Something big happened. Real big. Yes, Janitors is OUT on the shelves. I'll get to that later.
But this news is big, too. My one and only twin has moved away. Candace, Grant, and little Josie packed their cars and trailer and headed off to greener pastures in Kentucky. (Really they have lots of green pastures. Think Kentucky Derby people, they've gotta raise those horses somewhere.)
Before they left we had a grand farewell. It was kind of a surprise, except they new all about it. Hard to pull that off.
Heather was crucial to the cuteness of the party. Thanks for all of your great inspiration.
We had lots of great family and friends there to party. Thanks for showing up for the "surprise."
This was a great way for me to feel like I had sent them away with a "bang" since their absence is such a big thing for me.
But I just couldn't let it stop there. When I found out that Candace and Grant would be driving both their cars to Kentucky my brain started putting the pieces together. Sometimes it takes a little while to do that. I realized Candace would need a buddy to help her make the journey with Josie.
I really have become quite the road-tripper in the past few years, so I put together some reasons why I would be the best candidate for co-pilot, and begged for them to let me join. I packed my small carry-on bag, said goodbye to Ty, and embarked on a trip that would change things for my world.
The trip was hilarious. Sleeping in WalMart Parking lots. You think that's a bad idea. Well your exactly right. It made our $59 hotel stay the next night seem like heaven.
Here's part of the crew. Minus ol' green subaruby.
We sang lots of songs, enjoyed many laughs, and even did some reminiscing. It was a great way to recap the past 24 years (almost) we've had together.
We quickly learned that we were meant to be road trip buddies. Candace falls asleep at the wheel and I fall asleep in the passenger seat. Once we found our roles we cruised on through Wyoming, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and into Kentucky.
Josie seriously was the best 15 month old passenger. She spent many hours in her seat and just got funnier each day. She mastered the skill of eating edamame, taking pictures of herself, and pooping just when we thought the we needed a break. A baby is a great excuse for a pit stop.
Being able to see Kentucky was a great way to feel a connected. It has such beautiful things to offer, and will make for a great home for my Heward friends.
I can't let this travel log continue without a mention of humidity. It is my worst nightmare. I've heard people say you get used to it, but I'm sure glad I don't have to. I will take dry heat any day.
Even Josie is sticky. (and my camera would fog up every time I turned it on. That can't be good for the electronics.)
We unloaded a trailer full of treasures into their apartment. I think it will mostly all fit. Except for maybe the kitchen. Candace sure knows how to stock one full of gadgets and gismos a plenty.
Josie seemed to approve of the new place.
Once in Lexington we had to do some "touristy" things. Like visiting the local Good Will. That is where you'll see the real side of a city.
We ate good food. Josie loved this pig.
Took a walk through University of Kentucky's Campus.
Splashed in every puddle we came to. Who cares if there were bugs and cigarette butts in it. We loved the refreshment.
On my last day, we headed into Louisville to see what it had to offer. The Kentucky Derby Museum was great. Well the gift shop was, the actual museum wanted to charge us money.
We tried a quirky local restaurant and found out that Kentucky's original Hot Brown sandwiches and derby pie are something worth coming back for. How does an October visit sound?
The Louisville Slugger Museum was great. Mostly the AC in the building was great, but we did have some fun looking at their bats.
The trip ended. And I've decided that Kentucky will be good to my sister, so I will be good to it. I will only say good things when I hear its name, even when I want to yell at the humidity.
Grant will become a master dentist soon and he'll be out there tattooing the world's teeth. Really. He does that. This is such a great opportunity for them. And I was just glad I could join for part of their exciting ride.
