Author: w2bergen

Gino and Tammys day in Chicago, and the Hegler Carus Mansion

w2bergen 1 Comment

When Gino arrived, I asked him what things did he want to do…..Chicago…..Big on his list…He  has been to LA and Las Vegas and everywhere else in California, but never Chicago.   Tammy jumped at that.  She loves Chicago, but I hate going their.  Its been many years since ive been their and I’d rather leave it that way.  Tammy use to drive for First Student, and she would take the kids on field trips right down town to the LOOP….Upon checking train schedules and prices, they decided to take the train in from Mendota and back.  It arrives at Union Station, right down town.  They arrived around 10:30 am.  and headed to Willis Tower (Sears Tower).

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They had a 45 min wait in line.

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Just to stand on a GLASS SHELVE?…..lol…Not on my life.  But they thought it was Grand.  After that, they walked back to Union Station and got on the Water Taxi.  They took the Architectural Tour of the buildings by Taxi.

That must have been so interesting.  Now I’m starting to wish that I WAS their after all.

They seen Merchandise Mart, Marina Towers, Trump Building, Boeing, and Opera House, just to name a few.

Then off to Navy Pier. Wow…Lets ride the Ferris Wheel……That’s not for me either….To far up their.

They did take some nice pictures though.  After that they went through the  green house area.

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While on top of the Ferris Wheel, Gino spied Hard Rock Café…..That’s were they went to eat.

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This is the drink Tammy ordered….Lol….This is for the person who doen’t know what they want…..A sampler of many drinks……lol…At that point, they had to hustle to meet the train, so they just got a taxi to Union Station.  They arrived back in Mendota around 7:30…..They both came in the house just bubbling about all the fun they had.  It was a super exciting day for both of them……

And what did I do all day?????    Of course, I volunteered to watch the kids…..And do laundry….lol…But it was worth it.  They had a GREAT TIME…..that’s what its all about.

Now a day or so later, we went to town and I decided to go by Hegeler Carus Mansion.  Trish was their.   She is a Super Sweet Girl and is the Head of Volunteers.  As I am a Tour Guide their….(non practicing right now)….I asked Tricia if I could give Gino a tour.   lol.  Of course we did.

The mansion is a historical, beautiful mansion full of history.  Seven floors full of past memorabilia ….A historical gem of the Illinois Valley.  It was listed  as a National Historical Landmark in the early 2000’s  If your ever in the area,  (crossroads of I-80 and I-39) in Illinois, you must take the time to stop.   Well I really tired Gino out on that one.  The rest of the day was a lazy day.

Here is  a picture of Cameron, Me and Rich…….and Cameron and his friend Andrew…..

.Why are they their…….?????…

..Gino made HOME MADE ENCHILADAS……..YUM…..

My Brother From New Mexico/Our First Adventure

w2bergen 1 Comment

My brother from Albuquerque  New Mexico, arrived last Wed. on Amtrak.  This is his first visit and his first time east of Texas.  Amazing isn’t it.  He grew up on Albuquerque, has visited and lived in California many times, been all over west but never east.   So its Adventure time…..lol…..Time to show him how us mid westerners live.

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As many of you don’t know, I have an older sister and brother.  My brother lives in Galesburg, and my sister is south of Albuquerque.  My parents split when I was in third grade.  My dad moved to Albuquerque, as his parents lived their.  He grew up around Burlington Ia. area, but his parents moved out west due to health reasons.  My dad met Grace, who was Mexican and already had 3 boys and a girl.  They married and Gino was born.  So Gino is my half brother, and is 13 years younger.  Grace was a wonderful lady, a wonderful wife to my dad, and a wonderful step mom that always made us feel so welcome, when we came to visit.  She was Mexican and cooked all the traditional Mexican foods.  Rich loved it…..I ate KFC……lol…..My dad died around 1991, and Grace died just 5 years ago, a month after her 80th birthday.  We had went down to celebrate her birthday with all her family.  We were so glad we did.

So this week is going to be filled with visiting the past and new adventures for Gino.  Our first trip was to Toluca.  Gino wants to see and find out about our dads life before he went to New Mexico.  We moved to Toluca when I was around 5 from a little town called Cameron.  Our dad worked for O’Dea Cleaners and was transferred to Toluca from Monmouth.  My dad left when I was in 3rd grade.  This was his town for around 3 or 4 years.

We drove all around town explaining where we had lived and the schools we attended.  The restaurants and bars he visited, and the church Rich and I was married in.  I shared the stories I remembered growing up.  Then we drove over to the Jumbo Park.  I explained about the history of the coal mine.

Frieght train on the Old Santa Fe, and the Mine entrance
View looking down from the top of the Jumbo

We loved the peacefulness and serenity of the park.  A freight train came by.  This use to be the Santa Fe main passenger line.  You could board the train here and go all the way to Albuquerque.  Now it is the main freight line to Chicago.  We decided to climb up the Jumbo.  I had wanted to climb the Jumbo several weeks ago when I was here with Cassidy, but I only had sandals on.  So now I was prepared with tennis shoes.

Gino climbing down the Jumbo overlooking Toluca

It didn’t look far, but we stopped many times……..lol…..hufffff    pufffff….we were out of breath…..but we made it……..”WHAT A VIEW”……You could see for miles.   Nothing but farm land dotted with farm buildings.   Every mile was a square section of a different color, depending on what was planted or not planted.  Some land was fresh plowed and black, others were different shades of green for corn as it was just breaking the ground. We sat down on the picnic table that sat on top of the Jumbo, and just enjoyed the site and the gorgeous weather.  It was a Perfect day.  I hadn’t climbed the Jumbo since I was maybe early 20s …..Finally we slowly climbed down, next stop Caseys……Restroom and refreshments…….We headed for Peoria, which  was about 30 to 45 mins.   We eat at Longhorn Steak House.  I think it was a well deserved meal.  Next Stop, Springdale Cemetery in Peoria……

If you like Cemetery’s, this is a must see.  Springdale Cemetery, was originally established in 1854 a mile from Peoria City limits.  It is now in the middle of Peoria.  War Memorial drive, a major road runs over the northern portion of it.  It is nestled in the rolling hills and valleys near the river and hidden from view.

It is now the site of over 70,000 burials with room for more.  It is comprised of 239 acres, and has over 6 miles of winding hilly roads.  It also has many nature trails through the park and is also a wild life preserve.  Last year I rode through near dusk and seen at least 6 deer grazing.  I believe it is one of Peoria’s most hidden historical treasures.  The park is not only used for burial, but also for hiking, and at any time of the day, you will find people walking and jogging on the roads.

It has many small mausoleums situated along the bottom of hillsides in the thick of the trees.  Beautiful, but “erie” at the same time.

Family Plot

Here some really strange stones.

Finally after over 2 hours of driving and roaming the cemetery, and feeling exhausted…..we left……..

But……….Determined to come again…….We didn’t even see it all….

Mothers Day Tea, with Miley at Kindergarten and Prom across the Street

w2bergen 1 Comment

A week ago today, I was invited to attend Mileys Mothers Day Tea at her School. She attends Kindergarten in the Primary Building. Tina and Ed, (parents) were busy and couldn't attend. I arrived at the school around 1:15. The new school was built several years back, due to a tornado that damaged the old one.

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The new school was built on the same grounds but placed behind the old one. Across the side street is the High School, where Prom will be on Sat nite. Their was much activity going on in the parking lot.  I will tell you about this later.

This will only be the 2nd time I have been in this school. I entered the first set of 2 double doors after I heard a buzz and had to go to the single door to the left. In this first room on the side was a teacher monitoring the camera. He had to buzz the door for you to enter. The girl at the desk was Angie, an old school friend of Tina’s. Its strange to see these kids now doing jobs of adults. One still thinks of them as kids. lol. Angie had me sign in, Name, Time, Teacher also a place to sign out when leaving. I was escorted down the hall as I didn’t know where to go.  The halls were so bright and full of color.  Each class room area in the hall was decorated with art work of the students.  I was directed to the room with the Purple Umbrella by it.  So cute.  Each classroom door had a different color umbrella.  Makes it so easy for the kids to find their rooms.  All the moms were standing outside the door waiting for the teacher to invite us in.  I was the only Grandmother.  At 1:30 sharp we were all invited in.  Miley took me to her table and showed me the things she made for mom.

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An awesome book.  A decorated Flower Pot with some candy and a Card.

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Also she put a Name tag on me…..So Cool….

On her table was also a plate with a cookie and M&Ms’.   She was so excited, she couldn’t wait to eat….lol….Finally all the moms had arrived, except for one that came later, so the teacher announced that the students had prepared some songs for us.   They all filed in front of the room and sang some of the cutest songs.

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All about Mothers Day.  During the songs the kids would present to the parents the gifts from the table that they made….Very Very Cute.   Finally it was time to eat.  They served punch, made with 7-up and sherbert and cookies and M&Ms’.  As I looked around, I noticed how cute the room was decorated.  So much fun.  I remember when I was in 1st grade, our tables were all in a rows, the blackboard was on 2 walls and above it was the Alphabet picture cards for learning…..a small wall library, and everything was so blahhhh with color.  Everything was so symmetrical.  Now their is color everywhere.  They have different stations.  A big rug to sit on for story time, a table for work time, a library area.  computer area.  Miley said, they even have I Pads to use.  There are colored posters and pictures everywhere….The rooms are full of color and activity and art work. The teachers are even so young and cute and pretty.  I remember teachers being old, fat, crabby, and lets just say…….NOT PRETTY……!!!!! On the wall I found the pictures the kids drew of their moms…….

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Funny…..Tina with a Ponytail…..

As I was looking around,  I looked at the curtains.  We never had curtains on our windows.  These were solid drapes, were pretty and had tie backs on them…..Such a Homey feeling.  I told Miley what pretty curtains she had………and then she said….We close them up during    RED DRILL…….??????…...It finally hit me.  All of this security is for protecting the students and faculty from another school shooting.  They have drills on where to go incase of an emergency.  The school will go into lock down.  The classroom doors are locked ,curtains pulled shut, and kids are instructed where to hid.  They have to be hidden from view from the outside.  Such a different world we live in today.  We use to only have drills to protect us from tornadoes and fire.  Now its from each other. Finally the party was over, we ….SIGNED OUT….  and left the building.  I looked across to the high school and all the activity outside was over.

Tina and Ed were over at the high school.  Prom was Saturday nite.  A community organization has been putting on a MOCK CRASH for the last 15 years.  It’s purpose is for the students to visually see what ….CAN…. happen when you are driving drunk.  Tina is a member of Rotary and Ed is on the fire department. They had set up several cars in the parking lot to look like a 2 vehicle crash.  They staged 3 kids in the accident, 1 dead and 2 critically injured.  Then the whole student body came out to witness the extrication and the horrible reality.  When I had just arrived at the Primary building across the street, the fire trucks were just arriving.  Tina and Ed said, it was a very emotional time for the students and also the parents of the injured the kids were cut out with the jaws of life, were hauled away in the ambulance.  The coroner was also present and gave a slide show of accidents.   It really gave the kids something to think about before the Prom.

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These were things we never thought about back then.  I think the worst our parents ever thought about was if we were drinking, hoped we wouldn’t come home pregnant.

From one side of the street, we are protecting our children from the outside forces, and across the street at the high school, they are trying to protect the students from themselves.

In 10 years, which will go fast…………..Miley and Austin WILL be across the street at the High School…….

This is really just some FOOD for thought…..

The differences from generation to generation…..The changes from when I was in school in Toluca…..to when my children were in this same school in Granville….To now that my Grandchildren are in school……Crazy isn’t it…..


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My Day with Cassidy at Toluca…..Visiting the “JUMBO’S” Toluca Coal Mine Park

w2bergen 2 Comments

On Saturday, Tammy text me if I could keep Cassidy over night.  She had to work this weekend.  I said sure of course.  I went out and mowed the grass so it would be done for the weekend.  Tammy dropped her off and OMG.   She was in a BAD MOOD.  Mom was talking about taking her I Pad AWAY…..This this is serious business to an 11 year old.  So now,,,,,what to do….what to do…..We went up to Scott’s bar, and eat sandwiches…..Nobody was in their on Sat. afternoon,  So how about a game of pool.   Well that seemed to cheer her up.   …..Making progress…..lol….So came back home and checked FB.   My friend in Toluca was having a garage sale.   So lets make a short trip and visit.  Its only about a half hour drive.

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Toluca is the town where I grew up.  We moved their when I was 5.  I went to school and graduated from Toluca High School.  Graduating class of 35 students…..lol….The High School was a consolidation of 2 grade schools in town, Toluca Public School and St. Ann’s Catholic School.  1992 was the last High School graduating class, and then area schools consolidated to form the Fieldcrest School District.  It comprised the schools of Toluca, Wenona, and Minonk, Dana, Rutland.  It was sad but that is the way it goes these days.  Its all about money and what a small school district can offer for education.

Toluca is also famous for “Mona’s” and “Capponi’s” Italian Restaurants’.  They were both started around 1933 but Capponi’s was bought by the Mona Bernardi Family in 1965.  They still both serve the same traditional recipes of chicken ,Italian pasta of spaghetti, ravioli and Lasagna from when they were owned separately.  They are famous through out the state, also selling their VO salad dressing and pasta products in grocery stores.

We went to Gabi’s and another friend, Janet came over.   We had a nice visit and we were talking about old times.  The subject of the “Jumbo” came up.  As kids we all use to go over and explore.  It was were the old coal mines had been, and when we were kids it was all grown up in weeds and trees.   You had to cross the tracks and then climb over the old fence that was ment to keep people out.  lol…….Fight your way through weeds and trees.

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A few buildings were their but falling disarray.  I remember an old shed full of bales of hay.  I would climb and play in them.  The old mine shaft was still their but had wire and some wood post around it.  It was really not safe at all.  You could throw things into the deep dark hole.  Its a wonder no kids ever got hurt or killed their. But the biggest attraction was the 2 “Jumbos”.  Their were 2 mountains made out of slag.  Slag is like a shale rock, which is left after they take out the coal from mining. They ran rail cars and dumped it out to eventually form 2 mountains.  Many small towns in the area have them. You always knew which towns had coal mines in their past.  We would climb the first one closest to town.  The paths were all washed out from years and years of rain, snow and the natural weathering of the elements.  Once you got to the top, you would look around and just be in “AWE”…..It was an Unbelievable sight.   Especially to a kid.

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You could see for miles.   Past the edge of town, miles into the country.   You would turn around slowly and see for miles in all directions.  In the distant was all of Toluca, farms in the distant, fields, some planted some not, even the Christian  Church Cemetery that was several miles out of town.  You were even higher than the water tower.  At the base of the jumbo was the Santa Fe Railroad tracks.  It was the main line going from Chicago all the way to Los Angles California.  There was always a freight train or passenger train going by.  It was such an adventure.  Now you had to climb back down and fight to get back through all the trees and weeds and wild brush.  After you got to the edge, you would climb over the fence and cross the tracks and……… back to civilization…….gees, ….did our parents know????,….I’m sure they did….Did they care???…..I don’t ever remember getting into trouble….lol……It was the ” Fun” things we did as kids…..no cell phones, no I pads, No computers……really, we barely had TV……

I drove over to the Jumbo crossing over the tracks at the east end of town and down the road paralleling the tracks.  The tracks are now owned by BNSF Railway.  It is not the main passenger line anymore but it is still the main freight line to Chicago.  We pulled up to the parking area.  It is now a park.  “Toluca Coal Mine Park”.  Around the year 2000, the town formed an Association for the clean up and preservation of the property.  It is now a park to be use for hiking, picnicking and a pond for fishing.  They also hold some other town events in the park.

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A nice fence surrounds the edge and a plaque about the coal mines is posted as well as a refurbished coal car sitting on a rail.

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It was used to extract coal from the coal mines.  As we walked through the gate I noticed it has a beautiful natural park like atmosphere.  Trees, blowing grasses in the breeze and that wonderful feeling of nature.  Over to the side was a huge concrete circle.

This was the opening to one of the mine shafts.  It is now filled in and no longer a danger.  A huge pulley was housed inside this concrete.  It would turn and pull the buckets or maybe even people up the shaft.  Cassidy was actually starting to have fun.  Next we walked further, and seen the nice trail up the Jumbo.  I had sandals on but Cassidy headed up the trail to the top.   lol   and she ran……Great to be a kid……She made it to the top and looked like a little dot.

But acoustics were great, we could still shout to one another and hear our voices.  Gabi and I walked further and found the old pool.

Back in 1924, after the mine had closed, a huge concrete community pool was constructed.  When I was a kid, in the 60s, it was still here, but so broken with age.  The walls were still intact but people were throwing trash in it.  Old car parts….Stove and Refrigerators…..tree and leave debris…..Plus mother nature was allowing trees and bushes to grow up in the cracks.  Now it has been filled in and planted with grass.  But the foundation is still here.

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It is so cool to still see it.  After Cassidy came down, we sat and talked abit.   The dandelions were done blooming and had their little feathery heads that blow in the wind.  Cassidy had fun collecting a bouquet  and then blowing them and watching them fly in the wind.

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We sat for awhile and talked about the history of the mine.Gabi found a peace of coal and shale for Cassidy to take home.   She was actually very interested.

The Devlin Coal Company opened the mine in 1892, because it was next to the Santa Fe RR.  It eventually had 3 shafts some extending out 1 to 2 miles from the shaft opening.  Its average output was 1,000 tons a day.  In 1905, 771 miners produced 379,000 tons of coal.  The town grew very fast, bringing in Italians, Polish and many other immigrants.  It grew fast to around 3,000 people.  I heard often as a kid, that the town supported over 30 taverns.   Can you even imagine pay day?….lol….Party time…..The closed in 1924, due to rising wages, costs and newer mines elsewhere.  The coal veins were getting to far from the shaft openings.  It just wasn’t efficient anymore. Today the town has a population of between 1400-1500.

Now one of the story’s I heard as a kid was of a missing man.  In 1939, 73 year old former miner, Dominick Valesano had been missing for 2 weeks.  He was thought to have fallen or jumped down the 410 foot vertical shaft.  Due to the presence of “Black Damp” gas.  No one would go down to search.

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Two brothers and a friend used their cheap brownie type camera and made a power device to power a flash bulb that had been attached to the brownie camera.  They  lowered it down the 410 foot shaft and took manual flash pictures.   The weight of the camera and light was over 10 lbs. and the addition of over 400 feet of wire brought the weight to over 300 lbs.  It took all the combined strength of the 3 to pull it back up.

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When the pictures were developed, their was the view of the lower part of the body.  The top half was hidden by a beam.  There were efforts to bring the body up with a grappling hook, but eventually men had to go down with gas masks.  The story of the boys successful operation with amazing results made the national headlines in 1939.

It was a good and fun day…..We left and dropped off Gabi at home, having had a great visit.  On the way home, Cassidy said……”I really had a good time”…..Wow…..I succeeded……I told her about Cherry Mine disaster of 1909…..around 292 men were killed……Now Cherry is just up the road a half hour north of her house………Another Adventure for another day……I guess its just my small effort at preserving history…..and trying to make an 11 year old happy

“WITHOUT ELECTRONICS“

Isn’t it amazing the history one finds so close to home……


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Home Again….Spring is Here……Flowers and Trees are Blooming…

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We finally returned home over a week ago.  The weather was so chilly, at least for us.  We stopped first at Scotts new Bar he purchased……..”One Paw,z Pub”…..

Scott and Brandy bought the only bar in McNabb, known as Kathys before.   They took over on April 1st.   They will continue to serve lunch Monday-Saturday, with a daily special and have lengthened their hours to 1 or 2 on weekends.   They have added 2 more TVs, and Scott made some new tables.  A new Digital Juke Box and working on Gaming machines.   Yes he wants to serve the summer bikers on their poker runs.  He has some really cool ideas on Advertising……

He has signs painted on his trailors.   lol   On FB, he says where he is working for the day and if anyone takes his picture at the job site, they can redeem it for a …..“FREE BEER”……lol.  Before we left the bar,  Tammy came in with Cassidy and Carly, Ed arrived, but Tina was working, and Scott got off early and came in.   Of course Brandy was bartending.   So after a nice visit, we went the rest of the way home…..lol….2 blocks…. The girls were having a garage sale in Granville on Friday and Saturday.  It was Granville Townwide.   I went over Friday with my winter coat on.  Saturday was so rainy, they closed up early.  So this last Saturday was McNabb Townwide.

I got everything ready with the help of Tammy and Tina, and they brought all their stuff over.  We advertised on Facebook sites and opened on Friday.  The weather was beautiful.  The temperature was in the low 70s and the sun was shinning beautiful.  We made almost $500 between the 3 of us.   A pretty good days haul.  We decided to do it again at Tammys soon.  So we loaded it all back up into the enclosed trailor to take it into Spring Valley.  The little kids had fun.

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Tina was selling this swing at her house, but Austin and cousin Carly had fun for awhile.  Austin loves his dinosaurs, and Carly loves Barbies.  If you notice, look at Austins forehead…..lol….he wrote on it….haha….those 2 can get in so much mischief… 11208768_10203995698560475_1193875662_n Miley was clowning around with a little baby hat.  lol   She’s so cute with her teeth missing. I also met my new Grand Dog. 11216127_10203995565077138_1212409048_n

“Dexter”.  

He was born the end of November.  Tina adopted him up in Jan.  This is his little bed he came home in.   He could lay down and spread out.   lol  Well not no more.   He has sure grown.  He had his appointment that day at the vets….Ouch…No babies for him.   She even ordered him pain pills, but I don’t think he needed them.  He was just as active as before.   He loves to play ….ALL THE TIME…. As we sat their, I realized the yard was becoming full of spring flowers and smells.   Rich had cut the grass already the day after we got home, and Scott had cut it once before.  As you looked around you could see the tulips and daffodils opening.

11210212_10204004406378165_564352646_n The lilacs are opening also.   The aroma of the lilacs is so wonderful and refreshing.  As the wind blew the smells of lilac came floating in the air, along with the little petals of the lilacs came floating to the ground. 11212223_10204007317930952_1703601785_n I have a beautiful redbud tree also, at the corner of our lot.  We planted it many years ago.  We went into the woods and found a little sapling of a tree and brought it home.  Here it is today.  Just gorgeous.  With all the rain we have had the grass is a beautiful green, but it also just keeps growing.   So now we continue to work on this house.  So much more stuff to get rid of.   I was planning on staying in the MH.  I wasn’t thinking of the fact, we couldn’t use the bathroom facilities, cause we aren’t hooked up.  Sure don’t want to fill up the holding tanks.   So we are staying in the house.  The trouble with that, is the kitchen has been totally cleaned out.  Everytime we cook anything, it takes trips out to the MH to get things.   lol.   All our clothes are out their to.  But onward we go…..Our Goal…..Just Get Rid of all the Excess…… 11195410_10203963685360165_602001647_n So here sits the beast…..sitting in the driveway….On May 19th, my half brother from Albuquerque, New Mexico, is coming for the first time ever.   Were going to have him stay in the MH.  Best bed we have….lol…He has always wanted to come east,

 So it will be an exciting 2 weeks for us. 

Our Next Stop….Visit With Good Friend Tammy….Lots of Laughs

w2bergen 4 Comments

After we entered Kentucky through the Cumberland Gap Tunnel we headed north to the Kentucky Bluegrass Parkway.  Central City is on the other end of the state.  It is the home of my friend Tammy and her family.  She was anxiously waiting for us.  We have been to visit her several times before, the last time was 2 years ago.  Time sure has a habit of flying by doesn’t it.  We decided to take our time as it was raining again….Imagine that…We stopped halfway across the state and stayed overnite at a truck stop.  Rich said they have a great theater room their and we could watch a movie….haha…well guess what was on….His favorite channel…USA…Law and Order…Now we have been watching that channel for the last 5 months in Texas.  I think we have seen all the shows 5 times each.  After an hour, I decided it was time to go back out to the MH.  In the morning, we took off and headed for Tammys.  She has a long lane that dead ends at her house in a circle drive.  Rich managed to make it and back up to her house after we unhooked the truck.  It is only level spot.  Well lets just say,  the most level their is.  She was so excited to see us.

I met Tammy back in 1991.  I had just started working at Plano Molding in Feb.  Tammy started in June.  She was so young, right out of high school.  Just a baby….hahaha….don’t get mad Tammy, but you were…..but she was so much fun.  We all worked on a pod.  It consisted of 3 plastic molding press’s that made product and delivered them to the pod area by robots to be assembled by 5 or more workers.  After assembling we packed them in boxes and sent them down the conveyer for shipment.  We made many different kinds of  tackle boxes, lure boxes, caboodles, recipes boxes, cd storage and even a toy line of storage cases.  It was total monotony for 12 hours.

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Top row….Tammy, Mary and me….Second Row ….Julie and Dawn…

OMG…..So Hilarious

We all worked together for 4 1/2 years on nite shift.  6 pm-6 am.  I had a 45 min drive both ways.  You can only imagine how boring it became every nite on the pod.  We all became family.  We knew all about our family’s, good and bad.  Horse play became an every nite occurrence.  There was a lot of wrestling and hair pulling….I can remember a number of times ending up on the floor.  All in fun of course….Lots of times, it was at other peoples expense also.  Those times I can’t write about here…….lol….Just to let me tell you how BAD we were, one nite we brought in Super Soakers……hahaha…….We hid them in the nurses office….The nurse was only their days.  I had the key as I was on first aid committee.  When the supervisor was gone, we got them out…..Ohhhhh what fun we had….We filled them up and shot each other.  Then we hid behind the other pods and shot each other…..lol…Then we would shoot over the pods in the air…..We never got caught or if we did, Larry never really did anything.

The one time I will never forget was one nite we were on Pod 1…Tammy was working the link machine.  The robot would come from behind and feed 2 links into 2 tubes that were at the top of the machine.  They would sometimes clog and you would have to climb up the step ladder to unclog them.  Tammy was on top of the ladder and forgot about the robot. It came up behind her and was pushing on her back trying to complete its cycle.  Tammy left out a scream and everyone came running.  I was at the bottom but we couldn’t do anything. As I looked up at her, her hands were inside the tubes….I had visions of her hands being chewed off, even though I knew nothing was in them.  She kept screaming and crying.   Larry the Supervisor and John the maintenance came running and pushed the E stop.  They climbed up and started to pull her down.  Her shirt was caught in the robot, so as she came down the ladder,l her shirt pealed off of her and all she had on was her bra….John through a coat over her and they carried her to the nurses station and then to the hospital.  She was fine.  Bruising and cuts on her back and emotionally drained.   OMG…I can still relive it….What an evening….

During that time Tammy was dating Dan.  We all went on camping trips together.  What fun we all had.  It seemed like during the 12 hour nites, we let our imaginations run and conversations escalated until the unimaginable came out.   One nite we were talking about our up coming camping trip with the whole pod, and we led poor little incent Tammy to believe we were all ……”SWINGERS”……Yes we were trying to get her to commit to……. “SWING”…..with us…..lol….We told her….”Why do you think we all go camping together?”……lol….I think she started to believe us……We all went camping, and we tried to get her to come around the corner of the camper late at nite…..We finally told her it WASN’T…..true…..We had so much fun with her.   Dan and Tammy finaly became engaged and bought a house and started remodeling it.  We took her on a surprise Bacholorite Party to Peoria.  We told her to pack her bags for an overniter.  I made reservations at a motel not far from the gambling boat, Paradise in East Peoria.  We didn’t want to pay for an extra room, so 2 of us went inside and opened the window,….. lol….The rest crawled in…..I think some slept on the floor. We went to the Paradise that nite and gambled.  We had all signed up for a drawing.  While we were playing the machines, Mary’s name was announced over the PA…..would you believe she won $1,000.   How excited we were.   After that we went to Big AL’s strip club across the river in Peoria.  I remember drinking these big huge shark drinks at 2 am in the morning, sitting on the balcony outside.   We went back to the motel, crawled in the window and went to sleep.  Next morning we went to Bob Evans for breakfast and of course, we had Mary pay for all of us….

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Finally Tammy and Dan’s wedding day came….. August 20, 1994…….(its wrong on the Pic.  me bad)…..She was so Beautiful …..Dan was so handsome….

After awhile I couldn’t handle the nites any more.  I was falling asleep behind the wheel on the way home.  I went to days for another 3 years and then finally got smart and found a new closer job.  Tammy and Dan had 2 kids, Travis and Racheal.

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This was taken 2 years ago on our visit.  Travis is now taller than his mom, and Racheal is almost even with her.  She is growing to be a beautiful young girl.

Eventually Dan’s job caused them to move to Central City Kentucky.  He found them a Beautiful home with some land and garages to keep all his man toys….lol…Tammy has been able to stay home and be the housewife and mom….That would be Taxi driver also…..But we have never forgotten our friendship.  We talked often before, and now with facebook, it has just made it so much easier.  3 or 4 years back, Dawn and I made a weekend trip to visit Tammy.  It was a riot.  We pitched blankets on the floor and had a big ole slumber party telling stories till the wee hours of the morning.  Then 2 years ago Rich and I took the motorhome down on its maiden voyage….That is one of the 2 cover photos.

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We had Tammy take a new picture with this motor home.  I have added it to the cover photo slide show.

We had such a great time.  We spent so much time laughing.  That’s what we do best.  lol.  Tried taking some selfies.  lol.

Oh gees….so corny….But is was so much fun visiting again.  Talking about old times, catching up on the family.  Tammy has also become a great cook and host.  She made meatloaf, chicken, salads, and a great fabulous Dump Cake.   Peach Dump Cake.   I will be trying this one.  You don’t leave her house empty.  She is always pushing the food.   Is that why we have gained weight?……..  Guess I can blame her….lol……After a fun couple of days reminiscing old times, we had to leave.  I know it was sad for her and for us.  She loves company.

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They love their baby kittys.  Giving them love and hugs…..

We will be Back Again……Don’t Worry

Next Stop HOME………

We Rode The Tail of The Dragon……Rich’s Bucket List…….

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We left Chattanooga for New Tazewell Tennessee.  We had to take the back way in the morning as the underpass was still flooded and closed.  We now had to cut across the state of Tennessee catty corner.  New Tazewell is an hour from Knoxville on the other end of the state.  Julie had made reservations for us at the Cedar Lake Marina on Norris Lake…..An Absolutely beautiful area.  She met us on the highway and took us in to the marina. So many boats and house boats…..

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I met Julie back in the 1990s, when we worked at Plano Molding.  Chris was a supervisor on another shift.  We worked 12 hour nites….ohhhh…what a long nite it was assembling tackle boxes and Caboodles.  I could do it in my sleep…lol… Their were 5 of us that were close and we started going camping together….Me, Julie, Tammy, who is in Kentucky now, Dawn, and Mary.  We had so much fun at work, (devious fun)…..lol…and also camping.  Any other place we would have been fired immediately for some of the things we did, but that’s another whole blog….Ohhhhh we were such an evil bunch…lol…Julie and Chris moved to Tennessee over 12 years ago.  Plano opened another branch their and he became plant manager.  We were down couple of times to visit, but its been over 10 years ago.  Way over due for a visit.

The office to check in the campground was out on the harbor.  After checking in, we parked and opened up the slides and went to Julies.  Chris just got home from work.  Julie took us to their house.  We hadn’t see Jennifer, their daughter in so long. We met her husband Travis.  Jen’s family has grown from the small little baby we seen last time, to 3 boys…..We went out and ate Italian and had a good time and stuffed our selves…lol…Then we went back to the RV and had a great visit.  Chris decided the next day we would take bike rides….They have 2 beautiful matching Harleys, a Road King and Softail.  Julie let Rich drive hers as he has many years experience. lol.  She trusted him……

The next morning we went to their house and took off.  Now Chris had decided to take us to the Dragon…..I had NO IDEA where or what it was.  It turned out it was on “Richs bucket list”, but he had given it up along time ago.

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“The Dragon’s Tail” is a stretch of road that runs from eastern Tennessee into North Carolina. The road gets its name from its numerous curves, which give it a similar appearance to the tail of a dragon. Due to its turns, the stretch is known by motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts as a great riding road, but the road also has proven a dangerous stretch. Designated US 129, the road is bordered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest, with no intersecting roads or driveways to hamper your travel. It is considered “the destination” for thousands of motorcycle and sports car fans throughout the spring, summer, and fall.  Tail of the Dragon consists of  318 curves in 11 miles, is America’s number one motorcycle and sports car road….It brings bikers and sports car enthusiast from all over the USA, and the world.  The nearby Cherohala Skyway is quickly becoming a destination too, with its remote 60 miles of breathtaking scenic mountain highway. 

Julie said it was suppose to be sunny that day.  It started off that way, but the farther we went, the clouds came.  After couple of hours we finally entered the mountains.  Chris took us the back way up.  First we went through the Cherohala Skyway.

So beautiful….breathtaking scenery….every curve was another gorgeous view.  The smells as you drove were so wonderful.  The smell of cut wood in the lower elevations, where there were homes dotting the country side, and as we climbed to the upper mountain areas, the smell of the forests and the flowering trees.  Its a smell that never gets old.  …..

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.And then the smell of coming rain…..We stopped at an overlook and you could see the rain coming.   We took off and sure enough……it rained….did we have rain gear? ….NO….but it wasn’t cold, so it wasn’t that bad.  We dried up and then it rained again.

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Finally we came to Deals Gap, Home of the Tail of the Dragon…..We were so wet.  Julie gave me a sweatshirt to change to.  We eat lunch of cheeseburgers, onion rings and French fries.  Did some souvenir shopping and finally the rain stopped again.  Deals Gap is a pretty cool area.  You can rent a cabin right by the road, or tent camp. From their you can watch all the bikers and sports cars fly by.

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Their is a tree in the middle of the parking lot called….TREE OF SHAME….It is full of broken bike and car parts, that people have put in the tree, due to crashes.  The road has many accidents and claims lives every year.  Trucks over 30 ft. are not allowed on the road.  Finally we took off again, almost dry.  It had been several years, that Rich had rode me as a passenger on a bike, so we took it rather slow.  It pays to be respectfull of dangerous roads, especially in the rain and when your not on your own bike.

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Well along we went and it rained again.  Pretty much kept spitting rain the rest of the trip in the mountains.

But the views and the ride was so worth it.  We seen 1 accident, a crotch rocket had crashed. When we got their, he was up with his bike and ok, but the front was smashed and smoking.   Lesson learned I hope…..lol….Around 5 times during the ride, they had photograpers taking pictures of you.

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The Cover Blog picture is one that was taken.  I hate my picture taken as you know, but I decided to post this one. They can be bought online….What a great gimmick …..We stopped at the other end of the dragon, and the view was spectacular.  In the distance you will see a dam.

They call it The Fugitive Dam.  It was photographed in the movie of The Fugitive with Harrison Ford.   Finally we ended up out of the mountains, back in the main highways and traffic.  It was at least another hour to the house.  We returned to Julies house around 7:30 after riding over 300 miles.  When I looked at the map, I realized that we were past Gatlinburg and half way back to Chattanooga, where we had been the day before……What an awesome day it was, even though it rained 50 percent of the time.  It was on Rich’s Bucket list and now he has made another check off.  lol…Great Ride…..Great Company….Great Day with friends from the past.  Thanks Chris and Julie for the Great Memories of the day…….and Julie for letting Rich ride your beautiful bike….I have to add…..What a great seat….Wasn’t sore at all….Just a little damp…..lol…The next morning we took off.  We were going to stop at another friend from the past, Anita.   Another Plano friend that I haven’t seen since late 1990s….Anita was busy that day, so hopefully we can see her year another time. We worked together also for over 3 years.  We shared some special times.   Onward we went into Kentucky to see another friend Tammy.

We crossed into Kentucky and went under the Cumberland Gap tunnel which is over 2 miles long.  And guess what happened.

  “‘ ….It Started Raining Again….lol…'”

Chattanooga…..Rain Rain Rain………….

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We left Tuscaloosa yesterday, and decided to stay a night or two in Chattanooga.  Lots to do in the area.  So we drove across the state of Alabama and the little corner of Georgia and entered Tennessee.  Chattanooga is tucked in between the mountains and ridges.  It is near 2 lakes and the Tennessee River.    We found a campground on the internet, Raccoon  Mountain Campground.

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It was a rather nice drive overcast but not raining.  We got settled and decided what to do the next day.  Here on the campground, which is in the mountains, is the entrance to the Raccoon Mountain Caves.  We decided to pass on them and do Rock City the next day.  Woke up the next morning and it rained….and it poured all morning….some hail….Finally around 2 pm, It was letting up, so we headed to Camping World.  Our wiper had died the day before. Were about a mile from the interstate and as we drove over the last hill this is what we seen….

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Lot and Lots and Lots of water….Notice the dump truck in the water?  That was an exit ramp off the highway.  The underpass was closed off.  Their was another car that had also been caught driving through.  It had to be pulled out with a tow truck.  Right to the left of us was Waffle House…..We stopped and had sandwiches and watched for awhile. It looked like the water was coming up, so the road wasn’t going to be open anytime soon.  We decided to go back past the campground the other way.   We drove at least 10 miles.   The road wound around the Tennesse River.  It was a beautiful drive, but sure wasn’t heading us to Camping World.  Turned around and went back to a road that said, Visitor Center, Laurel Point Overlook.  Rich thought he might find a map at the Visitor Center.  Six miles later of winding mountain roads, following the river and up the mountain, we ended up on top.  We drove across a dam that was over a mile long.  It was one way traffic. It had started raining so hard that it looked like we were driving into oblivion.

 

It turned out we had stumbled on the Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility, run by the TVA, Tennessee Valley Authority.  It is a Hydro Electric facility, that is used during peak power usage.  The reservoir at the top is over 528 acres of water.  The dam holding it is over a mile long.  The water is released through an in ground shaft through the center of the mountain down to power the hydro generators at the bottom. This picture is taken as we drove over the dam.  It was one way.  lol….It was a beautiful drive.

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When we got to the top of the mountain, turns out the Visitor Center was closed for construction.  I wanted to walk down to Laurel Point and look out over the top, but another round of rain was coming.  So back down we drove…lol….6 miles….round and round….passing the 2 underground tunnels we seen along the Tennessee River at the bottom.  The water was just pouring down the gulley’s along the road.  Little waterfalls.  So wanted to stop and take pictures, but it was pouring rain still.  After we were back out at the highway, we headed back into town.

Maybe the water was gone by now?………….No…………still their.  The dump truck was still their also…..and water getting higher….along in front of us was a loaded dump truck.  He turned around and Rich decided to follow him.  He knew where he was going.   Several blocks back up the road, he turned.  We found the way to the other side of the interstate…………yea…..finally we got on the Big Road.  Now if you don’t know, their are 3 main interstates that converge on this city.  What a mess.  Stop and go…We had to wind our way around to the other side of Lookout mountain to Camping World.  really not far by mileage, but the traffic was stop and go….Finally ….5:45…..we arrived….They closed at 6….We bought our wiper and made the trip back.  But this time we used side streets….much faster that way.  So that was our day……Our trip to Rock City or Lookout mountain never happened, and the trip to Camping World took over 3 hours …..one way….lol….but we got our wiper….so maybe Chattanooga will be on our list another time….So today we will leave and head up past Knoxville Tenn. to our friends Chris and Julie.  We haven’t seen them in over 10 years…..Can’t wait.

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Kitty is getting use to traveling…..He loves his Dad…..lol….He always wants him to pet him….Even when driving…..Kitty has his own foot stool that we put in-between us when driving down the road….Oh what a life…..

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Lucky Kitty…………..

Time for Goodbyes and the Return Trip has Begun…….

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We have been debating on when to leave.  It seems to keep storming.  The roads dry up and then another wave comes through.  It was suppose to rain all weekend until next Thursday.  We finally decided on Sunday to take off as it was cloudy but not raining.  I packed up the inside.  You have to take everything off the counters that will fall……. nothing left.  My clock has to come down, take the big TV off the dash, and lock up all the drawers and cabinets.  They will come open when you drive.  After awhile you learn what has to be secured.  Rich had to pack up everything outside.  The smoker, bikes, chairs, mat, and unhook the sewer, water hoses, and electric.  Even the cable….. lol….. Everything has a place.  Then the good byes.  We have gotten really close friends with our neighbors across the street on Albatross Lane.  Ken and Roberta, have the 2 birds.  They were tattoo artists in Missouri before retiring.  They have some beautiful tattoo work.

They have a little gazebo that is decorated so festive.  Its lined with netting, flowers and shells.  She wanted some flamingos, but couldn’t find any around.   Well a pair showed up mysteriously from New York….lol….and don’t they look at home….

I also made her a stepping stone.  I thought about it for quite awhile.  It had to be special for Roberta, as she is a very special lady.  She took care of Kitty last Christmas when we went to San Antonio.  She loves animals, birds, any form of nature.  She speaks to them…..And she really does read their mind.  They communicate.  She is an exceptional person.  I told her one time that she was unique…..lol…Hoping she wasn’t offended, because I fell so honored that we were neighbors and we grew to know each other.  So I designed it with her in mind.   The reds and blues and yellow for her babies, and the mirror to reflect the sun.  She said the 4 strips reflect the 4 directions and the winds.

Here are her babies……Maui her Parrot….and little Love Love her Cockatoo with the broken legs…..Love Love was playing with my necklace…. These guys are the luckiest birds.  They have a wonderful home, and they give them such pleasure and love in return….

So time to hook up now and leave.   Ken and Roberta came out to say good bye and also Dave and Twila, the resident Chaplin.  They were leaving the next morning for Minnesota.  It was sad, but we will all be back again next fall.   But Ken and Roberta will stay and take care of Albatross Lane….They are permanent residents…So finally off we drove, waving Good Bye……The park is now so Empty…..

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On the way to Corpus Christy we had to go through Border Patrol.  They have cameras set up on the approach.  They have a dog sniffing and ask you if your an American Citizen.   So many illegals these days. …..How do you like my birds on the dash…..lol…. We spent the first night at the Walmart Parking Lot….lol…Where else do you stay when you need supplies.  Of course, go in shopping and come out and enjoy their parking lot.

Today we went through down town Houston at noon.  Wasn’t to bad.  Went past the Minute Maid Arena,  Home of the Houston Astos.  Finally we were out of Texas for the first time in almost 5 months.  Louisiana here we come……

Traveled through Lake Charles, across the bridge.  They had a nice boat dock area and a great beach…..

Onward to the east on I 10 and through Swamp Country….miles and miles of elevated roads…

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How about Whiskey Bay…..The swamps go on for miles and miles…..check out the dirt on the window…lol

Finally here we are tonight….Between Baton Rouge and Slidell Louisiana…..another Truck stop….but that’s ok…..we have everything we need….hot water heater….shower….potty….refrigerator….AC….Tv….and a generator to make it all work….so why pay camping fees….So tomorrow it on to Slidell and heading north….We are going to visit some really good friends that we haven’t seen in probably 10 years or more in Tennessee…..

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Poor Kitty, he had a rough start again….He was really scared when we left, but he is back in the swing of things today.   But never the less, he was so so tired…………Good Nite…

Happy Birthday Scott……Today is Your Special Day……

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Lol…It seems like I keep saying that doesn’t it…Today is your special day….lol…Yes, all 3 kids Birthdays are so close together.  Accident? ….That’s what I say.  Scott is the last one…THE BABY…I was the baby also, and I use to just HATE that, when my parents called me the baby of the family.

Scott was born on a Saturday afternoon April 10 1982.  Just before I found out I was pregnant, we moved to a larger house across town.  We went from 2 bedrooms to 3.  Whew…at last, more room.  Then I found out we were pregnant.  I wasn’t working anymore after Tina was born, but I was doing some babysitting to bring in some money.  During the pregnancy, when I went to the doctor, I was approached by the nurse wondering if I would mind having a nursing student from the Jr. College nursing program follow me during all check ups, and witness the birth.   I said sure, I didn’t care.  So the next visit I was set up with the student.  Her name was Pat Tonioni from Standard.  At the time I didn’t know her, but it turns out that I know her granddaughter now.  Niki Tonioni is a Good friend of Tina’s and is Tina’s boss at the courthouse.   Small world.  Right.  Well she followed along at every visit until Easter weekend, which was late that year.  She wanted to head south to her family for the holidays.  She took the risk of going, hoping I would wait till after Easter.   Well, It just didn’t work that way.  Saturday morning, it was time.  On our way, we decided to ask our good friends, Bob and Carol Burke if their daughter, Pam, would like to come and watch….hahaha….corny aren’t we…..and so she did.   Pam was just a teenager in high school.   What better way to learn about the consequenses of birth control.  lol.  Along came Scott not long after 1 pm.  Fast as usual.  Finally a Boy.   7lb. 11 oz.  The biggest one yet…..So now we were finally done….I hoped…and we were….

Of course he was bald too.   He was more the rolly polly of the 3 while he was a baby.  He finally started growing hair around 2….

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The girls had so much fun with him.  They would pick him up and pull him around.  I remember wondering when he would walk.  but why should he……They did everything for him…..As he grew older, he thinned out.  Scott turned out to be the skinny one of the 3…..lol….

Along came Kindergarten.  He was always such a ham.  He went to Florida with dad and bought the Hog Shirt and Hat.   He thought he was so …..COOL….

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He played T Ball but wasn’t in to sports.  Not even in grade or High School.  As he grew, we found out that every electronic device he got his hands on, he would tear apart.  VCRs, TVs, Radios, you name it…It went to pieces.  Then he started in on bicycles.  He would find broken ones and take them apart and make some really weird bikes.  I remember one time he told me he was going to start a bike shop.  lol.

Finally he was old enough to mow grass.  Oh how he loved to drive the John Deere rider.

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Finally he graduated and entered High School.

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He went on a trip with his dad one summer to Sturgis on the Harley.  That set the precedent for the future.  His love of bikes.  When he got his liscense to drive, I can’t even list all his cars.   Always working on them, and still tearing them apart…..but not as bad….

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He also decided he loved to snow ski.  He really became pretty good at it.  He went on many trips until just a few years ago.   He fell and must have gotten a concussion.  He lost several days he never remembered.  I don’t think he has been skiing since.

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Scott finally Graduated from Putnam County High in 2001.  He has had some bad luck, some his fault some not.  But it has all made him a better man.  He has learned so much since graduation.  Scott lost his arm in an Industrial accident in 2004.  He has so excelled in life since.  He picked himself up and became a better man and has learned so much.  Nothing has defeated him.  He now has a small trucking company, Scottys Trucking…. But continues to try new things in life.  lol.

He tried Scottys Party Bus….lol…It was fun while it lasted….

Scott and his Girlfriend Brandy have been together for 4 or so years now.

He still loves his bikes….

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Now he’s off to something ……NEW…..One Pawz’s Pub………lol…Get the name…He has just bought the little bar in McNabb.  It was Kathy’s before.   So if your ever in McNabb Ill. Population 350, stop in One Paw’z Pub.   You won’t miss it.

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But the one thing were most proud of is how he has rallied to help his sister Tammy to achieve her dream.  Words can’t explain what him and Brandy also,  has done for her.  Tina also, both were their by her side for the years it took for her to graduate.   And still they have their moments………..

But still they are close………How Lucky We Are As Parents……………