The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2014 annual report for this blog.
I’m very lucky to have followers that support me and encourage me to write and share on WordPress. Here is my year in review. Resolution: More Stats in 2015
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1. Click on the link
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A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,100 times in 2014. If it were a cable car, it would take about 35 trips to carry that many people.
This post is dedicated to Yvonne, my best friend of 30 years. We’ve had triumphs, trials, tragedies, and travels. Our most recent trip to Tishomingo, OK may have been at the end of a winding road. We may have been cowgirls for just a few short days, but the happy memories will remain comfortably in our hearts forever… May we revisit them often, hide our crazy only when it’s absolutely necessary, and ALWAYS have attitude!
You’re here!…You’re Here!…Enjoy! How wonderful to be met with such an amazing jubilant greeting.
On November 7th, we headed for The Ladysmith in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The 8 plus hour drive was no match for us. The cab of her brand new Jeep Sahara was filled with anecdotes, long-winded conversations, sometimes solving the problems of the world. And so much laughter…there was always laughter.
Two-lane Hwy 69… polka dotted with small towns, farm animals, lakes, twists and turns was the perfect road to deliver us to our destination. At its end was a left turn to a very small main street. It seemed we could see both ends of it at that stop sign. The size of the town didn’t matter. A view of the Pink Pistol opened up…larger than life. And across the street was The Ladysmith. Both are products of Miranda Lambert’s cowgirl dreams.
At check-in we were greeted by Ashley, one of the amazingly attentive innkeepers. We were too overwhelmed to snatch up one of the (just as promised) warm chocolate chip cookies. Suitcases started to roll and before we knew it someone was toting them upstairs for us.
Here are a few pics of the lobby!
Lucky us that Miranda Lambert wanted to transform an old building on Main Street located just across from her Pink Pistol Boutique. This combination detonated our travel plans. This combination further proved to be one of the best vacations we’ve ever shared.
Here is a look at our room, The Judge.
Our room came with a fabulous private bath. It was beautiful and had everything we could want or need.
We met so many wonderful folks who shared our love of country music and Miranda Lambert in particular. Distances traveled included San Antonio, TX, Maryland, and a couple who traveled only 30 minutes.
Hands down- our favorite part (other than shopping) was just hanging in the private bar area with the other guests (who soon became friends) and our bartenders Josh and Amanda. Conversation was relaxed and comfortable. And no one got out a cell phone. (Except me to take a picture of the Mustang beer I was drinking!)
More pictures of the Ladysmith!
As amazing as the pictures are, they still do not tell the whole story. From the fluffy robes, personal attention, unique furnishings, (let me get that for you) breakfast, surprise gift, New Orleans like balcony, and many photo ops…The Ladysmith was a vacation destiny dream come true. Here is a peek at our amazing dining experience. A three course breakfast was served each morning.
Referred to as Miss Miranda-the respect was ever present. While a huge country singer, married to Blake Shelton, seeming to own the town…that was not what we left with. Her attention to detail for hospitality, hiring the perfect people, and her devotion to helping dogs are just a few of the tasks she has devoted herself to. She has her own line of boots, coffee, and wine. This is a long list for any other tiny cowgirl. But not for Miss Miranda. I know she would love for ya’ll to visit the Pink Pistol, stay at the amazing Ladysmith, and learn more about her devotion to dogs. Yvonne and I are already making plans for trip number two this coming Fall.
I’ll leave you with a look at the Pink Pistol Boutique!
Finally here are few websites to visit:
This will always be my plate of the week on this day.
Remember New York
Is anyone as overwhelmed as I am?
Clean horses run faster…in other words, “Life is Good when it looks good under the hood.”
It might not look like much to some , but this is 2 hours under the hood (and my hands took a pretty good hit). Feels good to put another check mark on my Summer-To-Do list.
There’s quite a bit left to do, but I feel good going forward. Can’t wait to unveil the next phase of my 2003 Mustang GT.
Keep respecting the ride and enjoying the drive.
A new category for me…Lay Down the Lyrics. I’ll post the lyrics and you guess the song. All songs will be about cars in one way or another. At the end I’ll give proper shout out to the singer, and hopefully post a video. Don’t click on those and no Googling allowed (unless you give up). Ha, I say that and I consider myself a queen of Googling. All comments welcome, especially if you have any thoughts on what this song and the artist mean to you.
A couple of side notes-1. Today’s picture is far too new to represent the song, but I liked it. 2. No copyright infringement is intended. 3. Why isn’t the word Googling in the dictionary? And 4. Title of this category is subject to change. My other choice was “Notes with Nos”. Any suggestions?
As always…Windows down and radio up!
Here is today’s tune:
Packs a 427
Down on 101
Crack a buck 10-11
On the radar gun
She roll it over to the shoulder
Moving past her man
Swing it back to the fast lane
Singing, “Catch me if you can”
She got 5 speed, 4 elevens
Ten 13 in a quarter mile
Trick gas, full blown nitrous
Speed queen with a smile
Ride, ride, ride…
Bartender, I’ll have what he’s having!
Click here for the answer.
View the video here.
… and sometimes I ask it to slow down…and so it goes ….my view from the front porch.
Standing still they’re blowing past
Numbers on cars going Nascar fast
What I wouldn’t give for a slow down, don’t you know
‘Cause where I come from, only the horses run
When the day is done, we take it easy
The distinct sound of it’s Cobra awesomeness sets it apart from all the other cars, and all the other Mustangs. It has been rumbling past our front window for a while now. After about a month we didn’t even need to look out. We just knew. I’m pretty sure it was a day that I had my Mustang parked in the front yard that the exchange of waves began. A friendly arm shot quickly out of the window of that very familiar Mustang.
And because I love to make things happen…
Tyler, with his great big smile, agreed to an interview. What an amazing young man with a gentle spirit. At 22 he works two jobs to pay his bills while living with his family in South County. His passion for golf and cars helps him enjoy employment at a country club and car leasing business respectively. When Tyler isn’t working he stays busy helping folks in need through his church. Soon, he and a dozen or so other members will be going to the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, helping to rebuild, inside and out, the home of a family in great need.
And when this outstanding young man isn’t working or helping others, he tends to his 1996 Mustang Cobra. And what a Cobra it is! This baby packs 345 HP and has custom exhaust. It boasts 18-inch tires with Saleen Wheels, and has been lowered with Tokico Suspension. The Mystic Cobra with its 5-speed transmission is Tyler’s pride and joy. Surprisingly, at the age of 22, this is Tyler’s third Mustang. Tyler went on to say that this is the best riding Mustang he has owned, would love to spend some money on the suspension, and is a Mustang driver for life.
A few FYI notes about Tyler:
It’s nice to know that there are other young men out there who love their families, help others, and love cars. Some people change their colors once you get to know them-not Tyler. A genuinely nice guy driving the best American muscle car there is. A muscle car that just happens to change colors.
There’s that smile!
It may not face a dirt road in the country, but sitting on my front porch is one of my favorite places to be. A big thank you to Tyler for keeping the Front Porch experience alive and kicking with his down to earth personality and a love for American muscle. As this colorful world passes by I never know what I’ll see or who I’ll be lucky enough to meet!
Song Lyrics-Tim McGraw – Meanwhile Back At Mama’s Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Only 3,000 miles…a real beauty.
Summer means shining up the car, swiping the gas card at the local pump, and venturing off to parts unknown. Today was no different. A friend of a friend told me about a nice little white horse down around Bonne Terre, MO. I know it isn’t quite time to trade in my ’03, but I figured it’s like most things: plan soon, search often, double check, and narrow down.
So son Michael and I headed south. It was a beautiful day…low humidity, and just under 80 degrees. St. Louis this time of year can be brutal, but today promised an awesome, windows-down drive.
Whether left to its perfect self or carved away by expert engineers, Missouri landscaping provided mountain after wonderful mountain, this way and that…amazing pictures as we crested each peak. Between breathtaking views there were no dead armadillos today. Only roadside firework stands and a barrage of mobile home and shed dealers. Temporary distractions until we hit our exit. After a few roundabouts and a small jaunt we reached AutoCenters Bonne Terre. Like a trading post with all the necessities of a highway 67 traveler, this modest, 11 year old business appeared to us in it’s small but mighty outer-road glory.
Pulling in and parking on the lot was easy…Of course I backed my car right up next to that 2014 Mustang. We were immediately greeted by Cody an extremely well mannered and thoughtful salesman. He knew his stuff, and gave us the low down on that beautiful Mustang. No pressure, just important questions, answers, and guidance. Well done, Cody.
The lot was laid out nicely, and one could not help but notice the down home feel…complete with Wiggidy the Frog. (To be “Wiggidy” is to be happy, to have fun, and to enjoy life. ) Relaxing on a bench outside the main office was an older gentleman reading a newspaper, waiting for his newly acquired truck to come out from the detailing area. Note to self: the pace on this car lot is moving at the customer’s speed.
Those who know me well and know me best, ultimately know that the Trans Am hood hanging on the wall was the high point of my visit. Seeing that piece of history (and others like it) decorating the sales area reinforced my belief that this is a place that loves cars and what the perfect car means to it’s customer. This was mirrored in their motto “building relationships for life.” A motto of not just words…a foundational slogan that may successfully send this outer road car dealership into its next 11 years and beyond. Not to be overlooked, they pride themselves in fast financing and worry-free warranties.
While I won’t be buying that beautiful 2014 6speed, V6 Mustang, I will certainly send both friends and family down their way. Yes, there are big city sales, and then there are small town successes. All my best to AutoCenters Bonne Terre. Thanks for the visit. It really was Wiggidy!
Wiggidy!
Finally: Here is a bullet point of today’s awesomeness, in no particular order.
Cars are Cool!
Just a couple of plate shots from the car show at Chik-fil-a this past Friday night.
Quidditch Player on the Move
Not the best picture, but unique Plate of the Week nonetheless. I spotted this Jeep while driving down Route 66 (now called Watson Road) on my way home from work. Gloomy and sunless weather just like the kind you’ll find at Hogwarts.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a Wizard or a Muggle….take pride in what you do, what you like, and who you are…go for the Golden Snitch then tell the world.
I found tire gel!
Raise your glass if you think today was a pretty good day…Well I’m saying Cheers from here all the way to London and back again. I’d like to think that I make the most of every day, glass half full and all (and if it ever gets too low I fill it back up again!)… Positive mental attitude. Today was a great day!
Most of you know that today is the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang. If you don’t, that’s okay…you celebrate days that are special to you that we motor heads don’t quite understand.
After reading Hot Rod Magazine’s on-line article two things occurred to me. First, while I love my car to no end and I salute any Mustang driver who feels the same way, I have more Love for muscle cars in general. Mustangs are everywhere, but not every one who owns one truly appreciates them. I’d rather meet one fellow car lover than see a dozen Mustangs any day.
The second thing that came to mind was this…I might one day be the lady that a young kid talks about. (Oh, wait I already am when I out drive some teenager at a stoplight). But seriously… You know the familiar story… “Yeah, Dad, I found this Mustang for sale…low mileage, only one owner-an old lady, she kept it in the garage all the time.”
Yikes, I really don’t want to be that old lady…but the day will come that the ’03 GT will find a new owner and I’ll get an even better, more powerful Mustang that I’ll keep for awhile, then maybe when I sell that one I’ll be that “old lady”…ahhh probably not.
So Happy Birthday Mustang…and kudos to all of us who celebrate every day behind the wheel of a car…whether you drive an ’03 Escort, a VW GTI, a ’72 Cutlass, a 2001 Cavelier, a 1997 SAAB 900 SE, or a Mustang (most any year will do, thank you very much). Hats off to the mechanic who loves turning a wrench, and high fives to anyone still hoping for their dream car.
Of course you’re still wondering why today was such a great day for me…No, it wasn’t that Mustang celebrated a birthday. It’s best said in a top ten list:
10. I bought two new pairs of flip-flops.
9. It was the first day of my Easter vacation. Looking forward to five days of personal joy.
8. I used a new tire product on my tires. Meguires Endurance Tire Gel. Oh, my!
7. My car rolled over 84,000 miles without so much as a hiccup.
6. The high was 66 degrees. Perfect weather for windows down…not minding when the light turns red and loving when the light turns green.
5. I did some “front porch sitting and cold beer sipping”.
4. I caught up to a gold Dodge Dart Swinger.
3. I bought a VW Beetle Hot Wheel for Jon.
2. I once again realized how blessed I am….
And finally…
1. My car turned over 84,000 at the entrance to I-55 Speedway in Pevely, MO. I used to go there when I was younger. Watched the drag races. The website seems to indicate that there’s still an active oval track, but the strip is closed now. I was able to get right up to the Pit Area. If it hadn’t been for that very large body of water, I would have snuck in and taken a few dollars off the treads. Odd feeling…being there, so quiet, knowing that there was quite a history …my dad even raced there way back when.
Driving a Mustang isn’t a dream come true.
Watching the blurred staccato of the white dashed lines escape through the side mirror, feeling ownership pride, and not noticing the speed limit is…
Dreams are great and cars are awesome!
hoodscoop03.com 