Last day in Illinois, packing the car, Kansas and another dog story

posted by Patty James @ 2:58pm, Thursday 3 June 2010.

It's been wonderful visiting with Victoria and Julianna these past 10 days while they're finishing repairs on the R.V. We've had a really nice time-good conversations, creating some pretty darn good meals and simply enjoying each others company. It's a good friend who opens their door to you for that long-with 2 dogs!



Patch and Wilma had baths today. The groomer said she removed 'buckets' of fur from Patch. They are both so beautiful!





Yesterday we were out for a walk and I met a woman who was walking her dog. We both said hello and she moved a bit into the street because she said her dog isn't always friendly. When the owner saw Wilma wagging her tail (Patch, as usual didn't give a darn) she moved her dog closer and her dog then lunged at Wilma. At that point, Patch proved he is paying attention even when it doesn't appear he is. He took two quick steps towards the not-so-nice dog and gave a quick warning snap and growl. Wilma was still surprised that this dog wasn't friendly and she just stood there-it all happened quickly. The woman immediately apologized (after Patch's big-time warning to stay away from Wilma) and said, "That was so sweet! He protected her." It was really sweet actually. Chivalry isn't dead after all (didn't think it was...) Good boy!

I now have Kansas all set-thanks to the dog groomer who is from there! Can you believe it? It pays to chat with folks. She thought both dogs were 'characters.' Thanks Heather for doing such a great job with the dogs and for helping with Kansas!

The car is just about all packed. The Explorer is smaller than the Traverse, so it's a bit tricky, but I'll make it work. I have no big plans for tomorrow. There is a coal mining town in Kentucky I'm going to try to make tomorrow night and hang out to see if i can chat with local people and maybe do some interviews (maybe a diner?) We'll see. I have to be in Atlanta on Sunday to prepare for a Monday morning TV interview. After it's over at about 1:30, I plan to drive the 6 1/2 hours to St. Augustine. I would love to have a moonlight walk on the beach if it works out. I then plan to camp in the lobby of Camping World and twiddle my thumbs until the RV is ready. They still have not committed.

Well, that's it for now. I'm a little nervous today. I guess not driving for 10 days has done this-out of practice. Tomorrow night I'll post from maybe Kentucky if I make it the 9 hour drive.....