Orphan Train Rider

Orphan Train Rider
Oliver Nordmark - Age 15 - Esbon KS

Friday, April 16, 2010

Day #2 - FREAKY FRIDAY!

Today's drive was a bit tougher due to the endless stream of bugs colliding with the windshield, rain that hit right as we got to a congested St. Louis at lunch time on a Friday, and a one hour back up in traffic as we waited for what ended up being a horrific tractor trailer collison to be cleaned up. Feeling a bit rammy, we both passed the time jamming to The Sugarhill Gang and flirting with every truck driver we inched past....in our defense, "they started it, mom!"

Did you know that the fine for speeding in Indiana is $1000 and can be penalized with 8 years in prison? In THEIR defense, they do set the speed limit at 70 so I was okay since I always abide by the speed limit (right?), but the other Donna seemed hell bent on driving like the New Jersian she is; tailgating trucks, weaving in and out, going 80-90 mph and attempting to text while driving! I think she thought I owned a hummer instead of a zippy little volvo wagon. She might be taking that steel cage thing a little too much for granted. Needless to say, I had to take the keys from her - doesn't she know I have to get to Kansas in one piece-lol! I have hundreds of school kids waiting to hear about the orphan trains, not to mention a fancy dinner waiting for me in Abilene (thanks to Sara!) But....all kidding aside, I do admit to control issues, and I did in fact take the keys. And, I am happy to say, we are safely in Warrenton, MO for the night.

Now, the goats, log cabin and "The Hide Out Bar" across the street are another story. "Beer, Food, and Fun" was not really my idea of what our choices would be for dinner in Missouri so instead, I am going to bed hungry and praying that nothing knocks on the window in the night. We are the only guests here at the hotel (can't figure out why....the goats are kinda cute when you get up close). Oh, and did you know that transporting chickens in the back one's SUV with the hatch open is perfectly normal......in Missouri??

So...let's recap. 8 years for speeding.....chickens hanging out of the back of the car and goats grazing in the yard...perfectly fine. Can I leave now????

And yes......we have pictures. Haven't found the cord yet...

4 comments:

Debbie said...

Wow! The chickens were in the back of the SUV??? Uncle Verdis must have that there fancy lady, Gertie Faye with him that he's always trying to impress. Usually he carries the chickens in the front seat with him when he goes to market.

No, really! Not all Missourians are "backwoods and Hillbilly". I am, but I'm not everyone. Unlike most places, Missouri hosts a wide variety of interests and people from all walks of life. If you ever have some free time, you should come back with an open mind. But you may want to stay in the St. Louis area because there is a bigger population there. The only goats you'll see in St. Louis are at the zoo.

I hope you have a safe trip to Kansas and the kids enjoy your "Orphan Train" stories.

Donna said...

Oh, please dont take offense! It was all just in fun, and all true, which gave us a giggle! I've actually traveled in nearly every state in the country and prefer the midwest where people are REAL and will give you the shirt off your back if you need it. I am just as likely to make fun of myself as anyone else. Enjoy your day!

Debbie said...

No offense taken at all! I really enjoyed your post. In all honesty, I always look for blogs that are loaded with humor. Yours made me laugh because I actually know a few places like the ones you were talking about. I love poking fun at myself. You should hear some of the comments that I make about life in Missouri. And I, too have thoughts on oddities and different traditions of other states. By the way, I don't have an Uncle Verdis and I don't know a Gertie Faye. Although, I kind of wish I did. They sound like interesting characters, don't they?

Yaya' s Home said...

It sounds like you're just having waaaaaay too much fun. I shall always remember the Kansas trip I followed online with the two Donna's and I am totally looking forward to more stories of fun and fancy. Glad you made it as far as Warrenton, safe and sound.

~ Yaya
Yaya's Changing World