From: auntdaisy@earthlink.net
Subject: TravelHound - sniffing out the sights
Date: July 24, 2005 9:54:45 PM PDT
To: amyjunius@6degreesinc.com, sonnova@comcast.net, auralfixasean@yahoo.com, amanda@riverstreet.net, lana.andrews@bydeluxe.com, amynadine13@yahoo.com, fromemma@sbcglobal.net, ailtis@hotmail.com, squee8@comcast.net, aronic7@hotmail.com, ann@annhowley.com, alex@philsfilms.com, and 85 more...

It got chilly last nite and stayed brisk throughout the morning.
I never thought I'd be so grateful to be cold, I was almost giddy.
Much like the first snow just before Christmas,
not that I'd really know
being I'm from L.A. and all,
but that's how it is in my head.

At the Albuquerque RV park a woman named Jackie was instantly smitten with Percy. She's travelling with her husband and their four kids.
Their from New York and once again, I was asked if I was a New Yorker by a New Yorker.

Mom, Dad, is there something you want to tell me? Is my theory of being born a New York Jew correct?
Listen, it's okay, I'm glad my original parents chose the bagels over me, I can't imagine any better folks in the whole wide world!!!

That too would explain the question, "Who the heck does she take after."
She being me, for clarification purposes.

I think I should let everyone know, I'm just kidding, I think the years of wanting to pass me off as someone else's kid
have came and went. If they didn't try and ditch me as a teenager, well then
Maresiedotes and James-O have most definitely earned the sit back, watch and enjoy years!

(Although, I still may be giving them a run for their money.) =)

After Soda Dam Falls (the first time - I'll explain)
I went in for a sandwich and heard someone call out
"Hey Daisy! Where's Percy?" It's a funny sensation to be somewhere you've never been in your life
and have an unfamiliar voice call out your name.

Now the "where's Percy" statement most assuredly par for the course.

It was Jackie, Percy's newest pal. Enjoyed a bit o'bonding time with her family -- they were eating ice cream
(only ONE scoop each, can you believe it!) and I got a little misty for the Mertzels!

Tent Rocks was the next destination I placed on my itinerary.
Saw pictures on the internet -- which is a good thing, because 2 days later still haven't seen them up close and personal.

When studying the map, I noticed a quicker route to these "teepee-shaped formations of Volcanic debris."
Impressively, I even printed out informational tidbits about the area, including directions.
Less impressively, I didn't actually scan the sheet until I had already driven an hour 1/2 into my new found short cut.
The road was VERY narrow and quite bumpy. It was at this time I rummage around and came across this warning
"At Forest Road or the 266 begins the most dangerous part of the trip. In some places 266 is severely washboarded. Unless you're driving a hummer or Sherman Tank, speeds over 10 miles wil rattle your teeth and ruin your shocks."

Interesting. I pulled over to take time to reflect on my current situation. First and foremost on the noteworthy list
I was surrounded by incredible beauty and rather humored at the sight of my Percy Prominent RV in the middle of Sherman Tank country.

Hmmmmm, I got out snapped some photos and took a quiet moment. Just then (answered prayers are soooo fun, especially when instantly gratified. One of the great miracles of life. Try it some time!)

In that moment a white pickup truck came from the opposite direction and Michael pointedly filled me in that the road I was experiencing now was NOTHING compared to what lay ahead. And what lay ahead for me was most likely RV damage and a severe case of being stranded.

Alrightie then, give that man a luggage tag! I thanked him so much, I think I made him nervous -- coulda been the part about calling him an angel, but I did see smile cross his face.

Three hours after departing Soda Dam Waterfall, I found myself right back where I started.
Which was perfect! I was disappointed in myself for not swimming in the hole
(Percy wasn't up for it so I opted to pass too) and I was consuming mass quantities of sugar to counteract the sleepiness.
(Yes, Dad, I did brush.) I pulled over with great resolve, left Percy to hold down the fort and climbed back down those rocks in my flip flops.
Most refreshing, although passerbyers didn't know what to make of me, but I'm certainly used to that by now.




The road to Taos was stunning, passing thru a plethora of landscapes, forests, large open valleys, hillsides and clouds topped with sunset sauce that almost made me drive off the road. (really should stop filming while driving.)


taken WHILE driving, thank you very much!
(I mean, shame on me, that's very dangerous young lady!)


VERY famous church -- my first sight of Taos



being welcomed with open arms into Taos

My day in Taos was filled with new friends who love their dogs,
and quite frankly
loved mine!!!
Percy yet again given the key to the city, well, perhaps the golden biscuit.

Nancy - super delightful store owner in Taos, could not give Percy enough treats.

Kara & Jackie at the Taos Inn invited us to join them for a margarita.
Percy wagging heavily at the idea of having his first alcoholic beverage,
but alas being under age, he was got tipsy on life, knowing that he manifested the invite.

This is where they made Percy "Prince of Taos."

Later Rebecca and her two friends, rats, I hate that I cant' remember their names befriended us along with their dogs, Petey and Momo.
The next morning I met Kara for breakfast and couldn't get enough of those darn delicious green chiles!
Good thing I don't live here, apparently too much Green Chiles takes quite a toll on your insides.

"Getting plugged in" as a friend suggested:

created atmosphere by me at Taos RV Park

created atmosphere by "the Big Guy" at Taos RV Park
(Nice teamwork, no?! -- maybe we oughta go into business together!
Oh wait, I'm pretty sure we already are.)

Off to Santa Fe and cousin Loralee.
(see next update)

And then...

yep, back home

I feel as if I've been rather remiss....
Yes, I've met some delightful folks on the road,
and seen scenery that's made my heart swell,
but nothing's touched me more than all the notes of support and phone calls of encouragement I've
gotten from my family and friends and family of friends!!!
Thank you you SOOOO very much for coming along with me
You know who you are!!!
you're priceless gifts in my life
and as I drive these quiet roads
waves of gratitude continually sweep over me:
for what I've seen, been lucky enough to do
and most importantly what I have
YOU GUYS!!!!
That makes me the luckiest gal in ALL THE LAND!!!
Even if the thought crossed your mind...
wonder how daisy's doin' on the road these days, that counts too.
That kinda stuff makes it over to me.

Wow, granola-y AND sappy.
Mmmmm, sounds like some good makin's for a healthy breakfast.

=)


please tell me you see THIS rainbow!!!

Subject: TravelHound... "I've got a blog"
No, I'm not "taking" anything for it.

It's 1:36am, and I've finally posted all my TravelHound Updates to a "blog."
It's basically a web/internet journal/forum/diary thingy.
Oh let's face it,
I really don't know what the hell it is, but I've been told it could be helpful in building my
or rather "our"
fan base.
Although, with my history of crazies
I could just end up building a throng of stalkers.
Either way, I guess they say there's no such thing as bad press or attention.
Might need a judges ruling in my case.
Anyway, send people to....

http://daisyandpercy.blogspot.com/

It's pretty much just a rehash of what you all are getting first hand.
Basically you've got a free subscription to the newsletter
whereas others will have to "tune in."

Now besides bug carcasses all over my windshield
I've seemed to have started a trend
the computer screen's seen a lot of death tonite.
BLECHHHH!!!!

In the words of Professor Golin, my College History Professor...

"And now, lemme go on with me story."
(Ya hafta say it out loud in sort of a deep, breathy, mafioso-esque voice.)

**********************

Yesterday (or what was yesterday when I started this)
morning I started off by writing letters to my nephews (the twins)
who, I'm very proud to say are headed off on their very first solo vacations.
Maybe someone out there DOES take after me!
(Quick , someone pick my sister up off the floor.)
=)
Anyway, I wrote them letters including photographic representation of my journey
and a souvenir TravelHound luggage tag. I have no idea why, but I was soooo tickled
to be sending them little daisy envelopes from New Mexico.
I was almost giddy and indulged in WAY too much self disclosure with the post man.

I made a second attempt at reconnecting with folks from our 1979 family vacation.
Oh, my mistake, apparently we met THIS particular family in 1977. A mere 28 years ago.
Seems like yesterday. (Nope, not in the slightest do I remember meeting these people,
but Dad's all excited, and I hate to let my pal, James-O down.)
So, I drove to the Zuni Pueblo, south of Gallup, New Mexico and remarkably
when I asked for Wayne & Virginia Quam
the fellow at the gas station walked me around the side of the building and pointed to a trailer.

Apparently Virginia and Wayne no longer live together.
Seeing as how it's been almost thirty years
there could be any number of reasons,
none of which are my business, or yours.
Although Virginia was out and not to return for hours I felt vindicated
having at least stepped foot in her home.
(Unless of course there's another Virginia Quam in the Zuni Pueblo.)
Her grandsons were there and didn't quite know what to make of me
nor did they care enough to try.
(Yes Dad, I left a note and my phone number.)
It was well worth the trip just for a gander at their itty, bitty, teeny, tiny puppy dog
who was the only one in the house that seemed to notice me.
Not that it would have been appropriate for the boys to lick and nibble my feet, but...
(Okay people, move on!!!!)

And that's just what I did; onto the Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave.
One of the original destinations I had researched for the TravelHound itinerary.
When Percy and I walked up to the front gate we encountered the following sign:
"No Dogs Allowed" accompanied by another big sign
"No Pets Permitted."
I was starting to feel very much as if I was living in a Peanuts cartoon...
I was half expecting people to talk like this, "wah wah wah, wah wah, wah wah wah wah."
(It makes sense if you've ever had the viewing pleasure of a Peanuts cartoon.)
I thought about going with the approach that Percy's really not a pet,
but rather more of a family member.
Instead, I gave up all too easy, put Percy in the RV and headed back to the "trading post/ticket office."
"How are you today?" they smiled. "Well, I must confess, I'm pretty disappointed," I confided.
"I was really looking forward to sharing the Bandera experience with my puppy dog. I was gonna carry him and everything."
"Oh, well if you can carry him, you can bring him."
WAHOOOOOOOOO!
I thanked them profusely and gave them TravelHound tags.
I went to rustle up a little snack from their very small snack selection
and when I tried to pay for an apple, they said it was on the house
cause I gave 'em the tags. They were grinning away!
How sweet is that!?!?!!!!!!!

Just when I thought THAT's THE sweetest,
I met the Angeles Family. They were sort of a modern day Partridge Family
but in an RV vs. a technicolor bus AND I have no idea whatsoever if any of them can sing.
But Mom was driving them all from Hollister, CA to Disney World, Orlando, FL.

Mom: Gardenia (no wonder we hit it off!)
Bella, Arlene and Percy, of course.









Ollie and Quentin were like tag team comics.
There were HYSTERICAL...
stay tuned for TravelHound, the t.v. show
and live coverage.
(I'd love to get them in as reoccurring characters.
I think they could be bigger than Kramer!)




Alisa (and not pictured: Grandma & Grandpa)

I loved chatting with the grandparents in spanish.
(This whole spanish speaking business has come up on several occasions,
which leads me to wonder...
TravelHound en español?!"
We'll get back to that.)


The Angeles Family took such a liking to Percy and I that they invited us to
hop in their RV and make the pilgrimage to Orlando.

"Daisy, you just spent 3 1/2 weeks on the road, living your dream and shooting TravelHound,
no where are ya gonna go?"
"I'm going to Disney World!!!!"
SOOOOOOOOOooooooo tempting I can't tell you,
of course if ya know me at all
no words are necessary.
Man that woulda been fun!
Alas, I waved good bye to my favorite on the road family
and headed to Albuquerque for the night.


More snapshots from the road - while driving...
behind all the bug splatters, there's a rainbow.
Honest, take my word for it.
(Sound's almost like a philosophical statement on life...
"behind every bug splatter, there's a rainbow."
Hmmm, I feel a t-shirt in the making.)


Hate to sound too Granola-y, but the Universe is really supporting me.
Just when I begin to question myself, lack o'camera person, continuation of this trip...
along the way, multitudes of rainbows filled the sky.
And then, the Angeles Family to really bring it home
and show us why we're still on the road.

Also for the record I'd like to state
that along with my conviction that we're ALL God's people
(no teachers pets so to speak, the big guy doesn't play favorites)
there's a heck of a lotta "God's Country" out here.


Soda Dam Waterfall, Jemez Springs, New Mexico (thanks Moizee!)

Although many areas make this claim
I gotta say...
"God moves in mysterious ways, ALL over the Universe!!!!"


New Mexico Sky
(there is something awfully special about New Mexico,
can't quite put my finger on it.)

On that note (fingers and nature) let me also say
I'm surrounded by the miracle of nature
every day
in every way.
Get a load of my "famous fingers..."


Same two digits, honest injun.
(Ooooo, perhaps not the most politically sensitive phrase considering my location.)

On our approach into Albuquerque I kept noticing big flashes of light on the hillside.
The lightning storms are like a continuation of the 4th of July.
I heard in the news that 90% of all forest fires here in New Mexico
are caused by lightning.
At about 2AM there were huge, intense gusts of wind.
Scared the bajoobies outta me & Percy,
although in all honesty,
Percy seemed to handle it a little better than I did.



another big day.
(I'm sure it wouldn't surprise any of you
that I have enough pictures of Percy sleeping to have a one woman/one dog show.)

The question has arisen,
when EXACTLY do I plan on coming home?
A very good question, indeed.
Whereas we've established that I really like driving
(as I DID state in my 2003 Century 21 tv commercial...
"I love to drive. If you want to go on a road trip, I'm your gal!")
I've also discovered that RV life is the life for me.
However, it does seem evident that my little pal, Percy not quite as "taken" with the mobile home existence.
As Dorothy herself states, EVEN after having met the wizard,
partook in marvelous adventures and formed new friendships...
ultimately
"there's no place like home."

That being said I should be arriving in Santa Fe Thursday or Friday.
Will stay, however long I stay, (don't fence me in -- but, probably a couple of days)
and then head for home; perhaps via Sedona/Flagstaff.

I'll say this, don't start August without us!

=)

daisy & percy

Having gone against one of my cardinal rules last nite,
(minds out of the gutter please, I said "cardinal" NOT "carnal")
had pasta for dinner, not just after 6 but after 8p.
And not JUST pasta but a HUGE portion of fettucini
smothered in olive oil and garlic, accompanied by
not just ONE but TWO kinds of buttery, cheesy bread.
Percy and I were inspired this morning to take a walk,
perhaps less inspiration befalling my little four-legged companion,
nonetheless we set out to stretch our leggs and decrease our dimples.
(Again, less on Percy's part, but you get the picture.)

We jaunted along the side of the road until we came across a little dirt path
nestled among some low weeds and wildflowers.
Instantly it was as if we were taking part in a scene from the Wizard of Oz
little grasshoppers jumped to and fro as if to say "hello" and lead us to the Emerald City
(or at least, the bank.)
The experience was a cross between Dorothy following the yellow brick road
and a stroll across a frying pan of popcorn.
As soon as the area become shaded, all activity stopped.
We journeyed forward and as that path ended the next began
this time with foliage heading up to my waist and as we waded through
butterflies waved us welcome in flying salutations.
As all good paths do, this one soon ended and we were left on the sidewalk.
But out of the curbside crack of THIS sidewalk, grew sunflowers in a row
all pointing the way to civilization ahead. They stood at attention saluting us as we passed.
We didn't actually make it to see the wizard but we did purchase a refreshing bottle of H2O
whilest being showered with compliments regarding Percy's good looks.
I have to say, I appreciate that even with all the attention, my little guy remains
the social, down-to-earth fellow we know and love!


I heard about those kids that have picked up this new trend of "car surfing." Apparently they stick themselves out the windows of fast moving cars, and I thought to myself, how preposterously unsafe! On that note, I share with you my photos taken while driving...



best co-pilot ever, althogh his map skills could use some work








driving 'round the bend into Sedona
(don't try this at home.)


Our trip to Sedona did not yield a camera person
however, we did acquire more delightful friends.
On our way to meet our new pal, Frankie at her gallery
we stopped into a store called "Soothe Your Soul"
with a name like that, how could I not.
As you can see, Scott the shops owner was quite smitten with Percy.


Papparazzi comes to Sedona


I'm not sure who enjoyed the "home" experience more,
Percy or me. He must have done like 80 laps around the living room
giving carpet very much the same appreciation that he gives to grass.
I on the other hand did double flip flops over the laundry machines!
And I still can't get over the views, the feeling was rather mutual for Percy.

Percy conveying his sentiments:
"Sedona's lip licking lovely!"









This just in...
go to the following website:

http://www.wickhams-stickems.com/news.html

a) for TravelHounds first official sponsor/press release
b) for the cutest darn magnets to put on your car, any one that knows me
(which actually should be all of you!) has seen all sorts of fun magnets on my car
from hearts to stars, and daisys (hurray) as well as a whole lot more.
Hmmm, perhaps we stay tuned for travelhound car magnets.
In the meantime, I have been passing out TravelHound souvenir luggage tags.
Gotta get to work on the TravelHound Website -- HELP!!!!
or rather, if there's anyone out there that could lend a helping hand
I'd be oh-so grateful and thrilled to bits!!!



Farewell breakfast with my new special Flagstaff friends.






Then we went to the top of Humphrey's Mountain
where we relished in the scenery and giggled
as we watched Percy bounding through the wild flowers
whilst fetching sticks.





seriously, could he be any happier?







The time had finally come to uproot from Flag.
and continue ahead to New Mexico.
On the way, at my father's urging
I attempted to dig up some folk my family had met
on a Hopi Reservation back in 1979.
I was directed to go past the burnt wash
turn right at the church
pass the small trailer and continue on to the larger one behind it.

I did come across said trailer
but it looked rather deserted and
I wasn't sure if the leashless dog with black tongue
was greeting or guarding,
alas...
hopefully I'll do better at the Zuni Reservation near Gallup
where I am currently.

Sorry James-O!

I was rather disappointed and started feeling that perhaps
I should have just headed for home.
And then I saw rainbow after rainbow heading into Gallup.
Man that's good stuff!!!

I'll be continuing on to Taos and finally Santa Fe where I'll
spend some quality bonding time with my Dad's first cousin.
She has three dogs, one of which I thought played the harmonica
however, I misunderstood. Apparently, SHE plays the harmonica
and they sing. Too bad, but sure was a great visual!

Back in about a week folks,
keep those ideas and driveway offers coming!

=)

hugs & wags,
daisy & percy

Of all the photos I've shared
the "blister shot" seems to be creating the biggiest buzz.

Thanks everybody for your concern.
They seem to be healing nicely...


the latest blister phase

I've must confess, I'm loving Flagstaff.
I've been spending a lot of time collaging, writing and hanging out with my new artist friend.
His studio, may very well be one of my most favorite places to be.


I just can't stay out of this studio!
And Percy's sooo "in"
he's got his own little are complete with bowl of water and brand new squeaky ball.

I don't think I've ever had an artist come over and hang his own work...




Nothing says home like art.











Well, I'm getting a taste of the celebrity life.
I've been at Kit Carson RV park long enough that word of TravelHound has spread.











I even have people coming by to take our picture.


Percy's building quite a fan base, for that matter, so is the RV.
(I think their just being polite by including me.)



The Kit Carson RV park in Flagstaff is run by an outgoing gal named Diana.
She's fun as all get up and refuses to believe that we're actually going to leave.

She proudly displays her TravelHound luggage tag on her key chain;
and I've caught her bragging about me on several occasions.
She's offered us both jobs, Percy's gonna get back to her.
Her husband just got out of the hospital after a stroke,
and yet they both just smile away.
LOVELY LOVELY People!
She brought him by the motorhome to meet me and Percy.
It's fun having company over,
although big soirees seem unlikely.


We're head back to Sedona to meet with a couple of camera folk.
Cross your paws. Either way, word is, New Mexico is not to be missed.
So, camera or no camera, we're there and then we're back here
I mean, there.
Oh, you know!

Alrightie, catch ya on the flip.

your pals,
daisy & percy

After dropping off the camera guy, the two biggest questions
hanging in the balance were...

1) Where to go from here?
Do I continue on to Chicago as planned?
Although after seeing how much footage we had shot
and quite frankly upon realizing the difficulties of having this guy around
I had decided I didn't want to experience Chicago with this person.
However, now that he was no longer in the picture, why not?
There's a ton of stuff going on there, but...
it's far!
AND Percy & I could easily fly there in the future
plus, better to shoot Chicago once someone's purchased the show, no?
Soooooo,
that being decided, a voice kept telling me to go to Santa Fe, New Mexico by way of Flagstaff, Arizona which was pretty easy considering Flagstaff's 30 miles from Sedona.

2) The other BIGGER question, what to do about filming? I have enough footage, easily to edit a 30 m in. show --
that is if the camera guy truly got "the great stuff" he told me he did each time we shot.
I don't see why that shouldn't be the case and I may very well purchase an additional drive
and take a peek.
Anyway, I figured I'll grab stuff when I can -- although admittedly I'M NO camera person, plus
Percy and I are sort of a team.

Perhaps we should take a moment out to broach a certain subject I've been avoiding...
BBQ Sauce is no longer with me, and I must confess, it broke my heart.
We were in Kingman, AZ and I took him out onto the grass to stretch his little turtle legs.
He was basking in the sun, a smile on his face. I looked away for a MINUTE, I swear it was just a moment in time
and when I looked back... GONE!!!!
We looked for him for 8 hours and no go!
=(
I wanted to share this photo of him with ya'll in case anyone out there's thinkin'
he was just a turtle. He was such a great, magical little creature, super interactive and filled with personality.
I can only hope he ran away to freedom to start a whole, big adventure all his own.
Certainly, I can respect that!!! Keep good thoughts for the little fella wontcha?!


BBQ Sauce in all his glory


(Of course, this brings up yet another question...
I loved having BBQ Sauce with us and I think he brought a special sumpthin' sumpthin' to the team
not to mention the fact that he's a fantastic part of the logo which I love sooooo much!
Let's take a moment out to publicly thank my pal, Amanda (not to be confused with my niece Amanda, who is also my pal)
for creating the logo and doing to super speedy and with GREAT kindness and generosity of time and patience.
HURRAY for you AMANDA, it's a HUGE hit!!!! So much so that when Percy sticks his head out the window,
people say, "Hi ya, Percy!")
So, do I get BBQ Sauce - deux?
Think about it, get back to me.

Back to question #2 -- the question on filming.
Sooooo, I'm wondering what to do about filming, find a camera man,
go to Chicago to shoot and get someone there.
Make a great effort to shoot all I can on my own?

Well, when in Rome...
Sedona is a town sitting on a vortex.
People come from all over to get messages from the Universe.
I went to the Crystal Castle to get a reading for Percy, but they had no one there specializing in animals.
I had to cards of folks who did in my pocket, I called them from the porch of the Crystal Castle
both their numbers were disconnected. In attempting to leave, Percy wouldn't let me.
So, being a big fan of Universal messages, I took it as a sign.
There I was given the confirmation to head to Santa Fe (hitting Flagstaff first)
go with my instinct and hold off on Chicago
and not concern myself too much with shooting.
Not to mention the fact that earlier that same day, Maureen Tunney, one of my most favorite people in all the land,
(folks have heard me mention her so much perhaps, they may have developed "Marcia" syndrome with regards to her.
You know Jan, from the Brady Bunch... "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.")

Anyway, Mo Tun called me and said, "Go to Santa Fe by way of Flagstaff."
Well, there ya have it!!!

With the new destination decided, I was still a bit contemplative over the whole filming dilemma.
To really get my space "up to snuff" as Maresiedotes Mertzel would say, I got a sage wand, some incense and a
"messages from your masters" candle, with glass votive.

That night, Percy and I walk around for no less than an hour and a half looking for a restaurant
that would allow me to enjoy a nice relaxing meal with my guy. Alas, to no avail.
However, I did walk by many a gallery, most of which weren't my particular cup of tea.
But there was this one... Wild Heart Gallery, that as I walked by, even in it's darkness
called to me so much that I turned around, grabbed a business card
which happened to be hung on the OUTside of their door
and I "made note to self, MUST come here in the AM before departing."
So, I did. And we'll get to that in just a moment.
After finally ordering dinner to go from, now what was one of the only places still open by this time
I headed back to the RV Park on foot after being warned about the Havalina or Javalina --
the wild pigs that roamed the roads at night.
"You should be fine they said, just be sure to use your flashlight."
Flashlight? What flashlight? The city girl that I am, left the motorhome while the sun was still out
and didn't even consider it would be dark aka no street lights for the walk home.
oops.
Having avoided a wild pig attack, and feeling utterly zonked from the dinner search extravaganza
I ate my salad, lit my "Masters" candle and literally passed out on the bed.
Only to be jarred awake by the sound of my fire alarm; startled the heck outta me and
scared the bajoobies outta my pal, Percy.
The candle melted and broke the glass votive and caught fire.
EVERYONE remain calm, well, A) cause you're getting this email, and
B) it was a very small fire.
So I put the fire out, I convinced Percy to extricate himself from the corner
and realized my right hand was killing me!
I must have burned it during my super stealth spring into action.
OUCH!!! It was really hurting.
I've always heard butter helps a burn.
Not so much really.
Then I remembered the first aid kit I insisted on purchasing, good girl.
The cooling burn gel... nowhere near as soothing as good ole fashioned running water.
The only problem was standing up at the sink all hours was not my idea of a good nites sleep.
So, I filled up a big bowl of water, grabbed my Mr. Happy ice pak from the freezer (thanks, Moizee)

and went to sleep with my hand cooling off in my salad bowl.
(NO! I didn't wet my bed, sillies.)

My right hand, being my filming hand, I decided to go ahead and listen to this message lest the whole arm fall off next.
I awoke the next morning, happily eased from the large quantity of pain to a dull discomfort and
my fingers had obtained an array bulbous blisters that I'm finding really rather fascinating.


Me and Percy and my blisters set out for the Wild Heart Gallery as noted to self the previous evening
And met the most wonderful gal(s).
Well, Percy really gets the credit - as usual; being the ladies man that he is,
he swept the owner of the gallery off her feet and proceeded to do so with most of the gallery owners in the area
not to mention customers.
I ended up spending almost 6 hours in that gallery visiting with Frankie the owner, meeting her husband Mark.
Socializing with Judy across the hall and taking EVERYONE's picture with Percy.
In Frankie's gallery, she has an artist featured who has somehow managed to capture my imagination
and put it on the canvas. I absolutely fell in love with his work and am convinced, if he painted murals across the globe
the world would finally live in peace!!!!
His stuff also screams children's book.

(Frankie above in her Wild Heart Gallery, Louis' artwork above)
So, Frankie says, "Louis, the artist would love you and his daughter would love Percy,
before you continue on your journey, you MUST go to Flagstaff and see his studio, you'll love it!"
HELLO!!!!
Hit me over the head, I'm heading to Flagstaff!

Tirza, Louis' daughter with a faceful of peas
(they had never tried English Peas in the pod
even though one of Louis' pieces features peas.)

They took me out for pizza that nite
I must confess I had pizza this am with my coffee for breakfast
as I sit her typing to you all in my polkadot pajamas.

Must get going, I'm meeting Frankie and her husband at Louis' gallery this morning.
How sweet is that, they're closing up their shop on a Saturday to show me around Flagstaff!

Mucho smoochos!
daisy & percy

A multitude of experiences have come our way.
The visuals have been most marvelous
but it's the people we've met and mingled with that have made this trip unreal!



Percy getting the party started at the Sandbar Grill in Lake Havasu, AZ
(our new pal Nancy who couldn't get enough of my guy, Percy
but then, who can?)



Percy & I made it onto our first "wall of fame"
at the famous Hackberry General Store in Hackberry, AZ off Route 66
The couple who own the store were a bit shy at first, but we managed to get them a gigglin!




One of their 5 adopted dogs: Max the Puppy @ Hackberry General Store










our pal Earl (75 on July 2nd) and his dog Taffy (21 - not pictured)
Quite a character this one and a jokester too!










Fireworks in Williams, AZ
sitting in lounge chairs in a field on the side of the road
after waving in their 15 min. parade.

I knew I'd find the man of my dreams on my trip
although I a little torn. In Calico I found me a real Cowboy, but he's a little on the stiff side.






Then, in Lake Havasu, I hit it off with a guy who really knew how to be a kid, plus he LOVED Percy.
But I think we're at different places in our lives.


Well, there's still New MExico.

=)

On June 24th, 2005 we headed out in my new, or rather repo-ed 2005 Phoenix Cruiser to live the dream. What dream you ask, and thus I answer: I sold my condo, quit working, bought an RV and hired a camera guy to shoot the pilot episode of TravelHound; a travel tv show starring me (daisy), percy (my puppy -- he'll be 3 in August) and bbq sauce (my baby red-eared slider turtle.) I present to you some snap shots and tidbits from our adventure thus far.

Just a little sumpthin to get your tail waggin!!!
love to all
from daisy, percy & BBQ

TravelHound RV & logo



percy on vacation in style




yosemite