Walked down to Occoquan proper this evening. Three words for identifying the new rich: Electric. Palm. Trees.

Now for some kitty catching ala cdf's suggestion. But where to find an empty box....

*whimpers quietly* I have 300 boxes in a 1000 square foot apartment, the condo manager's already come by to tell me off for not scheduling my move with them, and I'm now familiar with my neighbor's medical conditions.

*whimpers* When the movers finish, I'm going to lock myself in the bathroom with Sug and a quart of ice cream Mom stashed in the freezer for just such a contingency.

Can you still get your money back on that mortgage? Cause I don't like this place. I checked it out, and, really, I prefer my crate. Come get me if something changes. (Translation: We made it to the new place safely. Sug's still finding her vibe.)

Arrived safely in Roanoke, so this is the last hotel Sug has to get used to. I had to practically drag her out of the La Quinta, and, had I known what the Wyndham would be like, I would have needed dragging, too. By way of comparison, the La Quinta's rooms were cleaner, newer, and easier to get to from the parking lot, plus their in-room cable selection was top-notch. The Wyndham has prettier grounds, but, really, if my dust ruffle has stains on it and the guest services directory (dogeared), television channel, and room services brochure discuss a half a dozen different restaurant names and hours to characterize the single restaurant downstairs that's open today, I don't care if there are nice grounds. Anyhow, I can't access the nice grounds because every door near them is alarmed as a fire exit. I paid $50 to keep Sug here, and she didn't even get a "hello." I paid nothing to put her up at the La Quinta, and they commented that they should add kitty treats to their complimentary milkbones so that they'd have a special way to welcome guests such as herself.

La Quinta: Spanish for "We kick Wyndham's Butt."

Went by Bruster's on the way out of town on the recommendation of Gretchen and Doug. Good idea. Got the chocolate almond coconut (eh) and the cake batter (to die for).

Had to drive around the alma mater this morning. The street signs are where Phil Fulmer Way crosses Peyton Manning Pass. The final picture is why I picked Tennessee. Couldn't get it from the exact same angle as I saw it back 16 years ago, cause the street's closed for pedestrian traffic now, but still the library's a gorgeous piece of architecture and imposing. Why there's a bear with wings attached to it, I'm not entirely sure.

Caught up with the college roommate, Gretchen, husband Doug, and son Mason today for dinner and a rousing rendition of Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Missed out on Mason's big sister Madison, but I got to see lots of pictures. They grow up so fast.

Within 5 minutes of arriving at the La Quinta in Knoxville Miss Thang has managed to wedge herself into the space between the headboard and the wall. I can't actually see the front part of her, but I can get a single hand in there to snap a shot and make sure she's okay. I'm hoping she'll figure her way out when she gets hungry. Housekeeping is vacuuming the next room over so it could be a while.

Stopped by Unclaimed Baggage for another hour before departing this morning. Included is a shot aproaching the bridge over the Tennessee River.

Alabama, that is. The first picture a little nap in the crate on the road that I couldn't resist snapping. The second is the "hiding under the covers" phenomenon for those who haven't witnessed it in person. When I came back from Unclaimed Baggage, this is where she was. Like any good mom in a game of hide and seek, I hunted around for her.