Uncategorized

And Were Off Again…..lol…For The Second Time…..

w2bergen 2 Comments

Now I bet you are wondering what I mean….For the SECOND TIME….lol….Last Tue. was Aug. 18 and the date we had decided to leave.  I will tell you later and leave you in suspense for now….

This summer has been a very strange one.  We didn’t sell the house after all, so we started living in it when we returned last May.  The kitchen filled up with dishes and things.  Clothes came back in, and then …………Tammy decided to move in and leave Spring Valley.  Of course we all thought that would be a good idea.  The kids would change schools and go to Putnam County School system.  Cassidy was really happy, which surprised me.  Even Cameron decided to go to Putnam Co. High.  Tammy immediately looked for a new job closer and with in days she found a new job at Lacon Nursing Home.  She also found a wonderful sitter for Carly. It all happened really fast.  So that meant we had to move our stuff back out.  So as Tammy moved in…………we moved out………but the one good thing, we didn’t have to move all of it.  So now she is the KEEPER OF THE LEFT OVERS…..lol….ITS CALLED COLLECTIBLES…….STUFF…..So finally about 3 weeks ago, we were back to living in the MH.  It was really so nice to move back in……”Cozy”…..  Kitty even is happy.  Look, he was watching Batman on the dash…..lol….

11900513_10204592245193768_2040006237_o

The last days Rich had lots to do.  He has motorcycles that he wanted to take out to Scotts.  His custom chopper that he built in 2011,which is his Pride and Joy and a 1979 FLH Harley.

His other Harley, 1970 Sporster,  would be staying in the basement for now.  You just don’t want a Harley in the house with a 3 year old.   Not a good combination.  Rich and Cameron took the bikes to Scotts.   Cameron had never ridden them before, but grandpa asked and he was sure HAPPY to help out…..Of Course…What Teenage boy wouldn’t want to ride a Harley.

So the 2 of them, rode out of the driveway and out to Scotts which is about 4 or 5 miles.  So now they are safe and sound.  School also started last week.  Miley is in 1st grade and Austin is in 4 year old preschool.

11911636_10204597249198865_339140290_n

They were all excited to go.  And of course Dexter has to be in all pictures…..I swear he poses for them.  Cassidy started 6 th grade and Cameron is a Junior.  Both came home with Chrome books.  We were all rather impressed.  Its a nice small computer with a super bag.  The computer is installed in the case, and you don’t take it out to use it.  Just unzip.  Very nice set up.  How things have changed.  All homework and assignments are now done on computer.  Homework is Emailed.  Finally the day came,……. Last Tue. …

.Rich had worked on the back brakes during the summer.  Had the wheels of and did all the repairs.  So in getting ready to leave, he did his pretrip on the MH.  Filled all the fluids………That morning we did our final packing.  Said our good byes……Tammy and the kids waited while we drove out the drive and around the block past the house.  She was heading to town after we left.

11873196_10204593757871584_11384446_o

We stopped in front and the kids ran up and came inside to give grandpa one last hug.  Then we all waved and drove up the street.

We were traveling along about half an hour and started to smell something burning.  Of course we were in construction so had to drive several miles to an off ramp.  I really thought the truck brakes had locked up because we hadn’t put it in neutral.  But here the front brake on the MH on the drivers side wasn’t releasing and had actually started on fire.  Wow.  Rich turned around and went back towards home. …….  What did I do?…….   I got the fire extinguisher out, and held it all the way home.   lol…

Now in the meantime…..Tammy had posted all those pictures she took of us leaving on Facebook.   All you wonderful people were liking the post and wishing us well, and here we are back in the drive way, looking like this…..

Now even Tammy was gone as she had went to town.   Rich took off the tires and the brakes after it cooled down.  He knew he had to buy new brakes as they were fried and calipers.  Next it was figuring out why they wouldn’t release……His good buddy Bob went trough everything and checked…..Nothing wrong…..Next day….More thinking overnite….Our good neighbor Ryan comes over and helps….still nothing really….a trip to Princeton is now in order to talk to a mechanic shop that works on this type of equipment….ideas, but still nothing concrete…..well after some more thinking over nite….another coffee shop discussion uptown, it was figured out.   Rich did his pretrip and filled all liquids…..EVEN BRAKE FLUID…..Your NOT suppose to do that.   It needs room inside for when you push the brake, the pistons move.  His brakes had locked up and couldn’t release.   DUHHHHHHH……….So last Thur……WE LEFT AGAIN……..lol…..

11914028_10204605009152859_1886260315_o

But the blessing in disguise was we really needed 2 new tires on the front.  Tina says that things always happen for a reason.  I’m sure the reason was,….we needed new tires…..So a new set of brakes and calipers and 2 new tires later, we were good to go…..

Our first stop was Branson.

11948577_10204613805252756_1959010446_o

Checked in to a really nice campground.  They take many discounts.  Passport America is great.  Our cost $23 a nite for full hookups…..48 channels on cable and free wifi…..Great Deal….

Extremely clean, with large modern restrooms, showers and Laundromat.  Great Pool and shaded lots…..Not far from the strip…..I highly recommend it.

Right after we got all settled we received a call.  Our plans have been, for the last year, to try gate guarding in the oil fields.  I had contacted a company this summer and we filled out the paper work.  We were expecting to arrive south of San Antonio later next week.  So now they have a gate for us already for Monday………OHHHH NO….Its Friday afternoon and they want us over a thousand miles away by Monday?…..I just payed for 2 nites……What to do……lol…..We told them we would be their early Tue morning….So we packed up the next morning and left for Texas.   Now when anyone asks……Who did you see in Branson…..I will say ……………..NOBODY…………Silly isn’t it….lol..

11890604_10204613958816595_376114612_o

So here we are on Sunday in New Braunfels Texas……We are about 3 hours away.  We visited our niece Misty, and husband Mark and kids today.   We spent Thanksgiving with them last year here at Golden Corral….lol…Today we went to Walmart and stocked up all the things we will need.

For those of you who don’t know what this is I will explain it.  In the oil fields, the companys want a guard at the gates entering the wells they are drilling in or fracking.  The guard is responsible to log  the liscence plate and names of all who enter or exit the gate.  You are required to have an RV to live in.  They supply a generator for power, a water tank for water, and a tank to dump waste from your RV tanks.  Everything you need to live except food.  In return you and your spouse are covering this gate 24 hours a day.  So we have to work out sifts.  One needs to sleep too……lol…….And the best part is…………You get paid a fabulous wage for this service…….Gotta give this a try……

Now the kinda scary part is where this gate is……….Carrizo Springs Texas…..In looking at the map….It is just north of Larado…..a very desolate area, not that far from the border…..So are we the Guniea Pigs?…..lol….Does nobody else want it?……Maybe this is initiation…..Along with maybe………. rattlers,…… tarantellas, ……and maybe even some illegals ……Hahaha…..Time will Tell…….

STAY TUNED……….Tomorrow we head to our new Job………”GATE GUARDING IN SOUTHERN TEXAS”..………..Its only going to be 100 degrees all week……lol…..

11923065_10204594702135190_200436008_n

“ONE PAW’Z PUB” Scott and Brandys New Bar……Open House

w2bergen 1 Comment

Here in this little town of McNabb, Pop. around 350, give or take,  lol,  their is one little bar on the corner.  When we first moved here in 1978, it was called “Bob and Lorene’s”.   This building is probably one of the oldest buildings in town.  They have traced it back to the early 1920,s.  It was a bank, hardware store, many many different business were operated through the years.  Soon after we moved to town, Bob and Lorene sold it to Kathy.  It’s name then changed to “Kathy’s”.  All these years it has been operating with Kathy at the helm.  The favorite place for all the locals and the farmers to go and get a beer, or at lunch time, she would have a daily special and sandwiches on the grill.  You could even play a little pool. A few years after Kathy bought the bar, she married Bob Mekely.   Bob worked for the Village for many years part time as a maintenance man.  But it was really fulltime as the job really consumed him.  He mowed the grass in the park, and drove the snow plow truck in the winter.  Many a morning he would be out before 5 to plow the city streets so we could all make it to work.  Several years ago, the city installed the new sewer system.  Bob was not only responsible for the pump house, which meant stopping in twice a day, checking for leaks and taking water samples, but now also for the new sewer system.  He worked 7 days a week and sometimes, during the night.  His phone was hooked to the alarm system at the pump house.  Several winters back, Bob had a Heart Attack.  He passed away instantly as he was driving the snow plow early one morning.  He glided into a yard and left this world behind the wheel.  So sad.  He has been so missed, not only as the bar owner, but also as the town maintenance.  It has taken 3 men to replace him.  So Kathy was left alone to run the bar.  A year ago Kathy started talking about selling.  Several people were interested and so was Scott.  Finally this year the deal was done.

11541313_10204270677034765_194457903_n

10612941_1068574593156122_4839763303489037863_n

Scott and Brandy bought Kathy’s bar and apartment renaming it    “ONE PAW’Z PUB”   They officially took over April 1 2015.  Scott has been so excited.  Him and Brandy are changing the bar from a sleepy little bar to a bar that not only the town will enjoy but also a Biker Bar.  A place to stop on Poker Runs, or just a nice stop on your bike on a beautiful day.

They are keeping weekday noon lunch’s with Brandy being the friendly cook and bartender, but adding entertainment maybe once a month and very soon Karaoke.  Scott built a stage and also built some new tables.  He built these awesome new tables in their basement at home.  He found a Putnam County historical book and cut out articles and pictures of town.

He layed them out on one of the tables and coated the tables in the heavy plastic.  So so cool.   He did other tables also with different themes…..Some more biker and some….well not so nice….lol….Meant for the ” Adult ” crowd.  lol.

19797_1061656343847947_7034059052434707899_n

The finished look.  He also added 2 more TVs on the back wall, a new digital jukebox and electronic darts.  Then he ordered his new sign……

Now everyone knows Scottie.   NOBODY lets him on a ladder.   lol.   He is accident prone.   So his friends Ben, John and others climbed on the ladders and installed the new sign.  Now we all also know that Scottie does things in a “BIG” way.   lol.

He has painted his box on his truck with his new logo…..” ONE PAW’Z PUB”…….

10407320_1110404435639804_8819164233024614943_n

Several weeks ago, they held their OPEN HOUSE on a Saturday nite.   It was a fun evening.  He brought his truck to town and extended the box up and parked by the tracks and hung a white flag on it to attract Attention….lol…Brandy hired a band that they had play for her birthday party last year, and it was a great success.

Many of the local town people came.  Even many of the business people.  They have had almost the total support of the village.  It was grand seeing everyone having fun, all the way up to closing time.   It was a Party evening.

11649085_10204270686915012_1567872086_o

Kathy came for awhile, she enjoyed it, but soon retreated to her new house several blocks away…..Her new life of peace and quite….lol….no more drinkers and partiers….

11275559_10204270338106292_1694474502_n

Now their new plans are to bring in Gaming Machines.   He is tearing out the Kathy’s apartment next door and opening it up to the bar.  It is quit a process, to get the Gaming machines.  The state has many rules on the placement of the machines as well as the paper work itself.  So they are hoping it will be done by the end of the year or sooner.  Gaming machines are big business these days.  They bring in a nice little tidy sum of money to the owner.  Most of the work is being done by Scotts good friend Ben.   They have been friends since kindergarten. Here they are at Scotts Birthday Party.  We went to Peoria, and this cabin was at the Zoo park area.  These were all neighbor kids.  Scott, Ben and his sister, Mindy, Cortney…..

008

It is so cool to see these kids who started out so so small.  They have grown into such productive adults and family men.  Ben and his wife Tracy have just had a new baby this year.  He also has a step daughter that is a “new” teenager…..lol…almost drivers license time…lol…..Ben is now a carpenter by trade.  He learned it from his father.  So so talented.  Its amazing, as their was a time that we all worried that both these boys lives were on the way to DOOM and GLOOM…..and look at them now.  Both WELL RESPECTED in the community.

So if your ever in the area of McNabb……that would be in Illinois….lol….COME ON BY….Stop and have a Drink.  Play a little Pool.  So if your standing at his corner….look in all 4 directions….If you see cornfields all Directions….Your in the Right Place….lol..

………..“ONE PAW’Z PUB”……….

Brandy is usually their…..Its her 2nd home now…lol…Scott is usually their most evenings when he is done with his day job….”Trucking”….During the week, if your their around noon, you can stop and have their daily special or a sandwich…..Tell them Scotts Mom and Dad sent you….lol..

Never the less….Its just a good place to just Stop, …….Have a Cold One,…… Meet Brandy, The Best Bartender in Town, ……..Visit with the Town Folk….. Farmers during the Day…..Partiers at Nite……Have a Few Laughs…..lol…

I Bet You Can Catch a Little Gossip TOOooooo…..

Miley’s Kindergarten Graduation

w2bergen 1 Comment

Last Monday was Mileys Kindergarten Graduation.  Wow .  Where have the years gone.   First Grade, here we come…….We met at Tina’s at 12;15 and went over to the school together.  Tina, Ed, and Austin, Aunt Beth, Rich and I and Gino.  Miley attends Kindergarten at the Granville Primary School, and the Graduation was held across the street in the Auditorium at the High School.  As we parked the cars, all the little Graduates were walking across the street to the High School.  I don’t think I have been in this school since Scott Graduated, back in 2001.  Well nothing really changed.  It still looks the same, just new faces.

11303567_10204175209288131_1436042212_n

Austin and Dad, waiting for Graduation to begin

We found our seats in the auditorium as many more parents and grandparents came filing in.  As I sat their, I remembered the days when Tammy and Tina were going to school here.  Tammy helped and attended lots of the Theater Productions here and spent many hours in this Auditorium.  Scott also graduated Kindergarten on this same stage.  Finally it began, all the little kids filed out onto the stage.

Some were shy, some were looking for their parents, some were just waving wildly at everyone.  They were so excited.  Kindergarten was comprised of 3 class’s.  They sang some really cute songs, some with alphabet letters, ….The last one was “The Eye of the Tiger”.   They were so into it….GREAT JOB…The time came for the presentation of the Diplomas.

Each teacher handed out her own.  Each child had answered the question….What do you want to do when you grow up……So Miley was introduced as the “Future Tumbling Coach”…lol…. some were so cute…..There were teachers, doctors, hairdressers, and moms….even a future robot…..lol…but one of the cutest was, ……”A fixer of anything broken”…..lol…Finally it was over.  The kids met up with us out in the lobby.

Austin gave Miley a Pink and Red Rose.  I gave her a yellow rose and balloon.   She started getting really shy and didn’t want her picture taken, but finally success…..lol…..

We took her picture with her teacher, Mrs. Serafini, and with her favorite friend Paige.  Finally we left the school and headed into Spring Valley.  Tina had left a cake and balloons at the Gold Mine Restaurant, where Connie works.  So we had a little party.

Everyone came, and eat dinner. Miley got new birthstone earrings from her mom and dad.   So Ed put them in.  …lol…Finally it was time to leave.

Here is some more cute photos of Miley, Mom, Dad, Austin, and of course we must not forget DEXTER…lol…

Tonight is the last nite before Gino goes home…..We have done so many things that I have not even touched on.

11304258_10204146946821587_25757451_n

We went to Galesburg to see our other brother  (my full brother).

Went back to Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.  We spent 2 more hours their…lol….Love that Cemetery…

Went down to Magnolia and found old Cumberland Cemetery and I showed Gino, our dads old fishing area at the Big Sandy Creek, right near the Cemetery.

This is such a beautiful secluded spot……Great spot for partying and parking….lol….lol…How would I know?…..We did so many things while Gino was here, many things i’ve never mentioned …….and lots of stuff left for next year….So train leaves tomorrow…..

Guess Who else is going…….

“ME………For a Week……lol….Another Vacation…..Wow….

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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).

11351281_10205948329539878_3748464332219588273_n

They had a 45 min wait in line.

10314623_10205949186001289_4929002738518389468_n

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.

10154256_10205952310399397_3136803861418532314_n

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

11259506_10205951871708430_4225995805394609482_n

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.

11348893_10204080084670075_1650862737_n

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.

20100408251270755505

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.

11251575_10204020534901368_2124603408_n

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

11251598_10204020585942644_1935452053_n

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.

11208696_10204020566662162_1234658122_n

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…….

11225920_10204020620903518_1989359773_n

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.

11117709_10204046991682771_1098331609_n

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…..


(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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.

map_of_toluca_il

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.

6333295031_28e3e65505_z

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.

5443129571_9abbc04aa5_z

5336706

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.

10904787_10204025051614283_2026296312_n

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.

11210166_10204025058854464_616987453_n

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.

11128393_10204024938811463_1025578294_n

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.

11210182_10204025032013793_552332004_n

11253876_10204025038333951_963943513_n

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.

11210366_10204031890465250_1975070293_n

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.

11186434_10204031888345197_1747154057_n

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……


(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

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

w2bergen Leave a comment

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.

11178388_10203952229873785_1121469635_n - Copy

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.

11150196_10202971194959455_2587605483896435086_n

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….

327561_1888455018776_7145052_o

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.

309909_4654225041298_546320600_n

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.

11165973_10203939399473033_1234482882_n

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.

11178569_10203933997657991_47603313_n

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…….

w2bergen 1 Comment

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…..

11173613_10203913447704255_873216111_n

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.

T-o-t-D-map

“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.  …..

11130690_10203914536371471_1365634001_n

.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.

635533000176109022deals-gap3

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.

Tree_Of_Shame_05

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.

11074531_10203914500130565_2082860031_n

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.

tail-of-the-dragon-at-deals-gap-easter2014-6_jpg

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…'”