Ode to Rice

Rice, you have become a great friend of mine. Through this entire year there have been three big things on this trip, the Invasion Mobile, myself, and you. Those are the three big topics people want to know about. And through this entire year the only two constants I have had are you, a fake plastic brown squirrel, and my Jeep Compass.

Well, I congratulate you Rice. You have become the first squirrel to visit all 50 states. I would be very surprised to hear otherwise. It is an awesome accomplishment for a fake plastic squirrel that doesn’t talk or walk to make it to all 50 states in less than 365 days.

I think back to the beginning of the trip Rice, and not many people knew who you were. I would take you out for a photograph and people would look at me funny, well people still look at my funny today when I take you out for photographs. But things have changed my dear friend, oh how things have changed.

It was just the other day while on a boat ride while photographing you when two ladies laughed out loud and asked me about Rice the Squirrel. I told them how you were the first squirrel to go to all 50 states. And then before I knew it there were three ladies asking to take a photo of Rice, the famous squirrel. No, they weren’t asking to take photos of the living human being that went to all 50 states, but the fake plastic squirrel. Rice, you have become a celebrity. It’s hard to believe, but there have actually been hosts more excited to meet you, a fake plastic squirrel, rather than me, a walking, talking, breathing human being.

You have made one amazing career for yourself Rice. We have grown together on this trip and shared many great experiences. I hope you continue to light up smiles on the face of children and adults. You’ve been a perfect travel companion. Rice, I hope that one day you become the equivalent of the gecko for Geico. You have the talent, the charisma, and the looks. Thank you my dear friend, for making me look so good.

Rice, we may have to part ways at the end of this journey, but we have done well my friend. We did it! We had a good run.