Hotdogger Blog

We met some special friends while traveling through Western Washington. Members of Reach Youth Ministry, an evangelistic traveling retreat organization, visited our fun bun, walking up with smiles plastered across their faces before they even saw A-Dog or myself. We felt like we could hear the jingle coming from their mouths from miles away!

The joy that Joan, Alan, Kelly, Eli, Jordan, Kileen, and Martha spread to everyone in the area was contagious!

These young adults travel the great Northwest for ten months at a time spreading the main message of their organization, just as we travel our hot dog highways creating miles of smiles! It’s always a great feeling to interact with other folks who understand our love for traveling. Franks for visiting!

From left, Dakota, Cheyenne, and Tahoe peak out the door or WEENR.

While relaxing in a park outside of San Francisco, A-Dog and I had a wonderful visit from Dakota, Cheyenne, and Tahoe, three rescue dogs who reside in the area. Together, they have been on over 200 rescue missions, including helping in New York following the September 11th attacks, assisting with the Lacy Peterson case, and aiding after the crash of the Columbia Space Shuttle.

When we tell people we are on the road for an entire year, they often ask how we celebrate holidays such as Fourth of July and Labor Day. What makes our experience so special is when we get to meet new friends across the country to enjoy the holiday traditions with us, and Halloween is no different.

Top Foods in Yakima, Washington, decorated the entire front entrance of their store with pumpkins, so WEENR blended right in!

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to do something I hadn’t done in years: Carve a pumpkin! Although my creative side isn’t the greatest, I was able to carve my initials in the side of it. My pumpkin has been lighting up the Wienermobile all week!

Thanks Carson, Abbey, Jordan, Emily, and Tyler of Ellensburg, Washington, for carving pumpkins with me and bringing me back to the good old days.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL YOU FRANKTASTIC OSCAR MAYER FANS OUT THERE!

A recent stop on the PGA tour brought golfers from around the globe to Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. Of course our beloved Wienermobile wanted to check out the action and meet the guys. With thousands of spectators walking throughout the course, the men with the clubs weren’t the only thing people were checking out.

WEENR fit right in with the pristine course and the beautiful mountains.

Fan Joe of Weiser, Idaho, impressed us with his outfit that matched WEENR perfectly!

For a re-grand opening of a Fred Meyer in the Hawthorne neighborhood of Portland, I was presented with the fantastic gift of a hot dog hat made out of balloons. We met some franktastic clowns and mascots, and had a bunderful time meeting this local band.

What more could an Irish gal like myself wish for on our first weekend in Oregon?

After spending the summer months in the great Midwest, A-Dog and I were jumpin’ at the bit to head in the direction of the Pacific Ocean. With neither of us being from anywhere near the Northwest, you can imagine how wide our eyes were while driving through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Not only did we experience incredible views through Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon, but we saw the pure joy on many road-trippers’ faces as passed them in WEENR. Mom and Dad, I think I’m ready to move west. It’s simply beautiful out here!

Traveling the country this past summer to see how Americans top their Dogs has been quite the adventure. Some like it Chicago style, others go for the simple ketchup and mustard, and still others just like it plain. But June and Mike, the winners of Oscar Mayer’s online contest, top their dog like no other: Taco Style!

This past Labor Day weekend, A-Dog and I traveled to Woodhaven, Michigan, and visited June and Mike at their home with the Wienermobile. We met their family and friends, took a few spins around the neighborhood, and grilled some delicious Jumbo Beef Franks on their brand new top-of-the-line Weber Genesis Grill, which they won as part of their prize.

Franks for the Labor Day weekend memories, June and Mike! CONGRATULATIONS on winning the Wienermobile at your house…you truly top your dogs like we haven’t seen before!

A-Dog Alison and I had the pleasure of visiting the Wisconsin Dells for the Oscar Mayer Sales and Marketing Reunion. These former employees and their families got to enjoy rides in BIG BUN, reminisce about their memories with the company, and create new laughs with their friends. We were thrilled to be a part of their event and a great time was had by all!

Here we are with Kraft North America President Rick Searer.

The Maple Bluff Fire Department was nice enough to give Big Bun a little scrubbing after it got a bit dirty driving all throughout the Midwest! The Fire Chiefs and interns even let A-Dog and I try on their gear, which all together is over 35 pounds! They got a thrill out of our Wienermobile, and we got a thrill out of their job!

One of the best parts of being a Hotdogger is meeting up with other ‘Doggers who are assigned to different regions regions. Recently, Doggone Dave and Lil’ Links Laura made the trek up north to Chicago. Along with the duties of being a Hotdogger, we got a few days off to enjoy the more touristy things, including the Magnificent Mile, and some delicious deep dish pizza.