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Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Adventures of Yogi and Boo #3

Part Three: Old New England



Welcome back one and all! Part three begins with Yogi and Boo following their tummies to Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was rumored that there they had “the best pastrami”. The two found the little deli filled with hungry patrons. This gave them hope. They decided to be on the safe side and split one of these “huge” sandwiches. $12 plus tax and about 10 minutes later they had eaten the disappointingly small sandwich and thought...will we ever find great food over here? Still hungry they found themselves wishing there was a Meconi’s around the block. They made their way through Ohio and to Erie, PA. Erie was a beautiful town with fall leaves a plenty and water views you could get lost taking in.


They could hear Niagara falls in the far off distance calling their names and set off in search of them. The falls are everything one expects and then some. Yes there is the water and the falls but the mist takes over you and the carefully carved rocks are nature’s artwork and the water its famed sculptors. The brave pair laughed at the required raincoats as they made their way down the elevator to the bridal veil falls. They were not however laughing anymore when drenched by the 675,000 gallons of rushing water that fell upon them. Toes frozen solid and teeth chattering, they put their “big kid” pants on and dove hand in hand under the full stream of the veil, sharing a kiss beneath it. Cold as it was they could not pry themselves from the weather lorn decks below the cascades. It was too magnificent, they stayed till frost bite began to set in.


They returned twice more to the falls. That night to see it lit with many colors. Yogi’s favorite was the red, he felt it captured the depth and power that is the falls. Boo’s was the green. With night having fallen all around it looked as black as a cauldron and the green mist, a bubbling concoction that took semblance to the Witch’s Brew. Bright and early the next morning the trio trotted down to Horseshoe Falls. There at the calm before the drop, they spread ashes. They watched them lightly flow along the water, drop delicately into the chaos only to be lifted peacefully into the mist. They couldn’t help but see the metaphor before them. The beauty of it was only exceeded by the love, laughter and kindness that Mom and Keesha brought to all they knew.



Tired and emotionally worn from the terrible loss of the niners they stopped in Saratoga Springs, NY, thinking it to only be a pit-stop. Upon awaking they saw what a truly unique town they had landed in. They explored for a while and found a little boutique where Boo introduce Yogi to Hudson Jeans. He loved them and at $155 a pair he would have to love them from a distance as Boo had for some time. Vermont, what is there to do in Vermont? Buy Patrick some maple syrup of course...and the Ben and Jerry’s Factory tour. Yogi was in heaven.... as ice cream is his favorite and testing mid week tour guides with a plethora of difficult question is his second favorite. Talk about your win win :)



New Hampshire was delightful to say the least, Portsmouth in particular. The two went to Dartmouth together. (they had always wanted to go to college together) It was in Dover that they finally struck culinary gold in the form of crepes! Silver Moon Creperie is an adorable crepe shop owned and operated by the nicest couple they have found east of Montana. The crepes were tailor made for thier taste-buds and oh so scrumptious! Boo could have stayed and ate crepes all day! One quote will stick with them for the duration of their life. “Save a waffle, eat a crepe!” Truly words to live by.



Portland, ME....Lobster...Lobster...Lobster. In a small bar by the water a kind lawyer bought Yogi a beer and offered valuable advice on Maine, Florida and Boston. On the second of the lobsters they learned the terrible fate of Frankie in a past life. He was taken down by a battalion of militant lobsters. As such he has retained an intense fear of lobsters. One look at a lobster, his eyes bulge out and in one leap he is as far from the scarlet crustacean as possible. Yogi had a lightbulb go off above his head and anytime Frank would attempt to climb on the ice box he was met by his worst fear....a lobster claw!!! Boo being the protective mommy she is, went black opts and let’s just say the the lobster claw is forever MIA. Much to Yogi’s dismay. Unfortunately the two caught a cold somewhere along the way and were feeling down and out. Frankie cried to his grammy about being sick of the car and she treated him to a room so that Yogi and Boo could rest up and Frank could stretch out. This was a much needed and appreciated gift. They slept for 12 hours after learning a hard lesson that is sure to stick. Three lobsters in one day while being sick = Not A Good Idea! I doubt either will ever have lobster again. Honorable mentions for Maine are Camden and Hallowell both villages are picturesque and the essence of New England in the fall.



The last leg of part three takes place in the witch city, Salem, MA. The place to be in October. A true Halloween town. Sadly though Salem has brought out a dark side in Frank. He is now known as....FRANKENSTEIN! He has learned to open the ice box, pull out the jug of chocolate milk, chew off the top and lap it up as it pours all over everything. He has also learned that in the event that he poops on his blankie that he get to sleep with mommy and daddy. This has resulted in many “accidents” and four trips to the laundry mat. Folks I know what you are thinking but it is not all his fault. He is undoubtedly shaken. The Frank-a-razzi has been out in droves taking picture after picture! Not to mention the loads of adoring fans constantly wanting to pet, kiss and steal him away. The pressure of being so famous at such a young age is clearly wearing on him. Yogi and Boo are going to have to beef up security as they move on to the next leg of the journey.



The U.S. History Tour! Nine states full of rich and exciting looks into the past of this once great country and the people who made it so great. Stay tuned for full coverage on it.



Yogi, Boo and Frankie were featured in the Salem newspaper eating what else? To see the unflattering pic go to:


http://salemnews.smugmug.com/date/2009-10-19/2009-10-19#686204359_98mSc







On a side note all should know that the east thus far is in desperate need for civil(Road) engineers and driving schools (preferably specializing in safety)



A person could make a fortune on How to books out here.

“Is it clear to not for dummies”

“A red light means STOP for dummies”

“How to: Read road signs and lines”

“ Yes that is a pedestrian, What to do when they enter the roadway” (hint: Stop)

"Building and repairing roadways for dummies"


Friday, October 9, 2009

The Adventures of Yogi and Boo #2

Part 2
The Curse Of
Yellowstone

Ok ladies and gents it's part two. Unfortunately the bad luck has continued on the journey with Yogi and Boo....

The duo headed towards South Dokata but happened upon Little Big Horn Battlefield. They stopped for the night deciding to hit the historic hot spot in the AM. They awoke to a series of loud noises. A wind storm had struck the land. Yogi realizing that it was "just wind" quickly fell back to sleep with ease, leaving Boo awake to enjoy the sounds of rain and wind with Frank. When morning rose they drove into the now plaque covered terrain and a feeling of connection flooded their hearts. Seeing the many headstones scattered about the rolling hills sent chills through their spines. Knowing that men on both sides had fought and died for what they believed. Who was right? Who was wrong? Custer was out numbered 6 to 1 and right or wrong bravely forged ahead in pursuit of freedom but found only deafeat. Reading the indian's gloating accounts was difficult. Yes they were protecting themselves but must they rejoice in the massacre that they performed? Must they revel in the details of easily taking the lives of 263 men... some of which their own tribesman that believed in the American way? The age old battle of cowboys vs Indians was in that moment not a tale from the movies but current and real to them.

The two then drove the distance to Rapid City, South Dakota, The wind storm following them mile for mile. Having gone about 6 days without a shower, the two decided they could not smell eachother anymore that something must be done. Diamond lifetime membership in hand they infiltrated the local best western and went for a swim, a hottub soak and finally a much needed shower! It will go down in history forever being known as "The Rebel Swim".

Smelling good and feeling even better they headed to Mount Rushmore. I'm sure you've heard of it. It is more then words can discribe. A place seething with history, nature, artistry and honor. Truly a diamond in the middle of nowhere. Seeing it from a distance was eyecandy but standing below it makes you feel as though breathing might ruin it, so u don't. Talking might make it disappear, so you whisper. Looking up at four of the worlds most determined and brilliant men, warms your heart and inspires you to be more today then you were yesterday. Yogi's eyes met hers and she nodded. No words were neccessary she knew what he was thinking, this spot below the mountain was where they would spread some ashes. The two took out a satchel of mixed ashes half Mom and half Keesha. With Boo holding one corner holding back tears and Yogi holding the other with a brave smile across his face they tipped it over and let the wind take them. As they did the wind picked up, taking with it their beloveds. The ashes riding up the mountain in the wind said everything that neither Yogi nor Boo could express in words. Mount Rushmore wil forever posess a spot in the hearts of Yogi and Boo.

A quick drive through North Dakota and into Minesota they landed in Minneapolis. They spent their time in the Mall of America. Boo tried on many designer duds for Yogi but the two had to exit too soon as Boo's muscles couldn't keep up with her shopping euphoria. Still she couldn't help but wish that her Toots was with her. So many stores full of pink, purple and Aquamarine outfits for her little darling to love, even a Barbie store! She would have loved every second! Then Boo spotted what her Little Man would have flipped for... Roller coasters adorned with spongebob, backyardigans and Jimmy Neutron! The boy would have gone on every ride fearlessly with his Big Sis.

The two spent Sunday in a friendly sports bar and watched the Niners wipe the floor with the Rams while sipping Bloody Mary's and Caribbean Teas. Tearing themselves away from the lure of Minneapolis they went to Madison, WI. A must stop for the pair, it was the old college stomping grounds of Yogi and Boo's favorite and albeit only brother in law. It was very friendly and welcoming as he had discribed. The pair found another sports bar to catch the historic game. Brett (older then dirt) Farve beat his old team the Green Bay Packers. It is always an amazing weekend when the Niners win and the Packers lose :P

The two spent the next day in Madison,WI at a ford dealer... I know what you are thinking " didn't you pay $100 to hear that it was bad gas?" Well big suprise, they were wrong, or scamming unsuspecting travelers? You make the call. After two more hours... This ford dealer had located and fixed the problem. Jiffy lube had botched the air filter replacement thus killing the mass airflow sensor thingy. "sorry it must be replaced." goodness! This is the last thing their already tight budget needed.... Only $530 (what!? :0) and they were on the road again. A big thanks to the very kind, professional and knowledgable staff at Capitol Ford for the free sticker and actually fixing the problem :)

Milwaukee! The two found a nice spot to park and rest. They laid back and fell asleep to Dogma playing in the background. Boo was startled by a bright light flashing through the windows. Waking up, Yogi peeked thru the curtain and saw.....Cops. He put on warm clothes and steped out into the ever stalking wind storm to speak with the 5-0. After 20 minutes of Boo being asked if she had been kidnapped or was she a prostitute they were satisfied that this was not an amber alert situation or a business exchange and left them to slumber. The next morning the road life and mishaps had gotten the best of them and they had a tif. Then got to the gym and went separate ways for alone time. Yogi doing cardio and weights, Boo water arobics. Boo saw that yogi was done and headed under the lap dividers to exit the awkward shaped pool. Not knowing how close she was to the edge she opened her eyes under the water. Levaquin strikes again, her poisoned vision saw only blur in what looked like the distance. So she put all of her might into a forward motion and SLAM her face hit the sandpaper siding and then her shoulder. This was the breaking point for Boo. So much had gone wrong she couldn't imagine what was next. She made her way to the showers collapsed and let it all out. She cried in that shower for a good 20 minutes before sucking it up and moving on from the past.

Needless to say the two were not sad to leave Milwaukee and headed for Kenosha. They tripped around with Frank and picked up some Wisconsin chesse curds. Having thouroughly worked through their argument the two watched a flick and hit the hay.

The next morning it was time for Chicago, land of Cccrrraazzyy drivers and bad parking. I don't mean racecar driving like So Cal. There they have a kind of finesse and control to it. In Chicago it is more like chickens with their heads removed behind the wheel of a BMW! Worst of which was the cab drivers! Not feeling the vibe of Chicago they decided to continue on to Notre Dame. The two flaunted their best Irish accents and hit the campus chanting Rudy and accusing passerbys of not really being Irish at all.

After finding a favorite childhood treat, enjoying a day of laughter, the car being fixed and Boo having made great progress in her book. The two couldn't help but think that perhaps the tides had changed.... that the curse of Yellowstone as they call it had finally passed. Only time will tell for the two road bandits.

Stay tuned for Part 3 and Thanks for Reading =)