Before we took off, I approached several different companies to see if they were interested in supporting our trip.  I was always told, “Ask for what you want.  The worst thing that can happen is they tell you no, and even then you’re no worse off than you were when you started.”  I believe that, so I asked all kinds of different companies if they cared to make a contribution to our journey.  I got several positive responses, like the history curriculum that was donated by Oxford University Press and a 3 month family membership donated by the Memphis Area YMCA.  I also got many responses like the one I received from Monaco Coach, who builds the motorhome we’re in.  They wrote, “Unfortunately, we are not in a position to provide a motorhome for your journey.  We are always excited to learn how our motorhomes are being used, and many times they strengthen the family ties through shared experiences like the ones you are discussing.  Good luck on your adventure.”  Oh well.  I tried. 

Then, a few days ago we happened to be eating at Cracker Barrel and to our surprise we came across “The Greatest Family Road Trip Game” sponsored by…guess who?  Monaco.  They are giving away a Monaco coach, plus road trip money to whoever collects 3 stickers – one that says “Good”, one that says “Country” and one that says “Cookin”.  Well, we have “Good” and we have “Country”, now all we need is “Cookin”.  I think it would be so funny if we won.  Our little guy has it all worked out - he thinks we could sell the RV (since we already have one) and use the money to stay on the road longer.  Not a bad idea.  I think we may have to use the money just to pay for gas!  I can see it now…”Hello Monaco, remember me?”  Anyway, if you happen to eat at Cracker Barrel and get a “Cookin” sticker that you aren’t going to use, we’ll take it:)  (and I recommend the chicken fried chicken - yummy!)