truck with the help of several hired moving-packer-type guys. Unfortunately, not everything fit in the truck, so after some deliberating and discussion of the merits of several alternative plans (Gregg's idea of throwing everything else away didn't go over too well.), they decided to rent a U-Haul truck, cancel their airline tickets, and drive with Jazzy, following the big truck. On Saturday, they got the U-Haul, got it packed and were ready to roll by late afternoon. I could mention how most of Susan's clothes were accidentally packed somewhere in the big truck, leaving her with little to wear, but that's another story. 

They did get off on Saturday and made it as far as Wilkes Barre, PA.  Last night, after driving through a horrendous rain storm, they made their second destination, and tonight they are hoping to stay in Tulsa, OK.  As long as Jazzy has enough happy pills, she has been an excellent rider and has surprised everyone.

Kelly has been practicing longer distances with Sharon and Pat and has been fine.  Yesterday she went to Petco and did well despite shaking like a leaf and insisting on being carried through the store.  Today, after saying hello to a bear and 2 cubs from the back deck, she rode for an hour or so while we ran errands. I asked her if she missed Jazzy and she said, "Jazzy who?"  Even though there's no one here to take her toys or push her out of a chair, I know they'll be happy to see each other.  We leave on Saturday bright and early.  Don't forget, I'll be doing all my posting from an I-Pad on the road, and I don't have the capability of sending out mass e-mails, so bookmark the blog and just check it every day beginning Saturday.

Getting Ready

We love to just hang out, but right now we don't have any furniture left to hang out on. We're spending the day at Sharon and Pat's house while all these strange men move our things into a big truck.  A few more days and Jazzy gets to go on an airplane for the first time while I get ready for my big road trip.  Right now Pat's practicing posting to the blog 

from the I-pad so she can send you pictures of our trip. I'm sure to be photogenic.          Kelly

DRIVING MISS KELLY

Kelly is getting excited about her trip to Arizona! Jazzy (who's not so excited) will be flying with Susan and Gregg, and Kelly (she of the long legs) will be driving with Sharon and Pat.  

Sharon and Pat will continue to post photos of Kelly's trip west from August 1 until she is safely delivered to her new home. Unfortunately, since they will be posting from an I-pad, they will not be able to send emails telling you that there's a new post.  If you would like to see her progress, tune in each day to the blog at:    stampandscrapnest.blogspot.com

After Kelly makes it to AZ, Sharon and Pat will be continuing on to the National Parks in Utah and Colorado.  We will be posting some photos to our blog if anyone is interested in seeing our travels.  I know it won't be as interesting because there will be no dogs in the photos, but you can follow us at:   patandsharon.blogspot.com

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