Grand Canyon/Route 66/Oklahoma/St.Louis/Memphis/Atlanta

 

Grand Canyon...me freezing at the Grand Canyon...highs 34(midday in the sun), and guess what? Snow!! BRRRRRRRRRRRR...15 degrees at sunrise....

 

Red Rock State Park, Sedona, AZ...really beautiful, again amazed as the wind picked up and blew the ashes right out of my hand!!

In Tulsa, OK, this abnormally large whale is part of Route 66...it was once for children to play in/on in this lake...really hysterical...

Spreading some ashes at the Survivor Tree...

and on it..hehehe I had to be sneaky bc the security was all around, but I got the job done...





Below, the infamous St. Louis arch.  I did not go up in it, I had no real desire, and not a lot of time, as the Budweiser brewery was calling!! haha but really, the brewery tour was one of the most well kept historical sites I have visited!!

Anyone who knows my story, sparrows are my thing with my Daddy, and that day I ate lunch with the sparrows...they were sitting on my table and everything...it was pretty funny.  I got food from an outdoor food truck/stand, ate my greasy food outside, was surrounded by birds, next to a questionably dirty body of water...aahhhh I felt like I was home for a minute, it was very comforting...

The Clydesdale horses at the Budweiser brewery tours were so beautiful...

AAAHHHHHH I don't know how I did it, but I found a Charlie McCarthy doll in St. Louis, in a random bookstore!! Anyone in my family is well aware of what this means, but for those who don't know, my Nanny has this same vantriliquist dummy in her room, and it has haunted all of us, not just me, since we were youngins...especially after Child's Play came out, then it was DEFINITELY staring at us and gonna try to kill us in Nanny's dark bedroom...crrreeeeeeeeppppyyy I walked out of that bookstore backwards, slowly, careful not to make any sudden moves, watching him as I walked out.

I didn't think any of those photos really needed explanation, but in case anyone is completely oblivious, that was Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley.  Fun, couldn't get over the gaudy 70's decor, it reminded me of the homes of those great oldies 70 and above, questionable smell of mothballs...I would, however, like to point out that I have the same initials as the king.."uh-huh uh-huh" hahahha no surprise here!!

 

Loved Sun Studios!! So much fun!! This is where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many others got their start...I, of course, couldn't resist the cheesy shots like holding the microphone they all sang into while standing in the spot Elvis stood during his first recording-EVER!! I sat on Johnny Cash's bar stool while I took the pic of my legs to prove I was sitting next to the King, too.  But, even cheesier, I was acting like I was "casually" walking into Sun Studios...why so cheesy?? That door is no longer a public entry, it is locked shut hahaha

 

The Lorraine Motel...one of my favorite spots...the sign that is in front of the balcony, followed by a pic of the room MLK Jr stayed in, remaining the way it was that fatal day he was shot on the balcony...

This guy I met randomly shopping on Beale St. in Memphis...I forget his name, but he is one of the owners of the Memphis Grizzlies...(pro basketball team) I didn't get free tickets...

 

This is in Atlanta, GA, it is the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site.  It includes his birthplace which was also the house he grew up in, the church he and his father before him had pastored, and, besides the museum, the tomb of Martin and Coretta King.  Sooooo, I, of course, knew it to be a perfect place for Daddy ...

As I promised....

So, this one is for you, Alexis (and all others who may enjoy it as well).  As promised, I risk the ridicule that may follow (although throughout the country that outfit would still be in style hahaha) to prove that I am a proud Veteran-supporting-AmErican, through and through.  It is obviously inborn, that while on vacation with my family in Washington, DC, with my "Le Clic" camera, I requested my photo with this statue at the Vietnam Memorial.  circa 1992, 9 years old
:) I am named aptly, if I do say....

Ummm, I don't remember where I am lol

That's not completely true, I forget sometimes and have to think about it, but I eventually remember!

I am in Atlanta today, and what I have to say, full of glee, is "Yaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!! I'm back in the Eastern Time Zone!! I'm almost on the East Coast!! Yippppeeeee!!" I really can't explain how happy that makes me...and then to hear freestyle music on the radio, well that took me right over the edge, I was starting to feel...like me!! People driving were rude and inconsiderate...it brought a refreshing reminder of home...even though to us NYer's I'm still in the south, after what I've experienced, it is a lot closer to home than I can describe.
Since Oklahoma, I travelled to St. Louis, Missouri, then to Memphis, TN, and now I am in Atlanta, GA overnight on my way to South Carolina.  I was in St. Louis for two days, it was good, I went to the Arch, the Budweiser brewery, and then was overly unimpressed with their "historic" district.  "Genuine antique shopping" apparently means, highly overpriced versions of Nanny's basement.  I feel like telling the owners that I've seen all this before(which I guess does coincide with antiques), and that overwhelming smell of mothballs, I must admit, is quite genuine.  The Budweiser brewery was one of the more pleasantly surprising things.  Everything was free, including 2 decent size glasses of beer (which I enjoyed thoroughly).  The tour was informative, beyond that of just beer, but the whole Budweiser "campus" is kept in a historical village look, giving a small dose of what the area looked like back in the 1800's when  they first started.  The original schoolhouse had become the Budweiser offices when the school closed down, and is kept maintained as it was when Mr. Anheuser (or Mr Busch, I can't remember which one) had went to grade school there.  Overall, I enjoyed it very much, there was a lot of history, and pride beyond just being a brewery. 
One thing I did notice about Missourians (if that's what they're called) is that they have no sort of clue about personal space.  I thought maybe it was just the first person, then I tried brushing off persons #2-3 on 'coincidence' , but eventually it became apparent there is a common thread among the natives.  At one gas station I was standing on line, and the person behind me was literally breathing down my neck.  Then it was my time to pay for my Sweet Tea and Taquito.  I place my goods on the counter, and this guy walks up with his drinks and whatever else, and puts them down on the counter next to my stuff, meanwhile standing right next to me.  Now, when I say next to me, I don't mean in normal distance, but brotha was stampeding on my aura.  To the point that the cashier asked, "is this all together?" I really couldn't help but laugh and blurt out, "no, I don't know him."  I guess my bluntness is not as common in Missouri, because the guy apologized like 7 times, but yet didn't step back off my aura.  I must assume he just didn't know any better, he is formed by his society.  
Otherwise, I was happy to continue on to Memphis, TN.  Admittedly, this was one of my favorite cities to visit.  Even being solo, I found it to offer such a variety that satisfied my buffet of taste. One of my top places to visit was the Lorrain Motel, which is now the Civil Rights Museum. Unfortunately, most of it is closed for renovation, but I still was able to do some of it, including walk on the balcony.  The Lorraine Motel is where Martin Luther King Jr was staying, and the balcony in which he was standing when he was shot.  The room still remains as it looked that day, cigarettes in ash tray and everything.  I'm sure it was cleaned up, but still, it is chilling.  I was so overly inspired watching MLK giving speeches and hearing the firsthand account of the Reverend that was standing next to him on the balcony that day.  I was so overwhelmed with the passion and tenacity with which he spoke.  How living in a time now which, to the naked eye, would be considered the Promised Land he spoke of, we truly seem at a great distance from such a reality.  I do not hear any of our leaders speak with conviction, or fire that burns so deep in such a selfless manner.  He was in Memphis to participate in the nonviolent march for the sanitation workers.  Even though they had jobs, their salary was so bad they still lived in poverty.  Sound familiar at all?? Hello middle class America.  The "race" in our fight for Civil Rights has changed from skin color to class status.  Although no one wants to be real about it, they brush off our credit cards as though it's part of our income.  I can't remember his quote word for word, but MLK said something that blew me away. It was along the lines of "there is no valid reason why we should live in poverty, struggling, when there is a vast abundance of material wealth in this country" 
Ok, I'll stop, but with hopes that you look a little further into what makes your own blood boil...
So, being in Memphis, I'm sure it's no surprise I could not resist the biggie-GRACELAND!!! wooohhhoooo!! What a hoot! I did enjoy it, helped me see a little deeper into the psyche of Elvis...and the craziness of Elvis die-hards!! It was so funny, though, because most historical houses I visit are much older, so the decor is as well.  But, Graceland was all 1970's through and through.  It reminded me of the homes of older people, like Grandparents ages, with all the tackiness and paneling, and shag rugs, and bold exotic colors.  Like "The Jungle Room" that had green shag carpeting...on the ceiling!!!  Haha and the ridiculous over the top everything.  But, one thing I learned that I found so interesting, Elvis, being "The King", never won a Grammy for his secular music.  All his Grammy Awards are for his gospel music!
Then I went over to Sun Studios, this was very exciting for me.  It is where Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and many others got their start.  It is now set up as a historic site that gives tours and allows the visitor to hear the first recordings and stand where they actually stood.  I had watched "Walk The Line" the night before so I was well aware what a great part this Studio was in Johnny Cash's career.  I even stood in the same place where Elvis stood during his first recording there, and held the Mic they all used to sing into...I was a bit in my glory!!! I will post the pics later, I have a short time before I have to check out of my hotel.
I ventured around Memphis some more, went to Beale St, sat and listened to a live Blues band who were rockin out, and their promoter was hysterical.  He looked like he had stock in "Soul Glo", those black plastic sunglasses with the blue arms, a leather jacket, and blue and black cowboy boots...he asked me right away
"where u from girl?"
"Is it that obvious I'm not from around here?"
"Well, it's winter here and you're wearing sandals, so maybe a lil bit"
Hhahahaha
"Well, it was 70 here today, that qualifies as flip flop weather" (if he only knew!)
Needless to say, I had fun.  I even made new friends to have dinner with, it was nice to have new company.
Anyways,  so I left Memphis, TN yesterday, paid $2.91 for gas (cheapest so far) and headed to Atlanta, GA.   I'm only here for a short stint because I am heading out to Goose Creek, SC for Thanksgiving weekend.  It is right near Charleston.  I will be staying with Daddy's cousin, Junior and his family, and I couldn't be happier.  Not only will it be great to be doing some more historical stuff in Charleston (Fort Sumter-Yes Please!!), but it's going to be great to be with family.  Daddy always had Thanksgiving, so this year is hard for me.  It is good to be away.  And, I know I am with the perfect people to celebrate. 
So, I wish everyone a Happy Happy Thanksgiving, (I have tried to put my Christmas music listening to a minimum until next week even though there are multiple full time stations that have been playing since Armarillo, TX in October...just sayin!!  I have yet to hear my favorite, though...Mariah!!! Oh how I love to belt that out! In private, of course! Oh who am I kidding?!?!? I could care less if anyone hears me!! I'm sure I've gotten quite a few looks in my travels-yesterday I was Janet Jackson dancing all over my car! I get the looks, but I am no stranger to such a thing! And, hey, they may look, but they are smiling, too!!!)
I am so thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life.  I thank you all for being so supportive through this entire journey, and always showing me love just when and how I need it.  May you not only be blessed this Thanksgiving, but know what a blessing you are to me.  I am grateful for the family God has given me, and the amazing friends who are family to me as well.
I love you all and miss you,
Love Always, E xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox

Elk City/Oklahoma City/Tulsa, Oklahoma

So, I left the Grand Canyon...I'm losing track of dates here...yesterday morning, whenever that was...Monday? Monday!! Ok, so I drove down to the Red Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ, then stayed in Albuquerque, NM overnight.  Today I drove through the rest of NM, then the top part of Texas, stopped in Armarillo to gas up, and devour a Whataburger (that's a delicious hamburger for those who are unfamiliar, with lots of jalapenos and pickles), I was in such a mood for a burger (maybe it was all the cattle! ooo that's mean sorry if ur offended!) , then carried on to Elk City, OK for the night, and tomorrow I will stay in Tulsa, OK, as I plan to do a few different things here in OK on Historic Route 66...so far I've been a little less than impressed...I mean, it's cute and all, but there is so less of it than I expected!! I'm hoping it may pick up a little considering Oklahoma sent me a 5lb package in the mail from their Tourist Bureau haha.  So, I know you are all waiting for it, for those who know me, know I have been waiting to get this out...hehem mememeeeeee "OOOOOOOOOOOKLAHOMA where the wind comes crashing through the plain!!!"
hahaha that felt good...
Anyway, so today at Whataburger this guy asked if  I was from NY (seems to be a common thread among ppl I meet) then started asking me questions about my home and family.  He looked like a southern version of Santa in a hunting jacket.  We were chatting about Texas and how great it is, and he said "well we don't hold it against anybody, it just takes some ppl longer to get here!" haha he was so nice he thanked me for visiting the state of Texas.  I heard on the radio today that there are 20 states who have declared their desire to separate from the rest of the country.  They are unhappy with what's going on...as "Southern Santa" said, "God's in control...if He didn't want this president in, he wouldn't be there...we just gotta have faith that God knows why" so, I'm sticking with that!!


I wrote all that the other day, I don't even remember what has happened I feel so lost in the days.  Yesterday I went to Oklahoma City, saw the Survivor Tree (which I wrote on the post with the pictures, describing it and my experience there) , and did some Historic Route 66'ing.  Today I did Tulsa, which was ok, I found their little hippie-er excuse me 'hipster' community, the Blue Dome District...I really expected this historic landmark blue dome to be a little bigger...I passed it twice before I found it lol...The highlights of my day had nothing to actually do with Tulsa, per say.

To start my day I went to the fitness room and jogged 4 miles.  I am so happy to be out of elevation, I really couldn't wait to be able to breath regular again.  Then I used my workout ball(yes, I got one of those inflatable ones) and worked out some more.  It felt so good, my body feels so out of wack from sitting in the car so much.  Then I gave myself a trim.  My hair and skin have been taking quite the beating from the weather/water/elevation changes (can everyone tell I am not a fan of elevation?? hahah) Then I actually put on a little makeup and a dress (oh my!! who am I??) then hit the town...for a short while before I went to my truly anticipated destination-WALMART!!! I was sooooo happy to be going to a cheap bargain multipurpose store!! I thought paroosing through the aisles would feel a little more like home to me.....OH...MY...GOSH....I was soooooooooooooooooooooooo wrong!!!! If anything, it made it all the worse!!! I was in such shock as to what I was seeing with my own baby browns...
ALERT: some of our worst nightmares truly do exhist

Now, we all now that NY Walmart's usually have questionable clientele, and I've been to them in Texas and Florida, and still, late at night is when people show up like they're going to the local dance hall....but not here in Oklahoma.  It is not saved for the nighttime, but in the broad daylight, and they are not dressed up with their gold high heels, shoot, they don't even put their teeth in! I was highly overdressed for the affair, as the common look I could not even imitate.  I saw more buttcrack today than one should ever see in their whole life, and lost count of the amount of Seated Motorized Carts, as they far outnumbered regular push carts.  My discomfort increased to the point that I knew I had to leave before the sun may start setting.  God only knows what happens then at the Oklahoma Walmart!
So, I went to the Hard Rock hotel and casino that's across the street from my hotel.  I heard they had a few places to eat.  I walked all around, surveying the premises, trying to act nonchalant, even though it's become unavoidable that I stick out like a sore thumb...I have decided to embrace this about myself as apposed to fighting it.  I sometimes think it's weird that people stare so much and for so long, so I started staring back, waiting to see what they're gonna do...most commonly it's look away or an uncomfortable smile, but I'll usually say something like, "hey, how ya doin?" letting them know that:
Yes, I am from NY,
No, I am not mean,
No, they are not as slick as they thought bc
Yes, I saw them staring long before they noticed I was looking back. 
Anyways, I found a buffet, and my heart skipped a beat.  I didn't care how much it cost, lemme at it!! I was craving salad, like a real salad, for so long, and there was bound to be a salad bar at a buffet-and I was right!! I laughed at the puny salad plates they offered and grabbed the "main course" size plate, and not only filled it, but overflowed it.  They even had oil and vinegar!! I put that on my table and went back for food...I breezed rt through the asian and mexican food and went for the kill-Italian!!! Now, I am aware that I am in Oklahoma, and it sometimes isn't even worth the calories to try the poor attempts at Italian food outside of NY, but oh my, I smelled garlic, and it  was all I could think of...I never thought I'd be craving salad and garlic haha  it was so pathetic, I was more concerned with getting the garlic pieces onto my fork than the actual food.  Needless to say I gavoned (I have no clue how to spell it, but if u don't know what I'm talking about, me spelling it right wouldn't even make a difference) the entire meal...I was barely coming up to breath...I must've looked like I was going to the chair in the morning.  I think I ate more in that one meal than I have in the past 3 days.  Honestly, I can't really eat a lot of fast food, it is so greasy and gross I can't understand how people eat it so much.  And because of all my travelling I haven't really eaten a meal, just been snacking, so besides my body craving vegetables, I just needed to eat real food...and so I did!!! and it was AMAZZZZIIIINNNNGGG!!!

So, as you all can tell, my highlights I'm sure varied from what one may expect.  Tomorrow I am leaving OK and heading to St. Louis, MO! Woohooooo!!! I am very excited about that...

P.S. I wanted to state my case here about sunsets/sunrises.  I stayed in the freezing cold for 2 sunsets at the Grand Canyon, and woke up at an ungodly hour in the ungodly cold to see the sunrise, and, although pretty, was not even comparable to some sunrises/sunsets I have seen in my day.  I hate to sound snooty about it, but I have seen some breathtaking sunsets on Long Island, and sunrises, too.  I have 4 really beautiful sunsets so far on this trip.
# 4 was the other day, driving east through New Mexico,
# 3 was the flatlands of Texas...there is nothing like having wide open fields in every direction to see a full sunset.  I have never seen while the sun is setting behind me, that in front of me the sky turns into a horizontal rainbow, and the blue of the sky is at the bottom, making it look like the sun is going to come out again.
 2 and 1 are so close, but I had to pick, so
#2 is Colorado, bc when the sun is setting behind the Rockies, it casts such a hue that goes on forever in every direction...the whole sky looks like it's finger painted with pink, which I, of course, love...
 But, so far, none has compared to
#1 Wyoming....every sunset there is beautiful, but when I was driving there, another open field, it was orange/pink/red fire just setting....Tommie's friend stated it perfect, he said "seeing the sunsets makes you understand  Native American art so much better, because all the colors they use can be seen in the sky when the sun is setting"

But, no night sky in my life has ever compared with the stars in the New Mexico sky...I could not believe how many stars were visible, pretty much the whole milky way!! I had to stick my head out the window to verify it's not all the grossness on my windows, but really stars...absolutely breathtaking, I mean, really, if the only reason to go to New Mexico, I suggest that to be something everyone should see at least once in their life.  I hear it's like that at the Grand Canyon, but this chick was not hanging out in the 15 degree weather to see if it's true...I'll wait for the warm weather, thank you.

Also, I have not seen nearly half as many animals as would be expected.  The majority of the wildlife I 've encountered is the constant splattering of them against my windshield.  Gives the true meaning to "flies in my grill".  It's gotten a little better, but for a while I had to SCRUB-not just clean, but scrub my windshield every time I stopped for gas, just to get the dead bugs off.  And always, as soon as I would leave the gas station one would splat right in the middle of my view.  I went all through Wyoming without seeing Buffalo, Moose, Elk...I think I saw a deer...when I was at the Grand Canyon I saw one Buck, and then a family of Elk, which was cute.  I tried to get a picture but some jerk sped around me and all I got was his tail lights in my pic (insert pissy smile here) ...my favorite though, was just before I entered the Grand Canyon, there was a pack of wild horses...I couldn't believe my eyes, it was so unexpected, I caught glimpse of them through the trees, and, oh my, they were so beautiful...so that was really cool. 
Well, I have gone on and on long enough, I will spare you all having to be subject to my rambling any longer tonight,
hope all is well,
miss n love u
E xoxo

Grand Canyon and Red Rock State Park, AZ, Survivor Tree Oklahoma City, OK

 This is the Grand Staircase in pretty much right on the border of Utah and Arizona...it is being excavated, they have discovered 20 new species of dinosaurs here in only the past 15 years...I met one of the archeologists who discovered one, he toured me around the little museum.  The reason why it's so grey at the bottom is bc that used to be all water, before the western part of the country came together with the eastern part.  I had to spread some of Daddy here!!

This is the Grand Canyon, I have  a lot of great pictures, but rt now my computer is acting up for whatever reason, so I will have to wait for those...especially the friends I made from Germany...it was so funny, they spoke English well, thank God, bc all I remembered from our notorious German tape was 'ooooooool' (oil) and 'Leiderhosen' (short leather pants)...and so I told them that...the funnier part was they told me they brought their Leiderhosen with them, and wore them while in Las Vegas!! hahahahhaha I guess they're considered party attire!!

The visitor center at Red Rock State Park (AZ) was named Miller...I mean, how funny I keep finding all this Miller stuff...

Ohhhh, the Survivor Tree....this was one of the things I was so looking forward to.  I really love the way this picture came out, too, with the reflecting pool emphasizing how blue the sky was.  For those unfamiliar, this is where the Oklahoma City bombing took place in 1995, they actually built the memorial on the block where the truck was parked.  The building behind the tree is now the museum that takes you through the whole day from the beginning. They placed a sealant on the side so that it remains looking the same as it did after the bombing.  It was really an amazing experience, I was so young I was unaware of the tragedy that occurred there that day.  Admittedly, I had some trouble going through the museum, about halfway through I started walking faster, then before I knew it I was breezing rt through to the stairwell and started crying.  It was so reminiscent of 9/11, although I didn't want to take away from the memory deserved of this bombing, I couldn't help being overwhelmed with flashbacks and emotions. 

I love the survivor tree even more after the whole experience.  It was in front of the main building that was hit.  The shrapnel and glass was embedded into the bark, but they were able to save it, and now (like any 93 year old it may lean a little to the side) it stands symbolically in the memorial....I spread some Daddy here ( I had to be sneaky though bc there were so many guards around hehe) bc to me, even though he may have physically died, he beat one the greatest battles man can face, and is now living in glory with God...he is deservedly part of the Survivor Tree...

There is a chair for each person who was killed...

The reflecting pool, Survivor Tree on left and the wall symbolizing

 

Salt Lake City, UT

Unfortunately, I haven't seen much of Salt Lake City, except for the highways and my hotel room, and tomorrow will probably follow suit.  I left WY today, en route to the Grand Canyon, and SLC seemed like a good stopping over.  It was such a beautiful drive today, I hit my highest elevation of the trip at 7623 ft (I may be off by a foot) , and was very happy as I was coming into SLC that my ears were popping on my descent.  It really is for the birds ...hahaha get it?? High elevation is "for the birds" lol I crack me up! There were really beautiful lakes along the drive, I find the water out here so eyecatching.  It's very clean and clear, and looks so inviting.  I found out, though, that it is frigidly freezing cold.  I didn't see any moose, elk, or buffalo while I was in WY...which is pretty rare considering they roam so freely...I did see enough cattle to choke a horse...hahaha there's another one! There were countless cattle and horses, and eventually I did see deer that were still alive.  The roadkill around here is so bad, I saw at least 10 large deer (the deer here are mule deer, which are sometimes double the size of the white tail deer we have back in NY) on the sides of the highway.  It, of course, pulls at my heartstrings when I see them. 
Anyway, as the pictures I posted yesterday show, we finally got Daddy's urn open! Praise the Lord!! It was beginning to become a problem, as one of my main goals was to spread his ashes across the country, but the urn was not cooperating! So, we went to the mortuary, and the woman was so nice she worked on it a little and got it open.  I look at it like it was not meant to happen before yesterday.  Nov 2 was 6 months exactly since Daddy passed away, and so I have to believe there's something to it.  The scripture I got yesterday morning before we left was:

"His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning...You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness" -Psalm 30:5,11

I know God is helping me along that transition...and I am very grateful.  I definitely have my moments, but I am seeing a lot more breaks in the clouds.  I cried when I looked at my Dad's ashes for the first time, but smiled with joy as we spread them.  I was glad to have Tommie and Amber there with me.
And the dancing part is soooo me haha
Last night in the midst of  karaoke-ing, I was rocking out to Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody', and ended up getting caught in a group of Marines! Amber pointed out how uncommon it is for Marines to even be in the area, as they were only there for their upcoming ball.  I said, well it doesn't surprise me!!

So, I am sitting here in my hotel room blogging while I'm watching "The Pacific" on HBO.  I am so happy that they are playing the series during the week of the Marine Corps Birthday.  For those who are unfamiliar, it follows the 1st Marine Div during WW2.  It really blows my mind what these men endured, for us, and it makes me so thankful.  You all know me well enough to be able to imagine the long winded paragraph I could write on this topic, but I will just simply ask/remind you to make the effort to personally thank a Veteran for their service as this Sunday is Veteran's Day.

Well, I'm gonna sign off now, I hope and pray everyone is doing well and that the sun comes out strong for u guys tomorrow!!!
miss n love u
xoxo E

p.s. Just as I was re-reading this post before I publish, one of the guys on "The Pacific" asked the other if he's ever been to the Grand Canyon.  He has a bit of a monologue, but says "you have to see it to understand it" ...how funny, I'm finally gonna see it...
 

1st spreading of Daddy's ashes, Grand Teton Nat'l Park, Jackson, WY

Grand Teton National Park

Jackson, Wyoming

So, I made it here to Wyoming on Saturday night! It was so hard leaving Colorado as Wesley was crying for me.  I had such a great time there with them, and really enjoyed helping them move into their new beautiful home.  Wesley learned how to say my name, and would yell it throughout the store if he didn't see me, it was so adorable.
The drive was about 9 hours, the last 2 were real torture though as the sun set and I was driving through winding roads in the pitch black. The kicker was that it was freezing, literally it hit 29 degrees, and I was so worried about using my gas I didn't turn on my heat until the last 15 minutes hahaha, I'm so ridiculous.  If you all saw the only gas stations I had passed (like an hour or so away from destination) you wouldn't want to stop either, unless it was necessity. Even then, questionable.  On those winding roads I kept seeing signs about deers, roaming livestock, and to top it all off, beware of BEARS.  I was like "what the hell am I doing? Where in the world am I???" Visions of "Legends of the Fall" kept running through my head. Was I gonna have to take out a bear?? Haha, not if I can help it lol "Not on MY watch!!"
hahaha I'm cracking me up right now
Anywhoo, so I've hesitated writing anything because of my unending concern for all of you guys back home.  I didn't know if it was appropriate to tell of all my fun and adventuring as u are facing all the obstacles in NY.  I have been praying for everything and anything you need, and that the threatened Nor'eastern bring nothing to u but warmer weather.  It's an emotional battle to think of how you are suffering in NY, and my desire to want to be there with my family and friends to help, but still knowing that for whatever reason God has me away at this time, I am exactly where I am supposed to be.  It is truly a hard fact to accept sometimes, even though I am blessed to be where I am with such an amazing opportunity, it still leaves me with an odd feeling I can't explain.  I hope it is understood that even in my blogging and the fun I am sharing, I am sensitive to all you're enduring. 
Today, Monday Nov 5, Tommie, Amber, their friend Nate, and I went for a hike through the Grand Teton National Park.  It was AMAZING!! I have never really been hiking before, but I may have found a new hobby.  I absolutely loved being in the middle of nature, the peacefulness and the scenery were breathtaking.  In the  midst of a wooded area were these clear lakes that reflected the snow capped mountains (the Tetons) like a mirror! It was straight out of a Bob Ross painting..."happy little trees and their happy little reflections...see it how you want, its your own little world" yes Bob, couldn't have put it better myself! We reached Elevation level of 7022 feet!! It definitely becomes a challenge at such high altitude, I found myself working hard to catch my breath at some points, and once back in the car, I was feeling it in my chest.  Like I ran in 20 degree weather. Now I'm just so pooped my eyes are closing.  So, I am going to hit the hay now.  My love to all, I miss you and I miss home, my thoughts and prayers are with you guys... xoxoox
I will try to write again tomorrow, I'm just tooo tired rt now:) xoxo

Cherry Point, North Carolina

Well, I made it here last night without any flight delays or problems.  The major concern was the snow in Denver, but it didn't effect the flights or me wearing my flip flops haha
I made a bunch of new friends between the airport (i was sitting at the bar next to none other than the Manager of the Miller Brewery, which is actually in combination with Coors.  It's really called MillerCoors, but they keep it on the hush for business reasons.  So, he gave me the information of the Manager of the Coors Brewery so when I go back to Colorado I can get the "special tour" woohoo!!) Then I made friends with a bunch of Marines on the plane (who else is flying from Atlanta to Jacksonville NC? works for me!!) They were all too young for me, but still fun to chat with nonetheless.  They had just finished MOS school and were on their way to Camp Lejeune for the first time:( I was like, Awwwww that's so cute!!  They're not jaded yet!) The kid next to me was from Washington State, and had never been to the East Coast.  We chatted mostly about the country and he was as intrigued by my cotton picking as I was lol
Anyways, it's so nice to be here on the East Coast again.  As soon as I got off the plane I felt the humidity hit me like a ton of bricks, and I loved every second of it!! I felt like I could finally breathe, and my skin all of a sudden didn't feel like it was going to flake off.  Today's shower was amazing, as I felt like the soap was finally being rinsed off my skin.  The water in Colorado is definitely different.  I also never thought I'd be so happy to hear the secada's outside the window...
Although it has been rainy here today, I don't mind at all, as it's not cold and it's not snow...
I can tell everyone back in NY is preparing for the "hurricane" through facebook, like it's the tornado from 'Wizard of Oz'...people here are being a bit dramatic, too.  But really, what else is new? There is more than enough food in everyone's freezer and pantry's to survive the 5 hours we can't leave the house haha
Everyone here at Matty's is doing well, the boys are getting so big, the oldest is almost taller than me (surprise surprise).  They were all happy to see me, which was very nice and heartwarming.  Suzie and I went out shopping to finish off our outfits for the Marine Ball, which is tomorrow night in Myrtle Beach.  I'm so very excited and hope that the increduous hurricane Sandy doesn't ruin it, but I'm sure that it won't:)
Yesterday Jessica text me that Ezekiel loved his postcard so much that he slept with it, and said "it's just so cute I can't even take it" lol what a character(I almost cried).  The boys are so cute, Joey sent me a pic of his cool new hairdo, and Luke called me Auntie for the first time on video chat the other day!! Woohoo!! But truthfully, they are the hardest part of being away...I am blessed to have them in my life...
which anyone who talks to me for two minutes knows hhahah, I am so like my Grandpa...he used to have bumper stickers, t-shirts, and hats all persuading people to ask him about his grandchildren...like they had to ask!! lol
Sorry for all those who have been trying to comment on the blog, I really wish it worked bc I would love the feedback, but for whatever reason it is not.  Maybe you have to sign up to google too, I'm not sure and bc I hate this crap so much I cannot figure it out. I checked the privacy settings and it's all set to everyone and public, so it's not my settings.  
But, anyway, my cell service is bad here (and just about everywhere besides NY) so, bear with me if u r trying to text me or anything...I hope u r all doing well, I miss and love yas!!
xoxoxo

Colorado Springs

My take on jogging at high altitudes : I feel like I just chain smoked 2 packs of Marlboro Reds and immediately tried to jog afterwards-no scratch that, like I chain smoked 1 1/2 packs of Marlboro Reds, then tried to smoke the other 1/2 while jogging...beautiful picturesque scenery though lol...this pic is of none other than the Rockies....70 degrees here:) praise the Lord!

I am in Armadillo, TX, staying overnight on my way to Colorado to see Jason (my cousin) and fam.  I was sad to leave Austin, as I was so comfy staying at Jesse's place, he really was a great host, but time waits for no one as they say! I didn't have as much fun on this route as it was all mostly Texas flatland...a lot of cattle (which makes me feel a little bad honestly) , and a lot of long stretches between bathrooms and gas. I made sure to keep over a half a tank bc I didn't want to be in that stressful situation.  I did come across a few towns, or should I say very short blocks, about 2-3, that brought back memories of Wild West City haha.  I felt like I should be double slinging my Durango capguns, as I stood in the street waiting for the showdown in front of the OK Corral hahaha it looked literally like movie sets, I'm gonna try to upload the pics from my camera tomorrow to give everyone a better idea.  As entertaining as that and the overabundance of clientele at all the local McDonald's (some with teeth, some without) may be, my favorite part was a lone adventure.  I was not sure of what I was looking at, initially I thought them to be little plants with white flowers, and then I realized they were cotton plants-seas of cotton plants!! I had never seen such a thing before, so I decided to pull over lol. I took pics, and will upload them too, and I decided to pick cotton myself!! It was so cool, I really felt that connection...like I started to think of our ancestors and the poor slaves who would be out there picking that neverending sea of cotton by hand in that sweltering heat.  The ground wasn't even moist, but dry and cracked.  In my pick, I decided that even if my ancestral line does not include slaves, our ancestors are our ancestors, and my inspiration came.  Laugh as u may, there was something to it...
Anway, I have already learned a lot, a lot about other people and a lot about myself.  About who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming.  I am very blessed to live where I live, and sometimes while I'm driving in the middle of nowhere I thank God that He has placed me where He did, surrounded by the people I have in my life.   I am also thankful to all the truckers that drive continuous hours on neverending stretches of highway to supply our country with all the wonderful goods we ourselves do produce.  Without them we would be at a total deficit.  Our country has such a surplus of goods and natural products, we do take it for granted.  Still, I am proud to be American:)
Well, I need to hit the hay I'm tired and my butt is numb from sitting on it too long...Good night, I will try to keep up better on this blog...no promises, but I am going to try:) xoxo

Mona Lisa!!

Found a fancy pic in a vintage shop! Haha

Still in Texas!

It's been a great time w great friends,enjoying all Texas has to offer! We went Zip Lining today, it was sooooo much fun! The 4th longest line in our country