Got up early-drove to NEW IBERIA, LA-taking advantage of rest stops. Stopped at Landrys for lunch-decided to give up SWEET TEA & DESSERTS-not sure for how long. Art shop at restaurant-see book about Cajun family w/17 kids. 1 is named ARMAND who was a Christian Brother just like Armand-buy book. Stop in New Iberia-visit Armand’s sisters Regina & Alice & brother Russell. Go on to Lake Charles.  Still can’t figure out how to download pictures.

BACK TO MY ROOTS

JUNE 7 (SUN) Whitney called today-he’s in Boston-going to spend a few days there & fly back on the 10th.  Armand & I played GOLF today. One of us is very happy to be home & the other one has not given up on someday finishing the ride. Now for the rest of the story.

MAY 22  (FRI) GA to TALLAHASSEE, FL (300 m) 3:30-8:30

OR called Yellow Cab in SAVANNAH to come pick him up at McDonalds. Can’t believe he drove out here without credit card info. Took OR to Budget in Savannah-rented a Kia Sorenta-$165 a day-$60 for cab.  Still at McD w/bikes outside-decide I should order something.  Man & daughter in front of me-start talking to them.  Father says she’s trouble-I say cute trouble. What grade are you in? 1st-but I was held back a yr-father smiles & says-NO secrets in this family. Tell her my niece was held back in K & did great. Taught kids w/behavior problems-problems because they got behind-you did a very good thing for your daughter. They go out to their car-I sit outside w/ bikes. See father coming back-look at my pink monkey SI SI sitting on bike. Ask father if daughter would like to have monkey-our trip is over.  Oh, yes-I go over & ask if I can take her picture. Ask her name-can’t understand it. Mother says it’s HEAVEN spelled  backwards-NEVAEH. Tell her the monkey’s name is SI SI-YES  YES in Spanish. Which means YES YES-YOU can do anything you put your mind to. Leave her hugging Si Si-father comes over to tell me how grateful he is-she’s doing great this yr but needs all the encouragement she can get. Happy that SiSi will remain here.

NEVAEH & SI SI
SI SI was getting tired riding on the bike

OR comes back-put bikes in car & start driving. Stop at rest stops in GA & FL-very impressed-all are spacious, clean, well kept, w/all night security. Make to Tallahasse-Howard Johnsons $62-very nice. No dinner-decide I need to lose the 5lbs I gained.  OR asks if I’m disappointed-Of course not-LIFE IS WONDERFUL AS LONG AS WE’RE TOGETHER. Anyway-we were just holding Whitney back.