29,08.2014 Day 8 On the road to Moberly

Well silly old us... we forgot we took an extra day to get to New Orleans, but what it meant was we had to leave early to get ourselves up to Moberly. This was a very long drive through farming country in Mississippi, Arkansas and arriving in Missouri.

It was such a long drive we stopped for a sleep in tiny town called Blythville which was simply a stop on the way. It followed our almost non-stop drive through Memphis. We were looking for a bank, and there it was, right on Elvis Presley Boulevard. So I can say we drove past Gracelands but that was the sum total of our Elvis experience.

30.08.2014 Day 9 Moberly Missouri and the Rickertsens

Up we got in the morning and continued on this extremely long drive, but it was so well worth it. Arriving late afternoon in Moberly, with three main tasks. Shower, repack, and dinner with the Rickertsens!!

What a complete and total thrill this was. So here is the history. Most of you reading this will know that Ken and I originally met in a virtual world called Second Life. He was not the only important friendship I made in this virtual world. Ken and I tried always to catch the live streamed performances from this wonderful band called The Follow. The Follow are a three member band best described as panoramic rock. If you are interested in checking this great group out go to http://www.thefollow.com/

The members of this band are husband and wife Troy and Amy Rickertsen and their long time friend Mat Matlack. Ken and I have been fans of these three for a long time, and over that time have developed a friendship with them. Not only the three but also Troy's mom Suzan and dad Chris who often come into Second Life to support and listen to the band. Then on the 31st of August, we all got together for dinner at Amy and Troys home in Moberly. It was a total blast.

Important things to know about this amazing surreal dinner in Missouri.

Amy is an amazing cook. Like 'AMAZING'!

Mat and his wife Shay are not only a gorgeous couple but are smart, and kind and we liked them immensely. We were just sorry not to meet their cute cats.

Troy is extraordinarily creative in many ways, not only with music. He is artistic and a capable handyman, and he runs 15 miles a day for goodness sake !!

Amy's decorating skills are so quirky and fun. We simply loved their home.

Suzi and I feel like sisters. Wish we could be closer.

I love Willow and I hope Willow loved me.

The most amazing part of the evening was totally unexpected. As we finished dinner, Matt cleared his throat, and said " We would like to play a new song to you and Ken. They had written a song for the Pastor of their church, who they obviously had a great deal of love and respect for. We were thrilled to be part of their music as they played several songs for us as well as their new one. Ken and I sat with our mouths open as we were honoured to experience this private gift between us all. We drove back to the motel totally blown away and uplifted. Which is just as well, considering the day that followed.

Watch this space for another airline flight horror story coming up.