Day 2 and Day 3 behind us- in Oxford now

Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.  ~Benjamin Disraeli

*Day 2 had us driving down to Tunica to play a little BJ.  Rollie doubled her money in a few hot shoes and left the table as soon as it turned ugly.  I knew with my car in the parking lot and not being stuck there they weren't getting my money.  Then I turned around and lost part of my winnings in the $1 WOF.  The .25 was good, but I get bored with the quarter one so quickly.  As we were walking out I said "Hey what if we take a $100 bill and put it in the $5 Wheel of Fortune like Edd does?"  I am always too tight to play the slots over $1.  Toonces said "Well we came to gamble"  We spun we landed on $250 win, took the cash, split it and left ahead.  It is always fun to leave with the casino's money. 

So far I've spent my winnings- now my trinket money- on 2 Yo-yo and Hoops drinking sound cups for the kids.  (Hallmark characters.)  Those little guys just tickle me.  Toonces is jealous and wanted to keep a cup for himself.

*"No way" I exclaimed when I walked in the room and saw his dress for Tunica.  His calves had been really bothering him and he thought he should give flip flops a break.   So he wore his Nikes with his clothes.  T usually has a very cool and laid back nice dress style but he looked like an old guy suddenly. 

I being fixed up said "People are going to think I married you for your money."  ...or for something he proffered that only a man would think a woman would ever marry another man for.

"I do look a little crazy" was his response to his photograph.

*Day 3-  Riding into Oxford was not what I thought it would be.  I was looking for big southern mansions with moss hanging and small town charm.  But I haven't made it past the Interstate turn off yet.  Getting in last night I was almost to the point of the all out emotional breakdown my niece Izzy has when she has to go to bed without her mommy around.  I was ready to come home.  The shock of going from the Peabody to a Hampton Inn by the Interstate reminded me that this really is work.  My luxurious weekend break long behind me. 

From turn down service with sweets to a lumpy bed and several deadbolts.

I am headed out shortly after T finishes interviews to see the small town and take in some fresh air....I miss the fresh air so much.  AND it would be nice if my Mother would upload some pictures of the pets so I could feel better.  Last night I am convinced she had the phone off the hook so I couldn't call and check on them.  I've called day and night and sometimes in between.

***A Rolliesm***

Driving in last night we passed over a river.  Toonces said "That is the Tallahatchie Rollie."  I was excited.  "Really, the one Bobby McGee jumped off of?"

"Yeah, wait no,  you keep me so confused...not Bobby McGee, Billy Joe MacAllister... I swear it is like living with Norm Crosby."

I had to look up Norm Crosby, apparently his speech was twisted too. 

Who knows how Rollie's mind works.

Time to go out and start Day 4, I'm ready to take in the campus and court square.  Tonight I meet the mayor, a friend of Martin's and the late Larry Brown, and go to a really cool place to eat.  The City Grocery I think it is called...all after "work" of course.  The book gig is at Square Books this evening.

Hopefully, fingers crossed, my emotional homesick breakdown can hold off a least one more night.

 

Comments

[Melanie]

Still sounds like a good time, eventhough the homesickness is kicking in. The tennis shoes are a little funny. It makes me think of daddy. But sometimes comfort outweighs style.

[SUE]

Okay, I don't want anyone to think I'm mean but before I even read your comments I thougth to myself, "The tennis shoe and khaki look doesn't do it for Martin". Too funny! I think tennis shoes should only be worn with jeans or workout clothes, unless you have a valid reason and it sounds like he has a valid reason:)

[maggie]

You are going to hate me! First, all the rigamaroll to get your hubby to sign books in Senatobia, then telling him "naw nevermind" is bad enough, but I can't get to Oxford tonight! I'm so bummed! My article is due tomorrow at noon and I'll be driving to Jackson, MS tomorrow morning to present at an all day tech fair (for two days) talking about blogging of all things and - well - have to write the article and do the power point tonight, plus the dang laundry! I just spent 4 hours cutting the freakn bookmarks! Did I mention I go on vacation when I get back! Aagh!!!

I hate this! I'm like the worst blogging friend ever! So Sorry!

Please, please forgive me! I promise when I get back home August 2nd I'll speed to Square Books and get Legal Limit and book talk it for North Mississippi!!!

Otherwise, please don't get too homesick. Mississippi can be rather lovely!

[Mo]

1st How do you meet the LATE Larry Brown? 2nd If you try to call I'm on the computer!Site-star so I can get my E-Mail. Again, Everyone is FINE!

[Amy Walton]

Okay, Deana, the Hampton Inn IS a few steps down from the Peabody, but it could be a lot worse. On my late husband's 1300+mile wheelchair journey in 1991, we went from a night at the Jekyll Island Club to a 12-unit motel that reeked of smoke and had Elvis-like cheap, "gilded" furniture. Ugh. I hope all goes well this evening!

[Adan * michico]

I think that "DUCK PALACE" is very interesting to me, hahaha~~

I am glad you have a good time,
keep continue seeing your travel diary~~

[joeinvegas]

So, how was the late Larry Brown? I bet he was rather quiet (at least I hope he was)
Glad you tagged along on the book signing, and good work on the WOF (well, good work on leaving when ahead)

[Melody]

Always a good feeling leaving with the casino's money - I agree. If only it happened a little more often than it does... (not that I have gambled in quite some time.)

Enjoy the rest of your trip away...

[Jade]

I wondered when the home sickness would kick in but that happened faster then I'd expected.

Toonces needs a good pair of loafers, or Oxfords ;).

I knew Bobby McGee was with Janis and Billy Jo McAllister was the jumper. I have no idea who Norm Crosby is nor do I recall the name of the dark haired blue eyed dream that played Billy Jo but I do recall he was a cutie!

[simplypink]

I remember, his name was Robby Benson. I've never had the ability to remember facts that guaranteed an A on a history exam, BUT I can remember silly factoids that are worthless. My gift is all wrong. I remember going over the bridge a few years ago and I wanted to stop and take a picture of the sign, which is probably weird. Congrats on your win at the casino. I love it when I leave with money. Safe travels!

[Pearl]

good on ya for walking away with a winning.

That bridge. Sorta neat to see in person. Thing I've sung it as Jimmy Joe McAllistar. whoops.

[Pearl]

good on ya for walking away with a winning.

That bridge. Sorta neat to see in person. Thing I've sung it as Jimmy Joe McAllistar. whoops.

[Carolyn]

Well, it sounds like fun to me! Too bad you had to step down on the hotels, but it gives one character & humbleness to not be hung up on those things. Or maybe you are spoiled now? Does "T" have a good cast iron frying pan?... ;-D

I love the slots and yes, it's much better to walk out when you're ahead :)

[Jenn]

It all sounds like such an experience.
I can relate to the phone calls on the pets..lol (been there)
How great for you to be able to walk away ahead. That sure isn't easy for me some times.
Looking forward to hearing and see more.
These are beautiful photos of you both by the way.

[OldOldLady Of The Hillsl]

Isn't it fascinating Deana, how these things are such a mixture of Work & Play & Homesickness?...(Especially because of how close you are to ALL your dear Animals...But it does sound like you are having a great great time.

BTW: I LOVE the way Toonces looks....Mayve it's because I'm so old, but I think he looks very dashing...in his comfy shoes and all!

I'm going to read your day 5 and 6 now...!
I'm enjoying this book tour vicariously...lol!

Oh, and I have a second copy of The L.A. Times if you all want it...

[colleen]

People have told me I talk like Yogi Beara. I think Yogi and Norm have something in common. And just know when I was going to type Norm I was going to type Norm Chomsky!

Back in time for Floydfest?