A few random updates and comments

I'm thinking of giving up on the blog and getting a facebook page instead. Then I can post a few pictures, give a quick update, etc, without all the pressure to be so profound. What do you all think? Would you friend me? Is it morally ok for a stuffed giraffe to have a facebook page? Do I have to boycott the facebook movie when it comes out if I have a facebook page? What do all those people who work at facebook a few blocks from where I live do all day?

Our good friend David is coming home today. Boy is he in for some surprises with all the exciting things that have changed around here. Well, maybe not, seeing as everything is pretty much always the same around here. Suburbia is boring compared to life on the Serengetti. It's also a lot safer.

School starts Tuesday! Good luck to the new high schoolers!

Love,

Gertrude

More Missouri

Following up on the Missouri theme, I got a new Kansas City Royals hat today! They aren't doing so well, I'm afraid. But it's a nice hat and I did like my visit to Kansas City. Maybe I should go back soon and root on the Royals in person!

Ronaldo is a bit unhappy that I'm showing an interest in the wrong sport. To be honest, neither baseball nor soccer are all that big in Tanzania, though.

School starts next week! We are all excited to hear about high school and to go to school with Lucy. I think bringing us with her would make her instantly cool at her new school, don't you?

Love,

Gertrude

Missouri

I got a report from my friend the birthday boy in Jefferson City and St. Joseph, Missouri today:

-- HiHo restaurant got great marks.

-- It is as hot and humid as you could possibly imagine. "Oven" and "steam bath" are the terms that come to mind.

-- There are lots of religious people in that area and lots of churches.

-- It's really, really hot and humid. I mean really, really.

Here's a picture of the Stoney Creek Inn in St. Joseph. It's highly recommended as the coolest place to stay in Missouri.

Sounds like that's quite an adventure out there. I'm glad I'm going on the Sweden and Finland trip instead, though.

Love,

Gertrude

Graceland

I have a friend (you may know him – really beautiful voice, but he should consider getting a new barber) who is traveling around the Midwest. He’s the one I was really mad at for not taking me to Hawaii. I have forgiven him for not taking me on the current trip since it’s going to be about 100 degrees and 100% humidity all week. Anyway, I agreed to report any interesting details of his trip here on the blog and he actually has some interesting details to report! Here’s a picture of Elvis’s basement with three TVs at Graceland. None of us in the house here are huge Elvis fans, but I’m told the visit to Graceland was extremely entertaining. So, if you are ever in Memphis, head to Graceland and then get yourself some ribs at The Pig. I wish I had been there to compare the ribs to those we had in Kansas City, but Twinkle is probably happier that I missed it.

The road trip is now in Arkansas, which our friend is visiting for the third time. Three trips to Arkansas? That’s pretty questionable, if you ask me. I went once and, while I like to go anywhere, I’m not so sure I recommend a return trip much less two. I don’t think Bill Clinton even goes to Arkansas anymore and he used to be the Governor. The Duggars are there, of course, but that’s probably a pretty good indication that you don’t want to be.

Stay tuned for more road trip updates.

Love,

Gertrude

The Other Guys

Time for another movie review! Gigi, Ronaldo, and I went to "The Other Guys" last night. We thought it was very silly, but certainly quite funny in parts. There must have been about 8 jazillion dollars of damage done and 6 thousand people dead. But we're pretty sure they faked that part. A few of the jokes were too mature for Gigi, but she handled it well. Overall, we give it a mild thumb's up.

On an unrelated matter, if you are looking for a 2nd generation iPod Touch, let me know. I have a friend looking to give you a good deal!

Love,

Gertrude