"One Elle of a Time!!"

D and I headed back to the Dallas Summer Musicals to see "Legally Blonde - The Musical." I loved this movie and I've been very excited to see this show. It might be the show that I was most excited about seeing this season.

We head for a quick dinner at La Madeleine and then down to Fair Park. It's crowded and we get in and get settled. Roland and Sylvia are there and we visit and catch up quickly.

The show was great - the music was awesome and the cast was fabulous. I really enjoyed it and would have gone and see it again!!

Here's one of my favorite numbers:

Summer's Over!!!

Four weeks ago today, I began my summer break. It's been a short one, but I had a wonderful trip and some much needed time off.

I'm hoping that year two as a principal will be easier and I'm excited about the school year that lies ahead.

And today should be fairly easy, it's just me and my secretary - no teachers, no parents, no students. I can handle that!!

Have a good day!

Maude... Sick Pup or Attention Seeker?

As you know, while I was out seeing America, Maude stayed with her trainer. She loves Karen and she likes going and being around the other dogs. The other time she stayed with Karen it was only for 5 nights, this was for 14.

I figured she'd be mad at me when she got home, like she has before, but she came home, walked to her dog bed in my bedroom and crashed. She's been pretty lethargic, I have to make her go out and walk and do her business.

Last night, I had to go to a memorial service for a friend's brother, so I fed Maude and let her out before I went. I got home (it had been 4.5 hours since I'd left) and she had a poo AND a pee accident. She's NEVER done that. She was so sad, she slunk to her bed and wouldn't get out. I didn't make a big deal and just cleaned it up.

This morning, I woke up at 7:15 and had to wake her up. Usually, she's waking me up at 5 on work days and 6 on the weekends. I had to drag her to the bathroom.

I came in and got her food ready. Usually she's jumping and barking, she's very food agressive. This morning she was laying on the floor just looking at me. I put her food in her bowl, she walked up, ate about half and then went back to bed. I knew something was wrong.

I took her to the vet . She LOVES to ride in the car and today I had to lift her (heavy girl!) and put her in the seat. She seemed to perk up a little at the vet. They couldn't find any apparent issues (ear infection, respiratory infection, etc.) but they did a CBC and her WBC was 20.4 (should be between 5-16). So the doctor gave her an antibiotic.

By the time we left the doctors, she was playing a bit with the vet tech and took a treat. She was more like her normal car riding self on our way home. We came home and she went and finished the rest of the food in her bowl. Now she's napping. I'll take her out before I go to lunch - pray we have no accidents!!

Is she really sick or did she just need some attention? Or am I just a stupid parent?

Y'all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind.......

So, I'm at the movies today with my friend Cathy - we went and saw "The Proposal" - cute movie if you haven't seen it.

We are watching previews and there is a preview for Fame: The Movie that opens in September. Ummm..... Fame opened in 1980 and the TV show was from 1982-1987. I loved that show!! Does anyone remember it?



I love Debbie Allen's speech: "You got big dreams, you want fame, well fame costs.... and right here (beating cane against floor) is where you start paying... in sweat!!"

The new Fame teachers: Frasier (Kelsey Grammar), Roc (Charles S. Dutton), and Karen from Will & Grace (Megan Mullally). Are you serious? I don't see Karen beating her cane and telling the kids that fame costs..... or if I do, she's got her Will & Grace voice on..... not real convincing like my girl Debbie.

Am I really old enough to have something from my childhood be remade ALREADY??

What about Footloose? Zac Efron is no Kevin Bacon and Julianne Hough is no Lori Singer (remember Lori Singer was also on the TV show Fame!). Why mess with a good thing?

90210? I tried to watch the new show, but I was only interested in what was happening with Kelly and Brenda - I didn't care about the other kids. I gave up and started watching old 90210 reruns on Soap Net.

And now.... Melrose Place? WTF? I'm not even gonna try to start watching it. Melrose was on from 1992-1999? It's barely been 10 years since it went off the air. I found this montage of opening montages from Melrose Place. Who will be the new Heather Locklear? I'd like to see that......



I'm pissed - please stop remaking all of my old shows!! How 'bout y'all think of an original show for a change??

Am I the only one who things this? C'mon, fellow children of the 80's, I'd like to hear what you think!!

A Chorus Line - A Singular Sensation!!

Last night, it was back to the Dallas Summer Musicals for "A Chorus Line!" And what a great musical it is!!

D and I decided to splurge and eat at the buffet at the Musical Hall. It was $22 a head, but the food was delicious and we filled ourselves with salad, shrimp, fruit, squash, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, stuffed pork tenderloin, and delicious desserts. I'm surprised that I didn't go into a food coma prior to the show.

We got settled in our seats... alas, Roland and Sylvia were a no-show for this show. They must have traded nights or had some other obligation. And I think I've just accepted that the gay commentary duo are no longer there with us.

The show was fabulous! There was no intermission, but it seemed like it flew by! Of course, I love when they do "One" at the end and they are all dressed up - it's so fabulous!

Next up, "Legally Blonde" on July 28 - this is one of the shows that I am DYING to see!! Can't wait!

Day 9: I'm Home!!

Total Miles Today: 336 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 3007 miles

9 Days, 8 States, 3007 miles!

I am home!! We got in about 4:15 today after one of the most boring drives EVER!!

I've posted some of my many pictures over on Facebook - will get some on here soon.

What a great adventure - but what's even better? Sleeping in my own bed.... and sleeping late!! I can't wait!!

Thanks for all of your comments and for following my blog on my road trip adventure.

I only have 2 more weeks of summer before I return to work on July 23, so I plan to get things done around the house, chill, and play with Maude.

Now the fun begins... unpacking and laundry!! Woo hoo!!

Day 8: Colorado Springs, CO to Amarillo, TX

Total Miles Today: 383 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2671 miles

We got up this AM and had a yummy breakfast before we cruised around Colorado Springs. We went by and visited the Broadmoor before we left.
We drove through Pueblo, stopping at Cracker Barrell for some candy. As we were heading south on I-25, we get rerouted off the freeway because of construction. We end up in this small town, Walsenburg. So we get out and explore- I found a beautiful hand painted glass heart Christmas ornament.

Back on the road, we realize we can't make the whole trip home today. We cross over into Texas and stop for dinner in Dalhart. We head on to Amarillo and call it a night.

We'll head home tomorrow. What an amazing trip it has been! I've seen a lot of our great country and I'm grateful for that. I have wonderful memories to last a lifetime!! But I'm glad to be coming home!!

(Ed.'s Note: I'm laying in bed watching the ABC channel in Amarillo. It's like amateur news night and I've got a horrific case of the giggles. It reminds me of news in Tallahassee!)


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Day 7: Cheyenne, WY to Colorado Springs, CO

Total Miles Today: 169 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2288 miles

We just weren't feeling it today. We got our own rooms last night in Cheyenne and we really enjoyed sleeping in today. We didn't check out until noon and then got on the road. We stopped in Ft. Collins and had a great lunch and then got back on the road again. By Denver, we realized that we were tired.

So we got to Colorado Springs and got a room. We took a nap and then enjoyed the complimentary happy hour at the hotel. Now we are watching TV.

We'll go to bed early, get up early, see a few things, then get on the road and see how far we can go.

I think we've been going nonstop for 7 days and we just needed a down day.

More adventures tomorrow!!

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Day 6: Deadwood, Belle Fourche, and Wyoming

From Yesterday:
Total Miles Sunday: 148 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 1748 miles

For Today:
Total Miles Today: 371 miles
Total Miles for Trip: 2119 miles

We started our morning off in Deadwood, visiting Mt. Moriah - where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried. It was a cool cemetery. We then went into town and saw Adams Museum. I learned a lot about the history of Deadwood, including Deadwood had a Chinatown and that brothels were still in business as late as 1980. We then cruised Main Street, stopping in at Kevin Costner's casino, The Midnight Star.

We stopped in Belle Fourche, which is the geographic center of the US (when you include all states or something like that).

We spent the next 5 hours driving. We stopped in Gillette and I got a cool Bono bag at Walmart (who knew?). We stopped in Chugwater for dinner- I love that name!! We got to our hotel about 9 and I'm typing this so I can crash. I'm whipped!!

Wyoming is beautiful!! We circled around a storm and saw some amazing rainbows and a beautiful sunset. People are scattered far apart, I would love to talk to someone about how they live here.

Tomorrow we head to Colorado and one state closer to home.

Until tomorrow....
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Day 5: Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Custer State Park, Keystone, then Mt. Rushmore again!

Total Miles Today:
Total Miles Trip:


After a great night's sleep, we head off to Mt. Rushmore. It was amazing to see. We had lunch on the patio overlooking it. I bought a couple of great books from there (and a t-shirt too!).

We left Mt. Rushmore and moved on to Crazy Horse. It was really cool to see it and learn the history.

On our way back to Keystone, we went through part of Custer State Park. We did this drive that was steep and curly, but had fabulous views of the Black Hills.

We got back to Keystone in the afternoon and did some shopping. We stopped and a couple of beers while we sat and people watched. Norma went to get some chips and salsa and they looked at her like she was crazy! (Ed.'s Note: Guess we really aren't in Texas anymore!)

We went back to Rushmore for the lighting ceremony. Powerful stuff!! We started out saying the pledge and doing presidential trivia. Jacob from Maryland knew his presidents!! The ranger did a talk, we watched a video and then the monument was lit. We sang the national anthem and then recognized about 50 vets who were in the audience. It was very patriotic and very moving!

Now we are heading back to Deadwood for the night. As I type, it is 51 degrees outside. I'm chilly and it's July!!!

Tomorrow we are exploring Deadwood and probably gonna try to make it to Wyoming.


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Day 4: Badlands, Wall Drug, and Circle B Chuckwagon Supper

Total Miles Today: 262 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1600 miles

This morning, we decided to head out and see the Badlands and Wall's Drug Store. We hop in the car for the 70 mile drive. It was cool and sprinkling outside. As we got close, we stopped at Prairie Homestead to look at how people lived in South Dakota in the early 1900's.

We got to the Badlands and started driving through them. Amazing and breathtaking doesn't even describe it. I took some amazing shots.

Our drive ended us at Wall Drug Store. Their claim to fame is that they would give free ice water to travelers. We had a yummy lunch and shopped in the many specialty areas of the store. It has grown a lot since 1931.

We drove back and checked into our hotel in Deadwood and took a rest. We then went to the Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner. I ate buffalo, chicken, beans, baked potato, applesauce, biscuit, and spice cake. We had lemonade and sarsaparilla to drink. The food (especially the buffalo) was delicious- I couldn't finish it all!! After dinner, we enjoyed some cowboy singing- great fun!!

We came back to the hotel and went to the casino for a beer and some gambling- yeah, I lost $15 and I was done!!

Tomorrow, it's Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Keystone!


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Day 3: Sidney, NE to Rapid City, SD

Total Miles Today: 311 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1338 miles

We made it!! We are in South Dakota! The weather here is gorgeous!

We slept in and then hit Walmart and had a quick lunch in the booming metropolis of Sidney. We start to head north and as we are driving, we realize we need proof of our time in Nebraska.

I consult the map and voila! Our prayers are answered! We are going to Carhenge (touted as Nebraska's answer to Stonehenge). We get there and it's hysterical! I have great pictures to share!

A bad storm is blowing through, so we wait it out at Dairy Queen! Then we continue our track north and enter South Dakota. We drive through Keystone, SD. It's the cutest little town at the base of Mt. Rushmore. We drive around a bit and then went to get a hotel room.

After our room, we head back to Keystone and get a great parking spot with a view of Mt. Rushmore so we can watch the fireworks. Well, it clouds over so we aren't able to see the fireworks!!

We head back to the room and crash!

Our next adventure? Wall's Drug Store and the Badlands!


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Day Two: Salina, KS to Sidney, NE

Total Miles Today: 614 miles
Total Miles Trip: 1027 miles

Sorry I didn't post last night, but we didn't make it to a hotel until 11 PM (midnight Dallas time), so we just crashed!

Yesterday morning we got up, cleaned up, packed up, then headed downstairs for breakfast. Delicious food and great service (which should have been our first clue). We are eating and chatting until the waitress asks if this will be one ot two checks? Huh? It's not free? I had to run upstairs and get money. $20 later......

We hit the Salina mothership (aka Walmart) for a few provisions and then we decide to go east to Wamego to see the Wizard of Oz museum. What a cute town and what a neat museum. We hit the Oz Winery and stock up. Then we find a cute shop and buy purses, sunglasses, and jewelry.

As we head back to Salina, we stop for lunch in Junction City and the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene. We make it back to Salina around 5 PM.

So we start to drive. Denver is our goal. As we drive through very boring parts of Kansas, we start talking that we should go ahead and hit Nebraska and Montana while we are here. So we drive into Colorado and instead of hitting Denver, we hit Burlington and go north into Nebraska. We drove for 6 hours yesterday once we left Celina for the 2nd time.

So now it's morning and we are in Sidney, NE. We are moving slow since we only have 200 miles to go today.

South Dakota, here we come!! Mt. Rushmore, see ya on the 4th!


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Day 1- Frisco, TX to Salina, KS

Total miles today: 413 miles
Total for trip: 413 miles

I'm chilling at the Marriott Courtyard in Salina, Kansas, watching the news. It's good to be in my birthstate!!

Norma and I left about 10:30 this AM.
Despite popular belief, we did NOT stop at Winstar. Maybe on the way back..... ;)

We stopped in Norman and had a quick lunch at Red Lobster. Then we headed to Oklahoma City and the Murrah Memorial. We get there about 2:30- it's hot!! We walk the grounds and then hit the museum. It's sad, touching, inspiring... a barage of emotions. I remember I was teaching 6th grade when it happened- it seems so recent, not 14 years ago.

We leave Oklahoma City and move on to Guthrie. Guthrie has a ton of buildings on the Historic Register. We drove around, it was too hot to walk. We see what we think is an old time soda counter, we get excited, park, and go in. It's not what we thought, but we get a treat and do a bit of walking. We met an overeager store clerk and we decide it's time to get back on the road.

We drive for a few hours until we get to Newton, KS. We stop at Applebee's (Ed. 's note: Kansas people love them some Applebees!) for a quick bite. Great people watching opportunity... As I try to get my bearings, I talk with a waitress.

Mo: Where am I?
Teen Waitress: Newton, KS
Mo: Is this a suburb of Wichita?
TW: Uh, I dunno. (calls out to another waitress) Are we a suburb of Wichita?
TW2: Wichita? Suburb? I don't know, I don't think so.

I'm proud of the land of my birth!!

We hop back in the car and notice all of the burned land and fires burning along the sides of the road. There were a couple of serious fires, but no people around.... what's up with that?

And that brings me here to my comfy bed in Salina. I'm tired and ready for some sleep....

We'll see where we end up tomorrow.....


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