Memphis - Day Two

We are now in Batesville, Arkansas with Mom Baker for a couple of days. We ran into some problems with the RV - no air conditioner in the dash (pretty important during travel in the summer months) and a generator issue (which was relatively easy to repair). We could have stayed another night (or two) in Memphis to "possibly" repair the air conditioner or drive here tonight and take the RV to Little Rock for repairs. Hmmmmm...the bad ju-ju continues - while we continue to feel optimistic that this will be the beginning of the good vibes. We hope to set off some time on Thursday.

Although I am sure there are thousands of extra milers in Memphis, we were not lucky enough to run into them. We couldn't even find one place to sign as a notary for us (after trying several banks, a fedex, a drugstore...very disappointing).

Visited and toured Sun Studios (where Elvis was discovered, along with Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and more). Lots of rock n' roll and blues history in Memphis.

Ken and I made a promise to work out each day of this trip and I have to say - well...that has not happened. There has been too much intrigue and adventure. Maybe tomorrow (ever heard that before?)

Talk to you tomorrow. Nite~ Carol and Ken

Memphis, Tennessee - we made it here at midnight and Ken set up the RV at the site. Today was spent with the spirit of Elvis. Fascinating life of a man from humble roots. Much has changed in 20 years (when I was here last)...much larger.

Quite the irony...being picked up for dinner in a pink Cadillacn from a trailer park (well close nuff' - an RV park). Dinner at Marlows - the VERY BEST BBQ we have ever had - classic Memphis.

Tomorrow we have another museum - and if we an get the RV air conditioner fixed, we are headed to see the birthday twin...my mom, who just turned 80. She lives in Batesville, Arkansas.

Nite~ the search continues (I will add comments to the photos as soon as I figure out how to do it) Peace, C and K~

Memphis - Graceland "Elvis' Hangout"

WE ARE ON THE ROAD!!!

Hello Friends,

We are finally on the road! Left today (Sunday) at 1:30 pm...after packing until 3:30 am. Ken and I both worked all day yesterday. We were able to get some things done that needed our attention. Okay, we are now done with any and all badness' (oh yes, and I get to make up words for this blog - just like I do when talking).

So far, we have been at a gas station in Horse Cave (no Annie, not a single HORSE in sight), the Cracker Barrel in Cave City (both Kentucky)...and we drove through Nashville. Ken ignored our GPS and went just a few miles out of the way. In this bohemoth, every single thing is a big deal...he was worried - I was not. I really do have a lot of faith in my man. He is driving like he was meant to be behind this huge craft. Still, you know me...I am a tad bit jumpy. I mean, just look at this thing...if it toppled over....it would really be bad. Therefore, I am helping Ken with the driving when appropriate...."Ken, are you too close to the line on my side?!?!" "Ken, aren't we going a little too fast for this thing?!?!?" (even though everyone is passing us) Yes, Ken is part saint.

About two hours in the trip, Ken said, "Hey, there is an SUV following us so close that it would hit us if we had to stop quickly." I immediately replied, "What is he doing, drafting off of our big rig??!?! You should just slow down so much that he has to pass you!" He just looked at me like I was nuts. You see, we are towing our SUV.

We took the entire house with us. Hey, two months is a long time. It took me nearly 2 hours just to pack my clothes into the RV (okay, that includes picking it out). I had piles of everything and before I took it all to the RV...I stopped and looked at it and immediately started putting stuff back into my Oprah closet. I still brought too much.

Let me respond to a couple of questions: Steve, no, we do not plan to change drivers while the RV is moving so Ken can go to the potty. Debbi, we have passed Nashville - missed your visit (sorry). Everyone, we have yet to see any great sites, although the sign to the Cracker Barrel brought a tear to Ken's eye (he really was hungry by the time we stopped).

I never thought about the HUGE window on an RV...and the fact that I might need sunscreen while sitting in the front seat. Geesh...it is really hot when the sun is beating into the window. We may be bronze when this trip is over (or red).

We have about three more hours before making it to Memphis - it will be late. We don't care - we are carefree travelers! Tomorrow we will see Elvis - if we are lucky. I hear his ghost appears at the front gates of Graceland every now and again.

More tomorrow after we see Graceland and eat BBQ.
Peace and love,
Carol and Ken

Our Adventure Begins

Hello Friends and Family,

If you would like to join in this blog and provide comments (and we encourage it), please go to the far right hand side of the home page - scroll down to the small READERS section and click on FOLLOW. It should take you to a sign in page - if you do not have a free account, you can sign up with google (their link is in small font just below the box). Hope to hear from you!

We are making the final plans to hit the road Saturday, June 27. We have our home and dogs cared for and secure and all systems are headed toward go. After three bad experiences in the past couple of months: Ken's wonderful mother (Mom C) passing, my horrible kidney stones (they have names - one was removed surgically and the other two are taking the trip with us...making our on board passenger list: Ken, Carol & the stone brothers, Tom and Darrell), and getting hit by a deer, I am taking the firm stance that if bad things happen in groups of three - then we are done for a while - and this trip is going to be all good.

For those who do not know...we are headed to play badminton in the Senior Olympics in San Francisco. We are also combining an RV trip we have planned in our minds for many years - across the southern states - and then back via the northern states. Here is a link for you to see badminton being played competitively: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W71aeOYS9I8 (ummmm...we DO NOT look like this). This blog will journey our trip.

Ken and I will be keeping up with our emails and telephone messages. Jeff will forward our mail (if it really works to forward mail packages to General Delivery addresses). Therefore, we will not leave our work and personal peeps in the dark while we are gone. I plan to continue my consulting work and I'm sure Ken will be taking some work related calls. He did a better job at getting his business handled by others than I did. Can we spell "control freak?" (hey, at least I recognize that fact - don't plan to do anything about it - but I understand being aware is the first of 12 steps to changing behaviors).

My "to do list" is growing by the minute...so I will close out this post and let you know when we are on the road. I'm sure we will find quite a few Extra Milers along the trail across the United States. We, the people of the United States of America, are an awesome people!!!!

Oh yes, I am going to work hard at not worrying about perfect grammar on this blog (sorry Cindy :-)...I think step two in releasing my control is to allow grammar slips in blogs without worry. You can do the same with your posts.

So join us for this incredibe journey - enjoy the posts and photos and let us hear from you. We love you. Carol (and Ken and Tom and Darrell)