June 30 - pre-race
Twenty-two entrants have submitted their vehicles and registrations for the grand event so far. The diversity of vehicles is astounding from the classic http://www.prewarbuick.com/id367.htm of Dave to the sleek Pantera http://www.qv500.com/detomasopanterasip2.php that Donna will be driving. With all make and model of vehicle in between.

We also have 24 locations on the schedule to visit so far.

The VSSR is now officially an international adventure - with the entry of Christine and her safe arrival at the starting point the competition will now encompass most of the North American continent! We can all now expect challenging questions from Canada!

Ruth can't wait till I get my hair done! She than tends to look like an overworked camp follower when the wind shifts and the car windows are down. This by her own omission! Dry the wet laundry as usual - flapping out the car window. (BYOW).

Ruth says to throw your dirty laundry out the window and she'll wash it in the tubs for you. I guess Grace will be doing her driving for her. Otherwise, she'd be too busy at the tubs to keep up. Gee, maybe we should use disposable clothes to give her a break. What do you say???

1. We'll be starting on Duval Street
http://www.liveduvalstreet.com/live-duval-cam.htm
2. The police department is on full alert and been practicing there
traffic control skills http://snipurl.com/fy7u
3. yes 12 noon eastern time - the official race clock
http://snipurl.com/9kdz
4. Weather report light during the day getting dark towards night
http://dtlima.com/Weather/usa.htm
5. Did everybody bring what they need? Dale's ready to go!
http://snipurl.com/fy8z
6. We have the state of Florida covered
http://a-1portabletoilets.com/ - will work on the rest

Ruth checked into the Eden House hotel in Key West tonight. Charming place. They say it is the oldest fully renovated hotel in the city . . . the pool is great -- I relaxed there after the long drive. But I must tell you -- some collectors hanging around the beach spray-painted my Van with gold paint, and two others wandering by wanted to buy it. Then those two keyed the door and started yelling that it wasn't authentic because it was re-painted gold -- they chanted fraud - fraud!!. Oh -- It was dreadful. Fortunately, that Ranger fellow who goes around knocking cameramen came up and pushed the gold Van into a garage -- and me with it. I was able to wipe off the gold paint with the unclaimed dirty laundry, so I'm fairly ready for the starting gate. Where is everybody? Dan has been a jewel!! He deserves a good night's sleep. I can't fathom how he did it -- keeping track of so many contestants and photographing their cars and getting them on the website. I'm going to try to figure who is driving what . . . since I'm not a car buff they all look alike -- except the Village Van and now the pink caddy.

We're down here on Duval street partying! Thanks for a great day, Holli! -- and thanks for having the laundry facilities on board. You all thought of everything. There's a fellow driving up and down singing Auld Lang Syne and how he plans to whup the girls in a race tomorrow. He is really happy - kinda reminds me of the bottle sipping fellow earlier.

Dale
Ruth- You should have been in the Hog's Breath Saloon down on Whitehead and Front st. tonight. Things were really swinging down there. While talking to some of the locals about the big race, they gave me some pretty good advice about some short cuts to get ahead of the traffic tomorrow. WE will start off on South street and head up the coast. If you take a right onto Reynolds st for a couple of blocks then hit Flagler ave. then a right onto Roosevelt blvd. Then give it the gas there it is a straight shot to the next rest stop.

July 1

Ruth can't even FIND Grace. She's been out shopping most of the day while I held down the fort. Now I don't know if she signed up for the race. Donna dozed off for a minute and you should see what he did to Maddie's car....But I think we have it made-- he has been up all night raising chaos... so he will probably sleep thru the race start up!

DALE!!!!!!!! You pushed Ruth in the water?????? BAD DALE!!!

Hi racers - if you are still stuck figuring out the starting point there is a new clue courtesy of Donna - you can find it on the PGPA page! Always be observant sometimes clues to the answer may be right in front of you and we won't say anything - this one has been here since
Thursday. I think it's illegal to be having this much fun! fantastic Donna thanks!

Dan

More vehicle choices
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/crazycars.html

Rebecca was dancing on the beach about 5 a.m. -- Where do you find the energy? Soon as I loosen this bathing suit I'll meet you under the third thatch by the bar. They serve alligator for breakfast here. Vera and Alan went fishing on the biggest rig I've ever seen. I think they're going to Cuba. What are we gonna do with Ruth? The race has already started and all she wants to do is party and shop. I guess I'll have to keep her off of my tail by throwing out little houses along the way to distract her, you all think she would fall for that old trick? Ruth gets outta that skimpy bathing suit and stop flirting with all those beach bums and get racing. Quick someone send the officials out to reel her back in. Ruth, Vera, and a couple of Sues Were up all night partying! It's a wonder how they got up this morning...and after Dale pushed Ruth in the water...Ruth wouldn't get out..guess Ruth thought maybe everyone would just throw clothes at her, and she could just to the wash while she was in there! Chan - Yooo Hooo Jacuzzi time!!! Boy that Rebecca sure knows how to throw a party!! Donna, Kay, Esme are whooping it up with Dale, still looking for Allyn (she should be here any minute now with Billy in tow) Allyn we'll have you a nice fresh drink waiting for you. Back off to the hospitality suite for a Bloody Mary now. *hiccup* How come Dan is holding his head -- did he get thrown in the shallow end of the pool? There is just too much to see and do -- for instance Ruth hasn't seen your Lauderdale beach yet, but I ran into Peter Jr. in Key West. Nice lad! Almost as good looking as his mama. I tried to talk him out of his flowered shirt but he said you'd know where I can buy one here. Is this my steak? Wow look at the size of that sirloin -- my favorite. Shrieking! Dale!! I didn't know you'd just stand and look at her if she passed out!!! Poor, dear, Chan --get over and revive her!! It has
been a long day. Poor little thing. Bring her over to Rebecca's. We'll take care of her! Packing? In the choir loft? One of us is missing a marble. And Chan can't pack and be passed out on the floor. What was that colorful remark Esme made a while ago -- really expressive. Oh, yes --- I heard her -- MEN!!

ESME -
With all this action, we definitely need an unofficial RH. That's Race Historian to the uninitiated. Because I'm spending too much time in the pool with some of the most handsome men alive, I have declined the honor. I said, "Self, do you want to do this?" And TM56 answered, "No I'd rather spend too much time in the pool with some of the most handsome men alive."

So the nominations for RH are officially open.
I nominate Party Girl Ruth.

----- Original Message -----
From: Ruth56er
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, July 02, 2005 8:53 AM
Subject: RE: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Chat

Thank goodness Rita is back! It will be difficult to bring you up to date -- but you should know that Billy marked all over Allyn's map and she lost her route. Ended up in Appalachia, I think. Chan -- bless her, fainted in the choir loft while Dale just stood there like an idiot.
But I worry about her anyway -- she thought she could convince us that she picked up a pelican along the road -- sure, sure, but he can put his slippers in my garage any day. Dan has kept his cool -- even with stupid answers form yours truly (I always wanted to say that), and Holli has jammed all night with us while working all day. Vera sailed off into the sunset on a fishing trawler -- rejoined us on Chitty -- and is at the starting gate. Esme gave me hugs and kisses for nothing. Kay was on a singing roll at the Garden of Eden in Key West -- but she denied it.Sue1 has been keeping us happy -- Duane is lost around Baton Rouge and Barney, bless him, left the farm and popped over for a quick ride. I think he didn't stay for the party...it got a little rowdy. Esme threw Dan in the shallow end of Rebecca's pool just as Dan's computer erupted with messages from Christine and Donna. Rebecca serves the best-darned steaks ---- Come on in, the water is wet!!!

Ruth

----- Original Message -----
From: Ruth56er
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, July 03, 2005 1:43 PM
Subject: RE: [Saturday night report

Your questions are right on, Kay. Saturday was something else! All I know is that Dale lassoed the trailer carrying the fancy tub (the one hitched to the Winnebago) Saturday night -- the muscle men were pulling it back to Lauderdale . . . with me in it. . Dan caused a ruckus by starting the race at dawn when half were still asleep -- lot of injured looks flung at him by the ladies . . . he made up for it with a perfect party . . .Dale yodels a lot -- later he messed up Donna's swimming stroke in Dan's pool squirting water and playing his guitar . . . smack dab in the middle of the pool. His daughter flew over Lauderdale in a C47 and waved at us. Esme spent the day moving her grandkids back and forth -- between shopping for Dan's party and swearing at her computer. . . Esme does $*^#(*@ better than anybody! SuzyQ drove her Corvair from Springfield to Iowa to Georgia and Florida so much she maxed her credit card on gasoline. . . But she did load up on Valerie's desserts and brought them to Dan's party. Vera -- dropped a bundle off on the lawn -- she thinks it was Mary asleep in the back seat. She spent the day floating Chitty all over Florida -- Donna hitched a ride but got nervous at Chitty dive-bombing the alligators . . .. Rebecca keeps dusting off the pink caddy, but wowee- does she know how to throw a party . . . divine steaks . . .great Jacuzzi -- maybe she's hoping Elvis will drop by. . . nah! Saw her dancing on the beach . . . Did I mention the floating candles in her pool -- think Barney singed his hair - but he just swam on by. He beat northpolesue to the Jacuzzi -- said his muscles were tight from picking those beans on the farm . . .he stayed real late, too! Best of all was Tracey's virtual food. She just kept the lobsters and clams and veggies coming and, but was a little annoyed with the idiot who emptied the wheelbarrow full of salad into the pool to keep it fresh -- and that is a direct quote from Donna who saw the whole thing. We watched Billy (Donna told us what was going on) as his squiggly lines ran off his map and he drew the route on Dan's wall with cheese dip (Donna saw that, too -- nothing gets past her) . . . but Billy was just trying to help. . . his jacket almost blinded us, by the way . . .so Allyn held the map to his chest to contain his flashing -- which almost wrecked their car -- Billy was driving . . .

________________________________________

From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 8:55 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Sunday - day #3

PattyBo was still lollygagging around Key West when SuzyQ headed for PattyBo's house to check out her great display . . .then kinda broke in to peek (kinda? you either break in or you don't) with sirens wailing closer and closer . . nerves of steel, that SuzyQ she left one step ahead of the cops. . . Mary joined her -- two in the hoosegow means no driver for the car . . . The day had started early -- some jockeying for position and fussing about yesterday's break-of-dawn-start . . Dan said it was daylight, but he doesn't live in California where Esme hadn't had her first yawn of the day . . .Rebecca and Holli talked about splitting a bottle of wine . . .at 9 in the morning? Ruth did a little chastising over that . . . and as Rebecca played with her laptop in the pink caddy, Dan's question suddenly popped up. Nimble fingers at the ready (she's a dancer, you know) Rebecca just popped that answer out so fast that Dan (in the control room) thought he was attacked by an earwig . . .that gave her 24 points and the rest of the day to play . . . By then Vera sailed by with Alan in the backseat fishing from 100 feet up - the darned fish swam like mad but couldn't reach his hook . . . Everyone wondered why Dan wanted the Harlem Globetrotters theme song as he and Holli headed for Tampa . . . we found out right away as Dale started singing Sweet Georgia Brown . . .Holli and her Cannolis -- made me nervous! She got hung up on making Cannolis cakes and I fretted over the word. . . sounded like cannabis . . . naughty . . Dale found an all night fireworks stand and bought a thousand bottle rockets and roman-candles - I'm not sure he saved any for the 4th of July. Larry blew in late Sunday with his huskies, Sydney, on lead, -- Maggie on wing and Mr.Blue on wheel dog. He gladly took control of the pooper scooper so the team doesn't have to chip in for cleanup . . . Dave pulled in late -- didn't want to leave the Keys, spent time eating in the Galleria...but ended up in 7th place on the scoreboard for the day. Vera said Chitty was beginning to wear down -- too much flying for one day. . .Dan kept sending the best maps and photos he browsed from the web . . . good man . . . Holli admitted she was a speed reader in college so she's reading ALL messages -- what a trooper! . . .Barney negotiated with Dale for the monster bike . . .figured he could use it on the farm which seemed a little silly since the girls plan to disable it with Dale on it . . .fact is, Dale had the bike cause Chan landed his car in the garage . . . yea!! . . . SuziQ's husband picked 10 gallons of veggies and wants her back to clean and freeze them. . . Her no! was resounding . . .she's in this race for good . . .Rebecca picked out a no-no of a costume . . .clinging and sheer . . .plans to dance in Atlanta . . . Nobody announced where they were going to sleep, but I think they were overjoyed when Holli posted the question of the day (QOD) at midnite . . that meant everyone could relax and just drop where they were. . . . Did they? We'll know tomorrow -- the 4th.

________________________________________
From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2005 1:56 PM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle/Monday July 4/ day 4

Dan started us out with a bang . . .sent us lots of fireworks and spotlighted Larry's huskies (lookalikes) on a Website . . .beautiful animals . . Dan decided he would post results only on the PGPA site and Holli would post on the database. SuzyQ announced that she hung in there on-line last night until after 1 a.m. and learned she missed the question by 5 minutes . . .Rebecca was so funny, hanging on to her dancing shoes, laptop and caddy keys, while shuffling maps and trying to find the database . . .she's on the ready . . .not surprised to learn SuzyQ and Mary sweet-talked themselves out of arrest at PattyBo's . . .seems they stayed on the patio admiring PattoBo's Snow Village and didn't break in the house . . .Holli shared that her son got his first kiss last night ... he'll just love it that she told the world . . .(aren't we the world?) Dale went singing down the road with a frog hanging out of his boot. . . ." Uncle Froggy went a'courting" -- and believe it or not he sang the whole dang thing!! Since his car motor is still frozen, he's pushin' the bike to get to the Carolinas for grits, red-eye gravy and real biscuits -- then complained that NPSue muddied his bike when she roared past him . . .good for you NPS . . .Esme was in a twit protesting all over the place that she had been left to clean up Dan's house after the party . . .warned by SuzyQ that "we're in a hotbed of CORSA country" (Corvair Society of America) and watch for racing vandals who switch road signs . . .what nerve . . they can goof up their own race -- leave ours alone . . .NPS questioned Dale about throwing mud on her car since she washes it every night, and there he was out flinging the bike loaded with fireworks over mountain chasms . . .somebody dared him . . . Vera and Christine bantered about Canadian life cause some folks think Christine lives in an Igloo, takes her sled dogs to work and eats frozen french pies . . . Rosann stuck her head in the racers lounge and decided no way! She had registered, but the D56 trip sidetracked her and she figured she'll never catch up . . .even with Vera's kind invitation to ride in Chitty as a guest . . . Rosann is thinking of starting a cheerleading section of non-racers but needs a name . . . Esme's fully loaded vehicle was cleaned out (burgled) and she sent the full (lack of) evidence to Dan . . .I pointed out that the holographic floor mats were still there so it wasn't a full cleanout . . .Dale admitted to copping a tire pump and then promptly dropping it off next to the 56 Village Van . . . (THEN, he used the overworked excuse that he "borrowed" it) . . .a photo of the inside of Vera's van was offered as evidence in some court case -- it was stuffed to the gills with shopping bags . . .turns out that Christines DIALUP wouldn't connect so she lost a full day of the race and found 800 messages staring at her when DIALUP returned . . . Northpolesue queried the use of the "hunks" (I call 'em muscle men) to disable Dales bike -- but I felt we girls should be able to handle a mere guitar playin' bike riding troubadour with a frog (probably dead by now) in his boot who's been bitin dust all day -- or was it northpolesue's mud he's been wallowing in? . . . he kinda redeemed himself by inviting everyone over for ice cream and ice tea and to meet his wife, ------- Chan showed us a slew of great spots to visit in North Carolina . . from Ava Gardner Museum to the Biltmore Hotel . . and Andersonville prison was high on the list as a dreadful relic of the Civil War . . . Cape Hatteras lighthouse was wonderful . . .Dave's photos of the Edison/Ford Estate in Ft. Myers were posted and everyone was impressed . . .late in the day everyone kinda scattered and then darted together like schools of fish . . sometimes at Allyn's with Valerie's fabulous food -- later, fireworks on Blue Sky Mountain . . .some watched the Ford's Theater musical salute to the fourth, Vera and Alan did the laser and light show on Stone Mountain . . .Dale invited everyone to the North Carolina Turkey Festival in his hometown of Raeford in September . . . Donna huffed a little that we had a race to rally round and no waiting for Sept. . . finally heard from Chan, recovering from a greasy spoon drop in . . . hot, busy day today-- mountain, racing -- bungee jumping (bumped my head) -- everybody all over the state . . . who knows where anybody slept . . .

From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 7:55 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle Tuesday day 5, July 5

Crack out of the box this morning Donna was looking for pecan pancakes, declining the Brazilian skewered meat Suzy Q suggested. Then the huge question (QOD) erupted. Kay called it the "deer in the headlights" reaction . . Chan said paralysis set in with panic . . .everyone scattered and headed for google with lots of mumbling, grumbling and crumpled paper tossed in piles of wrong answers . . .suddenly Chan rushed in with 37 points --nobody even close to her . . . gradually the jockeying ended with a wild scramble . . .our noble leader, Dan, said " In a move that stifles any hint of being out of the running - just like that Rosann scoots up the Interstate and catches up to everyone in North Carolina." Calm as a cucumber, Dan decided they'd park the Winnebago at Dale's tonight and Chan's tomorrow night, and that tomorrow's messages would be posted in the p.m. -- EDT. Sue1 bounced back full of vigor saying they've had "six g'kids and their parents fishing, swimming, boating and generally running amok since last Friday...and the troops are finally gone" . . .Esme posted a picture of the three grandkids and blinded us. Gorgeous! . . . Mid-morning Dale crashed his fingers and posted a wrong answer to the board . . . the whole world saw it, and like a man he took his medicine -- yippee, I passed Dale the soap and laundry route . . . I'm free to hunt coconuts all day if I want . . .Larry parked the huskies while he designed the Dickens display for a shoppe in Wilton Manors. . . worked an exchange for 2005 Dickens collection for his expertise . . . Dan and Dave waxed eloquent and reminisced about their visits to the Edison Estate interconnecting with Ford and Firestone in Ft. Myers . . .Dan had spent a dinner evening visiting with 80 year old Jim Newton, author of the book and Foundation "Uncommon Friends." . . . Chan rushed home and cut the grass to be ready for everyone on Wednesday . . she panics at the thought of posting a link or answer to the world as I did -- and now Dale, worried about our cars tearing up his grass threatened to throw the laundry in Pemlico Sound and dashed home to save his yard. Chan, laughing hysterically egged him on by saying his wife locked herself in the house while we tore up the sod...Rebecca spent two hours at tap and jazz class getting in shape for tomorrow's race. . .trying to sort Dale's laundry was a pain . . .Sue1 says the orange thong belongs to Penny (birthday gift from Randy) . . .but Dale promptly gave them to some kids thinking they were slings to fling rocks at birds . . . Calls himself "former" laundryman, but Esme says, and this is a quote, "former doesn't come into play until the next person advertently pushes the wrong button" . . By the way-- that orange tidbit mortified Penny who threatened to talk about Sue1's little black thing . . ..the purple number with waist stitching is Donna's. . . When Dale called for help to get off Okracoke Island, Dave's laconic reply was "maybe Orville or Wilber could give you a lift" . . . Esme still fussing about the west coast time, late messages and the 3 w's . . . she calls them whimper, whine and wine . . her most famous proclomation "I snooze, I loose. -- I workout, I miss out!!" Mighty profound, Esme! . . . Miss efficient SuzyQ set up a blank e-mail for every remaining day and put them in her outbox. Now she hopes not to get mixed up on which day it is and send answer #10 on day #9. . . Michelle stuck her head in the racer's lounge, said "Oh my Heavens" and promptly left. She's been planning a Roundup trip to Austin and isn't in the race. Christine admitted she's usually not up when QOD is posted . . .missed it by 45 minutes today . . .Whoop, I discovered I've been misspelling Tracy's name... apologies to Tracy . . .SuzyQ and Mary are spending the night with a Corvair friend in Beauford, SC . . . Vera just floated off in Chitty, haven't seen her for awhile . . . everbody is scattered again . . .but the Winnebago is parked under the trees at Dale's . . .

From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 10:45 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle, day 6, Wed. July 6

Dan was the first one stirring this morning and posted a message that Dale arrived home late last night. About time, I'd say, with everyone waiting for the host to arrive. . . We had a great time, though, and the peach ice cream was exquisite. Non-racing Claudia poked her head in the racers lounge grumpily asking us to change the subject line so she'll know when it is non-racing. . . seems she has to wade through hundreds of them to get to a normal non-racing message. I note by the non-reaction that nobody was excited about it. They're too busy being tourists . . . .Donna is relieved to be out of Florida with a hurricane bearing down . . .course our Dan'll is there manning the ship's wheel and posting messages . . .he announced that Vera arrived in North Carolina before midnite last night so racers are all out of Atlanta . ..except for the guys still partying in the Keys . . .SuzieQ pulled all DC maps off the shelves in preparation for today's race. Her computer refuses to give her Dan's posted map, probably because it is overworked. By her account there are over 400 messages a day in racer's rag . . .Esme glanced in, saw that all was quiet and announced she was off to the gym. It was her usual time -- 9:30 a.m. and she is punctural when it comes to her figger! . . . Larry has been worried that Floridians will have to drop out of the race with the hurricane coming. Dan has been watching Cindy over New Orleans as well as Dennis coming close to Cuba. He sent us a weather map to follow along . . . In sudden generosity Chan gave me her blouse -- the one with a couple of tiny gold flecks still there. She says it looks better on me -- nice of her, but not true . . .I heard that Donna and Vera were planning to fly Chitty up to Rita's and just drag her down here for fun. She's working too hard unpacking . . .Sure enough, Dan hit the QOD button right on the nose at noon p.m . . .everything hit the fan -- well, a lot of car exhaust did, anyway . . .off and running, he wanted to know about the Potomac River . . .golly, I had been boning up on George and Martha . . .Kay was in and out before anyone knew the question, much less the answer. Esme popped that button
just as she popped out of the shower, even checked her watch at 10:08 . . .great timing, Esme . . .Dale arrived in #6 slot towing his wash tubs . . .always a little dramatic flair . . .SuzyQ stopped for lunch with her grandson, but she had already posted her answer so she was calm and relaxed . . .Trying to figure strategy, I verbalized the winner standings and Dale chirped in with a cutesy offer. If I answered his QOD he'd see if Dan would give up 5 of his points to me. . .By gum I did just that and you never saw so much back peddling in your life. He asked for a blood test, a signed confession to the start of every war since Granada (including Granada) and asked if I had received help with the answers. Standing straight as an arrow I said yes, and denied being a ninny . . . haven't heard a word since. . . at least we figured out the reason everyone's clothes are such a wrinkled mess. Dale flips them around to rope size, wraps them around his waist and takes off at breakneck speed on his bike hoping friction will take over the drying process. . . We learned that Dan is pretty literal (that is
l.i.t.e.r.a.l. to you political bloggers) -- a loose word about the Great Wall and he had a China link on his Web before I could count the pagodas . . Dale was fussing that he just lost 5 points for trying to be smart.. .and says"now I have to show up in court in Beaufort and pay a fine for shrimping out of season. I tried to tell them I was just washing out some panty hose in the sound, but just as I was pulling them back in, the game warden came up. The dang thing was full of shrimp. Someone is going to be short in their laundry." Excuses,
excuses!! . . . Christine, on the other hand, was doing a David and Goliath --- fighting the giant Dell for doing her in, as Eliza would say. Impassioned, direct, she told them (Dell) what for, and we patted her hand and hoped she feels better for letting off steam. We had a few
reservations about it doing any good for the computer -- but she feels great.-- While Kay was away (cute little rhyme) Dale swiped her car and test drove it (ha!) halfway across the country, although he said it was just a little spin. Kay blasted him and used the words "cotton-pickin" to describe his hands . . . really let him have it . . . SuzyQ visited cousins in Falls Church and froze up a bunch of vegetables for the winter. Her non-christmacy DH had the nerve to expect her to do this in the middle of a race, for gosh sakes. . .I finally talked Vera into parking Chitty under a shade tree at Chan's and sharing the Village Van with NPS, Donna and me. We took off up a mountain and Vera said she spotted a wonderful scenic mountain trail road, asking me "How far can you back up in the Van? I am not sure the engine is ready for the forward track? Steep incline but I think we can do it! You should see the top! What a view! On the down side the mini waterfalls and babbling brook - are just precious! Shhh, I think, there is a deer! Ruth...honk the horn....the eastern cougar is stalking him......Honk! Honk!!! Beep! Beep" ----- Now, really. Have you ever tried to control a van load of gawking tourists up a narrow mountain road with a passenger grabbing the horn and making like Harpo Marx with the honks? Scared the bedevil out of the deer.

________________________________________
From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2005 7:42 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle Day # 7 July 7 Thursday ROUTE

Chan was off and running with the QOD, despite her Wednesday's bout with the dentist, and took a quick lead with 52 points. Right on her heels Dave pushed past everyone as he left Washington, moved from 14 on yesterday's list, and arrived second in Chesapeake Bay. Sue1 arrived with a few good comments on last night. She said "The party last night at Chan's was a little laid back. Are we starting to poop out or keeping it down so she could sleep? Chan, you out did yourself with all that food! The pig roast was excellent! It was fun to watch those drag races around the back forty especially when Ruth spins up all that mud in Dale's face (D56 van wins again!). Hope Mike doesn't fall in the ruts when he gets up. NPS, how could your boss be so unreasonable as to want you in the office everyday? GEEWIZ Tell him you need a raise to pay for all that gas. SUZYQ, tell DH to CAN IT HIMSELF! You have more important things to do here . . .Someone shake Mary. . .she's snoring again. DUCK EVERYONE! Chitty is dive bombing us again." (Sue1 can
get carried away!!) Dan recommended that yahoo clean out the plumbing. Some messages are coming in way behind . . .Donna questioned the pointmaster on how Chan got 10 points . . .Kay moved into 2nd place, bumping Dave and tying for first . . .once SuzyQ arrived in Chesapeake with her QOD, she and Mary took off for a day of " serious shopping and crab cakes." . . .Kay began demanding answers to the slow moving messages. "Is Dan up?" she queried at a message dated 11:29 p.m. Dan attested to the fact that no, he was not up at that hour. Looks like Yahoo is dragging it's feet . . .Dale began taunting Sue1 about having to work overtime in DC and she sweetly explained she had already left Washington and was playing the rest of the day . . .and guess who suddenly popped up! It is Rita, about 2000 messages behind and driving her little red Pontiac GTO Super Sport Convertible . . .and you-know-who sends her a secret message that all laundry goes to Ruth -- not to him!! --- About that time, in the middle of the day all racers stopped their engines out of respect for Londeners and their tragedy. We mourn with them. . . but the race must go on . . .Donna says she's getting a lot more out of this race than car grease. She's picked up so much trivia she's calling for a game when the race is over . . .however, she's getting a little antsy about her race position . .. is it second, third, first or in-between. I tell you Dan just dazzled her with his footwork . . wanna hear? priceless!! . . ."you could also be considered in sole possession of 3rd place. Since Chan got there first she's in 1st ahead of Kay who got there 2nd - you with me so far - that would make you 3rd overall - now if somebody got there after you but had more points say 51- they'd be 3rd and you'd be 4th - of course if it was the very last day where there really could be a tie based on points that would have to be broken in a sudden death scenario - but that could get ugly - so I'm hopping (does he really hop?or hope) for a clear cut winner - got it? . . .Dan also got tough aboutYahoo folks saying "messages that come through yahoo late will be considered a road hazard, detours or construction delays - since like them we have no control over them." . . . and we (the great unwashed in our hotrods), DO have control? Did I tell you about my harrowing computer-server night? Now we have to worry about road construction!!! . . .Sometime mid-day SuzyQ broke ranks and chummily referred to you-know-who as "punster" Dale -- my thoughts are "monster" Dale . . .Dan approved the idea for all photos being sent to Larry who will edit them and send to Donna who will arrange them on a web page and send to Dan for his photo site, saving his time for race management. . . by mid-afternoon Doris stuck her head in, liked what she saw and decided she'd be perfectly happy staying in the rear of the race if she could join in . . .Rebecca found her messages held back by Yahoo this morning and spoke to Dan about recording the time the message was sent instead of the time it was received . . .Dan's answer took a full page and is doubly recorded in the personal logs if anyone needs a copy . . . something about isp . . .Kay explained the send/return system, Dave offered his comments, Donna chipped in her opinion and Dale commented, "Do you mean that we could find the answers then change our clocks to the same time as Dan sends the message . . that would be fun!" . . . As for me, an isp is a letterless lisp. . .it's all somewhere up there in the heavens. . . Rebecca hied herself off to dance class and ended up totally relaxed . . .Rita blew in like a prairie fire, all over the map and happy as a clam to be with us . . .something tickled her funnybone . . . not sure if it was the laundry tubs dotting the countryside or Sue1's big, fat lie about who would do the laundry . . .late in the day came this quip from you-know-who, "Just go ahead and print my name in the winner's circle - to which Dan replied,"If you get there first and with the most points I'll guarantee it." . . .(had to smile at that one -- what was his alternative?) . . .Kay stuck her head in the door wishing everyone "Happy racing tomorrow," then singled out Dale to let him know she had a hair appointment but wouldn't tell him when. It had to do with Dale's sour grapes comment about being behind
the ladies in the race when he wondered aloud if they didn't ever get their hair done . . .we don't forget those little comments . . Rita is reading and tossing messages like crazy from her office computer . ..0nly 1600 more to go (course she failed to consider the hundreds more
still coming) . . .Dan sent maps that we'll be in Pennsylvania country tomorrow and Dale promptly headed for Hershey to test the samples --wonder who will be partying tonight, and where . . .Golly, take a detour for a few hours on business and miss directions to the clambake . . .In confirming the cause of the fender bender this afternoon Dale described Larry's prowess. "Boy he had those dogs flat out, I was swerving back & forth to hold off Sue1 and Penny, Then Rosann and Christine were trying to block my move, and Larry just shot right on by." (Note how the guys stick together!!) Then the sheriff ticketed the Village Van for loitering when I was just trying to get a good look..Donna wondered where the plush accommodations are that were promised . . .and where everyone would party tonight . . . Kay thinks the questions are getting harder . . .Sue1 sent us a wonderful invitation and wrote, " Can't wait for you all to come. I jumped on Chitty and flew home...so the kegs are on ice. Bring your suits for a swim in the lake. . . Ruth and Esme can skinny! The lake is full of fish and the rods are baited. We can have a fish fry over the open fire. I grabbed some clams and lobsters while flying over the Chesapeake Bay...overheard Dale say he'll clean any fish the ladies catch. HA, I bet he thinks we can't. (I hope he dumps the soapy wash water first) Maybe Larry and Barney can fry them up after they have been filleted. Holli and Dan can sit back with a tall one...they really deserve it. Park anywhere. Plenty of room for the Winnebago just watch out for the deer." . . . On that note Vera got so excited she started rambling and her message didn't make sense so she went to bed. . . .Not Donna, she is so into it she's already talking about being in chat tomorrow night . . .Penny missread Donna's note, thought it was Friday and looked around for the QOD. Donna suggested she check her time stamp -- today's Thursday . . . which prompted some friendly banter about a.m. and p.m. in their two time zones . . .and lo! while catching up on a few notes, there came a messenger bearing gifts, and I opened it, and it was three questions from our noble leader, and I answered them as soon as I got over the shock of finding them . . .and it was an ungodly hour of 5:30 in the morning . . .

________________________________________
From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Saturday, July 09, 2005 5:16 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle / Day # 8 /Saturday / ROUTE NOTES

Barely had I answered the 5:30 in the morning QOD when an open message arrived from Dave telling Dan the full answer. Hooting as loud as I could I shot Dave a message about being the new laundry man -- and hot on my message were the same thoughts from Donna, Suzy Q and from Dave himself. (I know how you feel Dave -- having been the first one to goof like that) . . .Rebecca charged in with the first correct answer to the QOD, and with this second week's new high points she surged to 68 points and 1st overall. Then what a thrill for my name to come in second. I framed it as fast as I could, knowing the spot would only last a few minutes, and sure 'nuff, Donna slid into second place with a 68 tie with Rebecca. Dan asks . . ."Will it hold?" Larry explained why the huskies spent so much time resting yesterday . . .he was at Chan's dentist re-doing a cracked tooth . . .now this morning he is hinting about his sled team woofing about an ATM (alternate travel mode) . . .what's he up to! . . .Chan plowed into the field late, dropping me in the standings. I was already to fuss, but poor dear has a mighty stiff neck from sleeping on propped pillows last night . . .Kay commiserated with Dan saying," How in the world can you focus on this race when you have a hurricane staring you in the face?" . . .True. In our excitement we tend to forget that Dan is manning the ramparts with hurricane Dennis threatening all around him . . .Holli finally came back from shopping asking about the current laundryman . . .I let her know right off that Dave has the job in spite of his propensity to disappear for days with his camera . . . kind hearted Holli sent him fabric softener . . . Dan, despite his heavy schedule with the hurricane bearing down, accepted Sue1's lovely invitation for all of us to spend the evening partying at the lake. We can camp, sleep under the trees or in the house. Penny already staked out her room. . .Rebecca tried to switch to AOL since Yahoo was hiding her messages . . .none of them going anywhere . . .Sue1 got the sheets changed and discovered that Dale had foolishly washed the sheets with no soap and carefully laid them out in the streets to dry by
tire friction driving over them. Isn't this the same fella who bought 14 buckets of water lilies to water the grass during a drought? . . .the same fella who ran down the hill figuring it was faster than running up the hill . . .even though he needed to go up hill? . . .Dan was planning
an experiment sometime after midnight that he's been toying with "like sending out the question early before I go to bed and accepting the FIRST CORRECT ANSWER TIME STAMPED AFTER MIDNIGHT MY TIME in my mailbox," but he decided to forgo it for a week or two. . . Esme confided to us, "I should have been first. Got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, checked the messages and MISSED your post of the QOD. . . Phooey on me!" We really did not need to know what you do in the middle of the night, Esme. . . PattyBo stuck her head in and announced, " I think I'll be a 1966 Chevelle Super Sport that we had when we were first married in 1969. Boy could that car go! We'll forget that it was totalled in an accident one night and pretend we are roaring down the road. That was the last stick shift I had too, boy have things changed." . . . PattoBo expects to stay back in the rear of the race cause Dennis is blowing in with a lot of rain . . .I shipped Dan and Tracy a life raft for hurricane readiness, just a gesture, but it's the thought that counts . . .and in thanking me he asked about the paddles . . .darn, forgot them, so promised to ship as fast as possible. He asked for Christine to handle shipping, so impressed was he with how she has handled Dell and whipped them into shape on the matter of her computer. . . Lots of folks skipped off for some fun in Chat. I tried to join them but couldn't get in the door. Item # on tomorrow's schedule . .figure out how to get into chat. . . next Item #, explain to Holly that any odor she complains about in my Van was Dale's smelt, not mine . . .washtub full of smelt hooked on my bumper. He was the smelt jigger, not I . . . Suddenly, after mid-nite, Holly did her thing with the QOD and Dave flew past everyone with his answer . . .he's first in line . . .within minutes here comes Kay, then Rebecca and lo! and behold, yours truly ( got to say it again) . . . . P.S. Holli, please do not do what you soto-voiced implied you might do -- you know, come in suddenly in the middle of the night with part 3 of the already answered QOD . . . with everybody already gone to sleep. That would be cruel. Yawwwwn!! . . . now here comes Sue1 fussin' " Ruth, you don't know the half of it! Now everyone turn over and BE QUIET!!! I already missed the QOD and it's 4:45 in the bloody morning!!!! I can't believe I'm sitting here at the computer!!!!! Moe will KILL me when he finds out why I got up. Virtual my foot!!!! !" . . . she fussed off to bed. It seems like 5 minutes ago we were doing this same thing here in Pennsylvania. I distinctly remember crowing about framing a roster with me in the #2 slot. That had to be only minutes ago!! I'm getting slap-happy. Maybe it's all the food here at Sue1's -- and the music andthe fish and the water and the moonlight and all the beautiful cars parked under all the beautiful trees. Yawwwwwwwwwwwnnn!! Larry, don't forget to lock the gate so the huskies don't roam. Vera, will you turn out that bright tree light . . . it's shining into the Van . . .Who has kp in the morning? Wonder how Dan is doing down in Florida with that hurricane raging toward him . . .I didn't know frogs croak that loud . . .they echo all over the lake . . .room for one more here in the Village Van . . .zzzzzzzzzzz!!!

________________________________________
From: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com [mailto:CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ruth56er
Sent: Sunday, July 10, 2005 7:41 AM
To: CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] Circle day 9 / Saturday

Rebecca woke us all up at 5:30 in the morning with "The weather is very bad here. Dennis just got me up. As a matter of fact...it is pretty scary here right now!!!! Larry how are the dogs making out across town?" Well, that shook the sleep out of our eyes really fast. . . SuzyQ decided her old Rand McNally was more reliable than Google maps that keep crashing her browser (#@%*$) . . . PattyBo broke out of the heavy rains and charged up to Atlanta threatening all the advance racers . . .and Dave lept into a solid 1st place in Long Island with 77 points. In seconds kay raced in and claimed first with 87 points...Rebecca, in her pink Cadillac pushed ahead of Dave and took over 2nd . ..and I pulled next to Dave with 77 points, so we're matched . . . We're heading for Holli's place, and Dan signalled that he is missing the brunt of the hurricane. . . adding that he is "consistently consistent, consistently," which left us a little puzzled. -- Rosann, late starter in the race, burned rubber arriving in Long Island with 64 points . . .and did everyone hear the answer from Dale when somebody went looking for him...where are you? ..."Still in the Hot Tub hunting the ice cubes" . . .well, Holli pointed out that she turned off the air bubbles 15 minutes before, so she questioned where all the bubbles were coming from -- with Dale alone in the tub . . .By 9:30, the rest of the guys arrived, capturing 14 and 15 positions. While Dave and Dan talk technical stuff -- like flying to the moon, SuzieQ was planning a Vairplane adjustment to her convertible, focusing on Chitty as a mainstay to a long moon flight if we decided to go that route. . .she REALLY gets hung up on her Corvairs!! . . . Dan reported on the race and the storm equally . . ."have radar up on another computer... heavy band to your south moving through" he tells Rebecca and Larry, still battling the storm . . .In the middle of heavy reporting, Dan had to stop and decipher Holli's frantic appeal for answers when Dale rushed up to her, announced that Dam and Holli were now on laundry detail, then sped off into traffic .. .Official Dan began an inquiry as to unauthorized racers, since nobody had the name Dam on their roster . . .all very confusiing to have the Judges confused . . .Dale suggested searching the back of the Winnebago . . .well, we know that Holli didn't go to bed last night...she said so! . . .Vera wanted to know who was picking up hitch hikers . . .By the way, you can't put anything over on SuzeQ . . .she 's right on top of that point spread following Dan's every move. She thinks he gave PattyBo 5 points twice . . .maybe because she beat it out of hurricane Denny's in time -- maybe because he likes her .. but she questions all the figures . . .Dan explained how it worked . . ."We gave everybody who was still in Key West 5 points - there was a mandatory evacuation order for all non-residents - so, to be on the safe side we moved them to Miami . . .Holli, meanwhile, while lolligagging in the hot tub, reflected on a possible Dan mis-adventure that might put him on the laundry list . . .she wouldn't say what, but she enjoyed her huge, private joke . . .I wonder if she'll hold it over his head!! . . Later, when we were practically knocking at her door for partytime, Holli, in her own words was TERRORIZING the bedrooms. . . throwing things out left and right!!" Questioning her timing on house cleaning brought this response . . ."I am Italian...when company is coming over... we make a bucket of water/tide clorox! And we wash the walls!! -- especially if there is a hint of smelts or bacala!!" (I wish she'd drop the whole smelt thing -- it was Dale who did the initial smelt thing and stuffed it in the Village Van.) Sometime mid-afternoon we got lovely words from our noble leader . . . no QOD until after noon tomorrow. Gracious, what will we do with all that free time? . . .Vera's answer to road problems is to relax and drink more wine -- or is it drink more wind and THEN relax . . .Dan mis-read Esme's condition when she arrived "well rested" in New York . . .she grump, grumped, asking if anyone could sleep with a 5 year old, and proceeded to tell about her miserable night . . .they went to bed 8:30 -- he kicked and tossed and kicked and turned, ripped off his top, asked to go home, went back to sleep, asked if it was day yet, and finally got Esme up dragging at 6:30 . . .off to breaksfast and swim lessons, another hour to swim with his brother, home for a tub bath, off to McDonald's and the BIG slides, then drop them off at Gramma's so she can nap. (Wore us all out.) . . .Sue1 offered the homily "God made it that mothers are young...you can't go back, Esme...I know -- I've had days like yours and we need a week in which to rest . . .Late arrivaler (useful word even if it doesn't exist), PattyBo, is now questioning the count/point system . . .NPS kept her eye on the NY police and tried to stay within the speed limit (can't win a race that way, Susan) . . .she's certain they watch for Illinois plates . . once at Holli's, NPS declined to get in the hot tub till Dale got out, arguing that she didn't like the extra bubbles . . . then Sue1 really stuck her foot in it while chastizing Dale. She said (note the quotes), "I had to restring my skirt after Dale ripped it apart. . . I will never forgive him between the skirt and the sheets." . . .(I asked her to rephrase that comment as the children are not in bed yet!) . . .Someone brought up the question of negative points arguing that Dale should be docked 5 points for each piece of ruined laundry -- and he was now in the negative side . . .Holli and Rebecca had a dance and singing marathon at the party -- having a ball . . .SuzyQ brought her leftover Zuccini bread and marinated cucumbers and Holli had platters of ribs. . . noisy, fun party with lots of music and food . . .you couldn't even smell the clorox!

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2005 6:19 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Routes /Sunday, Day #10

With the promise from Dan of no QOD until after 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday, we looked around studying our circumstances. Hmmm, Penny's plans will keep her away from her computer at 3 o'clock . . .Rosann will be asleep having worked the night shift last night, but first she warned us about the Troopers on I 684 hiding in the bushes watching for crazy drivers . . ..Donna plans to be at a train convention meeting . . .and Esme in California time will be with her grandkids from 8 to 11 at a Peter Rabbit event at the Huntington. Vera reminded us that she will be at an auction most of the day . . .Ruth planned to be away most of the day into the late evening (actually got home about 2 a.m.) . . Dan arranged this hour to assure Dale's going to church this morning and getting the grass cut . . .GeneAnn popped her head in the racer's lounge to say she is rooting for everybody, and invited everybody for dinner . . .What a busy, busy day. Everyone waited till I left to start flashing messages -- 180 of them I counted on my return.. . .Chan, having finally rested up after dentist and parties, decided to spend the day cutting grass and picking bugs out of her teeth (her words, not mine) so she is about back to her normal energetic self . . .Rebecca's cable and good weather are back, but after all her partying behind the bar with Holli she doesn't much care . . .havin' too much fun . ..it seems that every few minutes someone asked Dan about the QOD timing -- cross-eyed questions from too much partying . . . and I never did understand the little colloquy between Esme and Holli when Dan said,"It did come with a free set of ginsu knives!" You can't arrive in the middle of these conversations . . .altho I sure did understand Holli falling asleep on the pool float after singing all night at the party . . .The race today was wild. Donna rushed into first place and quickly made copies of first place standing with her 98 points -- then Rebecca in her excitement leaped up and sent the answer to all the racers . . . Kay was laughing so hard everyone heard. . .some hooting from lots of racers about laundry detail . . .Holli sent over the clorox and soap . . .Rebecca tried vainly to delete her message but too late . . .next thing you know inquiries arrived about the lack of Rebecca's information about the horse . . .and a wide open discussion about the name of the statue . . .Rebecca blamed it on the wine -- suggesting that Holli may have plied her with it to cause the goof . . .picky, picky! Dale announced he's been digging up stumps and forgot the QOD -- another excuse for hot sun to the head. . .Sue1 suddenly came out protesting that someone stole three points from her stash and plans to dust for fingerprints . . .Kay (or Snoopy, if you've gotten past the how-de-do stage) started questioning the two names referred to on the statue and called for a copy of the link . . .this is serious stuff! . . .Penny sent photographs to Dan and Dale offered to arbitrate. Then Dan sent photos or a link to Kay who never received them . . . PattyBo was doing a little California dreaming. She sent Holli and Dan four entire verses of a song about Sy...Lu..... to the tune of Yankee Doodle, hoping it would be worth extra points . . . By early evening Allyn came barreling up the coast away from the diminishing storm and landed in Long Island . . . too late for last night's party, but Holli and Rebecca welcomed her with a fresh bottle of wine . . .Everyone is heading for Penny's. The lobsta pot is ready to go and she's reserved steamers and lobsta's at Cap'n Elmers, butter ready to melt, beds are all made and the beach is waiting . . .Rosann mailed a list of freshly washed laundry she found draped on the Ludington statue in Carmel -- and just to give you an idea of her meticulous record keeping, this is part of what she compiled .. ."leopard print silk boxers, red & white stripped boxers that said "property of Alctraz," something with maribu feathers on it, black leather with studs, something that looked like a Santa hat with strings on it, just to name a few." She'll bring them to the Cape & we can play a guessing game as to who they belong too."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2005 7:26 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle, Monday #11 ROUTES

Dan awakened to a mailbox full and his own point system staring him in the face . . .wading through them and coming up with an early morning standing while eyeing tropical depression 5 possibly heading for Florida is tricky. . . . . .and here is Chan ... crossed the Cape Cod line first with 117 points. Within seconds Rosann arrived with 106 points . . .then Kay zoomed in, first over-all but third to arrive. Isn't that what they call strategy? -- trying for the extra points for 7th place? . . .Suddenly a message arrived and I totally swooned away!! ... I (and that is ME), just won the #7 position with it's huge 25 additional points, giving me a total of -- lawzy, I can't count that high!!. . . . Esme forgot about the bonus points and questioned the judge until she received this clear, condensed, clarifying copy . . ".7th was today's best point - Tuesdays is sixth - so the philosophical question is - is 1st first or was 7th first - either way 6th tomorrow has more points!" See, I told you not to worry -- fame won't last! . . .but it was nice to hear our noble leader say "Racer Ruth Ran Rapidly -- Repositioning, Reclaiming and Returning to first by coming in 7th today." Was it Andy Warhol who said everyone will have his 15 minutes of fame? . . .Investigator Esme has been checking Yahoo and AOL mailboxes for speed. -- Yesterday they were neck and neck -- today our Circle home page is nearly three hours behind. Hard to figure! Good girl, Esme!! . . .Rebecca told us she has to either drop out or cut way back in the race...just too much going on at this time. . .Christine relieved us all by announcing the truck problem is being resolved...the auto people will fix it. Clap, clap, Christine . . . Snoopy and Donna were in a corner questioning the honor of the judge and integrity of the high scorer . . .could the judge have collected all results and picked the bonus pointed #7 on a whim? Libelous talk . . .By the way, Sue1 almost choked when Vera described herself as passive...she even ran to Websters to be sure of the definition . . .Out of the blue came this message from Sue2 (elfie Sue) who has been vacationing in Bermuda. "Thought I could follow a trail of moon pie wrappers up the coast" she wrote, "however, other than some laundry on all of Pedro's South of the Border signs, the trail was wiped clean of VSRR racers. Stopped to have breakfast with the family in Mattapoisett this morning, took a nostalgic stroll around Buzzards Bay...hope to make it down the Cape before the lobster is gone." . . .she is thinking of changing her name to citysue . . .SuzyQ celebrated her birthday today, and then announced she would probably continue in the race but just roo busy for visiting . . .We'll miss your chatter, SuzyQ . . .Dale finally showed up with a limp excuse saying, "Rebecca wanted me to look at a birthday present for SuzyQ, I hurried over to see what she had.She left a note telling me to stay put she would be right back. Haven't seen her since...While I was waiting, the garbage truck came by and would you believe it. they took my bike. Had to wait until 9:56 to get it back." . . Well, Kay sailed right into him with a few choice words . . . By early afternon Dan announced the point system for tomorrow's race starting with 30 points for 1st and a bonus of 30 points for sixth place . . . everyone retired to the library for refresher, not having a clue what to refresh on . . .and Dan had already posted the standings for day #11 on the Website for viewing . . .First he sent us the map for tomorrow-- Marblehead, MA -- later we received the QOD for Tuesday (not to be in Dan's mailox before 5 a.m.) . . .Penny repeated instruction to her house tonight on the Cape...the turn-off is 1/2 mile past the Barley Neck Inn. If you miss the street and end up in the beach parking lot - then you've gone too far...go to the far right hand end of the parking lot - look up to your right and you will see our flag pole - focus on that flag pole and fly like the crows fly. . . .We're heading to Penny's for "lobsta" . . .Allyn decided that after fording every stream in North Georgia, "Bubba the Tahooo has catfish on his running boards and trout caught in the bumpers. If I have to travel in such inclement weather, I need a more all-terrain approach than my beloved Aston-Martin." She decided to switch to a big, red hummer and park the Aston Martin in a parking garage. . . .Did you notice that Esme came in 8th because she took another bathroom trip in the middle of the night. Does she have a problem? or is it too many party liquids as she thinks! . Do we really need to know what you do in the middle of the night, Esme? . . Snoopy questioned the racers whether AOL has a system of sending messages out at a certain time . . . Sue1 said " Do you really think I was UP at 4:03 this morning?" She said Moe would have killed her if she used the alarm . . .it apparently didn't work well for Penny -- which is why Penny was almost late to her own party . . . Great news -- a message from Duane says he is trying to catch up . . .that the traffic is awful, but he'll skip lunch tomorrow and read all 2830 messages if possible...might even get to work early and "read a few before the bell rings." Everybody piled over to Penny's...a lovely evening, great food...never tasted such good "lobsta." We all lingered on the beach... Cape Cod with it's "sandy dunes and salty air"... and the song ends with, "You're sure to fall in love with old Cape Cod!!"

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2005 6:52 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Tuesday Day #12 Ruth's Routes

Dan greeted us at 5 a.m. with a smile and remarked, "Boy you folks are right on time - looks like a half dozen or more entries right around 5 am - will check them when I get to work!" . . .Donna commented ... "now that we have all learned how to do automatic delayed sending, what are we going to learn to do tonight? Who thinks its great we are getting a computer class at the same time?" --- and I say, now would be a good time to just sit back and listen to the master at work as he starts bringing the racers across the day's finish line . . .Dan suddenly broke in with race results -- reminiscent of the great sportscaster, Red Barber, . . ."Literally just seconds after 5 a.m. the quiet New England down was awoken to the roar of Allyn and her Hummer ( the car not her navigator) as she streaked across the finish line moments before the other racers" -- claims 30 points . . .In an overt display of teamanship - Christine assists Vera to cross the finish line mere moments after Allyn to claim 2nd for the day and to move in to 2nd place! Way to go both Christine and Vera! What is shaping up as another incredibly close race Donna flies in to Marblehead just one minute later to claim 3rd for the day and 1st overall for the current lead! Way to go Donna . . . Having done her "Good Deed" for the day -- and within seconds of Donna's arrival Christine pulls into town claiming 27 points and 2nd place over all. Way to go Christine! . . . Still within the first minute of this mornings start Dave comes into town 5th, claims 26 points takes over 2nd place defending the men's honor! Way to go Dave . . . In what is being referred to as the 'greatest comeback in Recorded VSRR history' PattyBo after a late start has rocketed her way to first place overall after claiming the days extra points in 6th position - way to go PattyBo! . . .In what is proving to be a solid strategy - Konsistent Kay comes in 7th for the day but reclaims first place overall - way to go Kay! . . .Dispatch #8 - 5:02 am- Esme, right on everyone's tail, claims 8th for the day moves into 5th place . . . Dispatch #9 - 5:02 am- Second day in a row Ruth claims 1st place overall - finishes 9th . . . Dispatch #10 - 5:02 am- Penny claims 10th for the day - still all within the first 2 minutes . . .Dispatch #11 - 5:03 am- Sue1 arrives 3 minutes after 5 am! . . .Dispatch #11 - 5:04 am- Rosann arrives in Marblehead . . .Penny spread the Welcome mat and invited everyone to return for a visit -- while hinting it would be better if we didn't all arrive at the same time . . .Rita visited earlier. (Does that mean she used up her allotted visit and may not return?) At about 9:30 a.m. Vickifan returned from vacation, checked the race and lept into her car, racing through Tampa and up to Washington DC looking for a shortcut. Ever the gentleman, Dan sent it immediately, but suggested she might want to check with Dale " Last I saw him" said Dan," he was in a hammock out by the back of the house. . . Next thing you know VickiFan had raced into Long Island . . .Allyn defended her system by announcing, "I've learned how to time my potty breaks perfectly! . . . which prompted the suggestion that she and Esme could make a good team if she'd pass Esme her timing tips. . .Sue1 decided that since she keeps dropping down in the race, maybe she'd better drink more water at night and stay up . . Allyn recommends coffee. "It keeps you awake and annoys your bladder at the same time" . . .Replying to Duanes rushed message, Holli cautioned Duane to use the spellcheck, as the race bounces from VSRR to VSSR depending on the mood of the two judges. Duane replied that he spent the last hour reading through 300 messages and has to finish up before heading to Austin. THEN he can spend time catching up with the racers . . .(That's right, the Region8Roundup is this weekend!!) And in thanking Penny for the 100 lobsters ("thanks for the bribe, Penny" she wrote,") Holli explained that she filled the Winnebago with them, but since they didn't have the rubber bands around their claws they're loose -- took Rebecca's wine and are playing roll the cannoli with Allyn's cannoli forms. Holli's heading for Wal-Mart to get some hefty rubber bands . . .From his hammock, clutching a calculator, Dale says "How about paying for the gas card charges. Did you realize we have to cover 3,794,083 sq. miles in 30 days, That what 126,469 sq. mile a day at an average price of gas being $2.23 per gallon. Not to count oil changes, tires,etc and some of these cars aren't going to last that long." Dan pointed out, " There's your problem! If you are driving SQUARE miles you are traveling 4 times further than you need to!" . . .(Don't you just love to read good, sound logic?) . . . Close to midnight Duane sent another message..."Made it to 3883 . . .only 1300 to go" . . . Now folks, who has the heart to tell the dear man that when he wakes up there'll be another hundred, and another, and another, and another! . . . cause this race ain't over till the fat lady sings . . .

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 11:21 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle Day #13 Wednesday VSRR

You could almost hear the slap-bang-crack as racers from all over the country hit the button at the beginning of today's race. Then, limp from the strain, we all sat back and read Allyn's lovely invitation to join her and Billy for a scrumtious breakfast celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary. A chorus of congratulations and everyone planned to meet. Judge Dan, having studied the racing tally, started his announcements. (Let's see what he had to say): " Rosann showed up at the summit with all the correct goodies - unfortunately she had been talking to Esme and set her clock to 3 hours ahead - arrives 3 hours too early - BUMMER . . . Waiting patiently just below the summit - NPS races to the top at precisely 6 am -- Northpolesue claims high altitude 1st place - way to go Sue! . . .- Dispatch #3 - In more ways than one PattyBo climbs in 2nd -- Continuing her come from behind battle, PattyBo "climbs" the heights to come in 2nd for the day - currently 1st overall - the question now remains has she "peaked" too soon? . . . Dispatch #4 - still within the 1st minute Dave 3rd -- first three racers cross the finish line at the summit of Mt. Washington - still within the first minute - Dave moves into 2nd place overall . . .Dispatch #5 - still in 1st minute, Christine finished 4th for the day Consistent Canadian Christine - finished 4th, inches into 3rd place overall! . . .Dispatch #6 - 5th racer in less than a minute - Donna claims 5th AND EXTRA POINTS! Still in the first minute with racers whizzing by at record speed Donna claims 5th place and 35 extra points to boot - claim commanding lead in day 13! Way to go Donna . . .(Kay wondered if we'd be able to live with her now, and Donna admitted that while on cloud 9 at the moment, it woudn't last.) -- Dispatch #7 - Allyn crosses in 6th place . . .Dispatch #8 - Esme arrives at summit claims 6th overall . . .Dispatch #9 - as the first minute of the race concludes Ruth claims 2nd overall . . .Dispatch #9 - 6:01 am - Kay claims third overall - way to go! . . . 6:03 am - muttering %^&$ computers - Rosann arrives at summit!" --- (and this is just the first 10, Whew!!) --- Dale wanted to borrow a Canadian map from Allyn -- looking for a shortcut and trying to find Christine's place . . .then asked if anybody was up to a trip to Fort Independence . . .Karen decided to rush in and - have a quick breakfast with us on her way to work at the courts . . .Following Christines kind offer to present a prize at the end of the race, Dan wrote her," Holli is defiantly the judge in charge of prize disinformation and dissemination!". . . well, nobody read past that last word as shocked eyes looked up at Dan on the podium. "Defiant judges?" we chorused??? . . .Holli admired the racers, commenting, "Wow Dan! The points are really climbing for these racers despite all the hardships they have been going through! Sleep deprivation, water retainment, hunger, finger injuries. I'll sit with my coffee taking the view in here till they rest up a bit." -- Sandy (known to the world as Vikfan) said she " took me a nice swim, had a nice dinner, got some much needed sleep, and I'm ready to go cruisin' again today!! (-: I drove way too many miles yesterday!" Charging ahead, she arrived at Cape Cod breathing down our necks . . .this is the lady who was still in Miami two days ago . . ."Dispatch #17 - 7:26 am - Larry sneaks back to his car to drive to summit" . . . there was consternation among the racers . . .what did he do with the sled dogs? . . .Sue1 was caught in a computer security update during her automatic message send and missed sending her QOD answer . . .Kay, commiserating, said that although the auto e-mail doesn't send in time, it still beats staying up or getting up in the middle of the night! Much less trying to think at that hour -- some of the newbies haven't experienced the "deer in the headlights" yet! . . .Dave thrilled the ladies with his serious reply..."With AOL you can send male later. Then you set up Auto AOL. It is a little complicated at first but it can be done" . . .(There go the eyebrows again!!) Donna perked up, "Dave is sending men by AOL???" Holli wanted to know if shw needed a special modem to receive a mail and asked for an answer ASAP . . .Dan sent us a link to the fantastic Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire where we'll meet for dinner. He's already checked it out! . . . Vera remarked that we'd have to clean off the road dust just to enter the lobby . . She steered Chitty over to pick up Sue1 for Allyn and Billy's 44th breakfast celebration, and warned us to be prepared for Border Patrol checks -- clear out our cars and have the international insurance card ready!! -- (Lawzy -- what is Dan doing?) . . .In reading last night's ROUTES, Allyn told us, "Billy asked which one of us was the fat lady (noting that it couldn't be Ruth). I just cuffed him." . . . which caused Dan to laugh so hard his office staff stared and probably retreated. . .Dale called Dan asking about our going to the Out House Races while in Canada. Polite Dan, always accommodating -- inquired "when?"...Christine, our racing Canuk, laughed and said, "maybe not that race but for sure the gold panning (world gold panning competition)." Suddenly it was almost midnight and Duane, pleased as punch announced that he is now 25th in line and really enjoying watching the racers scurry about. He suggested a change in the way the first place points are distributed. "Instead of being the first one in, the judges - ahead of time - select a specific time during the day for which the points will be awarded. For example, the time is say....2:42 pm. Racers submit their answers throughout the day. The message closest to the "specific time" earns first place points and so on.....Time would change each day." Guess sitting in southern Florida -- or wherever he's been, gave Duane time to think changes . . .ready for the Austin Roundup Duane writes, "Car is almost packed and mental checklist of what not to forget has been gone through several times . . .Now to avoid traffic problems.I will be checking back in and try to get some pictures to Dan . . .(that means pictures to us too, folks!) . . .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2005 11:19 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / QOD # 14 Thursday, July 14, 2005

Drooped and cross-eyed I punched the button sending my QOD on it's way smack dab at 6 a.m. my time -- (7 a.m. our fearless leader's time) -- glanced over at any possible message in the bin, and lo! (that's lo -- not lol laughing), half a dozen folks clamoring at the keyboard to talk -- chief among them? our fearless leader -- brisk, coffied and juiced -- nattily ready for the day. Ugh!! Turn off the lights -- pull up the sheets --re-set the alarm!! Christine's opening greeting was, "Hope everyone is brushing up on their Francais, sil vous plait? Vroom, Vrooooommmm, Vroooommmmmmm!." Hardly a welcome crack-of-day comment.. . .and throwing French around, for gosh sakes . . ."Bienvenue au Quebec Bien au Canada!" . . .Donna poked her head in and said, "Sure was a quiet night on the internet.... anyone up yet? Anyone want to go for coffee while we wait for Dan to get up? Anyone know what room he is in?". . . Has she no eyes?? He has already settled the hotel bill -- and commented about the heavy use of wine last night, and he's already rattling papers by the microphone . . .ready to start his announcements. Maybe he actually thinks he IS Red Barber . . .grump . . .grump! "Dispatch #1 - Esme - crosses border arrives Quebec City . . .Waiting patiently at the border Esme - dazzles the border guard and races to Quebec City - no truth to the rumor that guys in red coats mounted on horses are in pursuit! . . Dispatch #2 .Hot in pursuit and claiming second place - with cling free laundry in tow - Allyn arrives in Quebec City! . . .Susan sent congratulations and told Esme to go back to bed! . . .Sue1 messaged Esme, " So there is no truth to the rumor that the west coast can't find that send button in the dark. Now hurry on to the bathroom, ole gal, before you have an accident" . . . ."Dispatch #3 - 7:00 am NPS - closes the gap coming in 3rd . . .In what is shaping up to be another close battle today - NPS races into Canada 3rd - claims 2nd over all . . .Dispatch #4 - for the 2nd time Ruth claims extra points . . .To quote the lady herself - Not one ounce of guile or chicanery -- just hit the button at 6 a.m. cst - arrives 4th, claims extra points --moves into first . . .Dispatch #5 - 7:00 a.m. speaking French Viva la Dave - was that French? . .Dave comes in 5th just seconds behind Ruth -- claims 2nd place over all -way to go Dave!" Dispatch #6 - 7:00 a.m. Claiming 6th for the day and 2nd overall Donna pops into Quebec . . .which prompted this comment from Allyn . . "I know I'm no math whiz but it looks to me like the furtherer I go,
the behinder I get." . . .Dispatch #7 - 7:00 a.m. again within second downtown Quebec is awakened - SuzyQ arrives 7th . . .Dispatch #8 - 7:00 a.m. Classic team effort within milliseconds Christine and Vera arrive! 6th and 9th overall . . .Dispatch #9 - 7:00 a.m. Sue1 arrives 10th claims 9th . . .Dispatch #10 - 7:01 a.m. Best Daily finish to date Dale claims 11th . . .Dispatch #11 - 7:01 a.m. Rounding out the first dozen - Kay holds onto 3rd overall . . .Dispatch #12 - 7:01 a.m. Earning extra points again - PattyBo claims 13th - 3rd overall (Lawzy -- this is the lady who dawdled around Miami while the rest of us raced up the coast) . . Day 14 - Dispatch #14 - 7:52 am working a delay strategy that almost worked Rosann arrive in Quebec - hmm maybe tomorrow . . .Kay was overheard saying, "Gee, do you suppose he actually thinks strategy in placement is even a possibility??? Me thinks he's giving us and our computers way too much credit!" . . .(but I like to think someone thinks I'm being clever when it is pure luck!) . . .Dan kinda shook us up in responding to Duane's suggestion by saying, "As you know by now - point structure for week three has changed!" . . . and later commented."If you could only see the private e-mails Holli and I get - maybe there's a book deal in this after the race!". . .he continues, "Now mind you I give them lots of credit for exploring a new avenue to get lots of
points - but after considerable consideration and even considered reconsideration - I could see any way it would be good for the race". . .(What in the world is he talking about?) . . .Dispatch #17 - 10:34 am. - okay who was supposed to wake up Chan? She just got here in 7th place . . .Barney pulled into Mt. Washington in the evening ready to party, but no sign of Larry and the huskies . . . At 8:30 in the evening Dan posted this message, "BULLETIN - Helen has just arrived back from vacation - contemplates late start and catch-up strategy - probably only needs slight encouragement!" . . .but wily racers, remembering PattyBo's remarkable late speed and Sandy's rush up the coast were reluctant to do much encouraging . . .Susan put in a frantic late night call warning that Dale was trying to climb the stone towers . . .(so what else is new?) . . .and racers looked around and realized their teammates were beginning to practice their high school French as they puttzed down the highway. Christine called out " Hope everyone is brushing up on their Francais, sil vous plait? . . .but it was Vera who who voiced her concern saying, "no fair checking spelling....Pourquoi....Je parle francais!" . . .then Christine called out "Bienvenue au Quebec-Bien au Canada!" and Vera responded, "Bien...Bien Christine!!!" . . .Jeannette and Nelson again, sounding like the Indian love call! . . .For some of us high school French was too far away! . . .Dave signed his last message DCMS which Kay questioned. Cautiously Dave explained it meant, "Diligently Checking My Spelling," alluding to his earlier gaffe on male stripping (sorry - finger slip) shipping . . .Dave sent us the French-English dictionary link, hoping to drown out Dale's weak attempt at French . . .(much less English) . . .Penny waved at us from the Roundup saying she bumped into Duane in the hall, so they are safely in Austin . . . going to be tricky for them to continue the race in this Texas heat. . . ..

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 16, 2005 12:44 PM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / QOD mid-way in the race / Day # 15

Donna settled in with her coffee, urging everyone to get their "breakfast fit for a queen" before Dan closes out the hotel bill . . .while Dale, still practicing his French, signaled Dave with the immortal words, "Grace Ami, Maintenant envoient repond." (I think he said to use the bon ami to maintain a clean envoy. -- having to do with cleanliness in the pond) . . .Vera wondered if our judges offered points for sneaking past the police . . .referring to the catch-up racer's dash up the coast . . .From the podium came these exciting words from Dan, " Dispatch #1 - Duane heads North - Joins race arrives Cape Coral/Fort Myers . . .While settling the bill, Dan announced "... the judges have made arrangements with 7-11 for free coffee or slurpee's for the rest of the trip - just stop into any 7-l1 and tell them this ones on Dale!" . . .and then the dispatches came like heavy rain . . .Dispatch #2 - 8:00 am PattyBo arrives 1st . . .Pushing a strategy of - get the job done - PattyBo crosses the finish line first -- claims 35 points - will this be a sound strategy in days to come? . . .Dispatch #3 - 8:00 am Dave pulls in 2nd . .Mr.. Consistency - Dave again arrives in the first group of racers - claims 2nd place and 36 points! . . .Dispatch #4 - Is this the long awaited MOVE? Dale claims 3rd EXTRA POINTS...Will we ever hear the end of this - errr - I mean Dale in a well time strategically planed keystroke move, slides in at the precise exact moment to claim third place and the most points for the day - and extra 45 points - Race fans want to know is this the long awaited move Dale has talked about for weeks now? Only time will tell - stay tuned! . . . Dispatch #5 - Team effort claims Christine and Vera positions 4 & 5 (what's this team effort business???) . . .In another brilliant display of cooperative team effort Vera and Christine cross today's finish line within milliseconds of each other - way to go ladies! . . .Dispatch #6 - As the points climb so does the tension - Sue1 arrives claims 40 points - yesterdays leaders hold back! . . .(Of course they hold back! Some of them didn't know 50 years ago that high school French would be valuable one day!) . . .Dispatch #7 - SuzyQ with a brilliant dissertation arrives 7th claims 41 points moves into 5th . . .Dispatch #8 - with time almost out for extra points Allyn claims 8th and 42 points . . . Dispatch #9 - Arriving late with almost perfect timing Donna is 9th today 1st over all - power failure does not deter determination! . . .Dispatch #10 - 8:01 am Arriving late with perfect timing Esme - claims 10 for the day - 5th overall - way to go . . .Dispatch #11 - 8:01 am Arriving moments later Kay claims 11th - holds onto 3rd overall! . . .Dispatch #13 - AT 8:13 AM - well planned or what? Rosann arrives 13th claims 13 extra points! - 7th overall . . .Dispatch #14 - AT 8:32 AM - NPS - makes it to Montreal! . . .Dispatch #16 - AT 8:34 AM - Penny joins the crowd in the tower . . .Dispatch #19 - with the confidence of yesterdays leader Ruth arrives Montreal - reclaims 1st place - but only by 5 points! . . .Dispatch #21 - Duane make North Carolina - wondering about all the laundry on the side of the road! . . .Dispatch #22 -Arm out the window whistling a tune Duane arrives in DC . . .Sharp-eyed Esme wondered how the heck he could be in 3 places at once - Ft. Myers, Tampa and Austin . . .he was in Austin, picking up tip books and pins for the racers and looking for Tom . . .Holli spent most of the day practicing French... oui...but she was way beyond a mere "oui" . . .I sent for a translator so's not to miss a clue if she sneaked one in French. . . Rita typed from work, hoping hi-speed comcast will arrive at home . . .(personally I'd get the carpet down first) . . .not Rita -- off and running, she tore into Quebec! . . .Helen raced into New York about the time Duane won a prize at the Roundup . . .Kay fussed at herself for holding back her answer "What's wrong with all you people anyway??? Didn't anyone notice that the big points were NOT at the top??? I spent all this time trying to figure out how many would hold back and for how long............ sheesh! . . .(Talk about strategizing!!) . . .Donna's ESP told her to send herself answers at work, giving her the perfect edge when power went out at home and she sent the answer from work . . .(some unkind talk that her mother turned off the power, but that's all gossip!) . . .still flying up the highway, Helen reached Marblehead, MA having switched to the white VW Bug in Atlanta and visited with Allyn over cherry cobbler. . .Helen inquired as to when the next instructions would appear -- I tried to convince her they had been sent already -- so go take a nap. . ."Dispatch #30 - with a quick chocolate break Duane reaches Hershey, PA" . . .Tell me -- do our judges work diligently round the clock or don't they? . . .and Ooops, Duane broke records to arrive in Long Island . . .Holli suddenly whooped it up with news of her Disney plane reservations . . .startled everybody . . .Rita admitted skipping over about 2200 messages . . .well how else can a girl get ahead and "kick up 180 points in one day?" she asked . . . by early evening Dan sent maps and point counts and questions for tomorrows race, interrupting dinner plans. Rosann took one look at the stack of papers with numbers spread all over them and shrieked " I suffer from math anxiety!!! What am I going to do!!! . . .Christine brought us back to reality with her calm description on how to clean old stained, grimy snowbabies.

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 17, 2005 7:20 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruths Routes / # 16, Saturday

Several early morning messages indicated that the chat room was visited last night, but mostly folks kept missing each other -- popped in and out with nobody there . . .I've no idea where anyone slept, having curled up in the Village Van with the carriage light shining on my maps, trying to figure latitudes and longtitudes . . .I awakened to Dan's best Red Barber-like-voice announcing the race, with his first stern words, " Having received a couple of early arrivals. the judges had to turn them back - also the source has provided specific answers - and that person lives there so that will have to be the definitive answer."-- Yikes, he means business! . . .I'll be quiet while Dan speaks . . ."Dispatch #1 - Not surprisingly Barney arrives first!...With a momentary false start and one more lap around the block - claims 40 points for the day and the current lead!" . . ."Hey! That's not fair...why did Barney get to skip ahead? He should have been required to drive the towns in order like the rest of us.Pout, pout, pout" ...fussed Allyn!!! . . . hrrumph from Dan as he continues, "Clarification on Barney - he was first for the day but has skipped a couple of questions -- so after arriving at today's location he had to drive back to Quebec City . . .Dispatch #2 - Donna does another lap too!...arrives second - claims big points for the day - way to go Donna . . . Dispatch #3 - SuzyQ arrives 3rd, claims 2nd for the day...Zooming in right after Donna - and with a 100% accurate answer SuzyQ claims 2nd overall! . . .Dispatch #4 - PattyBo - arrives 4th claims 2nd overall...With more time available this morning PattyBo drives in, confident of her long term strategy - again with a 100% correct answer . . .Dispatch #5 - Dave also 100% correct - arrives 5th claims 3 overall... In what appears to be a challenge getting back across the USA border Dave has negotiated the drive -- claiming 44 points -- Is the smallest question creating the biggest challenge? Dispatch #6 - Despite late start Rita catches on quick -- comes in 6th - claims 5th over all. . . Dispatch #7 - Kay pulls in 7th moves up to 3rd overall . . . Dispatch #8 - Perceived by some as strategy - Esme arrives 8th claims 5th overall . . .Dispatch #9 - Allyn arrives at Barney's claims 6th overall . . . Dispatch #10 - Barney races to Montreal!" . . .PattyBo, having come in early and now free as a bird, sent copious messages on the merits of purse buying on QVC...today's special Dooney value -- even tried to talk Dan into passing Tracy the information. Whatcha wanna bet Dan threw it away!" . . . "Dispatch #11 - Team expands, Christine, Vera and now NPS cross 10, 11, 12 . . .Dispatch #13 - In another spooky turn of events - Rosann and her broom arrive 13th claim 13 extra points - AGAIN! . . .Dispatch #14 - with her timing just a touch off Ruth arrives 14th still 2nd overall! . . .Dispatch #15 - Penny arrives at Barney's farm! . . .Dispatch #15 - Dale pushes bike across finish line - what the heck is the difference between a decimal and a degree? . . .Barney surfaced from his map long enough to say he was still searching for answers on question #14 "hint, hint!" . . .to which Dan replied, "Somebody ought to help Barney out -- or there probably won't be any milk for breakfast - I sure as heck don't know how to milk a cow!" . . . to which Dave responded, "I will take one cow, you take the utter cow and we will learn together." . . Dale, feeling his oats called out, "Which one do I get for the Chocolate milk? . . .and Esme at the ready answered, " Even I know the answer to THAT question, Dale...The BROWN cow, of course." . . . "Dispatch #17 - review of points, and Dan announced, "As I do every morning after the MROM (Mad Rush Of Messages) I carefully review the standing and points awarded - it appears Dale once again has used his hang in the back strategy to claim 16th for the day - AND -as posted an EXTRA 16 points - pointing once again to his position (4th) overall and mumbling something about eating dust - Dale was captured on film http://snipurl.com/gape . . .From rhe normally sunny Kay came this reaction, "Cough, cough, sputter, sputter! GAG! WHERE is the justice in this race?" . . .Dispatch #19 - Determined as ever Larry, Blue and the boys reach Montreal - move into 19th place after racing through Quebec . . .Dispatch #20 - Barney makes mad rush home to protect livestock - arrives at the farm! . . .Allyn sent a photo of "my little crowd" heading for Barnes and Noble last night. She was the basic dotty old lady. It's in the Circle "photos" under Allyn. . . "Dispatch #21 - After shopping her way from Montreal to Michigan, Citysue arrives at the farm" . . .Racers were succumbing to their ornament addiction and shopping at Hallmarks along the way. Vera explained how Alan once joined her to slow down her buying and ended up filling up the shopping bags himself . . .Allyn, claiming to like farm animals in fur suits, asked Barney if he had sheep on the farm . . .Totally unexpected from the usally quiet Barney came his answer, "Bahaaa, no farm animals any longer. Had rabbits, geese, ducks, chickens, beef cattle, pigs & turkeys as a kid but no longer. These critters all had their purpose.....helped build character growing up & eventully meet a fork in the road, if you get my drift. Bahaha." . . . Stunned everybody -- expecially that "fork in the road" comment! . . .next thing you know we got the biggest PR boost of the trip so far . . . Barney planned our afternoon and night activities featuring live entertainment, shipped in corn-on-the-cob for the Corn Festival, Chamber of Commerce participation, horse-shoe tournament, a parade, live band music from the Middlebrooks . . .and there was a huge reaction from the racers at the thought of the "tractor pull." What a FUN DAY!!...Dale was first to sign up for the horse-shoes . . . "Dispatch #23 - 1:20 p.m.Sue1 arrives in Auburn for the Corn Festival! . . .Dispatch #24 - 4:00 pm - Helen returns from side trip arrives in Auburn" . . .Duane sent over 50 great photos from the Roundup, now posted on Dan's PGPA board <http://www.dtlima.com/ ...there will be more . . .CitySue thanked Barney for the hospitality saying they, "shopped at Bronners then headed for the water where the fish all but jumped into the boat. Friends left with smiles on their faces and suitcases that would barely close...won enough money at the roulette table to shop and have gas money left over to finish the race. The corn punch served by the parade marshall behind the entertainment tent sure packs a wallop, so I'm heading for the bunk house early tonight" . . . (That CitySue always was a party girl!!) . . .Dan and Barney discovered they are practically next door neighbors except for several hundred miles . . .Dan figures that one end of I-75 is by his neck of the woods - 10 minutes from his front door - so if they ever visited - directions would be something like -"go way down to near the end of this road!" . . .I-75 is about four minutes from Barney's front door at the other end (or did I say that?). . . Kay led us in a cheer for Dan and his poetry after receiving his eeezzzyyy QOD for tomorrow. "Hip, hip, horray for the poet! Party time at Barney's!" . .


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 6:18 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Route #17 Sunday

Early in the morning, for the second time Michelle stuck her head in the racers lounge and mumbled, "Still sooooo confused!" . . Hold it, Michelle. No confusion!! It's a simple tale about 26 adventurers racing around the countryside in the heat of the summer, all for the fun of it. . .a meal, or a wash tub, or a mountain view, or a hurricane -- it is the shared experience we enjoy . . .starting with Dan's march to the podium at the crack of dawn . . .arms loaded with checked sheets, penciled notations, scribbles, and what appears to be racing forms. Racers are on their marks -- (quoting SuzyQ - vroom, vroom), the flag goes down and they're off. What is confusing about that? . . .Dispatches are posted all day, and because of length we may cut back on them . . . Here's Dan, tie adjusted, (meaning he's ready) . . . Dispatch #1 - Wasting no time Rosann arrives in IL #1 . . .Dispatch #2 - Photo finish required for 2, 3, 4th as team TNT arrives --Once again - tantalizing, terrific, team tenacity - the Team North Team (TNT) explodes across the state line! . . .Dispatch #3 - SuzyQ rounds out the top 5 for the day. . .Biding her time before crossing the line SuzyQ cross 5th and finishes 4th overall for the day!...Yesterdays leaders are holding back, perhaps testing some newly discovery strategy plan - looking for a hidden advantage -- will the find it? Not even the judges know! . . .Dan wrote, "There seems to be lots of strategy this morning - I'll have to stay sharply focused on my in-box ..no matter how clever the strategy, I must stay focused!" . . .Sue1 answered, "are you saying my copying the whole state phone book wasn't exactly what you wanted??? So sorry to fill your inbox. I sincerely hope there is room for other entrants." . . .Dispatch #5 - 10:07 am PattyBo plays late plan to the tune of 51 points 7th today 1st overall . . .Dispatch #6 - 10:15 am Clearly Barney is focused as he arrives 8th claiming 52 points . . .Dispatch #7 - 10:20 am Not able to hold back any longer Donna burst across 9th Dispatch #8 - 10:23 am Rita - focuses on shopping - OBTW comes in 10th collects 109 points for the day!! . . . Dispatch #9 - 10:26 am Dale - missing by 3 minutes comes in 11th for the day still hold 4th overall . . .Dispatch #11 - Kay times race well, finishes 13th - moves up 2 points out of 2nd place . . .WHAT'S THIS...Dan found a wifely note -- opened it and read from shameless Donna, "Dan - Open this BEFORE you open the 10th entry for the race on Sunday" - read - read - read - read - read - read . . . Nice try Donna - TL did as you requested but the mail has to be in my computer in-box - if we were giving out points for creativity you'd score big - and no you can't fax me the answers either!" . . Snoopy wrote asking what happened to Dispatch 7 . . .Dan said "Got sent to a guy name Cioffi - I usually type the first two letters to get Circle - forgot to hit tab - selected Marc Cioffi instead - I'm sure I'll get an e-mail from him wondering what to heck that was all about." . . .Ruth questioned " I hope he isn't a big blabbermouth about the race. I've noticed a number of strange cars zooming around, taking notes and picking up lost laundry. There's a Thrift Shop with spotters really doubling their cash flow somewhere along the route -- but probably working out of a truck. My red velvet is missing. Does this Cioffi fellow have a tall wife? . . .Dan replied, "Apparently - I've done it more than once - got an e-mail from him saying "I did it again" - wants to know what the deal with all this laundry he keeps finding around the countryside?" . . .Dispatch #16 - Helen claims extra points for first time finish 17th . . . Geneann thanked everyone for their birthday wishes and invited us for B-B-Que tonight. "For drinks you have the choice of beer, Scotch, margaritas, champaigne (Cook's of course) Plenty of room for parking in back. Music playing both kinds, "country & western". I'll be the overly chubby female doing the 2 step.You all come." . . .Esme said she'd be right over . . .Dan told her,"I think we'll swing the Winnebago your way for awhile - warning though this virtual bunch can get rowdy at times - thanks for the invite!" . . .Lots of complaints about Yahoo's message delivery...some morning ones arriving early evening...Dave commented to Dan at about 4 p.m.," I am glad email goes your direction better than mine. Just received four emails from you that were sent this morning." Rita described the moving in at her house, "The unpacking is horrible. I am managing 3 or 4 boxes a night after work and more on weekends, unless I have somewhere to go. I'm not getting much sleep, as these racers insist on partying everynight until the wee hours . . .Duane sent over an additional 41 photos of the Texas Gathering - 91 total - you can see them at on the PGPA Gatherings . . .Maddie wrote for the first time in ages . . ."Have returned from Maine...we had a great time!! Even the teenage/early 20 kids took time off to join us all for part of the stay. I check in here and find OVER 4,000 MESSAGES and freak out to find you all are in the midwest somewhere while I remain in the Keys. Well...that needs to change. I found some questions on the database, and the others I'll hunt for tomorrow. I need to get some answers to Dan...Tally ho".....Dispatch #17 Larry arrives in Illinois -- catches up. .There was a serious exchange of messages about the "mater sandwich" vying with toasted -- versus untoasted bread . . .all very educational . . .Regarding her standing in the race, Sue1 reflected, "it was nice while it lasted. I'm falling with each email as people get home from church! I KNEW I should have gone to church today. Did anyone see that lightening bolt??" . . .then out of the blue came another #1 dispatch?? -- but from Holli . ."Dispatch #1 - Look at Duane going laps in my POOL! . . ."I can't seem to get Duane out of the pool!! He just keeps going back and forth, back and forth!" . . .Hm? Sounds like Holli is into the wine again . . .Dale replied, "I would, but looks like I have to go help Chan out of the Brair Patch."(Gee, take a little nap around here and everything gets discombobulated.) . . .Early afternoon this message from Dan, "Therefore I award to the following racer extra points of the day. Way to go Dale." Such nonsense -- flags flying all over as racers protest . . .Dan added," We'd like some input as to who will give up points so Dale can have these points and this advantage?" from Kay, "Not me! Shame on you Dale! And quit eating everyone's sandwiches too." . . ."Not I!" says the little yellow Corvair! (SuzyQ) . . .eventually Dan was forced to reply,"Sorry Dale - sat here for the last hour - not only did no offer to give up their points to you there is an outstanding an unresolved claim on some of your points ( a mater a few states ago as I recall) - based on that we'll have to definitely deny your advantageous advantage" . . ..Late afternoon Dan sent the racers maps, point information and QOD . . . Penny called in after midnight, "Is it only because I am so tired from R8R or is Monday's 2 part of the question really hard? I need some help?? PLEASE!! -- ANYONE . . .by 2:30 w.m. the only response on the road was, "Gee, I've been so busy I haven't checked the question. Thanks for the reminder, Penny. Difficult? UGH!!" Apparently everyone is asleep!!!

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 6:52 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes Day # 18, Monday,July 18, 2005

Everybody slept in today -- even our noble leader didn't rattle his newspaper until 6:15 a..m. -- and then it was to welcome Maddie back into the race after her Maine vacation. . . .He didn't waste a moment. "Dispatch #1 - Massachusetts Maddie - races up east coast sleeps in own bed overnight near Marblehead, MA. . . .But crack out of the box there was a dispute . . .by you-know-who on awarding points... seems this y-k-w expected extra points and the judges vetoed it. Said Dan, " Holli, I voted no, how about you?" and judge Holli responded, "Yep . . . I voted also." (This left the legal records in a quandary, because while the judge announced she had voted, she did not say whether her vote was yay or nay.How to archive incomplete, possibly illegal records that can be contentious in the future in the event of a law suit!) . . Helen is rummaging for good photo of the white Beetle to include in rogues gallery of racing cars, and still searching for the trunk release . . .Dan suggested the trunk was in the front. (Seems we played this trunk game before with Esme.). . .Dave and Dan had their heads under the sink again, studying the plumbing problem with Yahoo's pipes. Not sure they are cleared yet . . .Dispatch #3 - Maddie - finds answer for day 10 - trouble was statue was covered in laundry - advances to Barney's farm! . . .Dispatch #4 - Sue1 next to arrive moves into 5th spot . . .A reporting scandal erupted when Dan wrote."please note the inaccuracy of today's report - Dan DID NOT write the e-mail giving - you-know-who - extra points - it appears to be a forgery. Judges once again will go to no expense to get to the bottom of this - Dan Rather has been called in and is investigating!" . . .Somewhat defensive, the reporting reporter reported," Well, reporters only know what they found out -- (a brilliant assessment)! Glad to hear you're doing a professional investigation and can afford the top reporters. Our budget is too meager for that quality -- we've hired the semi-annual "One Penny Times." . . .Maddie waved. " Hey racers..... I am catching up. Bought a hemi for my car so I could get in the race, finally. It really was easy to follow you folks with the trail of car parts, dirty laundry, empty beer/wine/liquor bottles,littered underwear both male and female, candy/gum and fast food wrappers, used charcoal from the grills, and folks in various bars talking about the rowdy crowd that came through. What a group we are,
indeed, having a heck of a time and the envy of all we pass. I'm now in your rear view mirror." . . .VIP Dan had to go to Ft Myers on VIB, leaving racers in doubt. Barney immediately took charge and announced,"The race goes on." . . .Judge Dan reported from Ft. Myers, "Judges have an exclusive deal with Google - in hopes of getting them to be a major sponsor of the race! Almost without exception they are the primary source for my verification of answers. HINT- HINT!" . . ."Dispatch #5 - Maddie - makes IL line moments before today's start . . .THEN, with her foot stuck hard to the accelerator - Maddie screams across the finish line 1st for the day - Maddie throw out an anchor! Has temporary claim to first over all - whew - what a comeback Maddie!" . . ."Dispatch #7 CitySue and son arrive 2nd in Springfield - is your sons name Abraham? -claims 51 points - moves into 1st overall" . . "Dispatch #8 - Rosann - after false start crosses 3rd for the day" . . .. "Dispatch #9 - 11:02 am PattyBo crosses 4th - takes overall lead . . .Holding back for 2 minutes earns PattyBo 53 points and 1st overall - the hold back strategy has benefits - but will it be enough?" . . .Oops, snag! --"Just moments before crossing the finish line Allyn's Hummer stalls - will she get it started in time or is this part of her plan to get more points?" . . ."Dispatch #10 - 11:03 am passing the stalled Hummer - SuzyQ moves to 3rd over all." . . .SuzyQ's non-Christmassy DH requests that racers use the city water at the nearby KOA and not their well water. Due to lack of rain they are conserving . . .He arranged for no-charge usage of the KOA machines and dryers . . .mighty kind of Suzie and DH . . ."Dispatch #10 - 11:06 a.m. another slip by Allyn... Sue1 claims 6th!" . . ."Dispatch #12 - 11:28 - Dale move in 10th for the day - 5th overall!" . . .which momentarily confused Kay who said,"Hey Dale, how'd you do that?? 8th AND 10th! Wise guy! Oh, I get it........... Dan really means Dave is 10th, right?" . . Moments later, Kay demanded an explanation, "Can somebody explain this team thing to me!?!?! In detail". . .I know that there's another team that's been operating for several days now. I asked about it before and didn't really get an answer. I just want to know how this works!" ."Holli answered,"You have to email the team members as they change what the heck they are doing every dang day" . ."Dispatch #16 - Allyn has Billy push Hummer across the finish line claims 16th for the day . . .Dispatch #17 Rita comes in 18th claims extra points moves into 2nd overall . . .What a time the tribe had -- shopping all over Illinois and then with the racers joining in, dropping in to the Wacky Willagers picnic with everything from hula hoops to limbo contest to Hawaiian dancing and food out to kazoo. . .. Dispatch #20 - Donna arrives book in hand from library - RECLAIMS 1st place for overall! . . .Dale protests, "What's this? Book in one hand and hitting the send keys with the other. Where are the race cops when you need them? Did she get handicap points?" . . .Everyone pilled on Holli -- in the good sense-- wishing her success after she announced she was looking for a different position . . .We have got to restrain the many alias' "Sue" picks up. In a message dated 7/18/2005 9:27:11 PM Eastern Standard Time, elfie56@yahoo.com writes:CitySue, formerly Sue2, formerly Sue MD. Poor Sue1 laughed and wondered what happened to Sue2. "Thought she ran out of gas or got lost or something. Glad it was nothing serious. She just moved from MD to the city." . . .By the way...Sue1 and SuzyQ had an interesting little collequy on corn dogs and cozy dogs. I think the latter won. . . .Would you believe that Michelle stuck her head in the door again, looked surprised and blinked, "Okay - so there is a race? To ..... ?" . . .Vera brought Chitty down long enough to have a conversation with Donna,"You can do this...you have before....Don't make me use the cell phone and stand on the corner again." . . .(I have no idea what that was about.) . . .Maddie invited everyone to go back to Springfield where she has reserved a suite at the Drury Inn... "Ready to order carryout from the Tai Pan around the corner...superb Chinese food...you are all invited to join me in celebrating July 18. No Special reason, just that it is July 18. Plenty of room to sleep it off, if needed. Come on down!!!" . . .

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 5:02 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes # 19 / July 19, 2005

At nearly 7 a.m. Donna called to the racers, "I am at Pete's . . .anyone meeting me for breakfast? . . .and came a familiar voice as SuzyQ spoke up,"Try looking over in the non-smoking section!" . . .Kay got a big laugh out of that. "Just so you guys know, further down *that road*, in Albuquerque, there's no such thing as a *smoking section* anymore in any restaurant or public place. And no doubt it gets *worse* or *better* (depending on your point of view!) the further west you go........ like CA!" In a p.s. to Dan she asked,"how many days til we get to Albuquerque?". . .Helen looked up, "had breakfast 2 hrs ago...where were you? It's not a long drive today, but want to get there before it gets too hot. Ruth took care of the laundry last nite, so I didn't have to wait for the dryer." . . .Holli thought it was too quiet for 10 in the morning."Guess you are all getting gassed up, oil change, checking water?" . . Dan said, "That free road repair was too good to pass up!" . . .Rita, the fast driver, said, "I think they're laying back trying to get more points." . . ."I agree,"said Holli, "but soon they will have the fingers to the pedals!! LOL . . .Email box watch out!!" . . .picking up Kay's conversation Esme said,"Oh, right. It is better or worse in CA. We've got non-smoking parks, non-smoking beaches, even non-smoking towns....Land of fruits and nuts." . ..Allyn (of Georgia) spoke up,"Here too. We went non-smoking statewide on July 1." . . (see, I told you this was a very educational group!). Booming voice interrupts the morning chatter, "Dispatch #1. On a sleepy Tuesday morning in this little Illinois town - not wanting to take any chances with a vehicle stalling at the finish line Allyn and Billy fly across today's finish line - claiming 1st for the day and at the moment 1st overall! ". . . From a distance we heard Maddie -- our last night hostess! "AHHHH....OHHHHH....OOHOOHOOH.... not so loud folks. Just getting up and trying to recover from last night's party. What a bunch of PARTY ANIMALS we have in this group. The Drury Inn will never be the same!! The blender died sometime during the night...think I can get my money back since it is still under warranty?? Having cold left-over Chinese food for breakfast...or I guess at this time of the day it is brunch.Will need to check on the QOD once my brain kicks in. Can't wait to do this again, but not tonight...sorry...too old to party this hard two days in a row." . . .Dan continued, ignoring her, "Dispatch #2...Not tempting fate Rosann - zooms in 2nd behind the hummer - with a tune stuck in her mind - claims 1st overall for the moment!" . . ."Dispatch #3 In a days race filled with much more strategy - Team TNT finish within seconds of each other 3, 4, 5 - THE TENSION BUILDS! . . .(Vera, Christine and NPS) . . Kay repeats her repeated question, "Yous guys just keep messing up the rest of us! Are any of you going to tell me/us what's going on here?? Gosh, I just don't even understand the advantage here..........Rita, just as puzzled, said, "I'm not quite sure what they are doing either. I think they figure out the answers together and each day a different person posts for all three of them and that person's name goes on top." . . ..Dale said, "It's the point spread". . . Kay raised her brows, "Say what??" . . .Dan called out,"Any advantage that can be found can be taken!" (Don't you just love strong, firm answers!) . . .Rita checked on her missing message. "I sent my answer in at 11:39 am cst and it still hasn't appeared. Does someone know where that Dale is and what he's up too? I think he is out in cyberspace putting up road blocks to our emails." Dale heard that..."Hey Rita - start sending them in by Certified, Registered e-mail, with a tracking number that way you will know when its received...Hey, Special delivery doesn't work. tried that" . . "Spent a good part of this morning taking down the Yellow Flags that Allyn was putting up." . . ."Dispatch #4 - Barney - slides in 6th - good delaying tactics in hand! . . .Dispatch #7 - Dave decides on one more lap comes in 7th takes over 1st place!" . . .Dispatch #8 - Esme skyrockets into lead claims BIG POINTS for the day - way to go ESME" . . .Modestly bowing her head, Esme receives the applause and adds, "Who has the frame? I'll need it.Thank you one and all." . . ."Dispatch #9 - by mere seconds - SuzyQ comes in 9th for the day!" . . ."Dispatch #10 - Citysue lands 10th earn last regular high points for the day." . . ."Dispatch #11 - Sue1 arrives in Dwight, Il 11th, 8th overall!". ..Dispatch #12 - Another day with minimum points Donna holds onto 1st overall". . ."Dispatch #13 - Delaying tactics work Kay claims 13 extra points moves into 3rd overall!" . . .NPS stopped by to answer Kay's question . . .loosly saying there is no great strategy...Vera has no internet access at work... NPS has meetings all day and Christine had to leave home early for an appointment. They figure answers separately, and send them to whomever can send them the next day. It is called helping each other -- or teamwork. "Dispatch #15 - Dale claims 15th -- slips to 3rd overall." Sue1 was aghast,"GEEESHHHH!!!! I'm not opening any more emails because every time I do, I fall another place. Hey, judges, I have an idea. Why not give extra points to the one who has fallen the fastest?" Dan's simple reply," Gravity - it's the law!" . . Dispatch #16 - Maddie follows Dale 16th overall." . . . Dispatch #17 - Rita comes in 17th claims 5th overall" . . .Dispatch #18 - PattyBo 18th, holds onto 6th overall . . Dispatch #19 - Chan continues comeback moves 19 Extra Points . . .Dispatch #20 - Penny makes 20th racer to complete today's circuit" . . Dispatch #21 - with a weather eye on Emily, Ruth claims 4th overall . . .Dispatch #22 - Larry joins the gang in Dwight - dogs too! . . Late in the day Dan sent his QOD with a repeat map. OH? We're staying here for the night? . . .But then the racers became surly -- what the heck kind of question is this? . . SueCity complained of being cross-eyed in MD, saying, "I Googled until I cannot L@@K at another search engine....Que sera sera..How many people live in Illinois?" . . .Allyn fussed, "I'd risk laundry detail if I had any hints worth giving. This is the stinkiest question we've had so far (including Day 1 when I didn't know what the hey was going on!)" . . . Vera sent a lovely invitation. "No rest tonight! We have too much to do! VBG I have the pool reserved for everyone to take a cooling dip! The Country Mansion (a Snow Village Display) has planned a buffet following with a moonlight walk around the grounds - pond, creek and windmill. Those wishing more alcohol - Turtle's tap (previously Art's Bird store - we sell swallows) will only be open till 1AM. So the local Italians have planned a Diego Red party to follow! Not for the armature drinker! Anyone for a private viewing of McWilliams fire memorabilia collection, Municipal building (EMS-Alan), Fox Center, Prison, or any other sites need but ask! So happy you could all make it! Esme...I saw that first position!!!!! Way to go! Larry, the boys will be just fine in the fenced back yard. Alan is so excited he even put on an extra squad in case we get careless?? What is he thinking? Welcome All! Pete's for Breakfast!!!" . . . Everyone was pleased -- as though we were welcomed right into the heart of the Illinois Tribe. It was a lovely time. . . ..

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2005 5:40 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / #20 / Ruth's Routes

Helen broke the early morning silence with a note telling us she went to bed early and now is up to fix DH breakfast and turn in the answer to the QOD. It is 4:40 in the morning, for gosh sakes!!!. Who eats breakfast at this hour? I also think it was a bit smug of Helen to write how easy it was to find the answer. "Took 3 tries to put the right words in Google" she said...got a page with everything I needed...Just pull words out of the hint." About that time Dan arrived yawning and asked a perfectly ridiculous question," Anything exciting happen overnight?" . . .(Not really -- you just got put on a lot of hit lists with your questions!!). "I wanted to be well rested for the trials and tribulations of the day's race!" he said. Then calm as a cucumber he began rattling his papers -- (he's good at that) . . ."Dispatch #1 - Wasting no time TNT NPS, Christine, Vera finish 1, 2, 3" . . .Of COURSE they did -- Vera lives next door to that place . . ..picnics there everyday...tends her garden there...has anyone else ever heard of it? or find it? . . ."Esme - using a west coast approach claims 4th - moves back on top - get out the frame - will it hold?" . . ."Dispatch #3 With little competition Penny easily claims 5th place - way to go Penny" . . ." Dispatch #4 - Good for 4th place SuzyQ enters Monee, ILL 4th overall!" . . ."Dispatch #5 - Sue1 - HITS THE BIG ONE - claims 7th and BIG POINTS - moves into 2nd" . . ."Dispatch #6 - Rita gets 67 points moves into 3rd" . . .SuzyQ, blinking at something Dan wrote, gave this astute reply, "Huh?" mumbling something about Dan needing coffee. . . . We looked at the page and see Dan's scribble all over it -- giving Penny points from A--Z . Somebody had better get some coffee in him for sure. Dan explained, "Something obviously got tangled up in my cut and paste! Sorry about that - not only is my memory going bad, so is my laptop!" . . .Dispatch #7 - Donna arrives home in Monee reclaims 1st lengthens lead" . . "Dispatch #8 - Dave arrives 10th moves into 5th position" . . ."Dispatch #9 Citysue arrives after night of decorating with elves - claims 9th overall!" . . .Dispatch #10 - Ruth arrives at Donna's claims 3rd place overall" . . ."Dispatch #11 - Allyn makes a moves - comes 13th for the day 13 extra points moves up to 7th" . . ." Dispatch #12 - Kay hits 14th claims 5th overall" . . ."Dispatch #13 - Helen arrives 5:28 a.m. well rested 11th overall" . . .(Well rested, my foot. She was up cooking at 4:30!!) . . . Did you know that Maddie used to sing with a Rock Band in the 60's and 70's called The Tanners...in Peabody. Was pretty good at it. Then Holli admits to occasionally singing with a rock band. And even though she's a city gal, she knows all about kickin boots and buckle buffs!! . . .Then Dan admitted he did "Light Shows" for bands mostly around Providence. The band he worked with most was "The Summer Sounds." We're surrounded by talent, folks!! Now we know where to go for entertainment! . . ."Dispatch #14 - 5:50 a.m. with the sun rising in the east PattyBo moves into 7th" . . . "Dispatch #15 - Rosann - regroups gets more points - moves into 10th overall" . . ."Dispatch #16 - second attempt at starting line gets Barney into Monee!" . . .Folks are still exclaiming over CitySue's wonderful display with the elves. Sue1 still swooning. . .Donna announced she was going home to prepare for the arriving racers. Rita said, " It's okay Donna. Vera and I have everything under control. NPS and SuzyQ are setting out the coffee and breakfast treats and mother is flitting around talking to everyone. We put netting over the pond to keep that Dale away from the fish. Mother put him in charge of cleaning up, so that should keep him busy for a while. After that, she is going to give him 'line dance' lessons." . . .Donna said there is nothing like sitting on the deck, listening to the waterfall, train and reading e-mail"... (that's right, Donna is the pond lady!) She said with her wireless router or two there should be no problem getting messages out as everyone should be able to connect from anywhere on the property. . . .Dispatch #17 - 12:00 p.m. Maddie comes in 19th - who will get the last extra points for the day?" . . .Dan sent the racers a collection of 24 fantastic photographs of a hummingbird family from birth to flight. Racers pulled their cars into a circle in a corn field while passing and compared the remarkable photos. Doubtful law enforcement officers chased us off thinking we were making UFO type markings and circles in the cornfield. . ." Dispatch #18 - 12:44 p.m. Patience pays off. Larry takes lunch - earns 20 extra points." . . ."Dispatch #19 - 6:30 p.m. Dale wakes up after nap "where'd everybody go? arrives 21st still holds onto 3rd" . Making plans for Donna's party tonight Maddie says,". .."I have drums, guitar, tambourine, and keyboard with me (never leave home without instruments for partying). I also have my own microphone/speaker system and even a disco ball. (God, I miss disco!!) We can have a karaoke night tonight and see what talent we have, then put together a group (band and back-up singers/dancers) for a gig in Chicago. This trip is becoming just too much fun." . . Warming up Dan says, "Hey, or at least our own talent show - what say we rehearse tonight in Donna's backyard and find a stage in Chicago tomorrow night?" . . .Maddie extolled, "Say...I wonder.... with all the talent in this group, we could probably put together our own band... tour the country and perform (especially now that we'll know our way around these various cities/towns)... party .... relax and enjoy life" . . .(I ask you folks -- is this the Mickey and Judy show or not??) . . .From Allyn we heard, "I'll do the costuming. You sooooo don't want me to sing!" . . .Maddie told Donna,"I'll be arriving within the hour to set up the music entertainment for tonight. I even have extension cords!!" . . .Dan said, "Lights on their way too - since nobody's been using the trailer behind the Winnebago - I stopped by a local hardware store and picked up some lighting, rheostats, relay's couple of old telegraph keys, miscellaneous wire - already have my laptop - so we can have some lighting effects to go with the music! Hey Donna - how much amperage goes into your house -or can we just run some of Maddie's extension cords over to your mom's house?" . . Larry worried, "Have to get the ear plugs out for Blue...He Hates fireworks!! Oh well, it just might mean he will start the next day's run early!!" . . ."A final reminder to Dale from Donna..."No fishing in the ponds! ...or anything else. Just sit on the deck and be good." . . .Dale retorted," I spent half the night digging worms. Where do you wish to put them -- and don't forget to feed them." . . .Helen up and heading for the kitchen at 4:30 a.m. again, mumbling something like, "Oops, bodies sleeping on the floor!" . . . Donna's party was on-going when I went to bed. Her mother's line-dancers took over the huge driveway, bounding across and back again . . .wore out my shoes and the band, but the dancers were singing along and dancing as though it would go on forever!

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2005 5:04 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle Ruth's Routes # 21

Donna was up early checking the remnants of her party and guests -- decided they hadn't damaged the driveway with their dancing and toddled off for coffee . . Helen joined her, then asked about donuts, then decided to head for the pool. Already 78 degrees and it is only 6:30 a.m. . . .Dan sailed out saying, "This judge was up at 5 but The Winnebago got stuck in traffic this
morning - almost tempted to answer mail on my phone - all caught up now!" . . .he had been up for hours and started his dissertation without missing a beat. "Dispatch #1 - Team TNT Vera, NPS and Christine finish 123 in Chicago. Slipping away quietly in the night to avoid Donna's grumpy neighbor Vera, NPS and Christine - zoom into Chicago at exactly 2:00 to claim 1, 2, 3, for the second day in a row - boy these ladies are quick!" . . .Dispatch #2 - 2:02 am Kay slides into ago 4th - 1st for the moment...Diligent and persistent Kay leaves the sleeping racers behind in Monee -hits Chicago 4th - claims temporary hold on 1st place . . . Dispatch #3 - 2:02 am Missing extra points by mere moment - Allyn arrives 5th moves into 2nd place In what appears to be a well planned attempt at extra points Allyn arrives moments before the extra points are to be awarded - who gets them. Stay tuned! . . .Dispatch #4 - 2:04 am Making a massive move - Penny arrives 6th claims BIB extra points for the day moves all the way to 2nd - whoa! . . . Dispatch #5 - 2:04 am With a technically correct answer Dave by mere seconds misses the extra points but still moves into 3rd overall" . . . Whoop -- flag just went up!! Allyn questions the judges..."A "technically correct" answer? That means he didn't get it but you gave it to him anyway?"... She continued, "Billy (who demanded to know everything I could tell him about the answer when I staggered back to bed after my 2 AM foray into the computer room) wants to know if we're working on a degree in American history. He calls us the "Roads Scholars!!" . . .(Clever! Clever!) . . .Dan's prompt reply explained it well..."The question revolved around who owned the home in 1879...Since two different families owned the property in 1879 and I didn't ask for both, then his answer was technically correct in naming the one he named" He continued, "Judges sworn oath, 'Maintain Absolute Rigid Flexibility." .. . ." Dispatch #6 - 2:04 am in a tightly clustered finish for the extra points Esme comes in 8th - moves back into 1st overall!" . . .NPS, known otherwise as Susan, sent us seven (count 'em 7) links to Chicago information. She wanted us to really know about the area before we leave. Thanks, Susan -- but do we have the time?? . . ."Dispatch #6 - 2:05 am Sue1 - arrives Chicago - moves into 2nd place" . . ." Dispatch #8 - 2:06 am One minute later SuzyQ next to arrive." . . Helen commented," Well, I guess my decision to wait for the alarm to go off at 5 didn't
get me any extra points. Roads Scholars, indeed....we should be candidates for the National Geographic contest, if only they didn't limit it to kids" . . .Dispatch #9 - 2:10 am In a way placed place Donna arrives 11th gets 75 points - extends 1st place lead
Dispatch #10 - 2:15 am Hard work pays off Rosann's well placed answer gives her 74 points. . . "Dispatch #11 - 2:25 am Well placed finish moves Ruth into 3rd closing the gap on 2nd . . .Dispatch #11 - 2:36 am Local Racer Rita - moves to 6th place - Party at your place tonight? . . .Dispatch #13 - 308 am Working a delayed strategy PattyBo arrives Chicago 8th overall . . . Dispatch #14 - 3:40 am Waking the middle of the night - Dale squeaks by Ruth to claim 3rd by 1 point" . . .Kay took a look at the charts and lamented, "Definitely better frame this one. The faster I go, the behinder I get!" . . . Dispatch #15 - 5:12 a.m. Helen graciously makes her way into Chicago - claims 16th!".. . NPS bounded in and announced, "Well I have a big day planned for everyone. There's so much to see in the Chicago area. Will have to take a boat ride on the lake to see the wonderful skyline, stop at Sear's Tower, Navy Pier to take a Ferris wheel ride, Millennium Park, the D56 store on Magnificent Mile, where the St. Valentine's massacre took place, Biograph Theatre where Dillinger saw his last movie. Of course there will be food stops,
have to try Chicago style pizza and Chicago style hotdogs. Then on to Oak Park where we can see some of Frank Lloyd Wright homes and where Hemingway was born. Will make camp tonight at Rita's for another party. So put on your shoes and let's get started." . . .Dispatch #16 - 8:28 am Barney hits the road arrives Chicago . . .Dispatch #17 - 9:07 am Citysue - how do you do - welcome to Chicago!-- and comes in 18th. . .Dispatch #17 - 10:32 am Maddie stirs "IN-THE GADDA_DEVIDA" (sp) next to the Iron Butterfly - arrives Chicago "SPINNING WHEELS." . . . (Can someone translate?) . . Chan sent an SOS that her beautiful Jaguar just died...she's stuck on a QOD for two days that Google and Jeeves won't give up...gave herself a headache...guesses that riding shotgun on the Winnebago might be best...tag along as a spectator and watch everyone "fly on by." . . .It was pitiful!! Even above-it-all Dan jumped up and said, "I just sent the tow truck back for you! Be there in a minute!" (Not a dry eye in the house.) . . Chan's plaintive voice said, "I'm so glad to hear from you all, it was so lonely stranded on this piece of highway for so long...the locals thought I lived here! I'll be straggling in late guys, save a place at the dinner table for me!!" (Pitiful!) . . . CitySue headed off to the city in search of a real Italian beef sandwich. "A Philly just doesn't cut it after Italian Beef," she said . . .Maddie, still sitting in Donna's yard said, "danced up feet cooling in her pond...need someone to assure me I am still alive...My body is screaming at me....What a night...just starting to stir and will need to get to the QOD if my brain cooperates...I'll be glad to chip in for the cleaning service"...Dan earlier asked where we are staying tonight -- Rita's or Wrigley Field? . . . Rita said, "My house is the spot. All the carpet is in and with 5800 sq ft, there is plenty of room. Have also stocked up on inflatable mattresses, pillows and blankets (I like the house at 68 degrees)." ... Answering Helen's querying about gas prices, Rita said, "Cheapest around is $2.34 gallon up to $2.45 gallon for regular. Costs me $52 every time I fill up the van. I'm going to need another job just to fill up the gas tank." . . Chan perked up saying, "A moped is looking real good right now" . . .Larry reported that he will leave the VSRR until Saturday while he is traveling home. Will pick us up then . . .Donna asked "When are you closing this race? Since I have to be elsewhere soon . . .not sure I can even get on line. I will be back late on the 31st....Can I play catch-up on the 1st, or will it be over?" . . . SuzyQ has a 40th Anniversary party to attend . . .Dan said the VSRR closes July 31 at 6:00 p.m., or when the last racer arrives... whichever comes first . . .Dispatch #21 - 5:26 pm - In enough time to make the party at Rita's, Chan arrives in Chicago - in the Tow truck!" . . .NPS filed this report in the wee hours of the morning . . . "The party at Rita's is going strong. The neighbors called the police but luckily Rita's nephew answered the call. Ruth and Dale are trying out the line dances that they learned last night. They can't remember all the steps and want Donna's mom to come over. There is lots of food, did you see all the vegetables that Suzy brought, and we brought some pizza, Italian beefs and hotdogs from today. The party is going to go late into the night." . . .Donna said, " Mom's changing clothes... she will be there in a minute....Oh, wants to know if Maddie still has the sound equipment and if Dan has the lighting equipment? And anyone that leaves here hungry- it is their own fault!

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 23, 2005 8:13 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle Ruth's Routes # 22 / Friday

At an unearthly hour of the morning, Allyn posted this note and retreated. "Billy dared me to post something about getting up early because of the long trip today...but he was singing and I didn't understand what he said, so I lost the dare and am heading back to bed anyway." . . .That was it! . . .Then the stirrings of racers getting up and doing the morning necessaries. Karen stuck her head in before going to work...Helen, on the way to the kitchen, wondered if she'd get some extra points today...Donna checking to make sure her QOD message was sent before she headed out for work, commented that it's gonna be a long day today but she's off for the next week! . . .Danny wanted to stick around but had to head on out . . .Dan started right to work with his announcements. "Dispatch #1 - 3:00 am - not wasting any time PattyBo - arrives Minnesota 1st.In an attempt to beat the traffic and avoid the heat of the day PattyBo rises early arrives in Minnesota first for the day!...Dispatch #2 - 3:00 am - not holding back getting points in early Esme arrives 2nd --Using a sure fire approach Esme gets her points for the day early -moves into 1st once again!...Dispatch #3 - 3:00 am - Mumbling something about the Red Sox - Rosann pulls in 3rd...After staying up late to watch the Red Sox win over the White Sox -Rosann left Chicago - not even sure she went to Rita's... moves into Minnesota...
Dispatch #4 - 3:01 am - Just missing the big points 4th, Barney evens his score with a nice round 600 points just missed the
extra big points for the day by minutes! Dispatch #5 - 3:03 am - SECOND DAY IN A ROW claims BIG POINTS - moves solidly into first...In what is being claimed as more than coincidence - penny has scored the BIG POINTS for a second consecutive day - with well planned driving skills and attention to detail Penny arrives at Lake Itasca 5th and 1st overall - the big question is can she fend of the previous leader for the last several days - Donna? Time will tell!...Dispatch #6 - 3:04 am - just 1 minute later Donna arrives reclaims 1st by just 8 points - saying where'd that Penny come from?...Donna added, Well after a week of first place running, looks like it will not continue...Thanks for making me top dog of the week... it's been fun!"..I'll check in, but no longer be a threat (although I may hit a big point by accident), see ya all at the finish line! Hope we are planning a heck of a party
there!" . . .Kay said, " Aw, Donna, can't believe you won't be around for *race time* each day. We'll miss you! Hey, you never know what's going to happen. It's about time for a drastic change in the way things work in this race. I just can't believe that Dan would keep it going on the same *pace*. ha! Maybe next week the bonus points will be *minus points* or *road hazards*...have fun at the train convention and we'll see you at the finish line!" . . .Dispatch #7 - 3:04 am - Just seconds behind, Sue1 braving the terror on the Dan Ryan, arrives at the lake...Dispatch #8 - 3:06 am - In a well placed effort TNT arrives 8, 9, 10 way to go ladies!...Dispatch #9 - 3:06 am - Hummer in hand Allyn fords the Mississippi for 8- points"...On her way back to bed in a stupor, Allyn said, " Billy has some really wild ideas for points. He thought it would be *fun* if the points were totally random (75 for 1st, 30 for second, 82 for third, 112 for 4th...etc) He also suggests a "free pass". The pass would come up in the points list instead of points for one place. If you "land on" "free pass" you get to skip one question...just turn in your pass instead of the day's question....It's scary when he starts thinking" . . .Dispatch #10- 3:08 am - Ruth arrives 12th - ties Esme with 717 points - this is exciting!... Dispatch #11- 3:29 am - Slow and steady, 3rd time Kay earns extra points 13th for the day moves up to 5th...Dispatch #11- 3:40 am - SuzyQ arrives at the lake 14th claims 11th overall...Dispatch #13- 5:00 am - Rita leaves home arrives Minnesota - "thanks for the hospitality, Rita!"...Dispatch #13- 5:53 am - Having breakfast a little later this morning Helen arrives in Minnesota" . . .Claudia responded to the racer's efforts to keep her with the Circle, since Claudia's mailbox at work keeps overflowing. "Thanks for the support. I can certainly wait until August, but think the Group may hunger for more of the same since folks are obviously having such a good time...How do the rest of you manage the digests? . . .Helen offered these thoughts...."I don't get the digests, just read on line. That way, the msgs I want to see are on line, not competing with all the spam that rolls through my mailbox, in spite of 2 spam blockers...Just go to Edit membership and click on Read on Line...Then it's your choice to read the message index and decide if anyone has posted something of interest to you." . . Chan offered this suggestion . . ."I always read online, mostly in expanded messages, which on busy days only takes me about 10 minutes at the most to scroll down and scan very quickly. If I'm in a big hurry and I'm looking for something particular I use the simple option and scroll for the subject header... she added, "After the race is over I think we'll all need to rest, and usually in August people start preparing for the holidays and designing their villages". . ."Dispatch #15 - 6:30 am - Dale wakes up again - a good thing on any morning slipping - clings to 5th" . . .Dispatch #15 - 7:39 am - Chan still nursing the Jag arrives without a tow truck... driveway Dispatch #17 - 8:42 am - Dave switches to Motor home placed 10th overall . . .Dispatch #18 - 6:16 am - Citysue reminisces - childhood memories traveling by the lakes - comes in 20th with 22 extra points! . . .Maddie called in, "Just getting back to the hotel after last night's ballgame. My Bosox came through...we have been partying since the game...Nice folks here in IL. So it is into the shower, some breakfast, lots of coffee, and I'll be off to Minnesota. I see I missed one hum-dinger of a party at Rita's. Wish I could clone myself." . . .Rosann laughed,"Don't believe it!!!!! Rita put us all to work unpacking those 6 lockers!!!!" . ."Heck no don't believe it!!!" said Dale..."RIta locked me in the dog run and forgot me. I howled, and howled, woke up all the dogs, but had no effect on people. Trash truck came around, had to pay them $20.00 just to open the gate. Just as I rounded the corner of the house, I saw this jag, blowing a cloud of smoke, trying to get up enough speed to climb the slight rise in the driveway." . . ."Dispatch #19 - 10:54 am - Maddie shows up in Minnesota wearing Red Sox from some other party!" . . .Maddie is heading back to MA for the weekend...big family blowout with her brother home from Iraq for a visit...lots of family activities...hopes to catch up on the race during the weekend...SuzyQ spoke up, "Ever had a Brownie Girl Scout look up at you and say, "You really can't sing can you?" It was common knowledge that I was the song leader because I knew all the words to songs but couldn't sing." . . .Dan replied," Not Brownies - but Cub and Boy Scouts - "LOUD and JOYOUS" works real well for me too - you've heard the old cliché of not being about to carry a tune in a bucket - we'll I'm the founding member of "The Bucketteers" - that's why I do lights! LOL" . . .Donna started a little comments booklet titled, "What The Race Taught Me." Her first of 6-8 comments was," It taught me that everyone here has an imagination.". . .and she passed it on for her fellow racers to write their comments. Following Billy's wild suggestion on distributing points, Dan sent the following..."Hollidan Towing Service is now in business...HTS will tow you from current location to next destination, no questions asked, anytime, anywhere, ONCE and ONLY ONCE per racer. Unavailable last two days of the race...July 30 - 31....HTS will pay you for using the service with listed extra points...You will not need to answer the question that day...this is a free service". . .In answer to many questions Dan replied, "Hollidan Towing Service - "we don't sow, we don't mow - 24 hours we do tow!" . . . and after more questions he said, "Hollidan Towing Service - "Our Business is Picking UP!" . . .Vera said, "Not to worry...Chitty and I will be right next to you! Thank goodness we hit the air more than not....that way we don't eat as much dust!"

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2005 8:06 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle Ruth's Routes #23, Saturday

Having wandered around Oklahoma looking for Duane, everyone finally settled down to look for Dan's QOD -- found it in Ponca City. Quite a statue!! . . .SuzyQ spoke up following Donna's "This race taught me,"adding, "This race has taught me that the brain CAN function at ungodly times of the morning. Not saying how well it functions, just that it functions . . .Here comes Dan -- promptly at 6:14 in the morning, pressed and rested! . . ." Dispatch #1 - 4:01 am - Holding back for minute Barney still arrives ...Even with a slight delay Barney speeds across the finish line - it's a long haul from Minnesota - get out the frame--Barney 1st over all!... Dispatch #2 - 4:01 am - Esme delaying strategy - just misses --comes into Oklahoma 2nd...Dispatch #3 - 4:01 am - With a big assist from a fellow racer Helen comes in 3rd just misses big points for the day. . .Dispatch #4 - 4:01 am - Allyn makes the big move - BIG POINTS 4th moves into 2nd - who was really driving? . . .Dispatch #5 - 4:01 am busy time in the city - NPS, Christine and Vera finish 5, 6, 7 . . .Dispatch #6 - 4:02 am - Whoo Whoo -- Donna arrives 8th holds onto 1st for another day? . . . Dispatch #7 - 4:02 am - First 2 minutes prove busy Sue1 arrives 9th moves into 5th! . . .Dispatch #8 - 4:23 am - Amongst the Sue's, SuzyQ #2 slips into 6th . . .Dispatch #9 - 4:29 am - Holding back 29 minutes Kay claims biggest regular points of the day and 5th overall . . .Dispatch #10 - 4:38 am - Rita wakes up as she crosses the finish line 12th . . .Dispatch #11 - 4:40 am - on her way to breakfast Helen collect extra point for the 2nd time - 13th on the day . . .Dispatch #12 - 5:17 am - PattyBo arrives Ponca City 8th overall . . .Dispatch #13 - 5:28 am - Dale arrives claims 4th overall by 1 mere point! . . .Dispatch #14 - 8:47 am - Chan nurses Jag across finish in Ponca City . . . Dispatch #15 - 8:57 am - Ruth bumps Dale by 2 points moves into 4th overall . . .(singing, 'Sunshine...on my shoulders...makes me happy!') . . "Dang, there she goes again, " said Dale. "Try to get around one then the other takes you out. There's just got to be away to get away from these two. Esme and Ruth. When they team up on you its a war. Next pit stop, we will just have to change strategy." . . Esme's sultry reply was immediate! . . "Beware. We ALREADY have.". . . Holly bounced in," And a Grand morning it is in Oklahoma!!! Just makes me want to sing!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOklahoma!...How is everyone today? Some of you look a little sleepy, Duane should have the coffee set up for us this morning... the key is on the ORANGE marigold planter...Dale, Duane said don't make a mess!...Off to get the coffee!...and she left a note," Hollidan Towing Service." . . .Commenting on Duane's whereabouts Helen said," Hope he left more than coffee...looks like he's still in New York...Can we send Hollidan to pick him up before lunchtime? Just hopped out of the pool...It's supposed to be another HOT one." . . .The HTS company, ready to make a fast buck said," make the request - we'll clean the mess!" . . ."Donna talked about last night's chat saying, "It was a small chat, guessing everyone was resting or looking for answers.... Rosann, Rita, Holli and Duane were there...well at least while I was there...I won't be there next week, but hope to see you all the following!"..."Dispatch #16 - 9:25 am - YouHoo Citysue arrives in Ponca City! . . . Dispatch #17 - 9:34 am - Larry pats wife, kisses dogs, sends answers - arrives Ponca City via Minnesota!" . . .(In that order?). . .Dispatch #18 - 10:47 am - Dave's patience earns last extra points of the day moves to 10th overall." . . .Dispatch #19 - 10:48 am - Rosann weighs in early with wrong weight would have been 1st - same end result on points" . . .In frustration Rosann replied," That's what I get for waking up at 4am to answer a question!!!!! So I forgot a zero!!!. . .Dale, huffed, "If you hadn't thrown out that O making me swerve out of the way, You would not have gotten by me. You never know what these girls are going to do next!" . . ."Chan, sipping her coffee said, "Yep, I'm sleepy, got woke up 3 times this morning by a little red cardinal that thinks our metal chimney stack is his concert stage. He starts about daybreak, usually wakes me up at least 3-4 days a week. You have to go outside and run him off as it echoes down the chimney and sounds like he's right next to your head...after you go back to bed he returns...grrrr, this has been going on since early spring." . . .Holli broke in, advertising the business, "HTS-- If you think ya gonna crash, we'll be there in a flash!" . . ."Ignoring the ad Chan continued," I haven't been down to the properties all week because it was so hot so I'm going down there today to do what else... cut grass!!...when I return I've got a whole counter full of tomatoes that need to be canned.
...Woo Hoo its cooler today, only 90." . . .Christine checked in finally...trucking problem not solved...they told the fix-it man to fix it or go to court...he agreed, but what does that mean?...Lookee who arrived!! "Dispatch #20 - 2:59 pm - Maddie sneaks away from MA with napping baby arrives Ponca City" . . .Kay, pinning the judges down on the HTS provisions...racers listened attentively. . . but first a few more advertisements to sit through . . ."Hollidan Towing Service...rain or shine we drink wine...er..
we're just fine!". . .Our noble leaders answered more questions . . ."The request for the tow must be received before midnight on Friday the 29th - at that time Hollidan Towing Service - will tow you from wherever you are in the race to the next destination - whether or not that destination has been announced or determined...Tow Requests only work through private e-mail...During the time that Hollidan Towing Service is operational - the request by private e-mail can be made." . . .Now it gets a little curious. Mind-blower Dan said, "If it were me - and I am not who I think I am - I'd be somebody else -in which case I might make a deal now with some other racer...Any advantage that can be found can be taken." . . .Meanwhile, when the subject of a vote came up, Dan announced "Florida election officials are standing by," at which Sue1 wrung her hands, "Oh no!! Call the Supreme Court quick!" and Esme retorted, "I've called them, Sue1, but they don't know how we want the vote to come out." . . and the ads just kept coming! "Stuck in the sand --- call Holidan!" . . Larry discovered the San Angelo Railway Museum depot Website while searching for Texas sites...felt they needed help having received only 900 hits (must have been 9000) since 2001. .. the racers obliged and the final hit count was around 9255 by the time the racers swept though town on their way to visit the Yellow Rose of Texas. Really tickled Larry, imagining the shock on their faces . . .

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2005 8:00 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle Ruth's Routes # 24, Sunday

Esme opens the morning dialogue,"Well, I'm sitting here at 2 am in CA strategizing." . . .Donna said, "BTW congrats...betting one of you three got the extra points today ...I am either in front of the TNT or behind it...either way, I lose...Donna, who hasn't been to sleep yet (6:00 a.m.) going now...night all!" . . .Suzy Q said, "No strategy here. Whenever my subconscious wakes me, I just send the answers." . . .Horns blowing as Dan announces, "Dispatch #1 - 5:00 am - Precisely at the stroke of 5:00 am Team TNT scores 123 - BIG POINTS...Get out the frame - there is a new leader Team TNT take 123 - Christine get BIG POINTS as third in line - Vera, NPS finish 1, 2 for the day! Way to go ladies!" . . .(Don't you just love a staid, laid-back, emotionless kind of leader!!!") . . . Dispatch #2 - 5:00 am - Back in the thick of the race Larry just seconds later comes in 4th for the day"...Dispatch #3 - 5:00 am - Team TNT blocks Donna from BIG POINTS but not 1st overall...Donna - denied the big points by the TNT Team efforts still managed to claim 1st overall for yet another day - Dale now offering to pay for Donna's entire vacation if she leaves now!...to which Donna replied,"where is the credit card, Dale"...whereupon Dale replied, ..."I just sent it to the HTS-- Just give them a call." . . .Donna continued, "So who is going to overthrow me from 1st place today?"...Sue1 answered, "T'ain't me...I just keep dropping and dropping. Think I'm back to 8th place already. I guess I better stop and get an engine overhaul soon. It's been running a little rough...sputtering and coughing."Dispatch #4 - 5:00 am - still within the first minute PattyBo strikes for 6th on the day moves into 3rd...Dispatch # 5 - 5:00 am - with the 5 am rush still on Rita races right in 7th moves into 3rd... Dispatch #6 - 5:01 am - Penny makes her move -- closes gap on leader -- moves into 2nd overall...Dispatch #7 - 5:05 am - SuzyQ waits patiently for 9th moves into 6th overall...Dispatch #8 - 5:07 am - Esme plans entrance into San Antonio - claims 89 points...Dispatch #9 - 5:52 am - Ruth enters hometown with 90 points for the day - catches Christine in points... Dispatch #10 - 5:59 am - Delaying her entry Kay arrives 12th...Pleased as punch, Kay said, "I think I finally figured it out ....ABD is 'Anybody but Dale'...OK, so who's going to take the first tow??? Dispatch #11 - 6:24 am...Patience pays Helen - earns extra points at 13th - 2nd day in a row... Dispatch #12 - 8:22 am - After multiple trips around the block Dale finally finds the finish line - still 1 point behind Esme!...Dale said, "Here I am ready to send in my answer when all I here are bell ringing, horns tooting, and shouts of HAPPY ANNIVERSARY--SO HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CHRISTINE!!" . . .A chorus of well wishers joined in, wishing this bride of 6 years of marriage great happiness . . .Dispatch #13 - 8:46 am - Sue1 arrives San Antonio, TX looking for party at Ruth's...Dispatch #14 - 9:28 am - Dave checks in via cell phone - arrives 16th...whereupon Donna leaps up saying, "You mean I can call your cell phone with my answers!... EGads, why didn't I think of that before"....Astonished, Dale said, "Now you have me confused, You're not here, have no computer, still in first place, now you want to call in the answer and you don't even have the
question, I think something is wrong with this-- I'll even bet you already have the answers and just waiting for the clock to tick.5:59:59.5" . . .Dan's calm reply, "No -- Dave used his cell phone from the mobile home attached to his laptop to send in his answers!" Dispatch #15 - 10:01 am - Hard working Chan takes break to cross finish line" . . .Dale broke the dispatch routine with a nonsense question," Having a little trouble with the QOD. Can someone tell me how LOW the sun sets, or rises in TEXAS -- trying to figure out what kind of shadow it makes on a SMALL building."...Since Texas is big on everything, I answered,"Sweetheart, the sun never sets in Texas!!", adding for emphasis,"Big state!!" . . .Naturally Dale has a comeback. "That's right EVERYTHING is big in Texas Even the shadows it throws. But boy that's a large shadow, guess you can drive all over San Antonio and never need sun glasses?" . . Esme had a comment that set Kay into laughing hysterics... "Trust me, that building casts an EXTREMELY large shadow if you've ever lived in Texas." . . . "Dan offered a warning, "Hey Ruth - watch that Dale - he said something about Alaska splitting into two states so Texas would only be the third largest!" . . ..Fortunately, Dan kept up his pace."Dispatch #16 - 10:13 am - Allyn leisurely arrives San Antonio - moves back into 3rd overall...her rueful comment, "Awww, gee...one more donut and I might have hit the 20th place bonus! Anyone else been the victim of a sabotage attempt? Some Good Samaritan kept trying to send the HTS truck." . . " Dispatch #17 - 10:44 am - Citysue - good for 82 --- points....Dan's breaking news!...new towing rates starting at 12:01 July 24... And here comes the towing service ads...They're plastered all over the highways..."HTS towing Saints - never had any complaints!"...giving Dale the break he needed to say, "Hey Sue, There's a cloud of steam flowing out, along with a lot of smoke from the exhaust, better call HTS pretty soon, They'll have you back on the road by Noon." (another poet!) . . ."Suddenly a voice from the blue...why, it's Rebecca saying, "I think I am ready to leave New York...not sure....I am headed to Orlens....right?...Have been lost for days....maybe it was that wine at Holli's" . . ." (I can assure her it was the wine -- she can't even spell.). . . Wasting no time, Kay sent good wishes and links and urged her to continue the race -- but FIRST, how about a little tow, Rebecca? . . .(Evil Kay!) . . .rising to the bait, Rebecca answered, "Thanks....I'm headed to Orleans....Definitely will need a tow....at some point". . .Guess what shows up by the road, "Hollidan Towing Service - "Need help on the way - we tow in the USA"! . . ."Towing Service, Hollidan - if we can't do it - nobody can!" . . . and this sneaky comment from Dan,"All I can say is that the Hollidan Towing Service will not be able to get a license to operate where we WILL be the last two day - LOL!" . . .Now comes a major threat!! . . ."Hollidan Towing Service - "Towing a car, truck or whale - Towing Service now on sale" . . Allyn wondered, "The service is on the sale block? What's the matter? No customers?...Did Allyn get a fat contract for writing this slogan for HTS, "Towing a car, truck or whale - Towing Service Just for Dale." . . . Dispatch #19 - 7:13 pm - Rebecca saddles up heads for Orleans!- welcome back"...And a new QOD from Dan, with Helen remarking, "Guess I need to call my son. He's been there too"...and Dan, promoting the race for future gigs says,"Go ahead call you your son - VSRR - bringing families together!" . . .- Dispatch #20 - 7:49 pm - Rebecca Arrives Marblehead" -- urging Rebecca forward Dan adds, " We have you on radar heading north! - You go!" . . . Rebecca said, "Just left Mt. Washington.....that was tricky...I think I will take a break in Quebec...need to cool down. It has been a pleasure bringing up the tail. I have been able to take my time and enjoy the cities closely...what fun!" . . .Dale said, "Keep those dancing shoes hot, we're waiting for you." and then began serenading us with "Deep in the Heart of Texas." (Don't that beat all get-out!) . . .Dispatch #21 - 8:17 pm - Rebecca makes the summit Mt. Washington" . . .Vera reminisces about college days and visiting San Antonio and being serenaded at a funny restaurant called The Time Machine...And it's party night at Ruth's...float and cool in the pool, smell the gardenias, dine on chalupas, guacamole salad, fajitas, bar-b-que, Gulf shrimp and San Antonio chili -- while singing Deep in the Heart of Texas! Welcome, Y'all!!

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 6:12 PM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes / Day #25, July / Monday

Dan's opening words were, "Are you making an offer? If you have enough - you might be able to buy the whole thing!" This in response to a query from Allyn last night about selling the Hollidan Towing Service!. " Dispatch #1 - 6:00 am Donna arrives 1st - 1st to break 1000 points. While having enough time to go on a misrouted bus tour Donna still finds time to finish first in Cimarron - will today be the day she actually starts her vacation?...Dispatch #2 - 6:02 am PattyBo with a delayed approach claims 2nd for the day...With what appears to be a new trend in racing techniques - racers delay their entry into the little town of Cimarron - perhaps the spirits of outlaws past is causing the hesitation! Either that or everybody is still asleep!...Dispatch #3 - 6:03 am later that same day - an apparition of Allyn moves into the 2nd spot overall...Dispatch #4 - 6:03 am Continuing the cautious approach to Cimarron, Sue1 moves into town...Dispatch #6 - 6:04 am Slowly and cautiously Helen arrives 4th overall...Dispatch #7 - 6:06 a.m. Team TNT does it again 6,7,8 NPS claims big points"...Dale grouses, "As long as they hog the road, no one can pass. Just wait until we get to a wider road."...Which put Vera into stitches of laughter..."Not hogging the road just going in circles....check my position!!! Yes, I am a threat"....Dispatch #8 - 6:07 am Knowing first hand the uniqueness of Cimarron - Larry holds back claims day...Dispatch #9 - 6:17 am Again another cautious finish. SuzyQ has connection to the small NM town claims 8th overall!...Dispatch #10 - 6:30 am Must be strategy or could it be other concerns. Kay arrives moves into 5th"... "I did take a detour by Albuquerque and have warm breakfast burritos for everyone! That's eggs(scrambled), a variety of meats, cheese, some have potatoes and of course, ALL have green chile.......... all wrapped up in fresh homemade flour tortillas. Don't worry, the chile is not hot........... just flavorful...... and it's fresh (homegrown in southern NM)!...So grab one and some orange juice and enjoy! We're about 200 miles northeast of my house and I know you must be tired so I think we should just lay around today in the cool mountain air and check out the surrounding area. Dale, you can trout fish in the nearby stream. I plan to take off my shoes and cool off by wading in the stream. Maybe the boy scouts will fix us some grub later on. Enjoy the day! It's beautiful up there!" .. Dan, murmering into his dispatches said, "Right now stilling on top of a mountain sounds quite nice!" and continued reading his reports.There was a lot of good-humored razzing about his word,"stilling" on top of the mountain! . . . "Dispatch #11 - 6:31 am. With a Bootiful approach Dale arrives 12th 1 point out of 4th...Dispatch #12 - 6:53 am Arriving 13th for extra points Ruth takes the lead...With a well timed delayed entry into the tiny town of Cimarron, NM Ruth putts her trusty Village Van into 1st place over all becoming the new leader for the first time in more than a week - as the race enters it final few days so does the competition - anybody need a tow?" . . . Ruth's blushing response, " It was all the Chili I ate last night!"...About that time an SOS announcement,"Chan has stalled at the hotel in Cimarron - if only someone would come by and do a "Good Turn Daily" she'd be right on up the road! -- Oh the humanity!" (Now why wouldn't he offer Hollidan's Towing Service?) . . .Dispatch #13 - 7:40 am Penny third to break 1000 points 3 points from 2nd...Dispatch #13 - 8:49 am Citysue arrives at the hotel" . . .Holli looking quizzical asked, "Just wondering when do you racers sleep?"...Allyn pointedly remarked, "You might consider scrambling the tow points to create a little interest. Right now we'd rather ride the bus than be the first one towed."...There was serious strategizing between Allyn and Donna -- talk of scrambling points for tows and first place arrival and mathematical suppositions, when patient Dan, trying to regain some control said, "I assure you there is a lot of strategy developing behind the scenes in the towing service."...Kay greeted everyone and offered breakfast...""Dispatch #14 - 9:27 am Chan gets help crossing the street - arrives Cimarron" . . .FLASH FLASH BULLETIN! HOLD THE PRESSES...Dispatch #16 - 1:07 PM Results challenge, Dave arrive - new leaders..."10:50 am - inquiry as to location of west coast entry - evidence provided and confirmed answers had been sent to judge - received and confirmed - 6:06:11 am based on evidence provided that racer Esme did enter Cimarron just seconds after TNT team with correct answer, all racers moved back one position - While moving most racers one point either way Ruth was dramatically effected and the end result moving Dale into 13th spot and Dave into 18th spot both positions earned extra points - new leaders claims top positions - for the moment at least the men have the lead!... Confirmation of these results was pending a lengthy investigation - and these results are CERTIFIED ACCURATE - let the fur fly!" . . .Stunned silence!! . . .Then Kay's cautious, "Huh? Are you saying that Esme is causing trouble AGAIN?"...Helen remarked,"This looks suspiciously like Dale and Dave have been here before and know just how to capitalize on the location...obviously neither they nor Dan are at the Jamboree in VA....but sitting on Mt Baldy gloating at the rest of us."...Dan, hoping for understanding, pointed out,"It's been a rather intense morning between - the work thing, rebuilding a laptop and painstakingly verifying each and every e-mail that came in to ascertain time and points!!!" - who was that that suggested around the world in 80 days!"... "Dispatch #17 - 1:14 PM Rita joins the crowd in the mountains...and, here comes Dale . . ."Both of us would really like to thank you ladies for all your hard work to make this happen! . . .Hey Ruth- Don't put a nail in the wall just yet, I think the frame would look better over this way!...Will be off line for a while- have to go shopping for a Frame...HERE COMES THE D's !!" . . .Out of the blue, chirps Rebecca, "Are you talking about the Mt.Baldy in Sun Valley, Idaho? I am little behind here"...Dan said, "No, the Mt. Baldy we are talking about is Dale ----- er I mean in New Mexico where we are today!"...Rebecca said, "I get it...Dale is Mr. Baldy. I thought if you were in Idaho....I'd ask for a tow."..."Dispatch #18 - 4:03 PM Rebecca leaves Quebec - on the road again!"...Rita's words of caution floated off to Rebecca,"Just be careful of those Mounties as you go speeding down those roads. Dale and Dave were flying so fast on their way back into the USA they left all their dirty laundry flying out the window. Those Mounties are looking for someone to give it back to!" . . .Donna still working hard on her train convention, gave a full report on the plans . . .but she explodes at Esme over the change on points. "Esme-- R U NUTS! Look what you did... man, now I am going to have to work on doing something about my point standing! I was FINE with Ruth taking over! E-Gads!" . . ."Dispatch #19 - 4:28 PM Heading into and out of Montreal Rebecca is on the move . . .Dispatch #20 - 4:45 PM Rebecca at the farm - with arms full of laundry"...Allyn breathed,"Whew! For a minute I thought she was armed...and dangerous!" . . .In defense, Esme retorted,"I can't help it if Dan's computer can't count.I asked to just be given the extra 90 points for the loss of my packet, but that didn't fly with the judges."...and here come the Ads, "Day or Night need a tow - Hollidan's the way to go"...new rates in effect 12:01 am July 26, 2005...with a small error at the third person's charge .. (WHOOPS said Dan!)... finger slipped to 2250 points, but Allyn caught it and Dan corrected it to 250. Shucks--- there I was dreaming of colluding with two others, I know not who . . .Helen lamented,..."and I was trying to figure out how to come in third"...Dale laughed, "You could hear Kay all the way from NM. Of course I can't repeat what she was saying."..."Dispatch #21 - 7:39 pm ...After major cable trouble Barney arrives in San Antonio - collects BIG EXTRA POINTS - watch out ladies!...With the new QOD and the map and bonus points, racers also received a new set of Towing Points . . .Dale, goofing up his strategy and trying to decide his next move said, "I was trying to reset my clocks, It came down to fine tuning the time. Now I can just take a wild guess as to when to hit the send button." . . .Dispatch #21 - 11:29 PM Rebecca makes it to Springfield . . .Dispatch #22- 11:29 PM moments later Rebecca makes the Dwight . . .(lookahere!...another one of those pesky Hollidan Towing Service ads) . . "HTS no bother or fuss - get a tow, the points are on us!" . . .

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 8:48 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle # 26, Ruth's ROUTES / Tuesday

Helen stirring around at 6:15 in the morning asked, "What happened to the last chapters of Routes? Did you get home and decide to retire? NM isn't that bad....except for the boys pulling ahead of everyone". . .Oops! "Golly I sent them in yesterday morning -- haven't even looked . . . in fact I was about to send the today's ROUTES just now, (Monday's)... Let me check!...Late dispatch from last night," Dispatch #21 - 9:18 PM Rebecca makes the IL line . . .Dispatch #1- 12:01 am - HTS gets first call from Dale for RUTH!!!...Displaying once again that chivalry is not dead - Dale used his HTS tow and had Ruth hauled to the next destination - Ruth not only gets the 90- points for being first to Central New Mexico - she gets the 1st 180 bonus points from HTS courtesy of Dale (she also still has her tow available) - very nicely done Dale! So who's going to make the first nice comment of the day about Mr.. North Carolina!" . . .whereupon Ruth sputtered, questioned, sputtered and checked her mad money to see if she could get out of town in case of a riot!!...Her reply was incomprehensible . . .Helen calmly remarked,"Guess he's a Southern Gentleman at heart...in spite of all the dirty laundry"...to which Dale replied,"Help wanted at HTS, 3 days only. Willing to work overtime. Willing to take LONG TRIPS" . . .(Does he ever make sense?) . . .Donna skeptically asked, "Excuse me?...You are saying that Dale can no longer use a tow and gave it all to Ruth?...My my my, there is definitely more to yesterdays story than hit the message
list!...Dan, was Dale drinking when he wrote to you? Are you SURE that was what the message said to do?" . . .Dale smiled, Yup - I always thought he was that kind of guy deep down!"...Ruth said, "This is getting really strange, You're puzzled! I'm absolutely paranoid! I cancelled my hike up the Santa Fe Trail for fear a bear would be set on my trail (that's trail), by you-know-who!! On the other hand, if I don't figure it out quickly I'm going to conclude it was because he is a kind and gentle person. . .and wanted to make amends for throwing me in the ocean .. . .If anyone knows the REAL motive, please share it with me . . ."Dispatch #2- 7:02 am - TNT gets new member claims 2, 3, 4, 5 --Team TNT added a new member today Donna claim 2,3,4,5 in the following order NPS, Vera, Donna, Christine - way to go ladies!" . . .Dale said,"Are you sure you want to do this Donna?... Better think it out very carefully."...(Now, doesn't that sound evil?...He makes me nervous!!)... Donna replied, "Yep- been thinking about it for days now... I am not going to be home, way too busy to post anything when I want to- and with an unreliable hotel connection.... I took them up on the offer!...I've never been in this race to win... just to aggravate." . . .at which Allyn spoke up. ",Wuff...you've accomplished that goal! Billy is yelling at me about the unfairness of the team blok. I tried to tell him that it fell within the rules." . . ."Dispatch #3- 7:02 am - Penny arrives 6th misses 2nd by 3 points...Dispatch #5- 7:04 am - seconds later Esme comes across 8th moves into 6th... Dispatch #6- 7:05 am - SuzyQ precise as can be arrives 9th...Dispatch #7- 7:07 am - Larry touches down at 10th for the day...Dispatch #8- 7:07 am - Allyn arrives 11th moves into 5th overall...Dispatch #9- 7:08 am - Helen makes it an even dozen arrives 12th claims 9th overall...Dispatch #10- 7:16 am - Barney arrives at Cimarron...Dispatch #10 - 7:19 am - Just missing extra points PattyBo arrives 14th moves into 10th overall...Dispatch #11 - 7:36 am - Rita arrives moves into 9th overall...Dispatch #12 - 8:17 am - Chan arrives 16th for the day...Dispatch #13 - 9:02 am - Sue1 hits 2nd batch of BIG EXTRA POINTS moves into 3rd overall"...Sue1 is overjoyed," Hey WOW!!! And who said the early bird catches all the worms? I overslept this morning after a long stressful night and see what happens!!! No strategy here folks...just dumb luck. It wasn't easy getting around the ever growing TNT Gang. They tend to block the road with all their dust. Dispatch #14 - 9:04 am - Rebecca back on the Road hits Monee says hi to Donna's mom!...Dispatch #15 - 11:46 am - Dave arrives to claim 4th overall for the day"...After studying the field Esme said, "Wait, how did he take Ruth's points?...Because my message got lost? I think I'd like to apply for tow 14."... Dan replied, "Sorry - you can not request a specific tow - but there may be other ways!"...Rita drove by and waved..."Woo Hoo Dale! You are such a nice guy. After everything we all said about you, I think we should take at least a couple of things back!"... Donna mumbling to herself," I took a quick look at the standings page, and hum.. think you lost a few days there with your computer switch.Can we all give Dan a break today, cause he needs to catch up! (and I need to get out the door)" . . .Holli finally broke her silence,"I was indeed perplexed last evening when Dale approached the HST van, and told me he wanted to give Ruth his Tow points. Although the evening before, he did seem upset and asked me why the GIRLS were always pickin on him.. I told him it was cause he was so damn cute..But last nite I told him it was a sweet thing to do... have to admit
I did ask him "WHATS THE CATCH?" . . .From Donna, "And his answer was?"......Holli said, "He really seemed genuine in his offer, he felt bad about taking Ruth's points. Donna, sometimes you have to look a little deeper to see the good in people!"...And from Kay, a big good morning in her best Spanish!..."Visitantes de la buena mañana! (Gee that doesn't look quite right!) My
Spanish is terrible!....Very interesting today! Of course, I was pleased to find I got some bonus points and gee, I hope I get to KEEP them...And then there's THE TOW. Way to go Dale! Make no mistake about it. Dale is a genuinely nice young feller! He just has that typical male orneriness about him. LOL Which means, of course, that he may have something ELSE up his sleeve. Hmmmm........ something for us to ponder over the next few days. I'm not exactly sure *where* all of you are. The dispatches say *central NM*...wherever you are, be sure and try our enchiladas. New Mexico's official question is *red or green?* and that pertains to the chile...I think I'll mix up some chile con queso (cheese dip) in the crock pot for those of you who wander by my house.". . .Kay gave us a link to the tram with fantastic views near her house. . . . Dan interrupted, "Close enough to you - can we party at your place tonight?" . . .Dispatch #16 - 11:46 am - Maddie arrives in Cimarron!"...Holli continued, "Hi Kay, did you notice the HPP this morning..I had posted it before your email! I just loved the car... hair blowing in the wind..
Strange thing, I parked it to ride the Tram...when I got back, it was gone! I guess easy come easy go!" . . .Esme questioned, " How many times can a racer be towed . . .and Dan responded, "Each racer has one tow available - up to the number available on the current HTS pricing schedule in effect There are not enough tows for everyone) - that tow can be used by that person only once." . . Dale spoke up, " I believe it would be ok if all of you were to give me a tow. .Then he added, " HTS - "Dale, Dale he's the man - if he can't do it - er--- never mind -he did!" . . .Helen thinking aloud, "Am trying to decide who to give my tow to...there's no way I can advance to the front of the pack and there must be a deserving
person...who would make good use of the frame. " Dispatch #18 - 1:16 pm - After being in the wrong state (of mind) most of the morning Dale moves into 4th"...Kay welcomed Dale, "Glad you finally made it Dale. Hey, where's CitySue? She seemed a little *lost* yesterday so I hope she didn't make a wrong turn yesterday. don't suppose one of those ghosts are messing with her, do you?...Dale answered by singing a rendition of Wayward Wind . . "Kay- Do you have somewhere that I could set, that's a little away from RUTH- I tend to Blush a lot from Hugs and Kisses."...(Thunderous silence from Ruth .. Gee, I hadn't figured on hugs and kisses!!) While Kay commiserated, "Awwwwwwww, poor Dale! You can SIT wherever you want" . . .Ruth took a walk in the foothills!...Now comes word from Maddie . . .I have finally caught up with you all in New Mexico. Boy, some beautiful sites along the way and some very interesting information learned too. Had a marvelous weekend with the family events welcoming my brother. We haven't seen him in 2 years...Good to be back in the "race." . . ."Dispatch #19 - 3:48 pm - Rebecca makes Chicago - Chicago!" . . .Rita answered Kay's invitation," After the trip up into the mountains, I think everyone is ready to party hearty. All that lack of air up there made them all kind of loopy, or at least more so than usual. I think the mountain air is what got to Dale, just wasn't thinking straight. Do watch out for that Dave fella. He doesn't say much, but he is on Dale's heels. Since Dave is so high up on the list, maybe he would want to donate his TOW to someone less fortunate than himself (lol)."Hollidan Towing Service - "Fast or Slow - HTS is the way to go!"...Rebecca just sang out, "I just completed all the days on the VSSR page ((that's VSRR, Rebecca!) ...My taps are hot..I feel like Ann Miller." (Ruth, tired of correcting the spelling after Rebecca nips at Holli's wine, said, 'I feel like May Robson!') . . .When Helen reminded Rebecca of her exact location and she isn't up to the line, Rebecca said, "I found QOD for 25 and 26 in my deleted mail. Hopefully, I will get them answered tonight." (Poor thing can't count either!). . Helen advised that she "Get 'em done in time to party at Kay's....You can recognize her house because there's a White Beetle sitting on her front walk"....I gingerly inquired about snakes on the trails and was assured by both Dan and Kay they were not a problem -- perhaps in the foothills but not in the mountains. Dan spoke of the black bears, and of the "mini bears - what the boys called the chipmunks - they were not intimidated by very much - and if you sat down on the trail - you could have a visitor inspecting your backpack for food." . . .Kay continued -- she'd never heard them called that before...". I've noticed that in big parks (and places like Philmont) where there're always lots of people around, the chipmunks are pretty friendly... there're even vendors or vending machines to buy food for them. But there's plenty out there in the forests that are wild and wouldn't be caught anywhere near a human!" . . .Kay offered food to people wandering in after their days out on the town. "A few are crashed around the house. Anyone want a margarita? Help yourselves to the chile con queso and guacamole! A big pan of enchiladas is in the oven...Is everyone drinking plenty of water? We're over a mile high here and the water will help keep ya going, particularly if you're not used to the altitude."....and there is another Hollidan billboard, ""HTS going fast is not a crime - get there quick and easy just in time!"...Rebecca who has been rushing against the clock breathed, "Dan...do we have until midnight to get the great points? Heck....I might take a free ride....I have been tapping my heels all day long!...If one takes a tow...in the order received...do you get the extra points if the tow comes in that position?...Dispatch #20 - 4:42 pm - Rebecca thinks like a raindrop -- dances at the head of the Mississippi . . . Dispatch #21 - 4:43 pm - Rebecca zooms to Ponca City...Dispatch #22 - 4:43 pm - Seconds later Rebecca in those looooong shadows in Texas . . . Dispatch #23 - 6:46 pm - Rebecca - arrives at the St. James will she get out before dark?"...After considerable questions and answers about the tow (and Rebecca's dance toe) Dan clarified again, " All official HTS request MUST be by private e-mail to assure proper placement of the hook ---- errr booking!...Back to reality, Christine's computer finally arrived...Now she's looking for a guru!...and Dan spent the day balancing a broken wing computer, QOD's, maps, standings and office stuff while thinking of clever bon mots to toss to the racers. . . Vera and Chitty now floating over the mountains and enjoying her TNT group..."Not competitive! Was 5th child! I'm just burning up the points....watch out ...coming your way! Eventually! ....Chitty is still soaring and just having fun in the foot hills".....

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 28, 2005 10:03 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle/ Ruth's Routes # 27 / Wednesday

Racers chattered all night... Christine lamented the need for files transferred to her new computer, wishing for a quick zap of all her files...it degenerated into foreign language...Donna explaining " if they are both working connections tapped together via a crossover cable, I don't see a risk..unless one of them has a virus"...Dan joined the foreign language, "There is a mechanism in Windows that will let you transfer data - but her warning is also very valid - if you have bad stuff on the old computer you could easily transfer it to the new. If they both have USB ports you can get flash cards to transfer the data - do you have those?"... From Donna,"if her old computer is, lets say W98, the flash drives take a lot of time and effort to connect (no plug and play, got to go to the internet and download drives, config, etc )- then they don't have 2.0 USB"....Dan agreed, " just thinking of other alternatives -if she had other than 98 on old system - they really do fly - use them all the time for patches and Service Packs now."...(don't you just love this intimate talk!) . . .Allyn joined in, "I have some flash cards. They help you learn 1-25 en Espanol. Would that help?"... Dale still earning big bucks from the Hollidan Towing Company sings out early, "Getting ready for the big show--- Call HTS and get a TOW"...Receiving a late report from the previous night, Dan rattles papers and announces, "Dispatch #24 - Shortly after midnight Citysue arrives New Mexico after power failure" which places her 20th...and another billboard placed by Dale,"If the cars ahead have you blocked call HTS, We're well stocked"...Helen asked.,"Have you joined HTS in their publicity dept?."...Dale's logical answer, "With no calls, we may have a Bankruptcy-- How long can you stay in business if you have no customers!"...Donna replied," at least a couple more days while you get the bankrupt papers filed"...Dan answered, "We were thinking about hiring a marketing firm - looks like Dale has the job!...We've been fortunate - there have been wonderful people feeding us all along the way - and even though gas is expensive - we get great mileage!"...Dan responds to a team question,"Any group can form a team - no limitations there!."..."Dispatch #1 - 7:07 am Rebecca joins the crew in NM just in time for today's leg...Dispatch #2 - 8:01 Dale sputters bat finish line TEAM TNT crosses 1,2,3,4...Dale was at the finish line but stalled just before crossing - allowing Team TNT to finish 1,2,3,4 - Donna - moves back into first followed by teammates NPS, Christine and Vera...Dispatch #3 - 8:01 Seconds later Allyn comes in 2nd overall... "Dispatch #4 - 8:03 Getting real serious Helen takes commanding lead 1st overall...Dispatch #5 - 8:04 holding back for 4 minutes SuzyQ arrives 7th...Dispatch #6 - 8:05 5 minutes after the start Larry and the boys cross 8th - moves into 7th... Dispatch #6 - 8:07 am in a well timed entrance Ruth arrives Pasadena reclaims 1st - but only by 30 points...Dispatch #7 - 8:11 am Patience earns Penny 195 points and 3rd place overall... Dispatch #9 - 8:14 am Chan comes in 11th claims 200 points...Dispatch #10 - 8:20 am Esme arrives home inches into 4th place overall...Dispatch #11 - 8:21 am PattyBo starts comeback bid claims 13th 290 points moves to 3rd overall...Dispatch #12 - 8:30 am Kay arrives 14th moves into 3rd overall... Dispatch #13 - 8:34 am Barney still one question behind moves into Central NM... Dispatch #14 - 8:44 am in what appears to be a clever maneuver Dale sputtering at the finish line crosses 16th - EARNs LAST BONUS POINTS - RECLAIMS 1st overall!... Dispatch #15 - 8:53 am Maddie - arrives in Pasadena looking for A/C...Dispatch #16 - 9:08 am all caught up - Rebecca joins the gang in Pasadena!... Rita called to Rebecca, "Woohoo Rebecca, great job of catching up with the other racers. Now is the time to plan your strategy to get extra points."...Holli replied, "If you're looking for an easy way there, call HTS, use some strategy..if you dare!"... Rebecca asked Holli to re-post the points!! All eyes turned to the board guessing Rebecca's strategy..Hollie answered, " Dan will post the current points for towing today. If this is your day, HTS has a way!...Dispatch #17 - 9:22 am Sue1 arrives in Pasadena moves into 6th overall...Dispatch #18 - 9:28 am Citysue joins the gang in Pasadena - where's the parade?...Dispatch #19 - 10:48 am Dave checks in arrives Pasadena - in 10th...Dan, beginning to feel lonely said,..."Saw the subject and thought - WOW somebody wants a tow - starting to feel like the "Maytag Repair Man" - how about you Holli? Maybe we'll have to cut back further on our free offers!...Hollidan Towing Service - " Outa gas - will give you a Pass".."HTS in your mind, our rates are more than kind!"...(Duck folks! Those billboards are coming in doubles!)...Dan cogitating, "drastic measures may be coming - maybe its our advertising!"..."Dispatch #20 - 11:46 am Dave gives away tow to Kay!! - she arrives at next destination - takes overall lead...In another gracious move by one of the gentlemen - Dave calls HTS and requests a tow for Kay - This has earned Kay automatic first place for tomorrow - 250 points - plus 200 additional points from HTS for a total of 550 points moving Kay into the undisputed lead - at least for the moment - could this be the beginning of some steady business for HTS? Dave once again you prove that the gentlemen of this group are indeed gentlemen - and we salute you!" . . .( Destination to be announced!)...Somewhat stunned at business pickup, Dan said,..."Brilliant, Citysue - your ad must be working - you must be good - Dave couldn't have read your ad yet - can you send these through mental telepathy or something! WOW - good thing you don't do Halloween spells!" (Mebbe she does!)... City Sue replied, "And who gave you this little bit of information??? Heck! That was just a twitch of the nose....wait till we get to Bibbidy Bobbidity Boo.....and beyond"....."Dispatch #21 - 11:53 am Rita arrives in California after wrestling home computer into submission or will that be Comcast?...Dispatch #22 - 12:02 pm Barney - finds missing question catches up with the clan in California...Rebecca studies her shoes, "I just checked the taps...they are all gone. Looking for a dance store....so I'll be ready to roll tonight...I got stuck in Carmel....it was Holli's wine...I'm sure. Where is the party tonight? I have been a lonesome cowgirl. I feel like dancing!!"...Dave answered, "Esme's...if she's willing"...NPS asked, So, Esme!.. since we're in Pasadena, are you going to have a party for all of us? We don't make too much trouble, except for Dale."... Came a welcome reply from Esme..." Most of you have arrived...a full day of sightseeing. Norton Simon Museum is just up the block. Tournament of Roses HQ (aka the Wrigley Mansion) is just two blocks south. We're having dinner in the Hall of the Associates in the Athenaeum (aka faculty club) at Caltech in honor of Question 5. I'm sorry the parade won't be held tonight or tomorrow morning. Next Jan. 2. (Pasadena doesn't hold a parade on Sunday and God doesn't rain on the Rose Parade.)... private tours of the Huntington Library, Botanical Gardens and Art Galleries for all who would like. The children's garden is particularly fun these days.You're on your own for other meals. I suggest you check out Old Pasadena for a good time. Bob will be pouring quality chardonnay 24/7 for those who can keep up with him. Pool, only 4 feet deep, is refreshing. Just watch out for the grandsons...and Esme welcomes you to sunny Southern California"....NPS said, "Sounds like lots of fun. Do we have to dress up for dinner? I may need to borrow that blouse Ruth. Have nothing nice to wear. Loss so much laundry on the road and haven't had time to replace it."...Late in the day, Allyn sent photos. "I probably should have called Hollidan's to rescue me! Got captured by a band of fearsome pirates yesterday, under the command of Captain Black Billy. Luckily, I was able to fight my way free. I've posted a picture of part of the dreadful crew...look in photos, under Allyn."...Racers checked and were properly amazed and amused!!... (A motley crew, indeed!)...Back on the road Dan sent maps, QOD and the latest points... Rebecca took one look at the Nevada map and said, "I have my tap shoes ready......I hope we will be in Las Vegas."...

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 7:57 AM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes #28, Thursday

At the crack of dawn Rebecca wrote and thanked Dan for his new method of the QOD...."it is soooooo less stressful...it gives so much time to research the answers! Good idea!"...to which Dan replied,"I'm gonna keep trying to get it right too - at least for three more days - something very different coming up for the last day!" . . .Vera spoke up, "Ok -- stranded with TV and laptop...Chitty fell in love! First, California girl got his attention and now....well a hydrofoil car! For real!! Check out the pictures... ... http://www.autopsies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=3500 Picture 2 must be his California Girl but number 3 stole his heart! Got to love that Discovery channel!" . . .Dan commented that everyone must be sleeping -- he only received a few tow questions in private mail . . .Helen said, "Up since 5, as usual, Dan... did the routine stuff, pack lunch, fix breakfast, walk 30 min on treadmill instead of outside, to avoid heatstroke, followed by dip in the pool. Started laundry...guess I'm the one on detail today...towels, yard and pool clothes only, no fancy hand wash...race nearing the end...so take it home...Lots of errands which will have to wait until after nine." . . .Dan laughed, "I'm tired just listening to your list!...Holli broke in," Good morning everyone... The heat wave finally broke, and I actually have the windows open!...Off to my yucky job!"....Vera called out,"Doris...You know I always have room for you! Watch out though...Chitty is very creative in his navigation! Heading to pick you up! Might want to grab that sweater...he likes the heights too! I haven't even needed a navigator since he is doing the driving!...We can even do a coffee break!" . . "Sounds like fun," called Doris, "but Chitty will have to soar a little lower if I'm aboard. I DO NOT like heights!!... but in case he needs help navigating, I'll bring my atlas and big red pencil, and some goggles to keep the bugs out of my eyes!!"....Vera laughed, "You forget this is virtual...you are soaring only as high as you want....Bugs?...no bugs in virtual! Now that big red pencil could come in handy" . . .And, here comes de judge!!..."Dispatch #1 - 9:00 am Here we go ladies and gentlemen - Penny crosses finish line joins Kay in Nevada...Dispatch #2 - 9:00 am Chan, TNT stall just before finish line Helen arrives next, moves into 2nd... Dispatch #3 - 9:01 am SuzyQ stalls at finish line... Rebecca - comes in 4th and GUESSES LUCKY 7 for 265+200 points moves up to 3rd...Dispatch #4 - 9:01 am Allyn finally hits the BIG ONE - 270 + 300 points moves up to 2nd overall...Dispatch #5 - 9:08 am Esme make Las Vegas 6th... Dispatch #6 - 9:15 am HTS gets a call -- TOWS Sue1 to 7th for the day - Sue1 moves up to 2nd overall"...Chan spoke up about yesterday's blouse discussion,"We ought to auction this blouse off on ebay, especially with all the history this blouse has acquired. Aahhh the memories!! . . . Hey Holli, What did you ever find out about your other job you were interested in? Mike got another job yesterday and went in at 730 this morning, he'll get off at 4 p.m.."Chan wrote an amusing joke about Billy Graham and the chauffer . . .... Allyn spoke up, "That really was funny! I'm so happy to hear that Mike has another job. Was that through the same temp agency? They owed him one! Bingo finally is employed too. (big sigh of relief)" . . .Dan didn't miss a beat..."Dispatch #7 - 9:23 am Team TNT gets restarted claims 8, 9, 10, 11 for the day... Dispatch #8 - 9:55 am Sputtering at the finish line but pushing his vehicle across Barney moves to 7th overall...Dispatch #9 - 10:05 am Rita still battling Comcast reaches Las Vegas - Comcast tech held by throat moves into 5th ...Dispatch #9 - 10:37 am PattyBo reaches LV 6th overall!"...CitySue said, "Chan, thanks for the smiles! Good luck to Mike on his new job!"...Chan answered,"Yep, that was the same temp agency, good thing about this job is that it's inside in the A/C and he won't be coming home filthy. Congrats for Bingo, I know it eases her mind."...A lively Comcast discussion ensued off and on all day with Rita, Kay, Allyn and Penny . . ."Dispatch #11 - 10:47 am - Ironic Irony - one good turn deserves another Dave arrives 15th claims second set of BIG POINTS 3rd overall"... Kay told us, "Hey, am I good or what??? LOL I called Dave on his cell phone and told him he needed to stop driving, connect and send in his answer. And he did! LOL...Interestingly, I saw Dale sign on about the same time. Where are you Dale??? Does this mean I have redeemed myself for Dave's good turn yesterday???"...Waxing poetic, Dan rhymed, "The twist and turns along the way, Make this game fun to play. ...Even though were not quite done, In my books you're all number 1!!" (Dan just makes us teary-eyed!!). . .Dispatch #12 - 10:58 am - In what seems like a 3 WEEK ordeal - Chan crosses the finish line in Los Vegas...Dispatch #15 - 12:04 pm - Ruth and the van in EFFECT arrive in Vegas!...FLASH BULLETIN!!!!...Dispatch #16 - 12:09 pm - Duane checks in gives tow to Barney who now claims first overall at Friday destination..."Duane - another fine gentleman - offers assistance to Barney - although not required, Duane gives reasons for offering Barney a tow." . . .Said Duane, "I don't know where I am or how I got here, but I noticed Barney standing outside his car, hands on hip, and deep frown on his face. Karen was sitting in the car, using a folded up road map as a fan trying to stir the hot air. As I pulled along side of Barney, I heard him mumbling something about sugar in the gas tank, potato in exhaust pipe,
and mentioning several names which I really don't recall at this time. I offered to give Karen and him a lift to the nearest gas station or a tow. He said a tow would be better.!!" . . From Kay a big laugh,"This is great!"...Barney smiled,"Great to have a friend around. Why not answer at least the next 3 days questions. you never know what can happen. Dandy Dan will surly come up with more surprises. What a day you folks all had, my gosh by golly.....Are we having fun still?... Just been catching up a bit here. Been freezing corn this afternoon. Day off tomorrow...from the QOD that is."...Ruth placed hand over heart and said,"I swear that nobody in the Village Van placed a potato in Barney's exhaust pipe -- or sugar in the gas tank!! I've been perched on a bench outside the Silver Dollar Bank waiting for NPS to deposit those bronzed shoes into my account. . . .Chitty is my witness. She's been hovering over the Vegas strip for hours looking for the Chipmunks -- I believe they're a dance troupe."...
Maddie spoke up, "aren't they the Australian version of the Chippendale guys?.. Just tell me where and when. Think I'll mosey on over to a bank for $1 bills and to a drug store to get eyeglass cleaner!" . . .Knowledgeable Kay spoke up, " They are at Excalibur. I haven't seen the Chippendales but have been told that the Aussies are much more *crowd friendly*. It's really a pretty small theater and there's LOTS of audience participation!"..."Dispatch #17 - 12:09 pm - Dale gets free tow from Esme - moves into 2nd overall" . . .While Dale was busy this morning pumping up tire on his bike - Esme had HTS tow him into Los Vegas - where he claim and place over all - when questioned all Esme had to say was " Is it a fit of madness or an act of shrewd strategy, I want to tow Dale"... only time will tell...Hollidan Towing Service - "Oh great heaven - number left is seven"...Kay, still laughing,"Hehehehehe! Now isn't this getting interesting! Yea Esme and Dale!"...and Dale came in with, "Ruth did Esme see us? now she wants Hugs & kisses. Boy it sure pays to give your tow away."...CitySue said, BTW, where are we going tonight??..How about "Thunder from Down Under?"... Kay said, "Hey great idea City Sue! They're great! Oh boy, GIRLS NIGHT OUT!!...From CitySue, "Oh, yeaaah!!! The girls are going to party big time tonight! No more dusty jeans ...it's time for City clothes. Those Aussies are in for the virtual time of their lives....Off to the bank, some extra cash might come in handy-- or are the guys footing the bill?...bringing my opera glasses- happy to share!"...Maddie's eyes gleamed,"I think my telephoto lens will come in handy. Will take pictures for those gals who can't make it. Probably need Visine as well!!...Kay again showed her stuff, "Sorry but I don't think cameras are allowed. I think they take them away from you. However, for a fee, they will pose with any or all for pictures."..." Be sure you are having a good hair day!" said Maddie"..."audience friendly" huh.... this means I have a good excuse to use my special "Love Potion #3" perfume!"..."Where are we staying tonight?" asked City Sue," Judge Dan has said "spare no expense" for our enjoyment of the trip! Maybe he cut a deal...Heard Dale offered to be designated driver, while the rest
of the guys are heading over to TI for the Sirens show. Let me know where to meet"...NPS said,"Sorry Ruth, I've been having too much fun. You should have seen Chitty at the slot machines...lights and bells were going...Chitty was dancing all over. Finally security threw us out...thought we were tampering with the machines...we kept winning. I may need to borrow the shirt for another night. It's my lucky charm...off to another casino...catch you at the show tonight." Dispatch #18 - 1:35 PM PROTEST LODGED - review of video tapes in progress - one judge no longer has any hair left on head!"...While sitting on top of Mt. Baldy, Judge Dan said, "Team TNT has lodged a protest declaring answer refereeing to number of weeks was indeed within the context of their answer - detailed review of - inbox messages will now commence - result expected some time next year...------ alright just kidding!"...I'll get back to everyone as soon as I can!"... Dispatch #19 - 2:50 PM UPON FURTHER REVIEW" * Editors Note: Historian states that due to extreme verbiage of protest reply, it is footnoted # 1 below...The judge continued, "As of tomorrow - protests must be lodged within 1 hour of the time I post results for a specific racer. For example - if I post results for you specifically that you arrived 72nd at 11:05 AM EDT - you have until 12:05 PM to challenge the results...Thanks you for your support, understanding, bribes ---- er contributions to the JRRF (Judges Racing Retirement Fund)...With eyes crossed - reviewed, revised, remitted - this racer report!"...Buried in the FOOTNOTE is this phrase,"Vera placed 5th and also earned an extra 3000 points and moves up to 7th overall"...Sue1 said, "Awwww, Vera, easy come easy go." ..." Boy ain't it the truth!" said Allyn, the BIG LOSER in all this." Kay said,"Believe me Allyn, you are not the only big loser in all this. It's amazing what a few people who *can't get to a computer* can accomplish in about 2 hours.".. BINGO!! ..Immediate reaction from racers."...From Rebecca, "Is this correct...3,000 points?...Allyn said,"You said surprises but somehow this is WAAAY less than fair! We've spent all day on our strategies and now you've tossed it all in the air! And how come with the 3000 extra points she only got 7th place?...Sue1 gulped, "WOW!! Vera OK!!! Judge O'Conner must have liked your new hovercraft. She slipped in an extra "0" in there for you. Either that or Dan has fat toes"....In disbelief, Vera said, can't be...300 with a typo...those happen!!...Christine studied and said, That was a typo, Allyn It isn't 3000 extra it is 300."...Dan corrected it to 300....Sue1 commiserated,"Awwww, Vera, easy come easy go. Tell Chitty to stop sobbing so hard...She'll get tears in her gas tank."...and questioning that Dan's brief answer was testy, Dan continued, " Testy no - signing up for an Emily Woods speed reading and accuracy course - yes - of all the things I've missed - I've missed my mind the most!" . . .Ignoring the flap, Holli said,"Check out HPP!!!! In honor of girls nite out!! ...Guys..you may want to pass on this one".... (Broke my fingernail rushing the computer keys to look at the photos at HPP...Wow!, Holli, You're good!!)...Kay giggled, hehehehehe! Yep, that's them!"...Allyn exclaimed, "Whoa!!! If Billy sees that, I'll be out of the race so fast.... which one did you say was Dale? Is Dan wearing a wig? Confess... the one on the far right, back is Barney...right?"...Rita eyed the pictures," I always was one for audience participation. What a night we are going to have ourselves. Vegas here we come!!..."Well I have dibs on the 2nd from the right, in front"said Maddie, "This will be a rather "exotic" adventure tonight"....Sue1 said," I have plenty of dollars to stuff in a belt or two." Rita laughed," What do you mean belt or two. Last time I checked they didn't call those tiny cover-ups 'belts."..."Dispatch #20 - 1:35 pm Vera requests tow # 6 ... 400 points plus 360 for third - moves into second overall"..."Hollidan Towing Service - "stuck in the sticks - number left - just six!"...Dispatch #21 - 1:36 pm Christine requests tow -- moves to first overall at next destination...In the best placed tow yet - Christine claims 500 points from HTS, arrives 4th for 365 points - plus 400 bonus points for 4th place - 1265 point - BIGGEST SINGLE DAY HAUL YET - moves into first place!"...WC Donna stuck her head in the racer's lounge long enough to comment on Holli's pictures,"MMM MMM GOOD! Tasty little morsels, aren't they??" . . "Dispatch #22 - 1:37 pm Towing frenzy continues NPS at next destination...NPS - gets tow -- moves to next destination collect HTS points 600 and 5th place points of 370 - total of 970 points move into 3rd overall right behind Barney!...Dispatch #22 - 1:38 pm HTS -business is booming Donna requests tow too..Donna - gets HTS tow # 8 worth 700 points - arrives next destination 6th for 375 points = total of 1075 moves into 2nd overall...Dispatch #23 - 2:29 pm HTS - Rita latest satisfied customer of HTS...Rita call HTS for tow -- arrives next destination with 800 points for tow 380 points for positions - 1180 points - moves into 2nd overall...Hollidan Towing Service - "Oh no, Oh no - only two more can be towed!"... Dispatch #24 - 2:53 pm CitySue sends HTS out for Sue1 - catapults two days ahead...arrives at day 30 destination -- 1st 450 points - with 900 points for HTS tow - earns 1350 -- catapults to lead that is FROZEN for two days - hmmmm interesting how this works!" . . .Dispatch #25 - 3:25 pm In the last of the HTS points, Helen calls for tow for fellow Georgian Allyn - sets one day point record...WHEW - in a whirlwind call for towing service Helen called for the last tow just in the nick of time for fellow Georgian Allyn who earned 1000 points for the two, plus 385 points for the position at the next destination - Helen responded," We've been trying to figure out how to do this for a couple days....lucky the computer went out after msg sent....then Georgia would score enough points to maybe bring home the frame." Allyn moves into 2nd place one day behind Sue1 - who will stick where she is for two days - no more tows are available." . . ."HTS was here and there - all over the place we was - now were gone for rest - the best that ever was!" . . .Wasting no time in chit chat, Esme said,"I've been to chip n dales. The Down Under guys certainly give anyone a run for their money. I'll take the tall one in the middle....Ruff, ruff....Off to find the craps tables and change my winnings into $1 bills." . . .Rebecca announced,"Hi Kay...I just got home. It is amazing! DAN, if this keeps up there will be no one answering tonight's QOD. You might be able to drop by Tracy's room for a bit while the ladies are out tucking dollars in strings."...Esme said, "Good thinking, Rebecca....Chan, you sit right here by me. You're a lot younger than I so I need you as a lure."Holli remarked sagely,"What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!"...Kay said,"Kudos to you, Helen, for giving away your tow! Likewise, kudos to Esme and CitySue!"..Rebecca said, "Dan, I hope you come with something good for the racers that are racing alone."..."Sorry folk - no more tows!"...Dan said, "The last time I saw Dale he was looking for Chip!!"... To which Dale replied,"I'm not looking for CHIP- Heck he can find his own girls. This is fun!"..."Hi PattyBo," said Dan.
"- repeat after me please!...It's just a game - it's just a game - it's just a game....think of this as the rest period before the big finish - knowing what I know and knowing what I don't know - I know that NO ONE is yet in a position they could not win... I am an optimistic realist who is realistically optimistic about everyone's chances!"...Allyn suggested,"Maybe you need to reopen the towing service for a different purpose...just for this evening. Those ladies planning to attend this soiree will be in no condition to drive when they get out!"...Rebecca told us,"How did you know...I am negotiating with a Tap team at this moment to stay in
Vegas. There is one hold back...they call themselves the Topless Tappers."...There are some serious talks taking place."...Esme told Dan," Now you make things exciting.Well, it should keep me on my toes in Waukesha Wisconsin as I sit in the heat and hear great things about my father. The latter should make the former worth it...Wonder if there's an Apple Store nearby," and she signed her note, "TM56 and proud daughter of Alfred E. Treen!"...Donna rushing said, "Hang on... I'm coming!" and City Sue called, " Hurry up, Donna...rushing to catch this new show which is the buzz of the Strip. Can you believe it??? A bunch of guys from out of town decided to stage their own version of "The Full Monty!!!" Heard one is a hottie from the Carolinas and the other cuties are from Michigan...One gal said they are simply incredibly something...didn't catch everything she said...Curtain's going up soon...

FOOTNOTE
# 1. Upon further review and based on the wording of question 3 all answers submitted were accepted as correct - based on the possible interpretations of the word EFFECT - (final opinion received from Justices Thomas, Ginsberg, Scalia, Rehnquist, Kennedy, O'Conner, Souter, Bryer and Stevens) and significantly changed the standings - as noted below - specifically - Sue1 requested her tow at the same time she answered her QOD and came in 13th earning 150 extra points - having sent a correct answer she not only made Los Vegas -- with the tow she has moved onto the next destination collecting tow points and 1st at the new destination. Barney - was readjusted to 15th on the day, earning an extra 300 points today plus the tow to the next location courtesy of Duane and 2nd place points in the next destination. Vera placed 5th and also earned an extra 3000 points and moves up to 7th overall - Rebecca was first to guess Lucky 7 and still maintains her extra 200 points - having worn out my computer my finger and TOES not to mention my brain - THESE RESULT ARE CERTIFIED AS ACCURATE AND COMPLETE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY!!

From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Saturday, July 30, 2005 1:23 PM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle /Ruth's Routes / #29 / Friday

Dan greeted the racers, "After what I hope will be a restful Friday - I expect Saturday and Sunday will be a little different."...Donna commented on the night's partying, "Awesome show...- found some of you - where was everyone else?... Ruth answered,"At the table behind you where all the clapping was going on!"...Dale called out, "Boy what a night- Hey Barney call Brinks and ask for a truck.there's no way we can carry all this." . .With the "COLLECTION" that Barney picked up last night, He should take us all to Disney." said Dale... Sue said, "Dale, you better check some of those dollars that one rowdy gal was stuffing in by the handfuls.They looked counterfeit to me...Had some Queen lady's face on them."...Dale laughed, "That's ok Sue- The bank said they would convert to $..I didn't mind that as much as the long fingernails. Ouch!"....
. . .Dan was all business answering Penny's question, "Hi Penny - 12 racers got free tows - as they requested them or were requested for them they were towed to the next location. Sue1 is at the day 30 destination but has no place to go until everyone also has the opportunity to get to that location. Make sense?" . . .Dan continued, "What a great morning - this morning I'm going to sit by the pool, relax and read today's rendition of Racer Ruth's ROUTES - who as Billy correctly states is a "ROADS SCHOLAR" - watch for Points and plans for Saturday and Sunday earlier than usual - they'll be a little different and you'll want time to ask questions (now wouldn't that be something different) - plan strategy and have fun - the race is still wide open and lots of big points will be in play!" . . .Helen tiptoing out, "Will miss these stories next week. Good way to see the day's events in one place....BTW, does everyone have plans to take up all the slack time we'll have when race is over?...Sue1 said, "Certainly NOT Judge Dan, Helen...Tracy complained her Honey-Do list is so long she keeps tripping on it every time she passes the fridge."..."But it's been such a wonderful excuse! "said Dan . . .Helen said, "Think I'll stop here, head to pool and garden...think I should be able to leave without waking the nappers"...Sue1 asked, "I need my gownless evening strap cleaned before the Closing Ceremonies Sunday. Ruth, you are welcome to wear my gold lame bikini if you'd like. Dale did an excellent job of ironing it. I was very impressed." . . . Ruth replied, "Thank you for your offer, but the gold lame bikini is nothing beside your splendor!! I can't wait to see you in the gownless evening strap! I hope it isn't chilly wherever Dan plans to hold the Closing Ceremonies! What a real sport you are!!"...Dan's eyebrows said it, "See - I said it was going to get interesting at the end!" ...Dale laughed again,"That's because I only had to use the tip of the iron" . . .Dispatch #1 - 10:00 am Judge moves away from pool in time to see Racer Ruth pull van into Seattle."....Dispatch #2 - 10:00 am seconds later Chan arrives 12th . . .NPS wrote a note, "The guys from Down Under really liked the blouse. I almost was going to give it to them but then remembered I had to return it to you. The blouse is laundered and ironed ready to be returned. Thanks again...it really gave me a lot of luck." ..." Dispatch #3 - 10:0 am Helen arrives 12th moves into 10th."..."Dispatch #4 - 10:04 am New team forms -- Dale and Kay place 13, 14 -- Dale earns 200 extra points - Dale to 4th Kay to 10th - STRAAATEGYYY!"...Dispatch #5 - 10:04 am Recheck - show dynamic Duo - pretty dynamic...As I always do - a recheck of points shows Dale came in 13th and Kay 14th as the new dynamic duo team (DDT) and not only did Dale earn 200 extra points for 13 Kay earns 400 extra points for 14th - Dale you live a
charmed life for sure! So Kay and Dale are 4th and 5th overall!..."Boy can I pick them or not. Thanks Kay you did GOOOD!"...Kay got a firm grip on Dale's ear, "Yeah, well, don't expect miracles EVERY day while you're off gallivanting around...and don't forget.............. payback is hell! ;)...and don't touch my car either! ...and don't forget to check in tonight either!"...Dispatch #6 - 10:27 am Esme arrives 15th for the day... Dispatch #7 - 10:06 am With an assist from Esme SuzyQ arrives seconds later - are they a team?...Dispatch #7 - 10:06 am PattyBo arrives Seattle looks for coffee!...Dispatch #8 - 10:09 am Reluctant Rebecca leave Vegas - did she remember to bring all her possessions?...Dispatch #9 - 10:12 am Maddie arrives Seattle after taking in Vegas sunrise!...Dispatch #10 - 10:18 am Citysue swings into Seattle...Dispatch #11 - Penny saved is a Penny earned - er whoops missed Penny, found her... she's now "Safe in Seattle."...Vikfan4 stopped by the racers lounge to say, "First of all, go racers go!!!!!!...Sorry I couldn't keep up with you and continue on with the race but right now I'm in my own race at home, lol!...Second, wooo hoooo, love the picture on the groups homepage. Do we get to pick one?? Hope so -- I'll take the guy to the far left on the top row, and in the bottom row I'll take the guy kneeling, the second from the right side...enjoying the "eye candy"!!"..."Whoeeee!" said Rita, "I can see Dale, Larry, Dan, Barney, Dave and Bob up there. Handsome dudes one and all"....Larry said, "I'm the dude with the moustache."... All eyes dashed to the photo section... magnifying glasses in place....
Dan returned with maps, QOD, rules, points and looking tanned and relaxed...Helen was pleased at the plans..."O, Goody! Back to Canada.....Do I need to find my passport again, or do we get a "free pass?"...Dan wrote, ] QOD #30 points for Saturday July 30th - more points - more changes - more potholes - more strategy - be sure to study and read to the end."...Christine welcomed us to Northern BC -- Fort St. John/Charlie Lake..."Welcome To Beautiful British Columbia...Lose yourself in our Peace!"...and sent copious material defining the beautiful area we were to see...Maddie gazed at her surroundings, "This sounds like the perfect place to recover from Vegas and relax as we complete our "adventure". Luckily I have my trusty rod & reel with me (I love to fish), a cooler of beer (Sam Adams of course), a good book, and a picture of "Daim" to gaze upon. I can't wait!" . . Christine added, "And you know there are even natural hot springs ten hours north of me. They are beautiful, not commercialized and a wonderful way to relax!"....Helen laughed. "Can't wait to see how all this appears in Routes....Looks like we'll need to stay here longer if we're to cover all 3 emails worth of sights and happening! ...head for the border!"....CitySue aid,"Christine, thanks for the most gracious welcome. Your community has so much to offer!!! At the border now, gazing on what is to come tomorrow when the Judgemobile arrives with our official documents. And the Judges are taking us on a champagne safari....right?"...Dan said, "The bubbles tickle my nose - will you settle for Dr. Pepper?"...NPS said, "Sounds heavenly! We will all get a relaxing break before the final day of this trip. Dale can finally use the worms he has been carrying around with him since Donna's home."..."wait until you drive through the Fraser Canyon. It is so cool there... and don't forget your camera," said Christine, sending another descriptive passage of all the wonderful plans made for our visit -- including a parade and dance and gold panning contests and water skiing and camping and the town turning out!!...Christine said that on the map she lives near Dawson Creek.. Rita smiled,"Oh, did you ever get to be in Dawson's Creek? Did they really film it up there? I use to enjoy watching that show with its home spun flavor...Chan supplied the answer, "Created by Kevin Williamson, DAWSON'S CREEK is filmed on location in Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington, North Carolina."...Dan wondred, "Other than all the snow you get - sounds like a really neat place to live - is the "white Buffalo" in the wild?" . . ."No," replied Christine, "the White buffalo was on a farm but it did just recently die. In First Nations culture (Native American) the white buffalo is sacred"...Kay asked Dan,"Will people still be able to catch up on Sunday evening? Will there be a deadline for when all answers must be in? I'm thinking about Dave and others that will be gone this weekend."....Dan answered,"Hi Kay - yes, yes and celebration to follow!...The race is on until it's done on Sunday - and anybody can catch-up right up until the end of the race - there will be a final time for entries on Sunday which I will announce with tomorrow points. I think Holli is playing a banquet/celebration or the like - I've rented the most eloquent ballroom in town - somebody said something about a gownless strap that has peak my curiosity!"...(Guess who -- it's Sue!). Rita spoke up," . I tried to get the poor boy (Diam) (?) to settle down, but all he can talk about is the night he spent with you and some of the other girls. He wanted to know if Ruth was going to be there. He said all she did was chase him around the bed yelling "naughty boy, naughty boy"...Maddie sighed," Oh Dear, we had hoped that the room "secrets" would not get out so our good reputations would remain intact. Oh, well. Isn't he a sweet heart (and heart throb)!" Indignant, Ruth explained," I appreciate your concern about "secrets," but you dismissed it casually with, Oh, well!' ... What Rita told you is only half the story.This fellow Daim sniffled a lot, and I was concerned he would pass a cold to the other racers -- the ladies innocently sipping Dr. pepper and reading their racing forms...er...instructions. I needed to check his temperature and he wouldn't stay still -- kept running around the bed .. er .. sofa...so naturally I got upset and called him a "naughty boy." And that's the full story!!"...Maddie said," I'm sure Rita 'squeezed' it out of him".....NPS said, "I can see it all now. Dale, Dan, Dave and Barney all panning for gold trying to strike it rich!"...Dale's happy response, "With my luck lately, it just might happen."... Vera sent links to a boy scout camp... crack out of the barrell there was a tshirt with our noble judge's name on it and a picture of an imposter.. We all know our leader to be the crisp, efficient, paper rattling smooth talker that he is...not the grizzled, hula skirted, lei-draped, black shades and Trader Horn hatted, smiling imposter pictured on the shirt! Can't fool us ... we've lived together for a month!!!..."Dispatch #12 - Comcast strikes again - delays Larry arrival - but he's in Vegas headed north!"...Dispatch #13 - Larry and the boys arrive Seattle"...Shortly before bedtime this note from Dale arrived."Dan- Kay is going to send you my answers and where I want to place. If you would be so kind as to follow her lead I would gladly double your bribe." (Hmmm - I've wondered about some other fella signing his name under a quazer5 address.)...It was well past midnight...the consensus was that Larry lied -- there was no fella in the photo with a moustache!!... but it gave everyone an opportunity to really examine the photo carefully!! . . .

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2005 12:50 PM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes #30 / Saturday

At 5:50 in the morning Dan made a point, responding to Vera..."Paybacks can be tough - LOL! You know the similarities between that group of people (my scouting friends) and this group of people (my village friends) is remarkably similar - fun loving, hard working, creative - not afraid to poke fun at each other - or themselves and at the end of every day thankful we've known each other!...at 9:59 a.m. Dan was sitting at the Canadian border, "Just waiting for the world to come by!"...Sue1 piped up, "I've been running all around Washington seeing the sights..had a long lunch with Bill Gates...he told me all his plans for the future...rented a schooner and did some salmon fishing...have enough for all of us to have a great dinner...think I see Chitty flying in and out of the clouds...what a card!...sure is a lot of dust under her...must be the ladies with the pedal to the metal. COME ON, GALS!!!" . . .Vera answered, "Lunch with Bill Gates?...Wow, details later? Chitty is having fun. Picked up distant cousin that works in fisheries out there and hitting some hidden, off the track spots with him!...lovely town and those light houses are wonderful! I think Chitty has buzzed each and every one on the coast!...poor sea gulls!...Doris...now stop that....You can't flash the border patrol! ... Dale's thoughts harkened back to the worms he collected and exchanged in Texas saying, everything in Texas is bigger.. they are so big I no longer need a hook. They just wrap around the fish and strangle them."....Allyn wondered, "Does (or can) Sue1 answer one part of today's question? Just curious."..."Dave replied, "Yes - she needs the answer to part two as she is already at the border"..."Dispatch #1 - 11:00 Penny joins Sue1 at border heading into Canada...- Dispatch #2 - 11:00 Despite hitting a pothole - Rebecca arrives 3rd at border - will 2nd part of the trip be smoother...Dispatch #3 - 11:00 Chan races to border 4th - collect extra points moves into 2nd overall...Dispatch #- 11:00 get out the frame - wasting no time Chan zooms to Ft. St. Johns - take over 1st overall - will this strategy hold?...(does anybody know who's on first?)...Dispatch #5 - 11:00 get out the frame - Chan also get 200 extra points for 5th...Dispatch #6 - 11:01 SuzyQ hits border moves into 5th overall...Dispatch #7 - 11:01 SuzyQ limps into St. John's hits 2nd pothole - moves into 2nd overall!...(Abbot and Costello here?)... Dispatch #8 - 11:01 Esme arrives at border moves into 6th place...Dispatch #9 - 11:01 Esme arrives 2nd overall in St. John's... Dispatch #11 - 11:02 Rebecca has pot hole magnet - hits second one - limps into Christine's 4th overall...Dispatch #12 - 11:02 1st of Team TNT checks in claims 12th extra points - Vera now at the border...Dispatch #13 - 11:02 Hold that frame - who said the race was over? Allyn arrives today's finish - claims 1st overall!...Dispatch # 14 - 11:02 Team TNT holds together - with new strategy - Donna arrives at the border behind Vera...Dispatch #15 - 11:02 Team TNT 3rd member hits pothole - NPS still makes border...Dispatch #16 - 11:02 Ready to race home - Team TNT gets Christine to the border... Dispatch #17 - 11:03 Team TNT - gets Donna to today's finish 2nd overall...Dispatch #18 - 11:03 Helen squeezes in between teams - claims 18th at the border...Dispatch #19 - 11:03 Team TNT - NPS - hits 2nd pothole finish 5th overall so far... Dispatch #20 - 11:03 Team TNT - HOMETOWN GAL MAKES GOOD - Christine 1st overall as she arrives home!...Dispatch #21 - 11:03 Team TNT - 3 of top 4 spots - Vera 3rd overall - good show ladies!... Dispatch #22 - 11:03 Helen follows closely behind, moves into 6th overall"...Dan stopped to catch his breath..."Sure been busy at the judges table - here come some more!"..."Zoom, zoom, zzoooooom - you sure are right!" said Dale..." Dispatch #23 - 11:21 After a brief respite - Ruth hits pothole at the border!"... she commented "That was no pothole! That was Dale!. Not the first time he's thrown his body to slow down a hot pursuit...I would have protested, but Allyn thinks of him as mischievous, so I just bounced around him, hit a tree, threw up my hands and lost the race!! I think I just earned the fellowship, sensitivity award! ...Allyn called back from her vantage view, "Hey, Dan...need to do something about poor Chan. She's stretched even farther than when we were trying to touch four states at the Corner. Let her get that last wheel off the border, since most of her is in St John.... Dispatch #24 - 11:27 Team DDT Kay and Dale arrive at the border...Dispatch #25 - 11:41 Team DDT Kay moves to 3rd overall and Dale and bike hit massive pothole! what a race!...Dispatch #26 - 12:09 pm - PattyBo checks in at the border 29th but 14th over all with one move to make...Dispatch #27 - 12:25 pm - Barney reaches the border...Dispatch #28 - 12:26 pm - Ruth hits 2nd pothole - arrives at Christine's"... "groused Ruth, "That was no pothole . . . that was Dale and his bike cluttering up the countryside... there oughta be a law!!!"... First Aid from Vera, "Hold on...Chitty is headed back to revive you."...Then an exhausted leader said," After an intense morning of racing - this judge is heading to lunch and a nap - will check for further results upon return - any bribe, errr contributions may be left under the laptop - as always ---- we thank you for your support!"...NorthPoleSue left a message for Dan, "I took your place at the gold panning contest and left a few nuggets next to your computer. I saw Dale snooping around and in case he says he left them, they're really from me! It's to help TNT in the last leg - errr for your retirement."...Hmpff from Helen,"Don't let Sue pull your leg Dan. She's left you some fool's gold....Will be happy to test it for you on your way back to FL.," signed the GA TEAM!!"...Quickly affirmed by Allyn with a link, stating,"Dang right! We Georgians know gold. Check this out"..."Dispatch #29 - 1:45 pm - Penny arrives St. John." What does this get us? .We request gas three times from Hollidan -- three separate times on Saturday... Extra points?? What?"...Dan replied," Points based on Sunday's point list, yes!"...Dispatch #30 12:46 pm - PattyBo moves into 6th overall...Dispatch #31 12:53 pm - Larry arrives at the border - dog feeling cool...Dispatch #32 12:53 pm - Larry and the boys settle in 12th at St. John's...Dispatch # 33 :14 pm - Barney hits a pothole - lands in Christine's yard!...Dispatch #34 1:14 pm - Rita hits 37 and 38 claims 5th overall!....Dispatch #35 1:57 pm - Yesterdays leader waits - hits pothole - waits -- hits bonus - 13 points separate top 5 - hold onto your hats for the finale!"...Helen spotted the destination on the map and exclaimed, "WOW!!! Some digs...Who's got the AMEX for this one?"...Dan answered, "All courtesy of Hollidan -but you have to get there!"...When questioned whether we were buying Canadian gas by the gallon or liter, Dan replied," By the gallon or the liter - either way its miles or kilo- meters"...(I should have known not to interrupt a genius poet at work!)...Studying the rules, Penny asked, "What difference does it make when we ask for gas? Does it secure us a spot? - WHERE?"...Ruth was thrilled to learn from Christine that gas is sold by the liter in Canada . . .makes it appear to be more of a bargain!...(5 gallons of gas OR a whopping 18.95 liters) ...About 4:30 in the afternoon Dan disappeared ... questions flying...he is gone...rudderless ship...what about another # 31 QOD?.... waaaaaaa!!...guesses...whispers...I'm hungry... at 6:30 p.m from Allyn..." Is there a question to go with each of the gas station stops or do we just buy a burrito for extra gas?...The only question I've seen comes with the third request, right? Today has left me absolutely befuddled. Now I have to make a thirteen hour drive in six hours. Looks like I need to get some sleep."... from Sue1, "Are you SURE? I'm afraid Dan will go to bed and forget to email the questions. OMG!! Now THAT would really be some finale!!!"...Esme asked, "We've got nothing to answer, except where we land, but we have to ask three times...Or is it we have to ask twice and then say where we are?"... confusion...uncertainty...waaaaaa....Ruth's brave new world said, "I plan to ask three times -- give my destination, and when Dan is totally preoccupied with business I will do my favorite Scottish fling
with a wild Irish clog in the break!! Wows them every time!...p.s. There is no purpose. I just like to do it!!" . . .Finally, all is quiet as the racers toss fitfully, wondering where the Judgemobile with it's two stalwarts, Holli and Dan, will meet us... and waiting for the final leg of the final day of this glorious race!!!.....

________________________________________
From: Ruth56er [mailto:rbuerkle@satx.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 31, 2005 9:41 PM
To: Dan Lima
Subject: Circle / Ruth's Routes # 31 Final Report

At 5:04 in the morning, farmer (what else at this hour?) Barney signed on and announced... 6,039 messages and counting for the month of July... & still counting. Not so bad, huh? Have a great day."...and seen coming up the road from Seattle is Maddie -- just had too good a time on the Maine cruise...Dan is posting last night's late dispatches that arrived when he was off playing somewhere..."Dispatch # 36 - 5:53 pm - Maddie - reaches the border."...Dispatch # 37, 5:59 pm - Maddie - reaches Fort St. John's"...5:59 pm -Dispatch #38 CitySue arrives - 22 racers ready for the final dash...(a lot he cares! where was he during the late hour handwringing?) - And FINALLY at 7:00 am. he answers the waaaaa's..."Sunday is a little different - as you can imagine it gets a little hectic when 20 plus racers send in answers - SOOOO for the final day there are three requests for fuel, and with the third request you submit your final answer as to where we are ...So e-mail 1 ---- request 1st fuel refill...e-mail 2 ---- request 2nd fuel refill...e-mail 3 request 3rd and final refill AND THE 1 ANSWER for the day...Each time we receive a fuel request - we'll award you the appropriate points for the position you hit based on the point sheet I sent out for Sunday...Make sense?...Pretty much send me 3 e-mails when you think you'll get the best points I'll take care of the rest."...By way of explanation, Dan said,"My son and DIL came home for a visit - that's why I dropped off the race route for awhile yesterday... back now."...Sue1 lit up like a meteor... "Ahhhaaa, the light bulb lit! We are looking to make it harder than it is. Thanks all. See you ...ummmm...THERE!"...Allyn spoke up. "I think I just sent Dan and Holli a request for lunch. Didn't mean to...sorry...Am still drinking the breakfast coffee. It must have hit me harder than expected."... (Isn't Allyn on the SRG road?)...Dan decided to plug the business..."Holidan Service Stations - we do it all!...We make sure the brakes are braking - the wipers are wiping - wheels are wheeling - and the pistons ------ are working too!"...At 9:13 a..m. Judge Dan decided to take a break..."This judge is going to take a family break - we'll be back at the wheel around noon time - I have no idea how this will all turn out but it has been quite a trip across the North American Continent - I hope I've answered all your questions about today festivities - Ruth, Kay and others seem to have the gist of the day - see you at the starting line -see you at the finish line - we are that quick...21 racers in the final leg - looks like its anybody's race - may the best racer win!... Kay sounded puzzled, "Hmmmmmm........... he says 22 racers ready for final dash............ do we have a mystery racer among us? Or maybe he just means Rosann or Dave or Duane or Sandy or Bob/Cheryle have a busy day planned?"...Oops...here comes da judge..It is 12:30 p.m. EDT..." Dispatch #1 12:01 pm - after hitting two portholes yesterday - Rebecca hit 2000 points zooms off in overall lead...Dispatch #2 12:01 pm - Allyn make HSS stop #2 -- 950 bonus + 500 bonus - takes 1st overall. . .Dispatch #3 12:01 pm - Penny gets fuel hits pothole, plus 500 bonus points - 3rd at the moment...Dispatch #4 12:03 pm - waiting with great timing - Christine fuels 4th get 1900 + 500 points - takes commanding lead...Dispatch # 5 12:03 pm - Vera fuels next 955 points moves in 3rd overall...Dispatch # 6 -- 12:03 pm - Rita joins team TNT - HITS pothole 200 points... Dispatch # 7 12:03 pm - Team TNT Donna makes big jump to 2nd overall 1800 points 750bonus...Dispatch #8 12:04 pm - Team TNT NPS 5th overall after one fuel stop...Dispatch #9 12:05 pm - DDT team Kay fuels 9th --- moves into 4th over all...Dispatch # 10 -- 12:07 pm - DDT team Dale - fuels 9th --- moves into 6th over all...Dispatch #11 12:07 pm - Chan makes 1st fuel stop holding onto 9th overall...Dispatch #12 12:09 pm - First dozen take on fuel - Larry stops for dog food!...Dispatch #13 12:10 pm - Christine makes 2nd fuel stop near Jasper - pull way ahead!...Dispatch #14 12:10 pm - Team TNT all coming in for 2nd fuel - Rita avoids pitfall moves into 2nd overall...Dispatch #15 12:10 pm - Team TNT Donna fuels 15th -- reclaims 2nd overall... Dispatch #15 12:10 pm - Team TNT NPS fuels 16th reclaims 4th overall... Dispatch #15 12:10 pm - Team TNT Vera -4th - Team TNT commands 1st 5 positions at the moment - teamwork!...Dispatch #16 12:13 pm - Helen make first pit stop fills Beetle - zooms away!...Esme interrupted hurriedly, "Thank you, Dan and Holli, for organizing this VSRR. Thank you, racers, for a good time in July. Thank you, one and all, for all the parties. I'm off for the tribute for my father. My mother is having a grand time. You all have a grand post-race party. Sorry to miss the closing ceremonies but I'll watch the replay at 11...Again, Dan and Holli, all the kudos for a race well done."...Dispatch #17 12:14 pm - Barney Tops Tanks - says Thanks - on his way - 9th overall...Dispatch #18 12:15 pm - Citysue times well - 20th at HSS - picks up 980 + 1500 points...Dispatch #19 12:17 pm - Dazzling Citysue refuels within minutes claims 21 fueling with more bonus points - 3rd overall...Dispatch #20 12:19 pm - Mad dash to finish Citysue take overall lead - will it hold?"...Kay exclaimed,.."Wow am I impressed! You done GOOD CitySue! Way to go!"...and Sue1 follows suit. "YEAH CITYSUE!!!!!! Go go go...petal to the medal, girl!!!! There are more Sues in the race than any other names. One of us has to make it to the finish line. Go go go NPS. ZOOOOMMM I'm on my way as soon as HolliDan fills the old tank...Dispatch #21 12:44 pm - Sue1 begins days journey - moves to 9th overall...Dispatch #22 12:48 pm - PattyBo makes first stop 12th overall...Dispatch #23 1:02 pm - Allyn makes second fuel stop collects 1200 points and enough fast food to get back to Georgia...Dispatch #24 1:08 pm - Chan calls for second fill up moves to 8th over all...Dispatch #25 1:14 pm - SuzyQ makes first pit stop claims 900 points #27...Dispatch #26 1:14 pm - Esme makes first pit stop claims 1100 point #28...Dispatch #27 1:16 pm - Moments later Esme tops off again moves into 9th overall...Dispatch #28 1:18 pm - Suzy Q 2nd t finish circuit - 2nd overall for the moment... Dispatch #29 1:19 pm - Esme finish race 2nd overall...Dispatch #30 1:19 pm - Rebecca calls for second tanking moves into 10th overall...Dispatch #31 1:20 pm - Rebecca finish race - 2nd overall at the moment...Dispatch #32 1:40 pm - PattyBo makes another big move 995 + 1700 bonus points...Dispatch #33 1:42 pm - Sue1 moves to within striking distance of the leaders...Dispatch #34 1:51 pm - Feeling Fuelish Barney moves into 8th over all...Dispatch #35 2:00 pm - Helen makes 2nd fuel stop...Dispatch #36 2:08 pm - Chan completes trip moves into 2nd overall...Dispatch #37 2:22 pm - Critical Juncture Christine arrives final destination 11 points short of first - can finish not better than 2nd...Dispatch #38 2:22 pm - TNT Racer Rita - finish 4th overall at least for now...Dispatch #38 2:22 pm - TNT 2nd racer finishes - claims 3rd overall - Donna for the moment...Dispatch #39 2:22 pm - TNT Vera - finish 5th overall at least for now...Dispatch # 39 2:22 pm - TNT Vera - finishes 5th overall at least for now...Dispatch #41 2:28 pm - Team DDT - Dale makes massive jump fueling 45th - definite threat to leaders...- Dispatch #42 -- 2:28 pm - Team DDT - Kay get 2nd fuel also in great position...[CIRCLEofD56FRIENDS] VSRR Day 32 - Dispatch #43 2:31 pm - PattyBo completes the circuit 5th overall at the moment...Dispatch #44 3:04 pm - Larry and the boys finish chow - head to finish - coming down to the wire...Dispatch #46 3:11 pm - Larry and the boys finish for the day overall 12th...Dispatch #48 3:15 pm - Helen claims 50th fuel points crosses finish line 11th overall."...Totally confused, Ruth panics...rechecks her message sent at 12:54 for first fillup... re-sends it with message... waits decent interval sends 2nd re-fuel...at 2:54...pleads with judge to find messages...Dispatch #50 3:26 pm - Dale hits major pothole DDT Teammate Kay collects 1700 points and 3rd overall - several big point packs left!...Dale hollered, " WHAT!! My team mate drags me thru pot holes, pours gas on me, not once but three times, then slings me behind her to collect the extra points. What did I do Kay. You have to buy my dinner anyway, looks like you won the bet too. Dan can award you my bet points now. Thanks for dragging me along. What a race!!"..."Dispatch # 52 3:41 pm - Penny claims second tank of fuel hoping to hit the big one...Dispatch #54 3:43 pm - With just about perfect timing Sue1 zooms to the finish line - CLAIMS 1st place - just a couple of more challengers to fend off...Dispatch #55 3:51 pm - Barney makes another big move claims 5th overall...Dispatch #56 3:51 pm - Even with the magic of the 56th fuel stop Allyn's 3960 points not enough -- claims 2nd overall...RACE OVER -- FLASH BULLETIN - With no possible combination of points capable of catching the current leader - SUE1 WINNER" . . .Congratulations poured in from all the racers...Sue1 reached a helping hand back..."Ruth, RUTH what's wrong with the van? You should have known better than to trust any D56 product that is mechanical. Vera is sending Chitty back and fly you in. Hang in there. Dave must have found one of those Vegas show girls
or can't get away from the tables. Dan, do we have a Gamblers Anonymous service at the station? Rosann must have had to go back to Yankee Stadium to cheer on those Yankees."... From Kay, Woohoo Sue!... You got it girl! Congratulations! How'd you do that anyway?...From Dale..."Sue1 gets to buy all the drinks"...and Kay responded, "I thought she was taking us to Disney World tomorrow?...Sue1 laughed, "Anywhere you want to go, Kay. I plan on spending all the prize money on another trip. Why not EUROPE...or a trip around the world? I picked up a wide body 747 and it is fueled to go. After the parteeeee tonight!... I'm slipping into my gownless evening strap as I type!!! "... Penny called out Congratulations.. way to go!!...Allyn also sang out, "Unpack those ballgowns! Let's get this party started. We requested a non-smoking king with Highland decor and the valley view. Who's singing? (Not me...fat I may be, singing I don't!)... Billy drove the final leg while I knitted furiously. I'm so glad he missed the final pothole...(Billy wants Sue to ring the Liberty Bell)"...NorthPoleSue sent congratulations...Ruth offered congratulations and inquired about getting an autograph as she sent her final points to the judges...Sue1, happy but modest winner, gave her acceptance speech..."THANK YOU !! I couldn't have done it without some help along the way.CitySue, thanks for the tow. If you had had more faith in your car, you would have won for sure. Penny, Esme, Vera, Rita, thanks for any help in getting me back on track. I got lost a few times. A big thanks to DALE for being DALE! Allyn, you and I will ring the bell together along with CitySue. Also, thanks to all the racers for fun along the way. You are all a great bunch of drivers. Kisses and hugs to everyone..." "The BIGGEST THANKS goes to HolliDan for giving up a whole month of their life so we could have a ball!! This is, by far, the best summer ever!!...And thanks for picking up the tab tonight. Someone must have won real BIG in Vegas the other night. But the DRINKS are on ME!!!! The first toast to DAN and HOLLI! May you have the strength to do this again....someday...Love to all," . . .Dale gushed, There you go making me BLUSH again" and he continued,"I want to thank each of the racers for making this month a special time. It's been fun...SO SORRY you didn't get to see me win. I had everything set up... now you will not get to see what it was. I shaved!... had my head polished, car wax and everything. Oh well...maybe next race...Thanks to Dan for all he has done. OH Heck...Thank you also Holli"...Holli waved at Sue1..."-WOOOO WOOO!!! CONGRATS! SUE1 Way to Go!!"... NPS spoke up."Thanks Dan and Holli. You have made this past month a wonderful trip. Dan, how you kept control of this rowdy group, I will never know.. thanks to my team TNT for helping get to the finish line. Without you I would have been left out somewhere on a back road in the middle of nowhere. Now that the trip is over, lets party!...Dan -- start planning for VSRR-2" ...PattyBo said," I bet Dan's going to have withdrawal symptoms for the next few days~ you are both super people to put up with us for a month.... this should make it into one of the village publications or market it for an idea for other internet groups of any kind!! ....congrats to SUE who blew us all away. I certainly enjoyed the sites and reading Ruth's routes and Dan's quick witted replies and questions .a poet he is for sure!" . . . Vera added..."Way to Go SUE!!!!...This has been such a great learning experience! Searches, history, geography, and a whole lot of fun!!! Ruth....Awesome Routes! The TNT has created some great new friendships...Dan/Holli have been awesome! Dan...you can start putting that hair back...now lets...Parteeee" . . .Allyn came back and said,..."This has been so much fun! Thank you Dan and Holli and RUTH...for the wonderful commentary and all the hard work on the laundry... and Dale (who can stop being the Bad Boy and return to his lovable and mild mannered alter ego)...and to my Team Georgia buddy, Helen, whose generous tow boosted me toward the front, and all my sponsors; Coca Cola, Aston-Martin, Hummer, Comcast, and Hewlett-Packard....We're packing for the SRG...will look forward to "Around the World in 80 Days" next spring...Hey Dan...you can just drop in one of the leftover trivia questions periodically to keep us on our toes" . . CitySue smiled, "An enormous thank you to everyone at Hollidan, Inc. for a fantastic month!!! WHAT A RIDE!!! From the top brass to the guy pumping gas...Hollidan is a great organization where dedication, goodwill, and customer service are the hallmarks of their success. Hollidan's proprietary blend of high octane fuel mixed with plenty of giggles and
belly laughs can't be beat"...Rita sang out," You are all winners in my book. Thanks for all the parties all of you gave for us as we took this trek across the country and into Canada...A special thanks to Dan, for his unending patience with all of us, to
Holli for starting this Circle and to both of them for a summer to go down in the memory book...thanks to Ruth for the wonderful synopsis of everything that happened to us along the way and for all the laughter she inspired...Larry said,.."thanks to Dan and Holli for all their efforts in putting this VSRR together. It really helped keep me sane with all my travels for business this summer. Playing the VSRR with everyone was a real kick...how Dan and Holli managed it all is just amazing...I don't know about everyone else, but I learned a great deal"...Holli send an urgent message: "ATTENTION RACERS!!! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION? ...ALL RACERS!! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!!!...IS THIS MIC ON??? tap tap tap...On BEHALF OF THE VSRR COMMITTEE of SPECIAL JUDGES...WE WOULD LIKE TO HONOR EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU IN A SPECIAL WAY!... WE NEED YOU TO SEND YOUR ADDRESSES TO HOLLI VIA PRIVATE EMAIL.ASAP...THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!...YOU'RE ONE HELL OF A SPECIAL GROUP!!!! . . Final pointed remarks from racer Dale..."Now Holli is asking for your address...Know Why?... She just got the bills... Gas, Hotels, Drinks, Towing fees, Tires, Repairs, Laundry Soap, (Sent that to Ruth), Speeding tickets...Dan got out of town pretty fast, and left it up to her to settle the bills... Good try, Holli- Just wont work!".... . . ..Dan posted his final report..." FINAL RESULTS CERTIFIED - 6:00 pm July 31, 2005" . . .and so... with applause from all the racers amd thanks to our noble leaders for a wonderful month, the First Annual Virtual Summer Road Rally --- all the way from Key West, Florida to Banff National Park, Canada comes to a close...