...Teddy Bear (8/15)

    All of our trip we have kept to just sites related to Laura Ingalls Wilder.  Except today.  We were in Memphis on our way home, and just had to visit Graceland.  I don’t know much about Elvis, but I do know that he loved animals and that he had a lot of stuffed teddy bears.  He had a lot of horses and two dogs named Snoopy & Brutus.  So I do not think that Elvis would have approved that dogs were not invited into his mansion.  What was a puppy to do?  While Amanda toured I stayed with Tia Judy in the visitor’s center and watched Elvis fans.  Do you know what?  Elvis fans love little dogs!  They walked by all hot and distracted and, faster than a puppy could woof, they turned, and smiled, and said, “Awwwww.”  Many came over to pet me, and to tell us all about their dogs (some named Elvis, Old Shep, Priscilla, Sweetpea and Scamper!)
     Amanda and Tia Judy forgot to put on their fake tattoos but, no worry.  We did see some Elvis tattoos, and a lot of sideburns and dyed black hair, but mostly Elvis fans did not stand out other than being all-American.  We saw license plates from almost every state.  No wonder.  This is Elvis week.  Tonight is a candlelight vigil to mark the anniversary of his death (which is tomorrow.)  And this year would be his 75th birthday.  I am glad I got to honor Elvis in my little dog way.
     We drove from Memphis to Knoxville, a beautiful ride with lush green trees, full, lazy rivers and dotted with rocky, rolling hills.  In the car we listened to Elvis.  Tia Judy is Pretty Mama.  Amanda is Lisa Marie.  And Amanda told me Elvis would surely want me to be his little teddy bear!  Awww.

I jest wanna be your teddy bear.