Prairiewoman’s Great 2007 South Dakota Adventure
This is the blog page for Roseanna and Rookie’s big roadtrip to South Dakota and back. She will be providing updates along the way, and you can comment on her trip here. Godspeed, O’ Prairiewoman and Poodle Dog.
1. SoDakLand may only have one area code but it makes SoDaklanders a lot easier to find.
2. The homeland has much more than badlands or prairies. Can you say Black Hills, REZ Gambling, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and….ta dah, the baddest biggest motorcycle rally in the entire world at Sturgis. That’s right folks. People ship their bikes from other countries to come there during the month of August.
Bedrockland in Custer (if it’s still there) and Reptile park in Rapid City (if it’s still there). It’s been a few years:-)
And of course “Wounded Knee”
Yes, Reptile or Dinasaur Park in Rapid City and Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge. One year I stayed at a hotel near Bedrockland and lo & behold there was Barnie & Dino & Fred. Yabba Dabba Doo.
Rookie, I hope you have a good trip to South Dakota. It’s a beautiful State. I was there in 1981 with your great grandmother Harmony. We had a wonderful time. It was a trip I will always remember. I was very impressed with it’s topography and natural beauty. The people there are great also. They are warm and friendly. I’ll be monitoring your trip so keep me informed. Your friend, Joe.
Hey Rookie, I hope your handler takes great care not to drive too far between pit stops. And lay off too many doggie treats because you have to maintain while on vacation. Otherwise have a safe and fun trip to the land of your ancestors. ( never mind that would be France for you ). Your bud, Greg.
Dear Granddoggie Rookie
We are excited about you & your food handler coming to So Dak. You’ll love it here Plenty of space to roam in & also lots of trees for you to enjoy because I hear you don’t have any in your back yard . Grampa hasn’t bought you any new toys yet but I’ll remind him .Iv’e checked into a resort for little doggies like you since our Apt. mangers won’t let you visit us here.That is so mean. but the Resort has special little rooms with all the comforts of home. That is at http://www.safehavenpetresort.com in case your handler wants to check it out .Don’t you worry as we’ll spend most of our time in the little town of Martin with lots of people to play with plenty of room to roam.
Love to you & your Escort. Gramma Opal
Grandma: Don’t forget the treats. Rookie
p.s. I’m bringing my shot record as I don’t want to get any new ones. ouch. Rookie
Rookie,
I am going to play with all of your toys while you are gone.
Love, Beacon
Beacon: That’s what you think. I’m taking my favorite ones with me. So there. Rookie
FoodHandler drove through a maddening downpour in Dallas and we have safely arrived in Norman, OK at 2pm. Foodhandler’s niece April will arrive after work & they plan to go to dinner. I guess I will get the dry crappy stuff again. More later on the ‘underwear incident.’Rookie
I am glad you made it to OKC safe and sound. Those were some crazy thunder boomers around here.
My Mom/Foodhandler left me all alone in the hotel room in my crate. Please contact SPCA. Send treats. Love, Rookie
Can’t wait to see you! So glad you remembered the undergarments just in the nic of time!!!
Roseanna, precious. Remember, those SoDak folks know you too. Quit trying to convince them you wear underwear. Its really okay.
Hey Food Handler
How does he know whether you wear underwear or not ? Sounds suspicious to me . Mother will have to visit with him .OH ! I Forgot you were 50 yrs old . I must remind Rookie to keep an eye on his food handler a little better . April looks great. Tell her Granny says hello .Goodnite & don’t let the bedbugs bite which reminds me I found a Martin TICK on me this morning just getting ready to suck my Blood . He found a quick death .Rookie you will have to watch for those .Don’t drive too many miles in a day you Two. Love Mom
Alyssa and the Amarillo Spice Girls made it as far as Cincinnati last night where they were grounded with nothing but a Delta ditty bag– no underwear there either. Back in the air and headed to Green Bay this morning. Luggage (hopefully with undies) is reportedly waiting for them at the Delta office in GB. I’m glad you and the Rook made it through the storm. Hopefully that was the worst of it.
Boy! When you get out of town you really get out. Hey, I thought you were from North Dakota. Be safe…Regards, Amy T.
Drive carefull, keep an eye out for the other driver.
Apparently underwear is a hot topic. Still trying to figure out how Holiday Inn charges a $20 pet charge. Rookie doesn’t use the towels, soap, or drink coffee. At least they let me use my AARP discount. Yeah baby! Amy, be careful now or I will say something about Ole Miss. LOL Mel, Good to hear the Amarillo Spice Girls are OK. Mom, don’t tell Rookie about the ticks as he will find every one there is.
We stopped just in time. T-Storms, 60mph winds & flash flooding headed this way.
Stopped in Hays, Ks just in time. T-Storms, 60mph winds & flash flooding headed this way. Someone please send me waterwings.
Call Dorothy & Toto. I’m in Oz and I can’t get out.
I suppose theres no basements in Kansas either. I can’t believe Tornado Alley states have very few places to take shelter in . I always looked for a basement when visiting my Educated Daughter in Texas & she always said” Their isn’t any ” Well we haven’t been back in 7 yrs. Be careful Rookie & remind your handler not to be on the road when the wind is blowing 60 mi. an hour . Those gas prices look pretty good .Can’t wait till you get to Martin & see 3.40 or more.It’s probally one of the highest places in the state . Hope you & Rookie brought a coat.Been a little chilly up here . We turned our furnace on yesterday . They promise us warmer weather next week but they always do that so don’t count on it . Happy Trails, Love Mom
Mush on Rookie. Like the dogs in Alaska say “If you ain’t the lead dog, the scenery never changes.”
sis the smith herd is heading north to rondavoo with you next weekend, hope your reading this mom, have fun cruising with rookie.
luv bro
Tim: It will be good to have all the Smith Clan together again. I figure Connie put you up to this so I would have to put up a new pic of our crewe. LOL For those that don’t know, my brother Tim, wife Dixie and family live in Colorado. My Sis Connie & brother Glenn live in Martin. It will be nice to give my little brothers head noogies again.
Well ,what do you know about that,Everybody is going to be here.My birthday must be more important than I thought . Your Dad will be jealous .Maybe I won’t tell him . Better get him a small box of choclates & he’ll be Happy.The girls came up & ate us out of house & home so guess I’ll have to go shopping tomorrow . They did bring a fabulous Ice cream cake & we got to keep the leftovers .Hopefully we will see you guys Tues. Love to all Mom
P .S. IS’nt Neb .Beautiful ? You have to have been to TEXAS to appreciate the lovely Sand Hills of Neb. & the wide open Smog free Plains of So.Dak. Plus we have the beautiful Black Hills . Who could want more. Well Good wages would be nice but you can’t have everything .
Well, I missed all of these updates because there was some kind of a thingamajig Chris had to fix on my computer before I could pull it up. Sounds like you had a safe trip in spite of the storms. Rookie is a good little travel partner, too. Well, only a few days gone by since you left and miss you already. But now I can follow your adventures!!! Take care and enjoy your family…….
Lee
Well it sounds like everyone is in SoDak but ME! Whine. Whine. Opal I hope you have a terrific birthday, and I think it is so special that you will be surrounded by all of the people who love you so much.
I’m cooking for Mom’s Bday so if you get a shout out for an ambulance, u know I burnt the vittles.
I am sorry to hear you took a spill. Don’t tell they family that you do that quite often, and I won’t tell them either! Did you decide what is on the menu for Momma Opal’s birthday? I don’t think we even settled on that strategy before you left. Well, we woke up this morning to (drum roll) another thunderstorm here in the Metroplex. Any more, and I will start building an ark and collecting pairs of animals, as I am sure it is a sign from God. We talked to Granny this morning as, I am sure you remembered her card, it is her birthday as well. She will be celebrating by going to one of those darn Indian Casinos in Minnesota. That’s all from Mansfield, Texas.
Chris: thanks for not telling everyone I like to kiss the dirt a lot. Oops, forgot Granny’s card but will call her to see how much $$ she won at the Casino. Our Prairie Wind Casino near Pine Ridge is having its grand opening, although the hotel is not yet ready for occupancy, on June 14. Need to walk through the door and throw $40 dollars on the floor and be done with it. If you build the Arc, they will come. So don’t do it. At least leave the skunks behind. Thanks to the suggestion of my young nephew little Dean, I believe we are having a ‘picnic’ here at Connies at noon Saturday so we an all harrass Mom about her Bday. heh heh heh
Were you sober when you fell? I saw your house yesterday, nice neighbor on the right. What is the weather like?
Well, the internet was down yesterday, but found out from Bear and Judy you again had an ice pack on your knee. Should have checked the calendar to see if it was time for that again…Take care of yourself, we have lots to do when you get back here and you need to be in good shape. Have a great time with your family.
Yes, unfortunately I was sober when I fell Bear. Whenever I fall, I am never drinking darn it. Yes, I have great neighbors in Chris & Lee and it is nice having them a stones throw away. Also, Chris knows how to set my water. Lee, I hear you are without internet again and bet you are going through withdrawl. My sis has wi-fi at her house and it works great. heh heh heh
Hey lady, I know what you mean when you just layed there a minute before getting up. I did that at your house, wondering for a minute if I was really hurt or not. Still don’t know why you didn’t feel the foundation vibrate. Anyway, stay off of it if it is swelling and for heaven’s sake be careful, Rookie needs his mother or at least his adopted mother (me) with him to take care of hm. Maybe someone has put a “spell” on Willy, you and me? Huh We have all been down on the grond lately. Talk to a Medicine man will you? Just kidding. Have a great time mIss you LU Judy
Judy, thats a good idea. Let me check the rez for a good medicine man & maybe he’s single? LOL I think your bouncing betty fall ended up being a lot more ‘black & blue’ than mine. I’m getting around just great & cooking up a storm. You all would be quite surprised.
We almost got killed by Aunt Roseanna chasing us when we tried to irritate her. DX rules! We are glad Aunt Roseanna is here and can’t wait until Uncle Tim & Aunt Dixie come.
Deja Vu……where have I seen that leg with that ice pack on it ? I can remember a wheel chair, a loading dock, a black cat was there named Princess. I know there some photo’s taken. Oh well the price of getting old, I forget too soon.
Greg: If I recall, you all drove me to it. LOL Yes, I still laugh when I recall you guys coming out with the wheelchair, face masks, etc to roll my butt in. Ah, good memories.
SORRY FOLKS. Roseanna has sent me an update and some pictures to post but I am having a nbit of technical difficulties here on my side. I will try again in the morning before I go to the airport.
Hope all is well up there in Dakota-land.
Roseanna, the Army came again today. Yard looks great.
No bills to report.
I will be out of town in meetings tomorrow and Friday and then back at Arrowhead late Friday night for the weekend.
Okay I got it published after all. I had to get that opal and rookie picture up. My web publisher is screwed up but I ftp’d it so we’re good. Nothing, apparently even sleep, is more important than getting roseanna’s SoDak adventure page updated. Cheers everyone.
Chris: And don’t you forget it. You have done such a wonderful job keeping up with us. My family & friends love to follow my misadventures I’m sure. Thank you and get some sleep.
Dateline San Antonio. Its hot and the mosquitos are like flying turkeys. Meetings all day tomorrow. Miss ya. Hugs to everyone.
Roseanna finally surfaced and made a blog entry today.
I have thrown all her mail away to get back at her.
Don’t throw away the catalogs. You know I am easily entertained. I don’t mind you throwing the bills away, as long as you pay them first.
Chris: You are my ‘person’ & that is a lifetime job. Only ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ folks will understand what that means.
My foodhandler said she would buy me a new sweater for the snow. What does that mean exactlly?
Rookie, you don;t have to go just because your food handler is. I have a better food handler than yours anyway. Do you knwo what happens to little dogs on the reservation?
Roseanna I just heard the news, you know it is just a few steps under an act of God for me to get time at work to email or read a blog. Because of that you are now under notice that you will not move from Texas. This news (unless reversed) has ruined my birthday even though it was already a few days ago. The only way to make this up is to offer free-open-door-room-and-board so we can come visit and see…. well….. see whatever there is in that country you are moving to outside the Texas border! Good luck Roseanna we are going to miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, what a surprise. Won’t that get a little chilly in the winter? Although, I must admit, I could move back to Michigan to be closer to my family. Of course, at this time we get the best of both worlds by travelling in the RV and being in Texas in the winter and Michigan in the summer. We will miss seeing you, even though it is only once or twice a year. We are assuming that you are still going on the Alaska trip. Will you move right after that? We wish you the very best on your move, and if we get up that way (send us your address for Christmas cards) we will look you up. We will keep track of you through Chris, but if you get time, drop us a e-mail now and then. Much love, Pat and Terrell Clark
Do WHAT?!? I think Roseanna has been smokin’ on the peace pipe a little too much.
Sorry, Chris — I know this has got to be hard.
Rachel
I am glad we met, and even though we haven’t known each other that long, I still consider us friends. You will be missed, but I guess I can keep track of you through Judy and Chris. Maybe we can get together before you make your move after your cruise. Take care of yourself and Rookie.
Bear
Beacon: Yes, we have the recipe for little poodle dogs in Connie’s paper, Lakota Country Times.
Eric: Sorry to ruin your bday Eric. I love you much and yes, room & board up here. OK, well maybe just an Indian Taco.
Rachel: Yes, but no peace pipe.
Bear: Hope to see you before I leave.
Remember you all. Still connected via email and cells so you can harrass me fully.
Thank you all for the comments. Humor helps me through this.
tomorrow auntie Roseanna is going to Rapid with Grandma & Grampa & Rookie is going to stay with us,she is leaving for 3 days then i get a brake from her snorring cause she stays in my room next to me LOL well ttyl-Roseanna2
Humor helps YOU through this????? Not too many people laughing down here.
I did want to let you know, however, that you won’t have to move too much stuff because I have been selling it in the front yard all week. I had to get rid of it before the family moves in on Monday.
Don’t worry, I kept all of Rookie’s stuff for him.
Rookie…. this is your opportunity. I am sending you a map. Make a break for it while you have a chance.
Chris: That is OK, I’m going to take your stuff with me when I move and sell it on Ebay.
Beacon: Rookie doesn’t need a map. Remember Old Yeller & Lassie Come Home?
It’s Friday – - and its raining. Any surprise there, anyone?
Have a safe trip to Rapid City today!
just to let you no aunt roseanna that Rookie is doing very good so dont worry
Roseanna2: Glad to hear rookie is behaving himself. I hope you are keeping the water bowl filled and throwing the ball until your arm gets tired.
Roseanna2 – - Rookie LOVE’S M&Ms and Fritos. He won’t make you throw the ball as much if you let him have those treats!
BEACON—umm how can he have m&ms dogs arnt allowed to have choclate iam not taking a chance !!LOL for real iam nto giving him that stuff
HELP SOMEONE !! i’m still in shock . Something happened to her in Kansas or Neb . Must have had a visit from Aliens or something . Her Dad & I talked until we we were BLUE & She dug in her heels & anyone who knows Roseanna knows what I mean . We have thrown in the towel . Even tho I will love to have her closer . It’s a real Big adjustment after 30 yrs. for her from Dallas to Martin . Time will tell & like she said Texas will still be there .She may go back broke but she’s young enough to get a job , maybe as BUSH’S body guard .What do you think Chris ? Well thats all I can say on this subject .Hope Chris doesn’t throw her off the boat in Alaska or leave her stranded on an Iceberg . I’ll tell her to dress warmly .
From a shocked Mom
Hi Opal, I don’t know what to say. I mean, I have a lot to say actually, but I am not going to say it. She will be fine, she is strong and will have her loved ones there.
Mom: Well you know it hailed on me in Kansas and I have never recovered. Yes, the folks were allowed their 10cents and then we moved on. Actually, my Dad put in 15cents. I have no idea where I got the stubborness from. Hmmmm, let me see.
Roseanna2: Don’t listen to Beacon as chocolate is deadly. If I find candy wrappers, no baby sitting $ for you girl.
Chris: You are my ‘person’.
Aunt Roseanna:I was never going to give rookie candy or choclate & if you find candy wrappers i ate the candy i wuld never give roookie stuff like that no way ♥
Beacon:Do you eat choclate and frito’s because its not a good idea to tell Rookie 2
Roseanna2: Glad to hear it. Hopefully will be back in Martin on Monday. Grandma & I took your Grandpa to Deadwood for fathers day and had a great time. Don’t worry, I still have $ left to pay you for babysitting Rookie. Give him a hug for me.
Roseanna, your email is full and bouncing messages so you are going to have to clean some stuff out of webmail. I’m still in New jersey, 1 day down, 2 to go. This has been a rough trip because I have been sick and also its a big powerful audience I present to tomorrow. Makes me a little nervous.
I know you will wow them. Have you checked on Lee to make sure she is OK through all this weather. I didn’t know how about it until Dad told me so have been online looking at the footage. Wow.
ok well thanx for the babysitting $ n giving me a ride to the POOL
Hi Roseanna & Rookie, I just got the word today on the big move. So you are going home? (Excuse me I’m tapping and Judy just walked in with the Big Green Book or the ” Pollution Prevention Daily Checklist”. Done). What a waste of time. See the crap you’re missing. YOU WERE SMART TO LEAVE. (Wait, Judy’s back…… crisis over). As I was saying I think that’s a great idea to move home to a slower way of life. It’s gotta be healthier there. I wish I was going back to Alaska with you guys. You may want to move there next. I didn’t want to leave. Closing for now, have fun and don’t forget us.
Greg: I recall the Polution Prevention Daily Checklist & u r right. Crapola at its best. Glad 2 C you kidz R playing nice in the sandbox. Yes, a slower way of life, family, fresh air, wide open spaces, no traffic & a change of seasons. Ahhhhhhhhhh.
I have been too much in shock to comment, but seeing the pictures of the house makes me finally feel the need. The house is really cute, and it definitely looks like it needs the Roseanna touch. But… it looks more like a second home. I am thinking that you could find a cute little house here at Lake Whitney that also needs the Roseanna touch and spend your winters here with your Southern family. We also have fresh air and a slower pace, but with a Starbucks only 18 miles away. Think about it. There are people here that need you too. You could be a SoDak snow bird.
Mel: Hey woman! There is always an RV to take to the road and plug in somewhere down there in Whitney. Hmmmmmmmmmmm? Let me see where would I camp. I thought about the snowbird thing as a lot of folks do that & I do have a wondeful Texas family. I would just like to spend time with my folks some and hang with the family. You guys are always in my thoughts.
Just so everyone knows – - – Roseanna’ Trip Blog isnt updated because – - hmm,,, she hasn’t sent me anything in the past few days to update it with. Just wanted everyone to know I am not asleep at the switch or anything like that.
Please keep my granny in your thoughts and if you are so inclined, leave her a get well soon message at http://www.ctclark.com . She has been under the weather.
Sorry everyone. I found a Starbucks at last in the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City,SD and completely lost my mind. Have not recovered completely.
Rookie, have you seen my food handler? He left town without clearance and I fear he has fled to join you and Roseanna. Send him home if you see him.
Beacon: Haven’t seen your food handler lately. But you know how hard it is to get good help these days. Some handlers can’t even fill a food bowl properly. Why, just tonight, mine dropped a piece of food in my water bowl. I mean really. Hang onto your toys and I will be back in Texas next week.
Taking the folks, Connie & Manual to Dakota Restaraunt today for bon voyage lunch. Brother Glenn is somewhere out on his 4 wheeler with a fishing pole I’m sure. Dakota just re-opened yesterday & Connie & I tried it out after going to the Marge Jones Estate Auction in town. We give it two thumbs up as the owner/chef was school trained. We can tell because he puts a strawberry on the plate with greens. Mel, now theres an opportunity for u guys. It is city owned and you lease it. It is attached to the city swimming pool and next to the city golf course. You buy your booze from the city liquor store. There is only one other ‘eating out place’ here (Bingos) so nice to have that. The Geo’s restaraunt is also reopening on main street. Don’t know why both places were closed at the same time. The real opportunity is that both Bingos and Fresh Start are up for sale. I guess this place has some turnover as some folks want to retire. The Fresh Start is the ideal location at the corner of Hwy 18 & 73 (main drag into town) and it has full survice food, gas, souvenirs etc. Bingos (drive in) and Fresh Start both have little casino rooms attached as we have gambling in SD. The semi trucks and tourists are frequent.
Not much but junk at the auction, as I’m sure the family took the good stuff. Did buy an old corning coffee pot for my Auntie Fern as she had nothing but parts left from her old one and missed it. Lee & Judy, you remember those white ones with the little blue flower on the side? Going to see the lawyer tomorrow to tie up loose ends before heading back to Texas on Tues. Will stop and get in a boat before I get to Texas. Geez. Love, Roseanna
Have a safe trip back to Texas. You may need a boat. It is still raining – not steady but on and off, several times a day.
I’m baccccccccccccccccccccccccccccck.
Yes, it would appear that you are. Welcome HOME.