Existing In BFE

In a previous post I talked about a homeowner East of BFE who recently erected a sign explaining to travelers on Route 150 that his property rights supersede their quest for scenic Illinois. Drove by last evening and took these pics, and then got the Hell out of there. And I was wrong that it was painted on plywood. Actually, to add to the "class" quotient this almost looks like it was beautifully executed on the back of a bench seat out of a car.

I had the opportunity to watch the last 20 minutes of Ken Burns Civil War documentary of 1990. It reminded me of Sullivan Ballou's letter to his wife. It was such a haunting note that I thought you would like to hear it again. It is a stunning letter of one mans love of country and wife. Seems appropriate again as we are at war once more.

It takes 5 miles to get to Route 150 from BFE . Yesterday I turned left to head up to Alpha and then to Bishop Hill for the car show. Right past the tracks after getting on 150 is a rather rundown house on the left with some junk in the front yard. There have been some old derelict cars/trucks and there appeared to be rusted metal machines of some sort lying about. Then I noticed a big poorly painted sign on plywood, "If you don't like what it looks like, then don't look." I didn't stop to take a picture of it then, but wish I would have. After I got home yesterday afternoon after the show I hopped on my bike with my camera, but sadly, the sign had been taken down. I'll check off and on going to work and if it reappears I'll take a picture of it.

I decided to take my Plymouth, aka Baby, to the Bishop Hill car show yesterday. The Chrysler is not quite ready for showing but will be by next Friday's big cruise-in in Monmouth. Anyway, I saw a sad exhibit of a father's love for his son. I didn't ask any questions, but I gather a young man, Charlie, passed away at the age of 26, and his dad had a newer truck painted with several vignettes depicting his kid's life. By the way, I didn't win anything but Baby is always a popular addition to the usual T-Birds, 55-56-57 Chevys and street machines. Blah!

A man was riding his Kawasaki along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, 'Because you have TRIED to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.' The biker pulled over and said, 'Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want.' The Lord said, 'That request is materialistic, think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required to reach the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind.' The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally, he said, 'Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand our wives; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she c...

I had just taken early retirement from Mary Davis Home and had a summer off. I traveled approximately 7000 miles on my bike that summer with 4 trips: 1. Boscobel , Wisconsin 2. Moab , Utah 3. Deadwood, South Dakota 4. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Here are some pics of the South Dakota trip: This is the site of the Wounded Knee massacre. Really strange I thought at the time because signs were minimal, and once I got there, really no presentation whatsoever. No tourist information area, no signs describing the carnage, and no gift shops. Found out later that Wounded Knee is on Indian Territory and they choose not to commercialize this tragic incident. The Federal government continues to offer money and incentives to turn it into a National Park, but so far the Lakota Tribe continues to spurn any offers. This is a pic of me in front of Mount Rushmore. It was a cold morning and I had on 7 shirts to keep warm. Nice thing to see, and especially liked the long walk to viewing area flanked all...

Because of some erroneous information I was led to believe your birthday was in late August. Sorry not to be able to give you your present, so I will send it next week. Hopefully by a week you will have it. Hope you guys have a great birthday and if work schedules prevent it, then pick a day and have it again!

Saw this last week, didn't watch it because I don't like cats nor do I trust them but then Andrea sent it to me. Of course cat lovers will claim felines have extraordinary powers, while dog lovers will just surmise the cat is hungry. Regardless, its still a nice story that has heart. (And it doesn't hurt having Whitney Houston singing in the background.)

I've seen this for some time now, it is not particularly new. This is one aspect of riding a bike that scares me, and in some ways may make me a better rider. The prospect of running into one of these is always on my mind and even more now that I am in BFE. Regardless a cool video.

Wish I was back there. Fun bar on the ocean called Caddy's On The Beach. Googled this pic and remember those silly relaxation technique seminars? You know, the ones where some trainer says to mentally place yourself in a pleasant place. Well, for me, it would be Caddy's Beach which is part of Treasure Island. All "ma bitches" close by, gentle waves lapping on the beach, cold beer close by, lovely looking ladies, warm water, cool ash-like sand, and a feeling like it can't possibly get any better in this world.

As you can see, it is impossible to get a shot of Mackenzie without someone else close by. She's got a thing for a guy named Drew, and a guy named Bishop. Bishop is the one with the big ears. Drew is doing his Personal Training thing, and constantly calling me for secrets to staying buff and cut, while Kenze does her New York Store management gig.

This company, Buildasign .com, is offering a FREE welcome home customizable banner to military families to help welcome home their loved ones returning from overseas. They are proud to offer 3 x 6 foot banners until FRIDAY July 25 th !. So Hurry. You have to pay for shipping which cost me about $13.00, but without the promo code it would have cost over $80.00. If you have a loved one "over there" or know someone who does let them know about this great offer. Go to" http://www.buildasign.com/Troops Enter Promo code: 7 SOLDIERSIGN or SOLDIERSIGN

Here is a shot of Unit #9 that we used to store things for close to a year. It came in handy and we couldn't have been without some storage, but I'm glad we don't have those monthly costs anymore. Storage is like buying shoes: doesn't seem like you are getting much for your money. Of course I'm liable to get an argument from Kenzie , our little Imelda, with the shoe reference. You can use any reference you like, for instance, underwear, roof shingles, sump pump, well, you get my drift.

Galesburg received word Friday that Starbucks is closing less than a year in operation. I also heard on Thursday that not all is rosy with the newest shopping center farther East at the new Wal-Mart. That company designated several area organizations and/or charities as beneficiaries of $500.00 donated by the Wal-Mart. Word is that that is being reduced to $100.00 due to financial considerations. This is an article from the Register-Mail regarding the Henderson Street business climate. Shuttered and silent on Henderson Street -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By TOM LOEWY The Register-Mail Posted Jul 18, 2008 @ 10:52 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GALESBURG — If the prospect of Starbucks’ imminent demise on Henderson Street bothered store baristas, the four employees working the post-lunch hour Friday tried not to show it. “We can’t say anything at all,” one barista said. “We’ve been tol...

Great Italian Motorbike Display - For more of the funniest videos, click here I have to tell you, this is amazing. Granted, these are smaller European cycles, and no doubt they practised forever, but this is still quite stunning. Of course, I suppose they didn't release the parts of the display that didn't exactly work. I'm thinking of doing something similar right here in BFE.

As we continue to grouse about the price of gas and a gallon of milk, let's not forget the acts of heroism that continue in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a great piece on Mike Monsoor , Navy SEAL who selflessly threw himself on a grenade to save his fellow soldiers. Be sure to click on the YouTube film halfway down the article. http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/monsoor.asp

Never would have thought that there would be an ice cream truck in BFE. Thought those days were long gone after I left Galesburg, but by golly, guess we need ice cream here, too. Kinda fun to see the kids chase the truck after having to get money from a parent.

Clever way to get the dogs exercised and have fun doing it. This enterprising fellow here in BFE is walking the dogs with his mini-4-wheeler. Heard there was a third dog at home that didn't exactly have the stamina necessary to keep up and is no longer part of the fun.

Going through the family albums can be rewarding. We recently uncovered this picture of twins Mike and Mark after having been kicked off the Seaton to Keithsburg kindergarten bus. Why anyone could have suspected us of foul play is beyond my comprehension. And then to label us as ruffians and hooligans was way out of line. Why, Mark and I have upheld the highest standard of civilized behavior. Do not go back checking the entry detailing an unfortunate and sad incident with M-80's and Cherry bombs on poor Buster Board's new eaves.

I drove by the old house last week and noticed a sign in the front yard. We were there for 20 years and we leave and they gussy up the block. This must have been the one in front of Luther and Bonnies house.

A neighbor gave this 2 nd zucchini to me, the first I was able to re-gift and give to someone else, but they don't want any more, so now I'm stuck. Just what is done to make these palatable, or do I pitch this in the trash? I think this is one of those nuisance items you grow and give to people to show them how nice you are.

Nancy and Lisa Makeever during her 4th of July visit. Lisa and Dave still have the most comfortable back yard in Galesburg.

Tarasa & John Gerdes , Mike & Nancy, Dave and Lisa Makeever This time of year reminds me of the wonderful times we had with our neighbors on Grove Street. We would spend time at each others patios on these warm summer nights discussing all manner of things. Lots of laughing, lots of drinking and always the freedom to speak freely with friends. Tiki's were always lit somewhere and this was the very best way to spend a weekend evening . Dave and Lisa remain on Grove, while the Gerdes's moved to North Canton, Ohio.

Just got a call from Willie who has working on my bike. The news is: it is fixed and done and bringing it all the way up to me. I tried to tell him I'd be glad to meet him in Litchfield, but he is insistent and will be here in roughly 5 hours from when he takes off.

For some reason this struck me as funny. Its by the Berlitz folks who teach foreign languages.

$14.95 I got my AmerenIP bill yesterday and for a 29 day period my bill was $14.95! I'm loving this downsizing. For the same amount of days I was paying monthly with budget billing $219.00 at Chambers street. Wow!

Not sure what this is. This is the coastal town of Cobn (Cove). Another shot of Cobn (Cove). This is the last port-of-call and berth for the Titanic. These are pictures Brendan too while on a side trip to Ireland with his friend Karen. This is the area not far from Cork. Brendan said this is a city called Cobn which translates into Cove. Beautiful pictures and glad he had a chance to visit this country. He knew I was a bit of a Titanic buff so took these pictures of the last berth Titanic stayed at before her fateful voyage.

...And cats run up phone poles to get away. And so it goes here in BFE.

Dear Son, I was reminded last week on the 4 th that you gave me my greatest gift last year on that date. You had a week off and decided to come on up with Karen. I had a car show in Kewanee and everyone was going to come there and see me and check out the cars. I asked, kind of knowing it was an unreasonable request, that you wear your class A's, because a soldier in dress uniform is just so damn cool looking. You had told me that you most definitely did not like wearing class A's, and that it was heavy and it was just too cumbersome. Besides, you were on leave and didn't have to wear a uniform, just nice to wear grubs. I accepted, and was just glad you guys were coming over and seeing me. It was getting late in the day, the trophies were going to be distributed in a few minutes, and I had just about decided that everyone had changed their minds. Then I saw your Mother and you and Karen, and guess what. On a day that was close to 90 degrees, there you were in your dress u...

View Larger Map Nancy made it back to Largo at around 1:30 today and Kenzie came over to greet her. Glad the trip went well and hope she settles in without too much hassle. Although apart and living separately, I wish her great success and hope everything goes great. Besides, I still think she's crazy about me.

View Larger Map Nancy made it to Valdosta, Georgia. The trip was tough because of traffic work around Atlanta, but she will be heading into Florida tomorrow for about a 4 hour drive. Oh, by the way, the cat's OK, for whatever that is worth.

View Larger Map Nancy made it to Murfreesboro yesterday (Monday) and finally got a little sleep. By all accounts she and the cat are well and enjoying a good sleep. I have orders to awaken them at 7:00 am. She said it was a long day and is looking forward to a good rest. I didn't have the heart to tell her that the first hurricane of the season, Bertha, is picking up steam.

Well, Brendan, your cat Sorsha is heading down to Florida with your Mother. It is no longer going to have to suffer me, and likewise, I am rid of all cats. This is a shot of Sorsha in its carrier on the front seat of the rental truck. I can't adequately describe the joys of feline-freedom: no more scratching and chipping away at the doors, and no more meowing at 4:00 am wanting food, and no more shredded areas of carpet, or the shedding, or the claws stuck in the screens, or the mess at the litter box, or the scratched furniture, or the chewed plants, or dashes to get out the door, or scooping poop, but other than that I had no problem with it.

Nancy arrived Peoria on Thursday morning via Allegiant Air. The purpose of the trip besides to see me was to gather all of her things in storage and take them back with her to her new apartment in Largo, Florida. We had an absolutely perfect time and I must say it was a great sadness to see her leave. We loaded up her rental truck on Thursday afternoon and again finished up on Sunday. She has been gone no longer than 20 minutes and she hopes to arrive in Florida by Wednesday. It will be a long trip, but she will have some company as the cat, Sorsha , will be living with her in Florida. So its just Missy and me now and as far as the cat goes it is "addition by subtraction". Nancy and I loading the rental truck on Sunday. We enjoyed an evening in Burgess on Saturday. Nancy showing Janine pictures of Florida in Burgess. We also went to the Cities on Saturday for a bit of shopping and Whitey's. Sunday after finishing the loading, we went to see Wall-E.