VSRR III Ruth on the Road Day 19

VSRR III Ruth on the Road Day 19 (2824)

July 19, 2007

In reply to last night’s chatting among racers, Barney replied, “Thanks, just pure luck. Just so happens I was in the fields on Tuesday. Finally getting some better rains this past bit, but no real big soakers, just enough to get by. I see down town Chicago got storms again last night.” . . . Now if only I could read Triva faster.” . . . he continued, “Getting off work in 90 min. & off to bed!!!... Good morning to most of you I guess. See ya at the next destination. … Who has been to which of these destinations so far? Karen & I have been to Chitiniz Ruins in Mexico. (Sp -- too lazy to look up.) . . . Donna greeted everyone. “Morning Dan.... coffees done, but it appears Ruth is sleeping in since there isn't any 'goodies' to eat... or maybe she is just running late from picking something up.” . . . then replying to Vera’s affection for storms, Donna said, “Well if you thought yesterdays was frightening... wait till you see what is in store for you today! Last nights were far worse than the previous nights... IMHO, hope it dies down by the time it gets there….who's dragging her butt since it kept me up half the night.....and waiting for daylight to see what is what out there.” . . . NPS ventured, “Storms were really bad last night. I had turned off the computer already when the lights started flickering, so got ready for bed and turned everything off. Sure was a show - kept me awake. Would just get to sleep and then the storms woke me up again. Coffee is totally necessary today. Holli be prepared.” . . . Holli shivered, “Gee thanks for the warning.... it is supposed to get here early this afternoon… poor Max is already hiding” . . . Esme countered, “Max is a wise dog.” . . . Holli turned to Dan saying, “Good Morning Dan. I trust you slept well! … Was a long day yesterday… looks like the racers are rising and shining this morning. Is everyone ready for today’s events?” . . . (Holli - DUJ and ECWC) . . . WCWC smiled, “Bring it on Judges, Bring it on! . . . Dan replied, “Thanks - barely had time for coffee this morning - had to review all the previous days standing - all is safe for democracy this morning!” . . .

Having been busy with charts and notations, Dan looked up with a smile, nodding to the assemblage of sleepy but determined racers. “Morning racers - Day 19 clues on their way - checking the overnight scoring - will post shortly!” . . . Due to the heavy Chicago rains he adjusted the scopes, recalibrating nomabulators and quickly began releasing clues… The first clue told a complete story to the gathered history buffs prepared for the race. “Purchased in 1915, -- As a gift for his wife, who was not impressed, -- Lot 15, about 30 acres, 2 rods, 37 perches of adjoining downland. -- Cause of the Battle of the Beanfield. -- Heel Stone or Friar’s Heel near the entrance. -- Erected circa 2200 BC. -- Pilgrimage site for neo-druids” . . . Following the fast-moving racers and making squiggly notations on his sleeve when one veered from the course, he declared, “More points to come! Several racers at today's destination!” . . . Working his way through the charts, Dan said, “I think I've gotten caught up on the correct points for everyone – it will be awhile before they are posted. … I'll Let you know when they are.” . . . Replying to Rosann’s plea for finding last night’s PP he said, “You'll get it - You'll See LA - soon!” . . . [We all heard this … but what’s an LA?] . . . Coolly but politely Esme quoted one of the clues and asked, ‘Pilgrimage site for neo-druids’… What, pray tell, is a neo-druid?” . . . Without batting an eye Dan replied, “A newer version of an old druid - hope that helps!” . . .

Dan reported, “After consulting all sorts of devices calculating recalculating – the scores through Day 18 are now posted - seems we had some mail that got stuck in the pipes someplace… Here are the Day 18 results through midnight EDT: . . . 1. Penny - 2128 points, -- 2. NPS - 2105 points - here comes Sue for another charge. --
3. Suepa - 2035 points. -- 4. Kay - 2024 points. -- 5. Barney - 1900 - highest daily finish for one of the men! -- Rosann is the BJOD - U C Rosann - on a clear day you can see forever!” – Rosann interrupted, “YEP!! Must have been looking with only one eye!!” . . .”Now back to the scoring table to find out who has made the trip to today's location!” . . . “After reprogramming her on-board computer and melting two of mine -- Rita is the first to arrive at today's destination.”... PPS . . . WC yelped, “Oh Good! Hi Rita, I see some other fool is up early too!” she laughed. “Although, it is not "too" early for you...it's still in the 4 o'clock hour for me....maybe I'm the only fool!).” . . . “Back in the lead again, Penny comfortably arrives at today's destination - reclaims lead!” PPS…He added, “Today's episode: "Bringing BIG Bacon Back - by Barnstorming Barney" has been posted.” . . .

Continuing his report, …“After what appeared to be a simple task of pushing a few buttons - tallying Day 18 and 19 scores - this judge finally caught up to the racers. 10 racers have made it to the destination of the day - all other scores are up to date - please check to make sure yours is correct!... SS and PP may be delayed this morning as I have to take Tracy to the airport - she's heading to the Boston area to visit with her sister – so don't start looking for them unless you see a message I have them posted.” . . . After further adjusting Dan returned. “Morning again racers - the scorecard for day 20 is now posted – please note --starting tomorrow - free points are available for the asking – HITS (Hollidan International Towing Service) will be back in business (you can see the available points below the regular score card) - watch for details later today or this after noon - really it's simple all you have to do is ask for the points and they are yours - but not before tomorrow - watch for the details - this gives me time to figure out how it's going to work .” he said, laughing. . . .Ruth puzzled, “I’m still trying to figure where the Chitiniz ruins of Mexico are that Barney was talking about.” . . . And Dan replied, “It was the one that sounded like chicken but didn't taste like it!” . . . As a reminder, Barney said, “I told you the spelling was wrong, too late for me to learn. Out of school already.”. . . Donna said, “Well, on the walk over to mom's this morning -- I noticed that my wheel barrel was FULL- ok overflowing with water. I don't think I’ve ever seen that before! Everything is wet and soggy, but I didn't see any damage per se. Have to check better when I get home tonight... looks like it is gonna rain here again any minute.” . . .

Mid-day report time, and Dan nodded to racers as he carried a sheaf of clipboards and papers to the middle of the room. Rapt attention from the racers. … “Hi Racers - sorry for the delay but all is good to go now. -- 1. SS#19 has been posted - What is it - and where it's located are all worth points. 2. PP# - A statement that needs an ending - finding and finishing the statement all worth points. -- 3. BINGO - somebody must have it by now - be sure to check the points - only 11 sets of points are available -- 4. Wildcards - everybody's in - same as yesterday if you can find your way between them - Double triple and quadruple points available. -- 5. Next start time - 11:00 ZULU 7/20…; TOWING SERVICE - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY -- 6. HITS - Hollidan International Towing service - simply ask for the next tow and it's yours - A free tow will get you to the next destination without having to give the judges an answer to that location - and you still get the points for the position you arrive and you'll still be charged the HD's but whatever the point total for the tow is worth they are yours for the asking…. HOWEVER - ONLY ONE TOW PER CUSTOMER EACH DAY - there will be higher points available - BUT FEWER TOWS… TOWS CAN NOT BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY MISUNDERSTANDING - when requesting a TOW – you must make your request to the CIRCLE public group - that will determine the order of the request as they hit Dan's mailbox - HITS is not responsible for mail delayed by Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Molasses or any other possible cause - they get here when they get here - you may also cc the judges but only the circle postings count for the time stamp and you must include in your RFT (Request for TOW) the following phrase in CAPS PLEASE … "I WANT A TOW NOW" … ONLY RFT's requested in the form above will be given At that point if a tow truck is available you will get the next set of points in the order listed and delivered to the next destination. Request for tows may begin on Day 20 - 04:00 ZULU… Now is the time to ask questions - please keep a copy of this list of information handy for when you need HITS … Thanks, HRS.” . . .

Helen showed up after a busy time traveling with DH. “Just spent 4 days without internet access....DH gave some talks at a meeting at Kiawah Island...We were put up in someone's condo...aka villa...There is no internet service except at some golf clubhouses, restaurants, and I decided it wasn't worth it to drag DH's laptop all
over the place...Unless you're into golf or tennis, or really like to sit on a not so great beach...this is not your island. Most of it is privately owned, so gates everywhere...We went into Charleston one afternoon, bought some fat qtrs for my next quilt project …went to the Charleston Tea plantation yesterday when he was finished lectures...Interesting in that it's the only Tea plantation in North America...otherwise, 90 plus degrees, and humidity to match...Am trying to catch up with you all… Sorry to hear about your cat, Rosann...Cappy is stretched out in front of my monitor as we speak...Fluffy was 23 when she went away...took me about a year and a move to convince DH that we needed a new one...and we have 2.” . . . Rita said, “Welcome back Helen. Now you can play catch up. We have been all over the world, so get that car moving so you can join the party tonight.” . . . Holli added, “WELCOME HOME Helen!!” . . .

Holli swirled in with the bingo calls for the day, “Here ya go… -- Lombard Street -- Zulu time -- Capt Bligh . . . good luck! . . . after much soul searching Ruth hollered Bingo with the following message…”Madam DUJ (De Udder Judge) Holli, --- I’m hollering bingo because it seems the thing to do! ...I have 9 slots filled and the use of one wild card – (one of the few who didn’t receive a bingo in game A)…. . 1. Wild Child, 2. A Shamrock Tattoo, 3. The Gold Lame Bikini. 4. Laundry Room, 5. Lombard Street, 6. Victoria’s Secret. 7. Carolina houseboat contraption. 8. Lawn Chair. 9. The Philharmonic. … I’m breathlessly awaiting your decision – even though I haven’t a clue what I have won!!!” . . . Soon Ruth realized she had a bingo and hollered it out to the Circle…Dan answered, “Hi Ruth - congratulations - pending certification by the DUJ _ has assigned the points to your account and they will be PPS!” . . .

Dan urged everyone to check out the score between the top three racers! “1. Penny -2314 points, --2. NPS - 2313 points, --3. Suepa - 2312 points! -- I think we have a race!!!!!” he said excitedly! . . . “Pretty much neck to neck,” said Sly! . . . Dale said, “But did you see the tow bars. Wonder who has the key!” . . . Penny said, “This afternoon we got the dreaded tornado warning. Fortunately for us the storm was just south of us. It did touch down and uproot some trees. We had lots and lots of rain. Enough to wash out part of our new lawn URGHHHH… Now it is beautiful outside - and the weekend looks good.” . . . Penny answered the question of where Barney and Karen had traveled in Mexico. “This was one of the puzzles we did. It is one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Chichén Itzá , Mexico.” She said. . . .

Dan interrupted to announce, “Hi Racers - all is well in VSRR land - all points are posted the scorer's table is clear - 3 points separate the top 3 racers - life is good!!!... Somebody finally has Bingo - Ruth - and the HITS start tomorrow. 04:00 ZULU… Tomorrow's race is in the starting gun - starting time - 11:00 ZULU 7/20 Good Night and Good Racing!...HRS…He added, “If anyone wants to revisit any of the places we've been or the puzzles click on the link above - at the end of the race I hope to have them all here!” . . . and he included a link for us to use right now. . . . http://dtlima.com/VSRR%20III/Locations%20web%20page/Locations.html . . . Holli smiled at the bingo win while lamenting over poor Max… “Sorry, I have a situation here with poor Max, who is screaming in pain … looks like he hurt his hip, I have him resting comfortably now and will take him to the vet in the morning, hopefully we can make it to the morning … Ok on with the official Bingo Biz… I confirm that Ruth has an officially completed Bingo card! WTG Ruth!!!” . . . Rita jumped in with sympathy. “Oh Max, I hope you are going to be okay. Holli needs you to keep her company and to protect her. She will take good care of you tonight, as always… Hugs and pets,” and she signed it, “Rita and Meggie” . . . Suddenly Holli had an urgent call. “Well it isn’t looking good. We really can not pin point where the pain is coming from. I thought it was his hip. But it may be his spine. I have a call into the Vet and waiting for a call back. I just gave him a tranq, cause I can not even manage him. Daniel is of no use for help here; he is too upset and just can’t handle it. Will give it an hour... may have to find an emergency Vet…. Will type later.” . . . Rita said, “Oh Holli, I hope he will be okay. You should call the emergency Vet and talk to them on the phone. I have done that before and they might be able to guide you on what to do.” . . . “Holli, our prayers are with you!!!” said Vera. . . . Rita added, “We will be praying for Max. He has been part of your life for a long time and part of the Circle. God speed.” . . . Holli answered, “Taking him now Rita.” . . . Rosann said, “Oh No Holli, what happened to Max??!!??...My prayers are with you & Max. Keep us posted as to what the vet says.” . . .

Kay announced, “I'm calling bingo...... have 9 noted by indention below plus my free space for not getting bingo before”… and she listed 9 calls on the B list of bingo: Gold Lame Bikini, Laundry room, Zulu Time, Salt Water Fishing, White Gloves, Mark Roberts Elves, Lombard Street, A Refrigerator, The Philharmonic…. not used, Soap Bubbles.” . . . Looks like a short wait for Holli to return from the Vet with Max before these Bingo calls can be verified.