Washington, DC - Day 3 - Sunday, July 4th

Stupid internal clock! I could’ve slept in today, since we’re not going to DC until late afternoon. Say what? Julie insisted on a relaxing day at her place before heading to the craziness of DC for fireworks. We had an awesome menu for lunch: hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad, deviled eggs, chips. And by “we”, I mean “not us”. Only the humans ate. How rude! But it could’ve been worse – they could’ve eaten us!

After they finished the meal, they chilled out in the living room. Julie researched museum closing times and saw that The Natural History Museum was open until 7 PM. Which was perfect, since the fireworks started at 9 PM and we could visit the museum until it closed and then find a spot for the fireworks. I can’t wait!

It was our first on the train today. We were going to take it all the way to the mall in DC. I didn’t know we were going to shop. I forget my money at home. I was told this was an all-expense-paid trip to DC. No one told me I had to buy my own souvenirs. OK, Lucky, Polly – which train do we take home? What, John? There’s fireworks tonight? On the mall? Sounds dangerous. I’m in!

Turns out the “mall” was a big open grassy area in the middle of DC. If I had known that, I wouldn’t have whined. No, really … I wouldn’t have! We headed to the museum like we planned. There were LOTS of friends for me to play with. I met a polar bear, and a jelly fish, and some butterflies. We even got to be part of a totem pole! The humans wanted to look at the rocks. Me? I could’ve hung out with the woolly mammoth all night. What? The fireworks start in an hour? Let’s find a spot on the field .. I mean mall. I wanna peck!

We wandered in the twilight, looking for a patch of earth to call our own. We eventually found one near the Capital Building and sprawled out. There were quite a few people waiting for the show. Not as many as John was predicting, but still more than I’ve ever seen in one spot before. Many were playing hacky-sack, most were relaxing, some were with the Hare Krishna’s. Everyone an American. I was so proud I waved a flag. American, of course. I’m not a turkey; otherwise, I might’ve flown that one!

BOOM! That’s how the show started. Fireworks of every color exploded over the Washington Monument. Rockets red glare. And blue. And green. And purple! The display was spectacular. Everyone was cheering, John was flashing everyone (with his camera), and smoke hung in the air. And then it was over. That’s it? I want more! I can still hear! Where are we going? I don’t want to leave! Wait? Where’d all these people come from? We have to all get through that tiny door? Help! I’m being squished! Or is it squashed? SQUAWK!

Well, that was fun. NOT! Thankfully, the train platform was not too crowded. Talk about claustrophobic. And we get off at the end of the line. Awesome! Maybe I can get some sleep in John’s bag. Nope! First, he got a band-aid for a girl next to him. Then he got the fan out for the mom. What does a bird have to do to get sleep around here? Apparently nothing, because I didn’t even notice when we got to Julie’s house. No matter. I need my rest for tomorrow. Itinerary for tomorrow: Arlington Cemetery, National Archives, top of Washington Monument. In 100 degree heat. YAY!

Washington, DC - Day 2 - Saturday, July 3rd

OK, I’m confused. Why aren’t we sleeping outside? Why aren’t we leaving @ 7 AM? It’s already 8:30 AM, and we haven’t left yet? What’s going on? The only item on the agenda today is Mt. Vernon? That’s it? Really? OK, but I’m not sure I can handle this laid-back, laissez-faire attitude. Time to leave? But it’s only 9 AM! (Sarcasm implied.)

Julie drove us to Alexandria, VA where we bought our tickets for the ferry to Mt. Vernon. Apparently, animals are free. Bonus! We had a little time to kill before we boarded the boat, so went into the torpedo factory. Well, sort of. It used to be a torpedo factory, but now it as an art gallery. Lots of cool art was on display. I even got to participate in an animal stampede. Totally cool!

After window-shopping in the art gallery, it was time to board the ferry. We sailed upstream an saw lots of cool houses. And then, on a hill, we saw Mt. Vernon. What a view it must be from up there. I would’ve soared like an eagle if it weren’t for the bag I was in. Yep, that’s right – I was in a plastic cage John called a “backpack”. I only knew about the houses and Mt. Vernon because I saw his pictures. At least he took me out when we got to the boat dock. I now could see the glorious day and all the spectacular scenery. We wandered around the grounds, had a late lunch, and even visited the old barn. John wouldn’t let me go in it because he didn’t think I would ever leave it. He was right.

After that, we boarded the boat to head back to old Alexandria. We passed a lot of cool shops, bought tons of candy, and had dinner @ Bilbo Baggins restaurant. Then we headed home. Not a stressful day at all. I could get used to this! Apparently tomorrow will be similarly paced. We’re not going into DC until late afternoon. Insanity! But I love it.

Washington, DC - Day 1 - Friday, July 2nd

Finally, after months of preparation, we’re leaving for Washington, DC!! Heather and Ellen arrived last night. It’s Heather’s first “road trip”, so I’ll be nice to her. And Ellen’s always nice to me. John, on the other hand … well, I’ll have to keep an eye on him! Hopefully he feeds me. A bird can get hungry quickly. And he better hydrate me, too! It’s supposed to be near 100 degrees for most of the vacation. I hate it when I dry out! Other than food and water, I think John will be a great tour guide. I cannot wait!

Apparently, humans don’t get up with the birds. I had been awake for hours before Ellen, Heather and John left. Thankfully, they allowed me to bring friends! Yay! Lucky Ducky and Polly Pork. OK, here are the ground rules: The humans are VERY forgetful when it comes to food and water. And I’m in charge. That’s right – I’m a DIVA!! And an international celebrity. And don’t you forget it!

The drive to Julie’s house (John’s sister) was long. John said it would take 12 hours; we left at 8 AM and should’ve been there by 9 AM EST. John, did you schedule meal stops? You didn’t? Did you not learn your lesson in Canada? Ellen told me all about that fiasco. I will not survive the day on Wintergreen Life Savers. Feed me!

We stopped at the Indiana Welcome center for lunch. They fed me, but forgot poor Lucky & Polly. I would’ve shared, but I was starving. Tough luck, guys. Maybe next time?

Our next stop was the Ohio Welcome center. At least we all got in the picture this time. After that, our next stop was a Wendy’s in Pennsylvania. John was looking kinda hungry and tired. It was 7 PM when we stopped and we had 4 more hours to go. So much for arriving at 8 PM! They forgot to feed us, but we were so tired, I didn’t care. I was sound asleep when we got to Julie’s at 11:45 PM. I didn’t find out about the cat until the next morning. At least I slept well!

Hello!!!!!!!! Anyone out there?

From the looks of this blog you'd think I never went anywhere...

Benny says: Update DC Trip NOW!

Benny: Hey, Busta, John, or whatever you want to be called tonight!
John: Yes, Benny?
Benny: When are you going to update the blog with the DC trip?
John: Soon.
Benny: Is soon tomorrow?
John: Maybe
Lucky: Oh, Mr. John!!!!
John: Yes, Lucky?
Lucky: Benny says he's going to peck your eyes out if the blog doesn't get updated tomorrow.
John: Well, why didn't he tell me that himself?
Lucky: Because he's not talking to you.
Polly: He's not talking to me, either!
John: Why isn't he talking to you, Polly?
Polly: He says I ate all of the bacon. But I didn't. Lucky ate some of it, too!
Lucky: No, I didn't!
Polly: Did too!
Lucky: Did not!
John: Stop bickering! Do I have to separate you two? (Polly and Lucky both shake heads) Now, tell Benny that if he wants to give me the silent treatment, that's OK. But he won't get any breakfast in the morning!
(Hears whispering between the three animals in the corner)
Lucky: Benny says that's OK. He'll wait until you're gone tomorrow at work and then he'll get some eggs and milk.
John: Not if I put him in my backpack tonight!
Benny: You stick me in that bag and I will peck your eyes out!
John: HA! Got you to talk!
Benny: Now, if I could only get him to write about the trip ... (rubs wings together evilly)

You have got to be kidding me!!!

Well...AGAIN.. it happened... I went all the way to California and did NOT see the Pacific Ocean. They even went to the beach today, ate clam chowder, saw a pelican, and I was stuck at home in a back pack. Risa says she's sorry but really is she? This is getting to be a reoccurring theme in my life, let me rephrase, my BORING life. I have a few more days to get my glimpse, we shall see.

Benny Uncensored (not that he's been censored, it's just a figure of speech)

I thought it was about time that my fans get to know the "real" Benny. I'm not talking about the handsome, charismatic, globe trotting chicken that we all know and love. I'm talking about what goes on in my day-to-day life. It's not always all about Hawaii, Egypt, Vermont, etc, etc, etc... although I wish it was. Some may be jealous of me (Risa) others may pity me for being stuck in a suitcase for most of my trips (Sven), and others may not really care, so over the next week or so I'm going to journal, if you will, my every day life. I feel a little like a Swim Suit Model:

When he's not off World traveling, sunning himself in Hawaii, or eating exotic food in foreign lands, Benny likes Pina Colada's and getting caught in the rain. He also loves puppies and his fondest wish is World Peace!

So on the days I stay home my perch is here:

Yes, Sven and Risa have swords decorating their home. It's a little unorthodox, but works for them. Risa says it's better than Star Trek Figurines, and it really is a great conversation starter. So stay tuned for updates, I should have some exciting things to write about in the weeks to come. Oh, and I'm planning a trip to Cali here pretty soon, and hopefully this time it will include the BEACH (hello Busta, who goes to California and doesn't see the beach???!!!)

TTFN