Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Grand Junction, CO to Salina, KN

Today we had a driving marathon for 14 hours.
Too tired to post.

Shower. Sleep. Dream about driving.

No Buttons from OR, NV, UT, CO.. maybe KN?

My goal was to collect buttons from every state…
Excuses:
1.       Oregon: didn’t want to stop before we got started.

2.       Nevada: Jon said no. Also WalMart was our only option for buttons

3.       Utah.. too busy looking at scenery. Got Navajo Horse Hair pottery instead
4. Too busy with the weather
5. Hopefully! Help me out Amish!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Roger! Acknowledged!

Sometimes when I talk to Jon, he hears me.. but doesn't say anything. So I don't know if he heard me. It really bugs me! Maybe this pet peeve of mine developed from my Dad who would always make sure we acknowedgd that we heard him… but this is unfamiliar territory for Jon.
Jon and I hashed it out in the car last night about it and we decided that if he had no response to what I said, that instead of sitting their silently, he would say “rodger” so that I would know he heard me. After 12 hours in the car, it was pretty funny.
D: Those mountains are amazing.
J: Roger. Acknowledged.

Celebrity Apprentice: John Rich

Last night we watched Celebrity Apprentice on www.hulu.com because we wanted to see John Rich just tank it. When John Rich came out to Little Creek Casino in January, he was the worst person ever to deal with. He was rude, disrespectful, demanding, loud, obnoxious… all around terrible. So when we saw he was going to be on the show, we couldn’t miss it. Unfortunately, he was charming, funny and hard working.
Gary Busey on the other hand, was crazy! His part in the project was to be the “Pepperoni Profit”. He performed like a preacher of pizza to lure people in and buy pizza for charity, it was hilarious! It’s a pretty funny episode. “Wherever this pepperoni lands is where the next miracle will happen!” … “Buy some pizza and your heart will be healed and you will go to heaven!” Thank you Gary Busey for a good, well needed laugh.

Continuing on: SL to Grand Junction, CO

Plan A: Drive from beautiful Salt Lake City to Denver via Wyoming.
Estimated course time: 12 hours 38 min
Hazards: multiple snow chain required stretches, blowing snow, icy conditions. Road: RED (hazards, use caution)
Plan B: Drive from SL to Grand Junction via i70
Estimated Course time: 5 hours
Hazards: No known hazards Road: GREEN (clear)

Because of the heavy snow storm that welcomed us into SL, we decided to get a late start today to make sure roads were safe. Its 12:00p now and the roads look completely clear and dry.
Tomorrow we will need to get up extra early (weather permitting) to make up for today. We might drive past Denver if we can but we’ll see how it goes!

Tomorrow’s hazards via Southern Route: few snow spots, multiple snow chain required passes.
Solution: drive during day to maximize warmest temperatures

Monday, March 7, 2011

Salt Lake City, UT

Thankfully, we made it! The heavy snow storm was patiently waiting our arrival as there is now 6" of fresh, beautiful, sparkling powder outside -- complete with Lucky's paw stamp of approval.

We are staying the night at Scott & Leah's home catching some Z's before our estimated 9am departure onto Denver, CO! Scott and Jon went OCS together and have been friends ever since! Another 7 year reunion. They made us a delicious home made dinner to welcome us into lovely Salt Lake. I could have eaten that meal forever - it was so good. Pulled pork sandwiches, green beans, pasta salad.

Hopefully leaving in the morning won't be too difficult. The snow plow crew will be the hero's of the morning.
Time for a movie. Good night!

Donner Pass into Reno, NV

Thanks Priceline.com for our cozy, pet accepting hotel room at the amazing price of $44 - after taxes!

Jon was startled by a stranger, in a wife beater tank top, who came up behind him at 1:30am in front of the hotel elevator. There was no danger as Jon was 3x his size... tiny little fellow.. but that's Reno for you.. so sneaky. "Hey, honey, want to take the puppy out?".. "Not by myself! No way!"

We were welcomed into Reno, the biggest little city in the world, with some light snow sprinkling the roads, bright colorful lights and the instant relief that we were done driving for the night. After trudging through Donner Pass 4 hours to go 60 LONG miles.. I was ready to be done driving!

We should also note that we are now proud owners of the most expensive snow chains in the world... and Jonathan Fallin, the newest professional of installation and removal of aforementioned tire accessories.