Mom and Dad were ready to board the train, “The City of New Orleans” for Memphis. Mom felt maybe they’d be piped on board with the song “The City of New Orleans” by Willie Nelson as they stepped onto the train. Short of that, mom says she could have sung it for everyone….hope you held off mom, we’ve heard your voice before.
Mom, what’s the guy in the raincoat doing to the guy in front of him?
OK. OK…we won’t discuss the man in the raincoat. Back to our story. There was an upper deck and that’s where mom and dad”s sleeper unit was situated.
Cwap! Those are steep.
How did you manage to get up those steps mom? Dad gave me a boost on the butt and I was set…no problem.
Now once they got into their little room and it sounds very small, they deposited their overnight bag and sat. There was a wee table in front of the window and a bathroom a wee bit smaller than the airplane bathroom set back a bit. Sitting didn’t last long as they were tired but knew they had to eat, so headed to the dining car. They couldn’t help it but the child in them came poking through in their dinner orders. Dad had a hot dog and mom had Mac and Cheese….comfort foods. What they didn’t realize was they were both getting colds.
They dragged their butts back to the little sleeper and made up the bed for the night. They were both kinda stunned when the beds went down. So much for a romantic night on the train. There was an upper bunk….this would be dad’s bed. The lower bunk became mom’s resting area. When the beds were down there was a path of six inches between the sink and bed. Two steps and you were sitting on the toilet. Dad climbed the ladder and settled in for the night. Mom lay down and was all prepared to be rocked gently to sleep. She had a sheet and a very thin blanket for cover. She snuggled down and waited for the lull but the train didn’t sway, it shook with a thud and a jerk every few miles. Sounded like the engineer was collecting road kill with each thud. The train shook all her blankets off and one thud…moved her to the bottom of the bed. Furthermore the engineer was leaning on the whistle! Mom and dad started chatting about 3:30am and got up about 4am as dad was not sleeping either.
This is dad explaining to mom that this was a learning experience…..obviously train travel is not for them.
Here is mom’s response to such great info….hehe
Finally 6:30am rolled around and they were leaving the train. The weather in Memphis was terribly cold and there was ice on some cars.
Mom and dad rented a car and headed out to catch a tour of Graceland….Elvis’s mansion. They were very tired but this was Elvis’s mansion….they had to see it.
Graceland
You could see Priscilla’s influence in the livingroom where there were two painted pheasants in bright blue on the windows between the living room and TV room and yes the TV was from that era….round screen and all. The picture mom took was too fuzzy my friends. However, here is a picture of Elvis’s kitchen, where he made those famous grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
There were several out buildings that showed Elvis’s movie roles, gold and platinum records and his gifts to various organizations. He was a true philanthropist. Mom, how can you say that? He was a wonderful man…not like the fellow in the raincoat at the train station! That’s what I’m saying Shoko…he just kept giving to others less fortunate than himself. If a friend liked something…Elvis would buy it for him. Pretty generous I’d say. Me too!
After visiting Graceland, these two fought sleep and headed for a cruise down Beale St. Finally retiring to the hotel.
Alot of tourist traps
Back at the hotel, mom and dad ate and went to bed. Tomorrow they were to drive to Alabama and meet some friends. Mom helps dad drive by giving very helpful advice…like, there’s a car coming and the light is turning red. Dad does not appreciate it and mom just doesn’t know why.
Saturday rolled around and mom and dad headed out for Alabama about 9am. Alright, let’s get going to Huntsville. The scenery was spectacular. The land was as flat as pee on a plate but the Southern Pines were fantastic. Thinner than the BC pines.
They stopped for brunch at the Cracker Barrel. There are no Cracker Barrels in Canada. We will do a separate post of mom and dad’s first dealings with grits and buttermilk biscuits another day.
I just gotta ask mom…are you wearing the same sweater since you left home? That is tacky mom. No Shoko one sweater is darker than the other. OK…if you say so!
They went through Mississippi and then before they knew it there was Huntsville. They had made it. Mom and dad were staying in the Hilton Hotel as were June and Jim. Mom heard a knock on the door and opened it to see June and Jim from the blog Piglove. Big hugs went all around. Where was Bacon Mom? They left Bacon at home with his nana. He really likes staying at nana’s, so that’s alright. We hugged and chatted and traded goodies to each other. Shoko and Kali got a haul of treats and toys. There were several goodies in the bag for Bill and I also.
Look at all the Goodies!!
Look at who hitched a ride with all the goodies. It’s, “Elf on the Shelf.” Now I have a fun buddy, mom. We’ll see about that Shoko.
The four of them chatted and laughed during dinner and the whole evening. They all had a blast. Mom felt like she’d known them for years. This was the making of two good friendships.
June and Jim Thompson
So, mom and dad had been on the road for 4 days. Mom seemed to wear the same sweater a lot…no matter what she says. They wished they lived in Georgia after meeting Bacon’s parents and they are tired. So we’ll let them sleep until next time my friends.
The Canadian Cats 
Oh what a shame they had to have a spot on the train that was designed for leprechauns instead of full-sized humans! My Mom says train travel is fun but if you think you’ll ever get a good night’s sleep – well – DREAM ON…hahaha. I just know Bacon’s Mom and Dad are a big hoot to be with so that had to be a ton of fun as was perhaps seeing Elvis’ old home. That place loads up with Elvis fans on his birthday every year! Can’t wait to hear if your Mom continues to wear the same sweater on the trip (tee hee) and what’s next on their trip down South……….
Hugs, Sammy
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Mom is so happy she went to Graceland and saw all the platinum and gold records and his kitchen etc. A friend asked mom if she saw the bathroom where he died…rather ghoulish…I thought but mom and dad weren’t allowed upstairs,
Huggles,
Shoko
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yes, the photo of raincoat guy is interesting at the first look :o) I agree, it’s not easy to find sleep in a train, as romantic as it sounds sometimes…and it was very brave that your dad picked the upper bunk, it can be dangerous to get out of the bed when you forget, that it isn’t “your” bed at home :o) I so agree with you it’s the crib of Elvis and I would visit Graceland too, no ifs not butts :o) And yes, he was not only the King of Rock n’ Roll he never forgot those in need…. and he was always there for his friends. I was great to travel with you and I enjoyed the part as you met June&Jim, I guessed that you had a blast and tons of fun. They are wonderful people, Bacon couldn’t find a better home than the Hotel Thompson, right?
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Mom and dad had a great time with June and Jim and will never forget their visit south to see them. They have even been chatting about maybe going to Georgia next year….we’ll see….I don’t want them to leave us again….I was so upset. I just stopped staring at mom.
Huggles,
Shoko
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oh maybe June&Jim can come to you next year? butt wait… then bacon is alone at home…hmmmm… maybe you can meat each other in the middle? …. then you AND bacon are alone at home… life is complicated…
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Awesomesauce!! First I know you could probably write an entire book on the travels on a train. Bumpiness, road kill, bell whistles and being gently tossed around as you sleep. Snorts – mom and dad have always wanted to sleep on one. I think they will pass. And Elvis’ mansion – WOW. To see where he made those amazing peanut butter banana sammies – I’m in awe. Speaking of which, I think I need one…. really need one.
And it does look like ya’ll had fun with my mom/dad. Hope they weren’t too crazy – I know how they can be when they are out on their own. Trouble. They came home so happy with so many happy memories. We do hope you enjoyed your gift bag. Did you try the peanuts yet? Snorts. I ❤ them! XOXO – Bacon
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haha…they must have had a dosey of an experience on the train…ya can tell by the expression on mom’s face….hehe They are keeping the boiled peanuts for a special occasion…..dad says it has to be a real special occasion too!
Loves,
Shoko
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Snorts. Mom and dad have a can like five times that size of nuts on the counter in the kitchen. Mom is going to boil them all at once and we are going to have a party. Licks lips. See another reason we should be closer. We could have a nut party. Snorts!! XOXO – Bacon
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wow….a nut party. Maybe we could boil our pawents….have a real nut pawty! We would love to be there…nuts and all.
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It sounds like they had lots of fun. Cracker Barrels are great, I love the gift shop they have.
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Mom loved the gift shop too. She said there were things she would love to have brought home if we lived closer. I guess they would spoil.
Huggles,
Shoko
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hay ewe gals….we wuz laffin & laffin…all in good sport.. 🙂
thiz post bee hill larry uz…yur mom shuld rites comedee…
yur momz foto… ta yur dadz ree sponse bout train travel…. iz priceless !!! ♥♥♥♥
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hehehe…mom seems to let us all know how she’s feeling. I like to think I taught her the evil eye. What can I say…that’s my mom.
Huggles,
Shoko
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Very entertaining account of the trip. Looking forward to more.
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You’re a slave driver Christy…I’m sitting back with some silvervine mom got for us in Nawlins’.
Huggles, Shoko
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The mom says it must have been fun travelling on the train like that. She’s been on a train but only for about 4 hours. She and the dad-guy have taken the train to Toronto.
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Fun…I don’t think mom would call it fun….not trying to sleep anyway.
Kitty kisses,
Kali
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Wowwzers! Mes was late reading Part 1 – Part 2 was already up! So mes readed them both together! What a trip! It sounds like your folks is having a fabulishious time (so far) and mes LOVES that they gotted to goes to Elis’ house! My Mommy would LOVES to goes there. Mes can’t waits to reads More!
Kisses
Nellie
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Glad you enjoy it my friend. Sunday will have part 3. They sure went a lot of places in a short time. No wonder they were so tired when they got home.
Huggles,
Shoko
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What an adventure ! It looks like your pawrents had lots of fun. It’s great that they met another blogging pal ! Purrs
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They had a ball and made lots of memories.
Huggles,
Shoko
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Wow what an adventure your parents had,I’ve just been reading through your posts and thought I would leave a big comment here.I can’t believe they got to meet Bacons mum and dad,that is so cool.But I bet you’re glad they are back home.Anyway I thought I would let you know that I live in the UK,its coming into spring here though the last few days it feels more like winter …Brrr….chilly,xx Speedy
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You did get my message that I left on your site. I had a lot of problems and thought I couldn’t get through….glad I did.
Kitty kisses.
Shoko
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We have comments moderation on,xx
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I ended up leaving but I’ll go back as I want to follow your blog. Huggles
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Just put the wp version up to date so you can always comment there,xx Speedy
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I tried the WP version and it said I had the wrong URL.
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Hmm strange,I’ll look into it tomorrow,xx speedy
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Mom and da sure did have an adventure….glad I wasn’t there…I don’t like change and get quite upset if anything changes in normal life. So you can imagine how upset I was that mom wasn’t home! They sure did like Bacon’s mom and dad…if they could…I think mom would move to Georgia. She likes the idea of being a southern woman. Dad…well, he’s not the southern gentleman type of guy and he hates humidity. So she’d have to go alone. You’re in the UK…where abouts? If you don’t mind me asking…I don’t intend sending you a bomb or anything else at the moment. Just curious. So your summer will be over by the time we fo into summer. Too bad we weren’t rich and could spend summer in the UK and when that ends head back to Canada for their summer. Probably sounds better than it actually would be.
Kisses,
Shoko
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hehehe,I live in Devon on Dartmoor.Our Summer is the Same as yours really but may be a bit warmer and it usually starts to warm up some time in May and then runs till September but it varies as to weather we get a wet one or a sunny one,last year was sunny so we will have to see what happens if we have a cold Spring then it will bode well for a nice sunny summer ,xx Speedy
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Close to Dartmoor prison? Bet that would be exciting!
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Hehehe it’s about 4 miles away,xx Speedy
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That close? I understand and I don’t know much about it but it is suppose to be very big and old.
A cool spring means a warm summer….we always have a cool spring. The summers have been nice for a few years too.
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Hehehe I don’t know much about it either but mum said it is too,any way here’s the link to my word press version so try this https://racheldejong28.wordpress.com/
Hope this works for you,xx Speedy
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the new link seems to be working,xx Speedy
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Oh Shoko dat’s so funny ’bout da twain. They not be luxurious dat’s fur sure. MOL Weez not hav any cwacker bawwells down here eevew, but dat’s okay, mommy kuldn’t afford to go even ifin we didn. MOL Can’t wait to hear da west of da stowry.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
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Next part will be out tomorrow my friends.
Huggles,
Shoko
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Can’t wait. Guessin’ weez gunna be duin’ lots mowe laffin’. MOL
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
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I think so…mom is kinda, “out there” with her actions. She’s happy though…hehehe
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Hahaaha hooley dooley what was that man in the raincoat doing…yikes..best not ask…it looked super small in the cabin..I am surprised mum was so unhappy looking…not hahaa..and so pleased Mum and Dad got to have a lovely time with Bacons mum and dad..but guys!! Elf on a shelf…arghhhhh 🙂 and Elvis was a very kind hearted man who many took advantage of..i remember hearing the news he had died in a geography class in high school..and my girlfriend whose nick name was porky..yes ..I know..and I burst into tears..1977..very sad..off to visit part three..please no raincoats…just sayin 😉 loves Fozziemum xxx
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Mom remembers where she was when she heard Elvis died too. I guess its one of those times that is such a shock that one can’t forget. Mom was up in Prince Rupert with Dad living in a 30 foot travel trailer….dad was working construction. Mom had just finished using the Laundromat to wash and dry their clothes and was folding the clothes when the bulletin came on the radio.
Martin Luther King was one fantastic leader and for the life of me I do not understand where one person feels he has a right to stop or interfere with someone else’s life. Peeps!!
Kitty Kisses,
Kali
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Yep somethings you never forget..and i agree to many people for kicks or stupid misguided reasons act so brutally.and yes peeps..putzes mostly! loves Fozziemum xx
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We do wonder about peeps at times…some are so nice and kind….like yourself….others just don’t think twice about hurting others and killing. Maybe it was the way they were brought up. Their mom didn’t use smacky paws enough when they were kits. Mom didn’t either though but we always felt real guilty when mom said “no,” She hardly ever uses that word….I don’t like it!
Kitty Kisses,
Kali
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I think some folk are born to be bad..just to wreak havoc and test the good people…loves Fozziemum xxx
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I think you’re right their Fozziemum.
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Mee-you that train place lookss smaller than our place here…Ladymumm thott thee berth (whatevurr that iss) wood bee bigger an shee agreess with yur Mumma there should ahve been swayin to lull yuur Pawentss to sleep…
They were so brave to soldier on an go to Graceland an then meet bacon’ss Pawentss….they seem like grate peeple..
Wee iss tired just reedin bout the trip….mew mew mew…
**paw kissess** Siddhartha Henry an LadyMum xxxx
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They sure were busy…I’m glad O wasn’t there…I wouldn’t have liked the train at all.
Kitty Kisses,
Kali
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