Canadian Buffoon's Sweet 16 Celebration - Update 01/28 - The End

[pkondz]

I've only heard one review and it wasn't good. I hope your experience is better!

Looking forward to this next update!

Soon!
It's written.
Have to proof.
And then post.

Proofing takes a while, though.
I always change/add things.

 

[pkondz]

Nope.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Back to check in! I see I haven't missed your update!

I'm not going to play this time, just too busy to keep up right now.
We have a new grand baby ! You probably saw that on Leisa's thread.
Precious baby girl makes 7 for Mark. Somehow doesn't seem like more than 6 right now,

We also booked a March trip to the World with Ryan's crazy fam.

 

[franandaj]

Soon!
It's written.
Have to proof.
And then post.

Proofing takes a while, though.
I always change/add things.

Yeah, I get it. I do the same thing. I just got my last update for the Cruise report up. Now I'm working on more Bonus features...

 

[pkondz]

Back to check in! I see I haven't missed your update!

Hi Tammie!
Nope, you didn't miss it.
You're just in time.

I'm not going to play this time, just too busy to keep up right now.

Totally get that.

We have a new grand baby ! You probably saw that on Leisa's thread.

I did!
But I don't know if I congratulated you or not?
If not...

Congrats!

Precious baby girl makes 7 for Mark. Somehow doesn't seem like more than 6 right now,

6.25

We also booked a March trip to the World with Ryan's crazy fam.

Woot! That should be fun!

 

[pkondz]

Yeah, I get it. I do the same thing. I just got my last update for the Cruise report up. Now I'm working on more Bonus features...

I saw that you posted an update.
Once I get mine posted
I'll swing by and give it a gander.

 

[pkondz]

What a Jerk


A little pre-trip activity before we get started.

The petting zoo that I was taking Kay to,
is run by a husband and wife.
I'd talked to the owner,
and when I told her when we'd be there,
she'd made a comment:
"We shouldn't have any mud by then."

I wanted to make sure that was the case,
so about a week before we left,
I sent her an email....
And never got a reply.

Now I know not everyone
(including me!) checks their
email religiously,
(Oops! No religion or politics on the DIS! Sorry!)
but I was worried.
I mean... what if something had happened?
They'd closed. Illness. Moved. Who knows?

So after a few days, I phoned.
I found out three things.
1. They were still expecting us.
2. There was no mud.
3. Well... I'll reserve comment on this
until the next update.

Okay. Now this trip was ready to start!
Then again, it would've been far too late
to cancel everything anyway,
mud or no mud.


---------------------------------------------


March 25


The infernal noise machine
jolted me out of bed at 5:15am.
I fell out of bed, scaring the dog,
but not enough that she didn't insist
on being fed.

Dogs are funny that way.


I got ready and finished up
some last minute packing.

And I wasn't the only one up.

Of course Kay was up at some point.
After all, she was the reason for the trip.
But Elle (DD19) and Ruby (DW) were up too.

No. Not because I was noisy
or the infernal machine woke them up as well.
They were accompanying Kay and me
on the first leg of our trip.
(Just curious... oh, fine.
I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

Kay and I were flying to Phoenix
out of Hector International Airport
in Fargo , ND with Allegiant airline.
A three hour drive straight south.
Drive a few more hours and you hit...

Florida.


I'm not sure why the
"International" on the name.
Certainly nothing much bigger
than a glorified bread box
flies out of there?


I had originally asked Elle to drive us,
and she and her boyfriend were going
to make a mini road trip out of it.

But her boyfriend is
originally from Columbia.
He does have his Canadian citizenship...
but after a few questions,
it turns out he wouldn't be allowed
into the US without a Visa.

As far as I know, he doesn't have
any credit cards, let alone a VISA,
so he was SOL.
(Uh... Shoot Out of Luck for the uninitiated.)

The flight was booked,
and we still needed a ride,
so Ruby decided to come along
to keep Elle company.

Turns out that was a good thing.


All in good time...


We threw the suitcases
in the trunk,
and we all piled into the
freshly washed car
and were on the road on a brisk,
0C/32F morning by 6:30am.

And drove in the opposite direction,
straight north, so we could grab
drinks and muffins from 7-Eleven.

Food & drinks in hand,
we turned south
and made a run for the border.


Kay is learning to drive,
and she had asked if she could.
But that morning,
I guess it was still too early,
and she said "Maybe later."

No problem. Three hours, remember?

After an hour's drive,
we pulled up at the border.


Okay... Here we go...
Every time, I try to keep
a neutral expression.
Don't want to alarm anyone.
Don't want to arouse suspicions.
Just want things to go smoothly...
And every time, it bites me in the a...

uh...
posterior.


Okay, pkondz...
Try something new...
Ah! A look of serenity,
of inner peace...
that will do the trick!


I handed all four passports
to the border guard,
inner peace radiating from me.

The border guard looks at the passports...
and then at me.
The moment of truth!
Am I a threat to national security?
(The answer is no.
I am however, a threat
to the Dole Whip supply.)

"Are you constipated?" He asks.
Dang it!!! Not again!

I sadly shake my head, no.


He gets down to business.
(Since he assumed I didn't have to.
I kinda felt like he gave me the bum's rush.)

"Where are you all from?"
We tell him.
"What do you do?"
We tell him.
"Whose car is this?"
We tell him.
"Where are you going?"
"Well.... I and my younger daughter
are heading to Phoenix and then LA,
while my wife and older daughter
are going to Fargo and then returning
back to Winnipeg later today."


He looks at us for a second.

"What did they do wrong
that you're not taking the whole family?"
I just chuckled and shrugged my shoulders.

And with that, he waved us through.

(Contest note. Since Ruby came with us,
I didn't need a note to take Kay into
the States. But I gave everyone
who guessed I'd get asked about it
partial points.)


Because it was a Saturday,
I had allocated at least an hour
for the border crossing.

Long lines, hundreds of people in cars.
Heck, hundreds of cars.

We were through, start to finish,
in under five minutes.




Once inside the US,
I parked the car
so we could use your
wonderful American plumbing.

NO I WAS NOT CONSTIPATED!!!

Geez!

Just because I was the only one
who didn't have to go, means nothing.
Nothing I say!

Oh... poop.

I mean!... uh....

Crap.

Wait! No!

NEVERMIND!!!!



Once everyone else was ready,
we had a driver change.
Kay has her learners permit
and some highway driving was in order.

I wasn't entirely sure how she'd handle the
higher speed in the States, but...
I was pretty confident that
she could handle it.


FYI, the limit on the North side
of the border is 70.
But the fastest section she's been on is 60.
North Dakota highway limit is 75.


She started to drive and began to pick up speed.
She jerked the wheel to the left
and startled me.
"Okay." I thought. "Getting settled.
Still... better not do that at high speed!"
45... 50... 55... <JERK!>
What the?
I quickly glanced at her
and she seemed composed.
55... 55... 60... 70... <JERK!>
I think Ruby and or Elle (or me)
may have let out a little scream.
The car started to fishtail...
at about 73MPH.
"Foot off the gas! Pull over!" I ordered.
I don't remember if
I grabbed the steering wheel.
I may have.
Or she may have gotten it under
control quickly enough
that I didn't have to.


Okay. She obviously wasn't ready for high speed!


I was really surprised. I was sure she'd be okay!
She'd never had problems like that before.

We switched seats and I wondered what to say to her.
She was obviously upset and I could see
that even she wasn't sure what she'd done wrong.

I pulled away from the shoulder and accelerated.
I figured I better say something soon bef...

<JERK!!>
The wheel suddenly turned about a quarter turn to the left!
What the heck!?!?
I gripped the wheel more intently.
55.... 60... 65.... 70...
Okay... Everything's fine.
That was really strange!
So was it her or me or the...

<JERK!!>

The car swerved jaggedly!
I immediately began to slow down.

<JERK!>

Slower...


<Jerk>

Something is very, very wrong.
(See how I figured that out?
I coulda been a mechanic!)

I pulled over.
Did we have a flat?
Tire going down?
It's the only thing I could think of.
(I withdraw the "mechanic" comment.)
I looked at all the tires.
They seemed fine.

Luckily, I always carry a tire pressure gauge.
Unluckily, this was Ruby's car.
She doesn't.


I got back in the car and drove on...
For the next 40 miles,
I kept having to play with the speed.
Too fast and the car would jerk to the side.
Too slow and... well,
we wouldn't get anywhere now would we?

My intent was to get to a garage in Grand Forks.
To say I was worried about our flight
is an understatement.
To say I was worried about catching
that flight while my wife and daughter
tried to drive... this home...
worried me even more.

But then a miracle occurred.
After that 40 miles....
It stopped.
The jerking, I mean.
The car kept going.
The jerk behind the wheel
was greatly relieved...
and a little bit doubtful
that it wouldn't start up again.

I discussed the situation with Ruby.
We decided
(i.e. She told me.)
that the car seemed fine
and she would get it checked
back in Winnipeg.

I edged the speed up to 77 and...
Nothing.
Smooth as glass.

We decided to stop in Grand Forks anyway.
Apparently, the risk of death
loosens the bladder somewhat.
Everyone had to go.

Of course, I missed the exit.
Exits... plural.
All of them.

I kept thinking.
"This isn't the one I want,
it's the next one."
Until the "next" one
became the "last" one.


A few miles down the road,
I finally took an exit
and we found ourselves
in a tiny little burg called Thompson.
Not even a traffic light.
But they did have a gas station.
With a restroom.

I asked to borrow a pressure gauge.
Surely, one of the tires must be low?


Nope.


Well.... the problem seems to be gone...
I (not without some hesitation)
turned to Kay and asked if she wanted
to try driving again?

I was a bit surprised when she said "Yes".

The rest of the drive, thankfully,
was uneventful.


We pulled into Fargo around lunch time
and headed straight for...
The Wurst Bier Hall.
(Sound familiar @Captain_Oblivious ?)

Riiiiight about now...
You're thinking: "Photos! Thank God!
Maybe he'll shut up."

Ha! This is your lucky day!
I have much more to say!

(I'm a poet and wasn't
cognizant of the fact.)

One of the best things about this place
(for those of us who don't drink beer.
Which in my family is... everyone.)
is that this place has amazing root beer.

On tap!

We each ordered one.
And we all got refills later, too.

Another thing this place has is...
good food!

Which... being a restaurant, is a plus.


Kay had a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich,
with a side of spaetzle of course.
She's nuts about that stuff.
It borders on obsessive.
No, scratch that.
She jumped the border
and is in it all the way.

Elle tried the Buffalo Cheddar sausage.

Ruby ordered the cheese burger (boring!)
with sweet potato fries.

While I decided to try a
Rabbit, Rattlesnake and Jalapeno sausage
with a side of warm potato salad.

I also ordered a side of Mac n Cheese Spaetzle
for everyone to share.

Everyone enjoyed their food.
Of course we did!
Just look at it!
But you know what (for me)
was the best?
That warm potato salad.
Wow! and Yum!


Fully sated, we headed to the bustling,
hustling International Airport.
We managed to find a spot,
right in front of the departure area!
Which, if I'm not mistaken,
was also the arrival area.


No big feat, considering
we were the only car there.


Once our bags were deposited
on the sidewalk,
Ruby drove off without so much
as a fare-thee-well.
Like me, she was a bit worried
about the three hour drive home.

And I didn't find out until much later,
that they didn't have any issues at all.
I got to be stressed about it
for quite a while, though.


I'm curious, if any of you suspect
what the likely culprit was.
I did provide a clue.

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.


Kay and I entered the airport
and checked in.
I noticed that the weight limit
for checked bags was 40lbs,
and not fifty.
Uh, oh...
We weighed our bags and
Mine was about 30lbs... (yes!)
and Kay's was... about 30lbs!
A far cry from the 7,245lbs
when we took her to Europe.
(I know it was that much.
I had to carry it.
And my back paid for it, too.)

We approached security.
Kay always seems to get Pre-check.
I have no idea why.

She went through while I had to
strip almost naked
(well, shoes and belt...
but if that belt had been really necessary,
the naked part would've followed.)

Going through the blow-up stuff detector,
the guard paused to pat down...
my ankle.

What?

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to me,
Kay had been taken into a closed
room for a pat down.
She was a little perturbed.
(Full disclosure, the female
agent asked if she wanted a pat down
right there or in privacy.
Kay, for whatever reason,
chose the latter.
(I suspect she thought she'd
have to undress?)

Security hurdles crossed,
we had time, so we decided to explore.
Five minutes later,
after having exhausted all that
Hector International Airport had to offer,
we parked our butts at the gate to wait.

I had a small surprise for Kay.
I had upgraded our tickets
to include priority boarding.
We were first on the plane
and snagged the first row.

Kay was not happy.
She didn't like the first row.
She felt like people boarding
were looking at her.



I promised that for the
return trip to Fargo,
we would definitely not sit
in the front row.

Easy enough promise to make,
considering we weren't making
a return trip to Fargo.


Eventually, we were winging our way south.
No more snow!
It's been replaced with... this:

We landed in Phoenix right on time at three o'clock.
Being in the front row meant we
were first at the baggage merry-go-round.
And... miracles of miracles!!!

MY BAG WAS FIRST!!!
That's never happened!
Never!!!!


And it didn't matter one little bit.
Because we still had to wait
for Kay's bag.
And it took a while.


Her bag did get barfed out eventually,
and we dragged them over
to the car-rental counter...

Where there was a line-up
of about fifty to sixty people waiting.
And the line wasn't moving.


At. All.


Kay looked at me with that look.
You know. The one every parent gets.
"Daddy... Do something."

So I did.
I walked past the sweating,
despairing mass of humanity
and marched right up to the desk.
"Emerald Aisle?" I asked.
The harried clerk pointed to the left
and said: "Through those doors, turn right."

And off we went.


We meandered over to the parking lot,
I said a brief hello to the attendant there,
who told me to take whatever I wanted.
So I took this:

A little big for just the two of us,
but... I dunno.
It just called to me.

It did! I pressed the button
on a random key fob
and I coulda sworn I heard
"Pkooooondz!"

Okay. I made that up.
But the rest is real.
Through my work,
we get a discount with National
and also free membership with
their Emerald program that
allows you to skip the counter.

And boy, did it ever help today!


We were staying at a nearby hotel,
so it didn't take long before
we arrived.

Sorry for the mess.
But it had already been a long
and stressful day.
I had started to dump stuff
before I remembered
my DIS obligations.
Mea Culpa.
I'm pretty sure that's Latin for
"Sorry, not really sorry."

View from the room:

These next photos are actually
from the next morning.
But they fit in nicely here,
don't they?

For bonus points, say "yes".

Once we were situated,
we realized that lunch,
good as it was,
was a long time ago.

(Do you even remember it?
It was so long ago... way up there! ^)

We jumped back into the Pathfinder
and found our path to...


Walmart.


I know! I know!
Your excitement is palpable.
I can feel it from here!

No... wait...

Nevermind. That's just gas.


Please stop farting.
You're scaring my dog.


Kay wanted to stop in to pick
up some cookies she'd seen
or heard about on the internets.
And I wanted some OJ for the morning.
I wound up not getting her
what she'd originally planned on,
(I think it was Oreo Peeps?)
but instead got her some
Birthday Cake Oreos.
She was pretty happy with that.

And upon exiting the store,
we were surrounded by a terrifying horde
(i.e. two)
of Girl Scouts/Guides/whatever... leave me alone.
The only way to escape was to
succumb to their demands
and buy some delicious cookies.
So Birthday Cake Oreos
and Thin Mints in hand
(Sorry @SoccerDogWithEars !)
we managed to extricate ourselves
from their grasp and their tempting wares.


A few minutes later,
we arrived at our dinner destination.
I'm not really sure why we decided on this.
I think it might have been Kay's choice.
Although I probably presented it to her
from the guidebook that I'd brought along.

Once we were seated,
Kay sat up a little straighter.
Her eyes lit up.
"Ohmagosh, that waiter is so hot."

Her tastes differ from mine.
I only thought he was 'just okay'.

She was not just a little pleased
when the waiter came to take
our drinks order.

I didn't take a photo.
Now if it had been a hot waitress...
I probably still wouldn't have.
People generally object to
suddenly having cameras
thrust in their faces.


Guess what we had?
No, really.
Guess.
I took a picture,
but forgot to note it.
"I'll just remember. No problem!"

I did note the food we had, however.
We ordered a couple of appies,
sesame ginger chicken dumplings:

and Thai chicken spring rolls:

Both were good,
but the former was better
than the latter.

For our mains,
Kay ordered asparagus & spinach spaghettini.
She's a weird kid.
She hates almost any berry.
But loves asparagus and broccoli.

I have no idea where I went wrong.

I ordered Jambalaya fettuccine
because Jambalaya is a creole
word that translates to:
"Dang! This is some fine food!"

And indeed it was.

Once we were full,
me with food,
Kay with food
and visions of "her"
cute waiter,
we headed out
to go to a movie.


Why not?
We've done enough for one day.
Time to chill for a bit.


The theatre wasn't far from the hotel
and it didn't take long
to get there from where we were.

We decided to see
Beauty and the Beast.

The 7:10pm show was sold out,
or nearly so.
(Nothing but lousy seats left.)
But for not much more,
the 3D showing at 8:10 was available.
With good seats left too!

Now... what to do with an hour?
We strolled around a bit
and Kay wanted to pop into
a pet store.


I told you.
The kid is animal crazy.


We were in there for a while
and she "oohed" and "aahed"
over all the critters.

I managed to coerce her
out of there eventually
by bribing her in the only way
I knew that might work.

"Want some ice cream?"




The ice cream place was one
of those places where they
dump the ice cream on a cold
counter and then add treats.

Kay picked birthday cake ice cream
with a brownie.
You know. For health reasons.

Mine.

She would've killed me
if I didn't let her.


We were both shocked, however,
when the server took
an entire large brownie
and dumped it on the ice cream,
before chopping it up
and mixing it in.
"I had no idea..." She mumbled.
She was in shock.
Not sure from happiness or surprise.

The sugar shock comes later, of course.

I just had a small scoop of
peach ice cream.
I was still pretty full from dinner.


We finished our ice cream
and then waddled off
back to the theatre.

The doors opened
and we heaved our
stuffed selves inside.

We stopped.

Odd set up.
The rows are so far apart.
Huh.

We sat down and...

"Kay!" I cried. "Push your button!"
(She will push my buttons later
in the trip.)

Majestically, the seat reclined
while a foot rest rose gloriously
into the air.

Ahhhhhh.....
Now this... This!
is how one watches a movie.


And with backs reclined
and feet raised on high,
I think this would be a good
spot to end this update.

(Not much happened
from that point on.
We enjoyed the movie,
went back to our room,
and went to bed.)

Plus.
You're sick and tired
of reading by now.

Well.... okay,
you were sick
shortly after you started
reading this update,
and now you're tired, too.



Contest


Answers to previous questions:

1. What time do we leave?
Answer: 6:30am
Nailed it - 20 points, +/- 1 hour 10 points, +/- 2 hours - 5 points.

2. Do I drive? Fly? Both? Neither?
Answer: Both* - 15 points.
*If you said fly to Phoenix
and drive to someplace else after...
Nope! No points for you!
(Judge's decision is final.
I did allow some leeway.)

3. What one specific question am I
asked by the US border guard?
(Bonus question for my long time readers.)
Answer: Are you constipated - 10 points.

4. We buy Girl Guide cookies. What kind?
Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Savannah Smiles.
Answer: Thin Mints - 10 points.

5. We go out for dinner of course.
What gets Kay excited?
The décor, the cute waiter, her favourite dish.
Answer: The cute waiter - 10 points.

6. What treat do Kay and I have later?
Ice cream, donuts, pie.
Answer: Ice cream - 15 points.

7. We go see a movie that night. Which?
Beauty and the Beast, Ghost in the Shell, Logan
Answer: Beauty and the Beast - 15 points.

8. What is it about the theatre that gets us excited?
D Box seats, reclining seats with foot-rests, reserved seating.
Answer: Reclining seats with foot-rests - 15 points.


Kiotzu - 5:45, fly, n/a, thin mints, décor, ice cream, Ghost, foot rest - 50 points.
Terra Nova guy - 6:15, fly, letter(5 points), thin mints, dish, pie, BatB, foot rest - 55 points.
QueenJen - 6:00, both, constipated, thin mints, dish, pie, BatB, foot rest - 75 points.
mustinjourney - 6:00, fly, constipated, thin mints, waiter, ice cream, Ghost, D box - 55 points.
Steppesister - 6:55, fly, constipated, Smiles, waiter, ice cream, BatB, foot rest - 75 points.
irene_dsc - constipated - 10 points.
Curiouser&curiouser! - 8:00, both, no idea, thin mint (agreed), dish, ice cream, BatB, all - 60 points.
franandaj - 5:30, fly, constipated, thin mints, dish, pie, BatB, D box - 45 points.
Canadian Harmony - 6:45, fly, president, Tagalongs, waiter, ice cream, BatB, foot rest - 65 points.
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - morning, both, constipated, thin mints, food, pie, BatB, foot rest - 65 points.
Mrs T 2009 - 7:00, both, constipated, Tagalongs, dish, pie, BatB, foot rest - 65 points.
vamassey1 - 4:30, both, directions (not bad!), Tagalongs, dish, pie, BatB, foot rest - 50 points.
Captain_Oblivious - 7:30, both, constipated, thin mints, décor, pie, Logan, foot rest - 60 points.
Jaina - 8:30, both, fruit, thin mints, waiter, donuts, Logan, foot rest - 55 points.
juniorbugman - 6:00, both, constipated, thin mints, décor, pie, Logan, foot rest - 60 points.
Princess Leia - 6:05, both, constipated, Tagalongs, décor, donuts, Logan, D box - 35 points.
Mac Brew - 6:00, both, letter (5 points), thin mints, décor, ice cream, Logan, foot rest - 70 points.
MeghanEmily - 7:30, both, banana (!! ), thin mints, décor, ice cream, Ghost, foot rest - 65 points.
rndmr2 - 7:00, fly, letter (5 points), thin mints, waiter, ice cream, BatB, foot rest - 80 points.
Chrystmasangel - 6:15, both, constipated, smiles, waiter, ice cream, Logan (shoulda gone with your gut!), foot rest - 75 points.
CyndiLouWho - 7:00, both, letter (5 points), smiles, décor, donuts, BatB, foot rest - 60 points.
chunkymonkey - 6:00, both, photo, thin mints, food, ice cream, BatB, foot rest - 80 points.
cindianne320 - 5:00, fly, letter (5 points), thin mints, dish, ice cream, BatB, reserved - 50 points.
orangecats2 - 8:00, fly, constipated, mints, dish, ice cream BatB, foot rest - 70 points.
SoccerDogWithEars - 6:12, fly, constipated, Tagalongs (sorry!!), dish, ice cream, Logan, foot rest - 50 points.


Bonus:
Did you Google "Sauve qui peut"? - 10 points
Terra Nova guy
QueenJen
mustinjourney
Steppesister
Curiouser&curiouser!
franandaj
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes
Mrs T 2009
vamassey1
Captain_Oblivious
Princess Leia
juniorbugman
Mac Brew
Chrystmasangel
SoccerDogWithEars
juniorbugman

As usual, if I've made any mistakes,
either above or below, let me know.

Score
Chrystmasangel - 85
QueenJen - 85
Steppesister - 85
chunkymonkey - 80
juniorbugman - 80
Mac Brew - 80
rndmr2 - 80
GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes - 75
Mrs T 2009 - 75
Captain_Oblivious - 70
Curiouser&curiouser! - 70
orangecats2 - 70
Canadian Harmony - 65
MeghanEmily - 65
mustinjourney - 65
Terra Nova guy - 65
CyndiLouWho - 60
SoccerDogWithEars - 60
vamassey1 - 60
franandaj - 55
cindianne320 - 50
Jaina - 55
Kiotzu - 50
Princess Leia - 45
irene_dsc - 10


1. What time do we get up in the morning?

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
0? 3? 6? 12?

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals?

4. Name at least one other animal
that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard.
Picking capybara gets you zero points.)

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it?
Hay? Corn? Oats? Fava beans? (with a nice Chianti)

6. How many hours are we there?
1? 2? 3? 4?


Bonus: Did you see it?
Try to be vague.
I'll let you know if you're
too vague.

Coming up: How will she handle it?

Chapter 3. Rodents Of Unusual Size​

 

[juniorbugman]

I am missing the 10 bonus points.

 

[pkondz]

I am missing the 10 bonus points.

Whoops! Sorry.
I think I missed it because
of that separate post.
Sorry!

Fixed it.

 

[MeghanEmily]

I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

Kay and ME! All the way! You wouldn't say: "They were accompanying I
on the first leg of our trip."

Me is the object, and that's totally acceptable, as you obviously know. The problem is when people use me as the subject, like "Kay and me were accompanied by our family," or "Kay and me don't know our grammar very well."

I'm not sure why the
"International" on the name.
Certainly nothing much bigger
than a glorified bread box
flies out of there?

Bangor, Maine is the same situation. Tiny tiny tiny tin-can airplanes. These seem to be the airports Allegiant flies from as well. We often fly direct on Allegiant from Maine.

We were through, start to finish,
in under five minutes.

Holy cow. Witchcraft!

But you know what (for me)
was the best?
That warm potato salad.
Wow! and Yum!

Wow and Yum made me think of our beloved @TheLittleKatie and her fabulous food adventures.

I'm curious, if any of you suspect
what the likely culprit was.
I did provide a clue.

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.

Squirrel is hiding in the front tire and madly chewing away, causing a slow leak.

She went through while I had to
strip almost naked
(well, shoes and belt...
but if that belt had been really necessary,
the naked part would've followed.)

the guard paused to pat down...
my ankle.

What?

Is that something dangerous on your ankle, or were you just happy to see them?

Ankles can be scandalous and dangerous, obviously.

We landed in Phoenix right on time at three o'clock.
Being in the front row meant we
were first at the baggage merry-go-round.
And... miracles of miracles!!!

MY BAG WAS FIRST!!!
That's never happened!
Never!!!!

NO!

These next photos are actually
from the next morning.
But they fit in nicely here,
don't they?

For bonus points, say "yes".

Yes! The sure do!

Well.... okay,
you were sick
shortly after you started
reading this update,
and now you're tired, too.

Amen!

1. What time do we get up in the morning?

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
0? 3? 6? 12?

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals?

4. Name at least one other animal
that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard.
Picking capybara gets you zero points.)

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it?
Hay? Corn? Oats? Fava beans? (with a nice Chianti)

6. How many hours are we there?
1? 2? 3? 4?

Coming up: How will she handle it?

1. 7:30am (my default.)
2. 3
3. Yes! But behind the ears only. Respect for the face!
4. Sloth
5. Let's just pick fava beans, because if you made that up, I'm impressed with your creativity.
6. 3

And how will she handle it? Kristen Bell's reaction to being in the same place as a sloth comes to mind:

 

[Curiouser&curiouser!]

They were accompanying Kay and me
on the first leg of our trip.
(Just curious... oh, fine.
I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

I think it is supposed to be Kay and Me. Even though it sounds wrong to me. Someone told me once you know it is right because the sentence makes sense with both 'Kay and me' or just 'me'.

Well.... the problem seems to be gone...
I (not without some hesitation)
turned to Kay and asked if she wanted
to try driving again?

I was a bit surprised when she said "Yes".

First I am glad it didn't end up being her driving, second I am glad that it seemed to fix itself, and third I am glad it didn't scare her from trying again!

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.

The flux capacitor? Clearly I don't know much about cars!

And upon exiting the store,
we were surrounded by a terrifying horde
(i.e. two)
of Girl Scouts/Guides/whatever... leave me alone.
The only way to escape was to
succumb to their demands
and buy some delicious cookies.
So Birthday Cake Oreos
and Thin Mints in hand

Sounds like cookie heaven!

For our mains,
Kay ordered asparagus & spinach spaghettini.
She's a weird kid.
She hates almost any berry.
But loves asparagus and broccoli.

I have no idea where I went wrong.

I agree that this is a bit off. But I will admit that it LOOKS REALLY GOOD.

Ahhhhhh.....
Now this... This!
is how one watches a movie.

I love that the movies are doing this now!! It makes it worth the high price tag!

1. What time do we get up in the morning?

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
0? 3? 6? 12?

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals?

4. Name at least one other animal
that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard.
Picking capybara gets you zero points.)

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it?
Hay? Corn? Oats? Fava beans? (with a nice Chianti)

6. How many hours are we there?
1? 2? 3? 4?

1. Um. I'm going to go with 8am
2. Three
3. Yes. I really hope so at least!
4. Goats.
5. Hay
6. 4

Bonus: Did you see it?
Try to be vague.
I'll let you know if you're
too vague.

OOOH. I actually did! Without going back to look and everything. I am not sure I am capable of being vague. . . Um. Nice hotel?

Coming up: How will she handle it?

Hmm. She is going to love it. But I have a feeling she is going to be really quiet while there!

Edited to add: I have no idea why this posted so weird or how to fix it. This is what I get for trying to quote!!

 

[Terra Nova guy]

So after a few days, I phoned.
I found out three things.
1. They were still expecting us.
2. There was no mud.
3. Well... I'll reserve comment on this
until the next update.

Well, it’s always good to know that mud hasn’t yet arrived at the place you’ll be visiting. Although I can’t say I would ever think to ask such a thing!

(Just curious... oh, fine.
I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

I really have never understood which is right. I can’t say ether way. Although it is “The King and I”, so if you ever write a musical about this trip, its ”The Kay and I”…

One of the best things about this place
(for those of us who don't drink beer.
Which in my family is... everyone.)
is that this place has amazing root beer.

Me as well. If someone offers me a beer I’ll drink it, but I think I’ve bought two 6-packs of beer for myself in the last 20 years. Now root beer on tap, on the other hand, sounds awesome. Unfortunately Fargo is a bit out of the way for me…

Fully sated, we headed to the bustling,
hustling International Airport.
We managed to find a spot,
right in front of the departure area!
Which, if I'm not mistaken,
was also the arrival area.

Hmmm…International Airport. I suppose they have one puddle jumper flight that goes to Flin Flon or something, so they get to call it International. I’m guessing they don’t have an A380 heading to Paris from Fargo.

I'm curious, if any of you suspect
what the likely culprit was.
I did provide a clue.

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.

It’s been said before that I don’t have a clue, and it’s no different here. I’m the farthest thing from a mechanic that you can get (my brother is an actual mechanic and must have gotten all those genes). But I’ll guess there was something caught around the axle or wheel that somehow came off. As I said 1. No clue 2. Not mechanic 3. Wild guess.

These next photos are actually
from the next morning.
But they fit in nicely here,
don't they?

For bonus points, say "yes".

YES!

Once we were situated,
we realized that lunch,
good as it was,
was a long time ago.

(Do you even remember it?
It was so long ago... way up there! ^)

Nope, can’t find it, I guess I lost it. But I guess it’s better for me to lose your lunch than for you to lose your lunch.

Guess what we had?
No, really.
Guess.
I took a picture,
but forgot to note it.
"I'll just remember. No problem!"

Strawberry lemonade and a girly cranberry cocktail/martini thing.

One should be reminded that “Remember. No problem”…that only works for those of a certain age. I do believe you and I are past that age.

1. What time do we get up in the morning?

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
0? 3? 6? 12?

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals?

4. Name at least one other animal
that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard.
Picking capybara gets you zero points.)

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it?
Hay? Corn? Oats? Fava beans? (with a nice Chianti)

6. How many hours are we there?
1? 2? 3? 4?


Bonus: Did you see it?
Try to be vague.
I'll let you know if you're
too vague.

1. 7:45am
2. 0 (I just have a feeling...)
3. Yes
4. llama
5. Fava beans (it's just so weird and random, it must be right)
6. 2 hours

 

[mustinjourney]

Soon!
It's written.
Have to proof.
And then post.

Proofing takes a while, though.
I always change/add things.

wait -- you proof these things???




(I am of course kidding. but if you're going to tee it up for me, I'm taking the swing.)

 

[mustinjourney]

They were accompanying Kay and me
on the first leg of our trip.
(Just curious... oh, fine.
I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

Kay and me is grammatically correct. You wouldn't say "they were accompanying I on the first leg of the trip." Gold star for you.

 

[mustinjourney]

Because it was a Saturday,
I had allocated at least an hour
for the border crossing.

Long lines, hundreds of people in cars.
Heck, hundreds of cars.

We were through, start to finish,
in under five minutes.

That's probably b/c no one in canada is trying to get into the US anymore. hahaha

Once inside the US,
I parked the car
so we could use your
wonderful American plumbing.

NO I WAS NOT CONSTIPATED!!!

Geez!

Just because I was the only one
who didn't have to go, means nothing.
Nothing I say!

Oh... poop.

I mean!... uh....

Crap.

Wait! No!

NEVERMIND!!!!

Good thing you didn't leave your iPhone again!

I'm curious, if any of you suspect
what the likely culprit was.
I did provide a clue.

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.

bad tire?

MY BAG WAS FIRST!!!
That's never happened!
Never!!!!

And it didn't matter one little bit.
Because we still had to wait
for Kay's bag.
And it took a while.

For bonus points, say "yes".

yes.

(Do you even remember it?
It was so long ago... way up there! ^)

yes -- wurst place ever.

So Birthday Cake Oreos
and Thin Mints in hand

Yes! I got another one right!

Her eyes lit up.
"Ohmagosh, that waiter is so hot."

3 for 3! I'm going to win this thing!

I ordered Jambalaya fettuccine
because Jambalaya is a creole
word that translates to:
"Dang! This is some fine food!"

kind of funny that you ate cajun food and asian food at a California pizza kitchen, in Arizona.

We decided to see
Beauty and the Beast.

And nevermind...

"Want some ice cream?"

Wait -- I'm back in it. 4 for 5!

Majestically, the seat reclined
while a foot rest rose gloriously
into the air.

I should have known a simple reclining seat would have been a big deal for you simpletons from America's hat!

 

[mustinjourney]

1. What time do we get up in the morning?

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
0? 3? 6? 12?

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals?

4. Name at least one other animal
that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard.
Picking capybara gets you zero points.)

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it?
Hay? Corn? Oats? Fava beans? (with a nice Chianti)

6. How many hours are we there?
1? 2? 3? 4?


Bonus: Did you see it?
Try to be vague.
I'll let you know if you're
too vague.

Coming up: How will she handle it?

1. Normally, you get up earlier than she does...but she's probably stoked about the chupacabras, I mean capybaras. So I'll guess 7:30 am.
2. 6
3. of course...it's a petting zoo.
4. zebua, paca, agoutis, bunnies, lemur, emu.
5. I would have guessed lettuce...but since that is not an option, I will go with corn. but a chianti does sound nice.

6. 2 hours seems reasonable for a small petting zoo.

bonus -- yup! Four points for me!

 

[mustinjourney]

2. Do I drive? Fly? Both? Neither?
Answer: Both* - 15 points.
*If you said fly to Phoenix
and drive to someplace else after...
Nope! No points for you!
(Judge's decision is final.
I did allow some leeway.)

I'd like to formally submit my protest!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Ok here goes.
Kay and me. I is wrong
Yes, those fit nicely there
Drinks are strawberry lemonade and a cosmo, maybe?
1. 7:30
2. 12
3. Yes
4. Alpaca, chinchillas, wallabies
5.corn
6. 2

I saw it. No, wait. My fault.

ETA. I have no idea what is wrong with your car but it would freak me out.

 

[juniorbugman]

(Just curious... oh, fine.
I'll even throw in some bonus points.
Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?)

I like Kay and I but if you said me and Kay that would be okay.

These next photos are actually
from the next morning. But they fit in nicely here, don't they?
For bonus points, say "yes".

YES

I'm curious, if any of you suspect
what the likely culprit was.
I did provide a clue. - I think that the car was frozen because it had been freshly washed and it was cold.

Guess what we had?
No, really. Guess.

Pink lemonaide and a type of martini

1. What time do we get up in the morning?
7:00

2. We get to the petting zoo!
How many capybaras are there?
6

3. Does Kay get to touch any animals? she went there to play/hold a capybara and she does

4. Name at least one other animal that can be found at this zoo.
(Private zoo in their backyard. Picking capybara gets you zero points.) Guinea pigs

5. Kay gets to feed a critter.
What does she feed it? Corn husks

6. How many hours are we there?
4

Bonus: Did you see it?
Try to be vague.
I'll let you know if you're too vague.

Take that - I am number 1.

 

[orangecats2]

Who thinks that should be "Kay and I"?

Me!

Give me your best guess
and I'll throw some bonus points your way.
You don't have to be right.

snow in the tires?

For bonus points, say "yes".

yes

Darn, not first! There were many points I missed!