Flushed Key Story

My sister is out smoking a cigarette, so I thought I'd pop in and tell the flushed key story (I even got video - please tell me if the video plays correctly - it's from my flip Video).

So yesterday, we checked into our room and my sister says she has to use the bathroom.  Next thing I know I hear this loud "OH NOOOoooo!"  I barge in thinking she fell or something, but she'd flushed the Prius keys down the toilet.  Totally.  I didn't know what to say (though "how the hell did that happen" finally came to mind). 

One we came to terms with the situation we brainstormed our options.  First she called the front desk to report the incident (maybe we were just looking for moral support).  I told Zoe that it's a hotel, and the key is long gone into the sewer system by now).  She asked the front desk if anything could be done anyway. 

Next we called the car rental place who told us we'd need to arrange for a new key to be made - and we'd need to pay a $100 fee because we lost the original.  We contacted the nearest dealership in Knoxville (30 miles away) who said, sure, they could do the job - MONDAY.  We added up what the replacement would cost in the end.  At least $500.

Then there was a knock at the door.  It was the maintenance man with his helper and a shop vac.  Apparently the plan was to suck those keys (and Gawd knows what else) out of the toilet.  Needless to say, this was unsuccessful.  We sincerely thanked them for their efforts, and they began to pack up to leave.  Then the older guy - Ronny says (I assume because he felt sorry for us) - "would you like me to take the toilet off and take a look-see?".  I said don't bother - those keys were in Nashville by now, but my sister said "would you mind???".  He said heck no - it'd only take about 20 minutes.  Well, to make a long story a tiny bit shorter..... they fetched them - they wer caught on something in the pipe.  WOOOHOOO!!  We were over the moon.

So, if you are ever in Gatlinburg - stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites (especially if you have a tendancy to flush valuables down the toilet)

Here is a video of Zoe and the maintenance guys I couldn't resist taking.......

From Day 1: Flight Videos

This two are videos out the window of the plane taking off - and in flight.  Watch if you find this sort of thing interesting.... :-)

Dollywood: Miss Lillian's Chicken Place

If you visit Dollywood and eat meat (not everyone on my FList does) this is a good food place.  It's an all-u-can-eat buffet with salad bar and beverage included for $12.99.  Miss Lillian was a hoot - seriously funny.