Three days into our cross country trip..
If you need a smile, here’s two stories….
Graham called and asked if we would be willing to stay in Durango a bit longer as he wanted to take his sibs to see some of his old stomps. What a thoughtful brother and we were thrilled!! In no time, he and Savannah jumped in the car and headed to Durango! We ended up at the river where the kids played on the rocks, challenging each other with games, learning to skip stones, waving to whitewater rafters and playing hard.
While enjoying watching the kids, at one point I looked down to see Birdie working with all her might to unbuckle Ruby from her chair.
Pretty sure Ruby’s expression says it all: “Hurry up Birdie – Before Mommy Sees!” 
When Birdie found herself unsuccessful at unbuckling her, she started yanking her as hard as she could. No doubt, Birdie was thinking, “Listen here Ruby-sis, we have got to get you out of the dumb thing. Come run with me and let’s climb on the rocks together! Why in the heck does mommy have you in there anyway?”
I’ve prayed and prayed that they would be BFFs…my heart smiles…I’m so grateful for every bust-out attempt!!
And then today, while driving cross country…
We had been on the road awhile and a strong coffee just sounded really yummy. I saw on the map that we appeared to be approaching a larger size town so I did a search. It said that there was a Starbucks at the Safeway. Well since we had seen that before, it made sense and I was pretty giddy. Not gonna’ lie. I could all but taste that hot Americano.
When we reached the exit, I began to wonder how it could be possible. It was a tiny town. I mean, teeny-tiny. There were some very tired antiquated motels in need of repair. We pressed on anticipating the Safeway to appear larger-than-life.
We turned at one street, watching closely for the name of another…and then I saw the Safeway sign. Hmm, it has to be around here somewhere. But where?
And then we spotted it.
Our dream come true.
I started to giggle.
Sure.
No doubt it had a Starbucks.
Since we had a couple of other things we desperately needed (like a toothbrush) I jumped out and went in.
Dwight followed a bit behind me.
He said to the gentleman working inside, “They said there is a Starbucks in the Safeway.” The man laughed and pointed to a bite size refridgerator case that contained a couple of glass Starbuck drinks, “There’s the only Starbucks you’ll find here. The next one is up the road about three hours.”
I’m still laughing.
I think Anne of Green Gables put it best:
“I can’t help flying up on the wings of anticipation. It’s as glorious as soaring through a sunset… almost pays for the thud.”
The thud was real.
Oh my word that is just mean and cruel to tease people about good coffee, on a road trip, with kids 😉! Shame on those navigation people 😀
That’s what I was thinking!! haha. I’m still giggling about it.
Ha ha! I have a story of my own in return. 🙂
Back in February the boy took his road test at some unholy hour on a weekend morning. After dropping him off I looked desperately on my phone for coffee, and saw that the nearest option was a DD, at an address I recognized as being the Super Stop’n’Shop mall nearby. I went there and drove round the whole complex. Umm…no DD in sight.
So I’m sitting in the parking lot outside the SS’n’S and I think, OK, maybe I was wrong about the street address, I’ll let the phone direct me. “Proceed NW, turn right,” etc. etc. After going at least a mile, through several major intersections with long lights, I realize I am being led….right back to where I was. At this point I throw up my hands in disgust and drive to another DD which I know is a couple of miles away. I barely sit down with my coffee when the boy texts me that he’s done.
I drive back there and pick him up, and relate indignantly this frustrating story of my wild goose chase and how the stupid GPS took me right back to the SS’n’S parking lot. Whereupon with the kind of eyeroll of which only a teenager is capable – I’m sure you know the one – he says, “Well, yeah, Mom….that’s because that DD is INSIDE the Stop’n’Shop.”
Facepalm….
*chuckling* Of course it was. Aye-yi-yi. So did he pass? L is about to take hers when we return from our trip!!
Yes, he did, and is now driving all over the state to his soccer refereeing jobs! Convenient but I pray every time her leaves the house!