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"

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 =)

The Adventures of Yogi and Boo #1

Part One: The Ignored Signs

After a long hard day Yogi and Boo were discussing what they are doing with their lives. Yogi was training to become a cop and Boo writing a book series. They were talking about where he should apply and how 5 months in the academy is going to be long and trying. That afterwards he is going to be patrolling the streets on a modest salary and they will be on a budget, not able to do much.

A little light bulb lit up above Boo's head. If Yogi is training on his own for now and Boo is writing her books on her laptop, why are they stuck here!? "why not take this time Yogi? Let's go for a drive, A journey to No where, Everywhere and Anywhere! Let's take the long way home." Boo explained with excitement!

"what about my training?" Yogi asked. "Easy! We will get a gym membership to one of the gyms that are everywhere and you can train there. We will go to every state we have never been to."

"Ok I'm in." Yogi said. Just like that they organized their savings, clothes and camping gear and set off with frank the tank along for the ride. Their first stop Chelan. It is known for apples, cherries and O yea that huge beautiful blue lake! They visited some family for the night and headed out the next morning. With two sets of ashes to sprinkle at each of the most amazing places they were to find along the way. Yogi's mother and Keesha the dog wonder.

Next stop Idaho where they drove alot and had square ice cream, Frank the tank loved it! Then it was on to Missoula, Montana they were both smitten with it's charm and homey feel. Next stop was Butte, Montana. I know what you are thinking and yes she was a Butte! The people were so friendly and made for great conversation over breakfast.

They hit the road and headed for Jackson Hole, Wyoming. When they arrived Boo was speechless, it was such an adorable town! They drove out to the Grand Teton national park and not 200 feet into it, there stood in the middle of the road, a 6x6 bull elk. Boo hurried for the video camera and zoomed in on the horns. It was so exciting to see and so unexpected! The Tetons were majestic and breathtaking at sunset! The next morning they awoke bright eyed, bushy tailed and ready for Yellowstone.

First stop of the day was old faithful, true to her name she was faithful... going off about 90 minutes after her last blow. Then up to the thermal pools, they were stinky but beautiful. Their cameras filling up and there minds taking mental note after mental note they attempted to go north. Stopping into a ranger station and finding a herd of elk in the river they took it all in for a while then moved on to find They were blocked by road construction one way and fire the other way.

This probably should have seemed like two clear signs that this was not a place to be going. Not to these road warriors, they took the four hour detour around. They stopped in Bozeman Mt to gas up and get the old changed then hit the road to the north end of the park. Upon arrivig they found a cute little town that had elk walking thru it. One big bull was leading the herd. Frank wanted to play with the elk, the bull wanted to challenge Frank. While they watched yellowstone at sunset and Yogi talked with three bull elk via bugle, They noticed the car was acting strange...sputtering and stalling.

So they set off the 100 miles back to Bozeman, while driving through on a cold, dark montana road Boo was typing away when suddenly she felt Yogi swerve the car into oncoming traffic. She looked up and saw in front of them, three buck standing in their lane. She watched almost as if in slow motion... one of the deer panicked and ran towards their car, a truck was in the lane they now occupied and Yogi was watching the scene with all of his consentration. The buck tried to shift course at the last second but it was too late. His head hit the passenger fender, then the side mirror and finally the pavement. He bounced up quickly and finished his interrupted journey across the highway.

Boo realized that had Yogi not reacted in the Andretti fashion that he did, those deer would have come through the windsheild and left the traveling trio possible without life. With a few hugs and calls home to say I Love You they made their way to Bozeman and spent the night in the snowy town. Awoke the next morning and paid $100 to be told that they had "bad gas" and to let it run it's course! My friends customer service is dead and gone.

But As they say in the Biz, the show must go on. So Yogi and Boo shaken and a little more thankful for life continue on and say goodbye to Yellowstone, Wyoming and Montana.

Thanks for reading =)

Part Two coming soon...

Levaquin and The Girl Who Would Make History

Once upon a time there was a young girl... everyone who knew her said she would do something amazing one day. Many wished her to be a Lawyer, some a Surgeon... She wanted to be a Veterinarian. She was an all-star in softball and volleyball. Her mother's angel and her grandpa's biggest competitor in debate. She kept the paper mill in business having a forest worth of honor roll certificates, Straight A report cards and science projects. Not only was she all of these things but she was kind, giving and a listener to all. She once saved an army of ants from a terrifying fate with ant spray. There was no living and breathing creature that didn't deserve a shot at life or a helping hand in her mind.

She gave her heart away at 16 and vowed her love and loyalty to that man. She awaited the day she would be 18 and they could begin their life of love and happiness. She knew with all of her heart she could juggle a softball career, college, friends, and a happy home with him. She could handle anything. Many road bumps challenged her road to Making History but she tackled them head on and showed no fear.

One road bump was more of a blessing, she fell in love with the two cutest babies the world has ever seen... her little sister and brother. Watching them grow became something like seeing angels heal the sick... it was amazing to her and she just couldn't pull herself away from her little darlings. For this reason college would have to wait even though she graduated from the world of high school a year early.

Finally at 19 she started college. Pursued a double degree, Played many sports, was rushing for a sorority and making new friends rapidly. College was an adjustment, she missed her darlings and her Love. Overall she was well on her way to being that something great that everyone told her she would be... she felt she owed it to them to be.

Then came the day that she never knew her life had been counting down to all along. It was her second round of finals, she was looking forward to spring break and seeing the little ones. She was sick and had been for a while, this wasn't her first kidney infection. She knew all to well how quickly it could spread and thought she had time to finish her finals and deal with it over the break. She was wrong. It had spread to her blood she could feel it, she was so sick that Her Love had come home from working on the road to care for her. She knew that if she didn't deal with it soon she would end up in the hospital or worse. They headed to the Urgent Care center, he held her up as she couldn't walk on her own. They waited patiently for about two hours. She had a nervous feeling the whole wait. A nurse called her name and he gently wrapped his arm around her waist and hoisted her up.

The dr. entered and confirmed, the testing had told that she was in bad shape. She explained that she has multiple allergies to many meds and that she needs "this" medicine. She had had many of these infections and knew which one worked for her. The dr. said plainly and impatiently "We are going to pull out the Big Guns. Here is a script for Levaquin" She explained that she didn't know what that was and NEEDS the one she asked for. "Well I'm the DR. and your not, here is what I'm giving you. Take it or leave it." He handed the paper to Her Love and they made their way to the pharmacy. The entire time they were waiting on the script to be filled she paced in her mind and couldn't shake that feeling in her stomach. "Don't take it!!!!!" something inside her screamed. They paid $105 for only seven pills.

She took them. She could feel the infections pull lifting away from her like fog from a mountain top. As that fog was lifting a sort of storm was brewing deep. She began to feel something she was not used to...Pain...Weakness...and fear.

Back home and still taking the pills she went to her Dr. While in the waiting room she read the pamphlet that comes with every prescription. As she sifted through the many many side effects listed, she recognized many of them as those that she was feeling. This made so much clear to her and that clarity frightened her. She was reading the words irreversible and damage... she couldn't take in a full breath when the nurse called her name.

Sitting in the room alone she doubled and tripled back over the symptoms list, reading those words irreversible...damage....irreversible....damage....irreversible....damage

Snapped back to reality by the calling of her name she looked up to see a friendly and familiar face. "Hello Doc"

She explained what all had happened and what she was feeling. The Docs face went pale and she swore she saw flashes of anger flushing the doc's face. She wore a blank expression as the doc explained this pill is not allowed to be prescribed to children under 18 and shouldn't be on the market at all... that it was poison and she had never met a person that had recovered from its permanent and life altering effects. She said with every ounce of sympathy, that she was sorry... to attempt to "flush my system" by drinking a lot and DO NOT TAKE ANOTHER PILL. The words flashed through her mind again as she made her way to her truck. ....Sorry...permanent...irreversible.....damage...over and over they flashed. The cell phone in her pocket rang and she knew it was Him... he was away again on the road and was nervous and worried. How could she tell him that their life... their future was forever ruined.

Hitting the button that would send him to voicemail she sat there in her truck for an hour after exiting the office, she cried, she screamed, she kicked and all the while attempted to keep her eyes open... not wanting to see those words anymore.

Only one month into her 20th year of life she was poisoned, her body forever changed, forever weakened, forever pained. Her first reaction was denial as it usually is with these sorts of things. Registering for a full 18 credits and 5 sports she began spring term.

She made it only 2 weeks... she limped her way across the campus, cringed her way through tennis and crawled her way through the parking garage and home to her bed where she laid crying, throbbing and horrified at just how much a body can hurt. Her dog lay by her side, looking deep into her tear filled eyes in an attempt to sooth her to sleep. The pain was too much, the weakness too intense. Doing her best to hide how bad it was, she told her family and Love that she was leaving school because she missed them too much and could not continue... they let her believe that they bought this excuse.

It has been three years since I was poisoned by Levaquin. I still cannot play softball this thought will brings tears to my eyes and despair to my heart each time i let myself think it. On my rebellious days I try and will spend a week in bed unable to walk, paying penance for my crime. Often when walking from A to B my leg muscle will give out and I will stumble or fall. My body is nothing more then a big bruise sensitive to the touch. My joints are that of an 80 year old arthritic man. My tendons haunt me with every step, knowing that they can rupture at any moment. My eyes once 20/20 are now a blur. My memory a dense fog. There are times when speaking that I hang on a word and will be unable to speak clearly. The list goes on and often times I wonder how can I? How does a person that is damaged at 20 go on from there? How can I, the little girl who was destined for great things overcome... not outside obstacles but internal chaos? Is this who I will be for the duration of my life? Someone who lays low and watches everyone else live... to avoid pain.

On the bright side I have become so strong and have built up a very high level of tolerance. I know that my pain and weakness has not gotten much better, if at all but my mind and my heart has grown and strengthened so that i can manage it. I also have been able to look back and discover that i have always had a knack that was overshadowed by my outgoing and active lifestyle. I love to write. I love to create. So I start this blog off with my story... well a part of it.

My writing debut to the world. This is what is left of me. My mind, heart and imagination, I will have to make good use of it, if i am to make history with it. I owe it to so many to be the "something great" they urged me to be. They gave me their belief and devotion and I shall spend the rest of my life attempting to repay them with that something they bought stake in... something amazing. I pray each night for two things... that my only tool... writing will be enough. That I will make history... be amazing and not disappoint them. Secondly that I can find a way to save as many lives as possible from the life I have. If you have read this blog in its entirety and are at this point then please answer my prayers and never take a Flouroquinolone. There are safer antibiotics. Trust yourself and never a Doctor.

I Love You Keesha and I Dedicate This My First Blog To You, You Are My Rock, You Kept Me Alive, I Miss You and Thank You!

Thanks For Sticking Around :)

Swiss Miss 22