STILL CAN'T BEAT "THAT PLACE!"

         Last night I drove to Conrad and had dinner at That Place on the corner outside Conrad. It has been awhile since I had been there and living now in Williamsburg, it's a little out of the way. 
   
          I made sure I got there right at 5PM so that I could make it back home for the World Series at 7PM. There was no doubt that I was going to have Prime Rib as I still say it is the best for miles and miles around. Also, on the menu was Walleye. No problem! I had both. Or, should I say the Walleye on the`side. 

          Well, as everyone knows. the Cubs lost game four. That's why you never put all your eggs in one basket. I hedged my bet. I am very disappointed about the Cubs, but, oh that meal at That Place!

THE "CAVE" BY OUR HOUSE!

        I was never sure why we called the "Cave." It was located no more than 25 feet or so from the west side of our house on the farm where I grew up southeast of Laurel, Iowa. The story always was that at one time there had been a house situated at this location and at some point in time moved to Laurel. 

       The basement then was capped in a rounded form with a wood slanted utility door and steps descending down into the "cave." There was also an open hole on the top, I presume for venting, and a basement window like open area on the east side.

        Growing up, from time to time I would carry dirt and slowly attempt to cover the top and allow grass to grow. I never knew a time where, my parents used it for storage of any kind ie: for fruits or vegetables. Mainly, it was use`d during my younger years a place to play. It was my hide-out, head-quarters, whatever I wanted it to be. Maybe there just wasn't any other name to give it but the "Cave."






    

BEST CONCERT I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE W/ SISTER DORIS

      It was 1999 and my sister, Doris, had tickets to see the George Strait Tour concert at Jack Trice stadium at ISU in Ames, Iowa. It was a star studded all day concert with the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Kenny Chesney.

        She asked me to attend with her as someone she had asked couldn't go. At first I didn't realize it would be an all day affair. Let's be honest here. I am not a big Country music fan and when I found out it was an all day deal I had second thoughts. 

       On hind-sight and with regret, I talked Doris out of seeing two of the early afternoon acts. But then,  I thought that this was something that my big sister wanted to see and would enjoy, so suck it up Dennis and enjoy it with her.

       And, boy did I! First, it was a beautiful day and the seats were in the 5th row front and center. Doris ordered these tickets through ticket-master, Fargo, North Dakota, got right in and obtained these great seats. There were NASCAR race cars sitting around and lots of great food like corn on the cob!

       The short of it, I probably had more or at least as much fun as my sister. The funniest part was when George Strait was ready to perform, Doris wanted to leave to beat the traffic and, besides, she had seen him several times! The day proved that sometimes we end up enjoying something that we didn't want to do in the first place! 

           

"I HAVE BAGS!"

       A lady that was checking out at the Burg Grocery and informed me that she had bags to put her groceries in. Then she said something funny like--"I have these bags besides the ones under my eyes and bags in places on my body that I can't show you!" I thought it was funny and never had heard a customer say something like that! A regular Henny Youngman.  

WHAT HAPPENED TO TRICK IN TRICK & TREAT!

     I am not sure when it happened, but, hardly a kid anymore has a joke or "trick" when coming to the door. Even when a parent is along they just smile and giggle at their cuttie. If you asked if they have a trick they all look at you like you are on another planet. 

       If it is now really "Give me a treat and be quick about it," then maybe one should just turn a light on and sit the candy outside and let them help themselves! I know times have changed, but, this is one I am not going along with. 

       If you need a joke here is one of my favorites. "What is a pirates favorite socks?" ARRRRRGYLE!

DREAM-WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

       The night before last I had a dream where I was driving and all of a sudden I couldn't see due to what had to be fog. I was going extremely fast and for some reason couldn't get the car to slow down. No matter how hard I tried to apply the brakes, I just kept going fast and was noticing more road signs and buildings off to the side. So, I knew I was coming into a town, and also knew I was in big trouble, but, then suddenly I awoke! What if I wouldn't have? 

WORLD SERIES/I WIN BOTH WAYS-SORT OF!

     Don't get me wrong. I am with the Cubs all the way in the World Series. I really have been a fan of the Cubs since I attended the first night game at Wrigley back on August 9th, 1988.* I think at first I fell in love with Wrigley and the whole neighborhood that surrounds it more than the the actual Cubs.

       When I was a young boy back in the early 1950's, I was a big Cleveland Indians fan because of Bob Feller their ace pitcher and from Iowa. Rocky Colavito was the Indians big slugger in the 1950's into the 60's. Al Rosen was another standout that I remember as one of the first or few Jewish baseball players of the time and nick-named the "Hebrew Slammer!"

        But, make no mistake I will be very disappointed if the Cubs don't win the Series. However, if they don't win, a part of me will be happy for the Indians! As a famous American once said: (my mother) "Someone has to win and someone has to lose!"   

       

YOU KNOW WE HAVE TOO MUCH STUFF WHEN-----!

------just at our small Burg Grocery we have the following categories of PAM cooking spray: 1) Original  2) extra virgin olive oil  3) superior olive oil  4) butter  5) coconut oil  6) let's grill  7) baker's joy  8) baking with flour! That's just one brand. I am sure the larger chains have many more!  Is this a great country or what!!!

INFRASTRUCTURE/ GET OUT OF HERE!

      You hear from both major Presidential candidates that they will do so much about infrastructure to create jobs! It seems like no matter where I travel, interstate highways, state highways, or local roads , I am constantly confronted with construction and detours or at least slow downs. 

       Doesn't most of the money for much of infrastructure such as road repair come from gasoline tax. Maybe I am looking at things too locally. An area like Des Moines seems to be booming whether it is private or public construction. I guess I need more of an education from some source just how all this new construction is going to work and take place. I just hope this isn't more of Washington's way of building more bridges to nowhere!

ON A BEAUTIFUL FALL DAY/HAD TO GET OUTSIDE!

     This afternoon I just get outside since it was such a beautiful fall day. I decided to check out any local river walks. I found one that sounded like something worth visiting.

       It was fairly close to home right in Corallville, Iowa. I visited the Iowa River Landing Wetland Park. It comprises of a two acre pond and five acre wetland area connected with an elevated walk-way. I had never seen anything like it before. 

       It was a great way to spend a couple of hours on a beautiful Iowa autumn afternoon! It's the same old story. I might remember this day with nature more so than a pro football game cooped up indoors!


      

I MAY BE LOSING IT!

      Like most everyone, I am a creature of habit, especially in the early morning routine. I get up and take care of my kitty, start the coffee, brush my teeth, shave, go for my power walk and, well, you get the picture. 

       Yesterday I was eating my breakfast and realized I had not shaved yet. I don't think I ever remember not shaving before I had breakfast. For some reason I decided to clean the bathroom  sink right then and I guess I distracted myself. I don't consider it a big deal if I forget to pick up something at the grocery store, even with a list, but, not shaving? I will be watching this over-sight closely! 

ANCHOVIES/TOO MUCH OF A GAMBLE FOR ME!

       Speaking of the "grain futures" market, it reminded me of a funny story related to all this when I was still in college. Because of family interest in farming at the time, I  hypothetically played the soybean futures for a time just to see how I would do. 

        At a particular time, I had figured the soybean market should have gone UP for whatever logic I had used at the time. I do remember reading in the newspaper at the time that the soybean market went DOWN due to a world event. The event was something I would have never thought of.  The ANCHOVY catch was quit large at the time off the Chilean coast of South America. The oil from anchovies was a competitor of soybean oil. 

         I gave up my game. My thinking was if I had to tie in anchovies and what was happening that far away, it wasn't something I should get myself involved with!  

THE BOYS FROM VEGAS CAME BACK W/ HIM!

     Because it's harvest time, I hear a lot of stories relating to such at work. It brought to memory a story I remember from the 1970's and involved a auto dealer in Ankeny, Iowa at the time and his involvement in "playing" the grain futures market. 

       As the story went he lost a considerable amount of money on the "futures" and then decided to go to Las Vegas to make back the money he lost on playing grain futures. That didn't work out either. The story went on that some "boys" came back with him from Vegas. 

      In the whole process he lost his dealership and his wife also divorced him. Sometimes it is best to stick to what you seem to know or do best!

WHERE'S WAUBEEK IA-IT'S BY WHERE?

      This past week at the Burg Grocery some one brought up something that happened at a town in Iowa called Waubeek. I asked where it was as I had never heard of it. The response was that it was near Central City which I had heard of, but, still was not sure where it was located. 

       It reminded me of my mother from time to time when bringing up someone she knew many years ago around Laurel.  She would mention a name of someone who lived X miles west of Laurel. I wouldn't know who she was talking about because she was going back to the 1930's or so. Usually, she would have to keep coming up to a time when I knew the current people and then I could pin-point where her story was originating. 

       Now I sometimes go through the same thing similar with my sister, Doris, but only because` she might be talking about someone that I never knew since I haven't lived in the Laurel area for a long long time. Besides, she knows more people than the average bear!  

THE STREAKER @ KINNICK!

      At the Hawkeye-Badger game yesterday, they were honoring Randy Duncan who past away recently and was an outstanding quarterback at Iowa in the late 1950's. A nearby fan brought some other football memory from times past and it reminded me of my favorite non-football memory at a Hawkeye game at Kinnick.

       It was in the mid 1970's and at a time when "Streaking" was popular around the country. (running down a street or place without clothing) I was sitting at this particular Hawkeye  game on the east side next to a very nice elderly lady. All of a sudden this young guy came running on to the football field from the northwest corner. 

       All he was wearing was a baseball hat, waving an American flag, and wearing tennis shoes and nothing else. He made it almost to the southwest corner of the field before being caught and tackled by security people. It happened very quickly and the lady next to me leaned over and asked me if the guy had any clothing on? No was my reply. I never knew whether she didn't see it real well or couldn't believe what she did see? A blown up photo was displayed for years at the "Field House" dance club and bar downtown Iowa City. Could still be down there somewhere for all I know!  

        

THE LAST TIME WHEN CUBS WERE IN WORLD SERIES!

I WASN'T EVEN ONE YEAR OLD! I'M 72 AND BORN 1/27/1944. YOU FIGURE IT OUT!

BRANDON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

"What's a cats favorite color?" PURRRRPLE!

REGAINED MY FAITH IN TAYLOR'S MAID-RITE!!

     Last week while in Marshalltown I had my usual one with everything (not ketsup) at Taylor's. Something was wrong! It wasn't really bad but it wasn't really good either! Maybe this was the end of good Maid-Rites as I once knew them. Oh, No!

      I stopped in today and the all is right in my little world. My sandwich was a perfect TEN. The more of it I had the better it was. For a while there last week I thought the end was in sight!

HITTING DEER LEAST OF MY PROBLEMS!

      Today while in Marshalltown and on South Center Street I pulled up beside a young lady at a stop light near the Mall. I looked over and she had a small dog of some type on her lap and she was also texting. Are people nuts! Here I am worried about hitting a deer at night or possibly a drunk driver. I think my odds are worse being hit in broad day light by this idiot!

"THE YEAR WAS 1976!"

            Sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't be working at the Burg Grocery where I would be getting ideas for a lot of my stories. This one is a good example. Someone checked out recently and her amount of purchase was $19.76. It made me think of the year 1976.

             It was a sad and good year all at the same time. That year I was divorced, but, at the same time I had come out of the effects of the divorce and by later in that year had purchased a new home with a mutual friend and my bachelor life for the next four years was off and running!   
   

I'VE SEEN THE LIGHT-POLKA MUSIC!

       It was the 30th of Septmber, a Friday night in Amana, Iowa. Along with my cousin, Dianne Davis, we had just finished dinner at the Oxyoke Inn and had walked across the street to look around at the General Store. Did I mention it was the first night of the Octoberfest Celebration. 

       As we were strolling around the store, they were playing some really upbeat Polka Music. I never really cared for Polka as I have always been an old R & R guy when it comes to dancing. But, for some reason the music being played really made me want to Polka without even knowing how to dance it!

        The other day, to my surprise, Dianne sent me a couple of Polka CD's. My favorite so far is one entitled :"Who stole the Kishka!" I hope my new musical revelation is not just because of my age, but, rather a new discovery to being hip!  
       

ON STILTS! NO! HE WAS OVER SEVEN FT!

        I was up town on Sunday morning cleaning some of the store windows in the Burg. A couple of young ladys approached me about cleaning theirs as they were in the process of opening a new craft and antique shop. 

      When I was finishing, I went inside and noticed a fellow that I thought was on stilts like you encounter with dry walling. I took a second look and realized he was not on stilts. No! He was right up there without any assistance. Of course I had to ask him. How else would there be any story. The reply--7 foot 2."   

LET'S GET WRITING!

      From time to time I like to come out and attempt to encourage people to write or at least set up a blog, use Facebook, or write the old fashion way personal and family related short stories. 

       Someone asked me a while back if I had written my "memoirs!" No was my reply, but, I have written over a thousand personal and family related short stories over that last ten years. If I don't get around to a memoir I am OK with it. 

       I say to anyone who is reading this to get started. Just writing a few of your most important memories for future generations to enjoy will be worth the effort. Wouldn't you love to be able to read a few stories of family written encounters from a century ago. Give it a try. You can do it. Don't think about eating that big elephant. Just take a small bite at a time!

YOU CAN'T MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY!

        Years ago when I established my residential cleaning business in Marshalltown, I felt that I had to make everyone happy because of such a small community. If I didn't try to make all my customers happy, then it would get around and I would go out of business. Well, I didn't make everyone happy all the time and I didn't go out of business. Actually it grew substantially over time.

        If you make everyone happy all the time, this would include your husband or significant, then maybe you have no mind of your own. I was up to Taylor's Maid-Rite this past week and my sandwich just was not up to par. There has been times through the years when my Maid-Rite was not the best, but, overall I still go back and look forward to my next one. 

       At the Burg Grocery, I do my best each day to be courteous to all the customers with a "Good Morning" and to fellow employees. If while helping out a customer and am engaged in a little conversation, I try to leave them with a smile, chuckle, or laughter.

       But, a few weeks ago it didn't work. One local gentleman that I helped out mentioned how "dry" it was. I replied that "he must not be from around here" as it had been one of those periods with lots of rain. About an hour later he came back to the store and confronted me. He was upset that I had made fun of him with my remark and proceeded to lecture me about being in public service, etc. 

      I apologized and informed that I had no intention of showing any dis-respect and that was just my sense of humor and that some people didn't get my ways. It was my first time in five years of working at Burg Grocery that a customer expressed displeasure directly back to me. Again, you can't make all the people happy, but, I guess we have to keep trying! 

MEETING A REAL BIG TIME DRUG DEALER!

     Telling the story about "Right under the cops noses" reminds me of another. This involves a time back in the early 1980's when I stood up for a good friend in Las Vegas at his wedding.

      The friend of mine who lived in Los Angeles at the time also had a friend of his who was actually an allegedly drug dealer and was there for the wedding. They made it no secret what he did, but, talked a lot about doing everything in cash including paying for hotel rooms, buying cars, etc. Other words, no paper trail. I never knew how "big Time" this guy was, but, didn't seem too frightening in any way. 

         Looking back, I am glad that this was as close I would probably get to someone with this type of reputation.  Although now that I enjoy writing, it would have been "kinda" neat to have gotten a little closer and getting into a few more "details!"  I have always been a sucker for mob stuff and all that! 
      

NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE-EVER!

     Yesterday, the nicest elderly lady and her adult daughter was checking out at the Burg Grocery. The checker mentioned something about the older lady's hands which were obviously stained a dark brown. She had been "shelling walnuts" and hadn't used any gloves for this endeavor! I have known people who have talked about harvesting walnuts, but, not having witnessed hands with this dis-coloration. I think I would rather just buy a bag at the grocery store. It was kind of neat to see! I know I have been somewhat sheltered! 

SEEING IS NOT ALWAYS BELIEVING!

      Recently I helped this couple out with their groceries who were dressed "to perfection!" He wore everything from head to toe very hip including an Iowa Hawkeye shirt and she dressed in the same line. A regular Mr. & Mrs. Designer Couple of 2016.

      When we got to their late model Mercedes and opened the rear door I was shocked. It was an absolute disaster.  All types of stuff thatt obviously been laying on the seat and floors for some time. You never know!  
       

A PLEASANT STAY WITH TRACY & GLENDA MIILLER!

       On the last leg on my scenic journey into Arkansas and Oklahoma, I headed north from Talihina, Oklahoma on the edge of the Quachita National Forest. My destination that Wednesday, (10/5/2016) would be to Tracy and Glenda Miiller in Grove, Oklahoma. 

       The drive was a little tricky in that there was no one highway to take me straight there. And, you can criticize me for not having GPS in any manner. Anyway, somewhere I got off my route and the next thing I knew I saw a sign welcoming me to Missouri. It is only a few miles to Grove from Missouri but still. I finally arrived and thankfully Glenda met me at a convenience store and led me to their home.  

       It was a good thing as their home is on Grand Lake and we did a lot of jigging and jagging to get there. It was worth the detours on my part. Their home is absolutely beautiful and with a spectacular view of the lake. Tracy prepared a rack of outstanding smoked ribs and Glenda prepared some green fried tomatoes a southern specialty. I don't believe it was necessarily on my account, but, Amana potato salad was also had. 

        To top off a memorable visit, we had breakfast at one of their favorite local Ma & Pa cafe's for a tasty breakfast. I appreciate their warm hospitality. It is always special to spend quality time with long time friends and Laurel 1962 classmate, if only briefly!

I FEEL SUNNY ON A CLOUDY DAY

     A lady this past week at the Burg grocery looked up and made a comment about "I feel sunny on a cloudy day!" There was the old Temptation's 1985 hit "I've got sunshine on a cloudy day!" I guess my point is one can see how songs get written or thought up!

         One of my favorite music trivia stories was the one about the song  recorded originally by Tommy James and the Shondells  in 1968 called MONY MONY! The story goes that whomever had written the song was inspired by walking down a street in New York City and looking up at a sign that was advertising Mutual Of New York. MONY! The rest is musical history!

      Maybe I should write a song about "I feel sunny on a cloudy day!"

A DAY OF TOTAL PLEASURE!

      Here it is 7AM and I can't wait for this day to get started. This noon I am going to meet good friends, Jerry and Judy Roberts, at Goldie's in Prairie City for lunch. I can taste that golden brown tenderloin already. The Iowa Hawkeyes are playing Purdue at 11AM.

       From Goldie's and on my drive back to the Burg, I intend to drive down by Red Rock Lake and possibly see some fall color. From there I will head to Pella and Jaarsma Bakery. To me this is the best bakery and pastry shop on the planet!

        Then, this evening my Cubs play the Dodgers in game one at Wrigley for the National League title. If I am the little bit hungry, I'll have a  sandwich during the game from the meat loaf I made last night with most scrumptious Heinz 57 and brown sugar glaze. Possibly, the best I have ever made. Come on Saturday! (10/15/2016)  

RIGHT UNDER THE COPS NOSES!

      Back in the 1980's, there was a guy, named Louie S., who operated a book making operation, poker games, and other illegal activities. He was renting a home at the time right on the southwest corner of Ashworth and 35th street in West Des Moines. The Police Station was just across the street on the northwest corner. Activities went on there for over a year or two and everyone in WDM knew about it but the cops. 

      A friend of mine even tried to live there while going through a divorce. He indicated it was just "too noisy!" The cops finally busted the operation and he went away to some federal penitentiary in Minnesota. I will never forget that before they nailed him he was able to stash his Corvette with a lady who owned a town-home just two doors from me in WDM. It did create a little excitement for a time!
   

        

WHAT'S IN A NAME/ BILLIE JO WHO?

   Somebody today mentioned some local person with a name similar to Billie Jo Von Ashen. Of course the name struck me funny. I am not sure this would qualify as an oxymoron, but, it didn't seem to fit. You normally think of the first name going with maybe McCoy or a Hatfield. The last name belongs with a first name like Mercedes of the Boston Von Ashen's. Just got a chuckle out of this!

GRANDPA THAT'S NOT CHICKEN!

       A lady at the Burg Grocery was having difficulty deciding what to get for some grand-kids who were visiting. There were so many things that they didn't like. Sound familiar?

       It reminded me of the time I took my youngest grandson, Grant Laverty, to Haley's Deli at the time to get some, in my estimation, the best chicken in Marshalltown. When we were ready to decide what we wanted as we looked down at the glass enclosure, I told Grant to pick out what kind of chicken he wanted. His reply was that that was not chicken. 

      After a bit of arguing and threatening to not go swimming, he did pick out something very reluctantly. What he thought of chicken was something like "chicken fingers" from the likes of Mickey D's. Times are different. When I was a kid I guess we ate was in front of us and were happy. We didn't have all these other choices available or everything flashed in front of kids on TV.

JERRY ROBERTS-ONLY A GOOD FRIEND DOES THIS!!

       When I was on my way back to Iowa from my over-nite visit with my old classmate Tracy Miiller and his wife Glenda, I called Jerry Roberts to let him know I had something to bring him from Tracy. It was an old photo of the Laurel basketball team during our junior year of 1960-61.

       At first I told Jerry I would just drop it off and quickly be on my way as I still had to drive to Williamsburg from Jerry's home in Urbandale. He called me back and told me if I would let him know when I was getting close to Des Moines, he would go get some Tasty Taco's for us to eat when I arrived. He knows that's my favorite food item, bar none, from the days when I lived in Des Moines. How could I turn down such an offer. That's a friend!!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLD WHEN--!

    "--no one else you run into has memories that go back further than you can remember !"

MY SCENIC DRIVE DESTINATION-SURREAL!

       I arrived at the start of my journey across the Talimena Scenic Byway in the Quachita National Forest late morning on Wednesday, October 5th.  The start was in Mena, Arkansas and would end approximately 60 miles later in Talihina, Oklahoma. 

         Even though the mountains in this area only rise to 2,500,  the views from this height are spectacular. Waiting just another two weeks or so the color would have been spectacular I'm sure. I never really never knew that there were mountains as such in this area west of Hot Springs, Arkansas. They are the highest range between the Rockies and the Appalachians. What made this trip special was traveling in an area having never been or seen before. 

      Once on the Byway that spans the mountain peaks, I encountered fog or low lying clouds almost immediately. However, the wind picked up and the moisture, clouds, or fog at different stages keep coming at me like something out of a horror movie. And, not passing another vehicle for stretches of miles, it added to the atmosphere and beauty in a surreal way! 

        It wasn't until I reached the Oklahoma state line that the clouds cleared and with a gorgeous sunshine the views at several scenic points were spectacular! Also, within the drive I drove through the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. If you have never driven through this part of the USA put it on your list even if it on the way to somewhere else.

        

YOU KNOW YOU'RE GETTING OLD WHEN

      
----when people no longer say to you "Oh you're still young. Wait till you get to be my age!" I guess I'm there!

KID'S SAY THE DARNEST THINGS!

       Yesterday at the Burg Grocery a "Grandma" was checking out with her two very young grandchildren. The young boy, who couldn't have been more than three or so, looked up at me and said; "Are you a really old Grandpa?" Yup! That's what I am all right! Maybe not by design, but, I have been called much much worse. I did love it! It made me laugh!

MY TWO FAVORITE SAYINGS OF THE DAY!

1.  If you start something you better be able to finish it.

2. If you can't take the heat then get out of the kitchen.

TO ALAN LAVERTY- FROM BOB DYLAN

       The following song written, sung by Bob Dylan and released around 1997 has always been one of my favorite later recordings of Dylan. It is sad, but, makes me think of Alan only in good ways-Dennis Laverty-cousin 

IT'S NOT DARK YET, BUT IT'S GETTING THERE

Shadows are falling and I been here all day

It's too hot to sleep and time is running away

Feel like my soul has turned into steel

I've still got the scars that the sun didn't let me heal

There's not even room enough to be anywhere

It's not dark yet. but it's getting there

Well my sense of humanity is going down the drain

Behind every beautiful thing, there's been some kind of  pain

She wrote me a letter and she wrote it so kind 

She put down in writin' what was in her mind

I just don't see why I should even care

It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

Well I been to London and I been to gay Paree

I followed the river and I got to the sea

I've been down to the bottom of a whirlpool of lies

I ain't lookin' in anyone's eyes

Sometimes my burden is more than I can bear

It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

I was born here and I'll die here, against my will

I know it looks like I'm movin' but I'm standin' still

Every nerve in my body is so naked and numb

I can't remember what it was I came here to get away from

Don't even hear the murmur of a prayer

It's not dark yet, but it's getting there

                                                                                                        Bob Dylan

AMERICA'S WORST I HOP!!

      Leaving Williamsburg around 7:30 AM on Tuesday October 4th, I had made it to just north of Kansas City around noon time and of course was getting a little hungry. When traveling anything goes. It's a matter of what sounds good at the moment. However, before starting out I had eaten just a raspberry turnover from Casey's that I have on an occasion. 

       When traveling, I always seem to crave breakfast type meals. Today was no exception. Somewhere around Liberty I spotted an I HOP sign at the next exit and that was all it took.
It was somewhat difficult to find, but, once there headed in and waited for the hostess. The bad sign was that I was only one of a few customers in the place. It was noon and I had a bad feeling. Most I HOP places I had been in are usually packed.

       The hostess actually took my order and after a fairly long wait a waitress brought my order and handed to me and quickly left. She also was barely audible. She was never to be seen again. The food was average and that was end of the story. It could only go uphill from here and it did! 

       

HIS NAME WAS JONES-ED JONES!

      Wednesday morning, October 5th, I was driving through Mansfield, Arkansas, just on the edge of the Quachita National Forest and Blue Quachita Mountains. As I was heading down the main street,g  I spotted a sign that read--"JOYCE'S DINER!" There were lots of cars out front and I knew this was the place for breakfast. I walked in and it appeared to be occupied by mostly locals. 

       One older gentleman acknowledged me and made a reference to my Iowa plates. His name was Ed Jones and I'm sure he had been there for a while and maybe on his third or fourth cup of coffee. I told him where I was headed and mentioned the last leg of my trip included stopping in Grove, Oklahoma and visiting an old classmate.

       To my surprise,he indicated that he grew up in Grove and the family farm was eliminated when they erected Grand Lake  near Grove. Plus, somehow we talked about North Dakota which I hope to travel to next spring. He had relatives in western North Dakota and goes up there about twice a year. It really is a small world and full of lots of interesting people! Oh! By the way-the breakfast was as advertised!

A $45 MOTEL ROOM THIS NICE!

     Tuesday morning, October 4th, 2016, I headed out from Williamsburg and on my way to the Quachita National Forest in western Arkansas and the Talimena Scenic Byway. My first night I arrived and stayed in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As I was really tired from the long drive and especially going through the Bella Vista and Fayetville stretch, I didn't feel like spending much time looking for lodging.

       Getting  off the main exit in Fort Smith I stopped at the very first motel on my side of the street. It was a Motel 6 and I almost passed because they don't have the best  of reputations. After looking at the room first, I was really impressed. It had been totally remodeled through-out, very clean,  and was on the first floor right by the office. The base price was only $45.00. Never in my adult travels, at least in the last 3 decades, have I ever stayed in a motel that cheap. 

       How times have changed. I do remember back in the late 1970's staying at a Holiday Inn in Denver, Colorado when I paid $50 for a room with my kids while on our way west for snow skiing. At the time I thought that was outrageous. Off season traveling has its perks! 

    

PLUMBERS CAN BE SNOBS!

       While staying at my sister's home in Northwest Indiana, I went for my morning walk that Monday morning after the big wedding. When I got back from my jaunt a plumbing crew had arrived to do some work on the finishing off of the  lower level of my sister's home. Somewhere in the conversation the plumber brought out the fact that he normally didn't do remodeling work and normally only did work on "new construction and was only doing this job as a favor. Even though, the work he was doing would technically and  could be called new as the area was unfinished. Well, EXCUSE ME! It was funny.  

ME LIKING POLKA- DON'T SAY NEVER!

       Friday afternoon, September 30th, 2016, my cousin, Dianne Davis, arrived here to accompany me to Chicago for my niece's wedding. That evening I had made reservations at the Ox Yoke Inn in Amana, Iowa. We enjoyed a superb meal including Wiener Schnitzel. One thing I had forgotten about was the kick-off to Octoberfest. The whole town was decorated in a very festive way along with a large throng of people.

        The General Store right across from the Ox Yoke was our destination after dinner. This place has everything imaginable relative to Amana and German heritage. Over the intercom there was playing very up-beat Polka music. I never really cared for Polka music when growing up. I always thought it was a little corny and my R&R was a lot cooler.

       Not on this occasion. I was really getting in to this music on this night. My intentions was to purchase a CD of polka music and buying those polka men's shorts and suspenders, before heading on my drive to Arkansas and the Talimena Scenic Byway. I'm not ready, however, to start watching Lawrence Welk re-runs!

A WEDDING/ A SCENIC GET-A-WAY & MORE!

      This past week, September 30th through the 6th of October, has been jam packed with family, friends, celebration and travel to a scenic area never experienced before. It all started with Friday the 30th of September and having my cousin, Dianne Davis of Corning, Iowa who stayed the night before driving to Chicago for my niece's wedding.

        Alexandria Arges, daughter of my sister, Deborah Laverty Arges, was married to Daniel Kolodziej in a ceremony held at the Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church on October 2nd 2016 and the reception following at the Garfield Park Conservatory Both were held in Chicago. Illinois.

       My intentions over the next week will be to share stories of this fun and fast paced week.  I hope you enjoy my reflections of this journey!  

TOO EARLY FOR ELMER FUDD HAT!

      About two weeks ago when we had one of those first fall days when it really cooled down and felt like fall, I saw what really hit me as comical. Even though it was not that cold ---high was low 60's-- everyone was complaining how cold it was. 

       During the afternoon, a young guy came into the Burg Grocery with an Elmer Fudd, "Hunter's Hat," on! This guy was really getting in the mood for cold weather! "WHAT A WASCALL!"

JOKE--IOWA VS.MISSOURI!

There is an old joke that goes something like-----If Iowa eliminated the bottom southern tiers of counties and gave them to Missouri then the IQ of BOTH states would go up!!!!

HENNY YOUNGMAN-THE DENTIST!

      The lady in the Dentist chair  indicated she wasn't sure whether it would be more painful to having a baby than a tooth extracted! The dentist replied:"Make up your mind before I adjust the chair!"

DUSTON'S JOKE OF THE WEEK!

     "Where does Spaghetti go to dance?"-----"Meat Ball!"