It's been awhile.....
I've been thinking a lot lately about doing things for the last time. Sometimes one is not physically able to continue doing something. Other times you just lose interest doing something, and the next thing you know you don't do it anymore. Sometimes you run out of time, or ambition, or both.
This pass summer the misses and I took a wonderful trip west. We had a fantastic time, but I realize that there is little chance that I will ever see some of those places again. And there are other places I've been that I'll never see again. Kinda sad, but I know that new adventures await. And this was also the last summer we will hold our big labor day party....many great memories, but it has gotten to be just too much work. There are places we don't go anymore, things we just don't do. Interests change, venues close. Time goes on.
Probably the saddest "last" that's been on my mind is the people. It starts when you're younger, and as you grow you loose friends and make new ones along the way. You move, they move, you lose track of each other. People move, go off to college, get jobs. You see people everyday, interact with them constantly, then they are gone. Oh, sometimes you run into them, and it seems the same, but its not. Folks change, and so do you. Of course, people die. It's a fact of life (ha). Seeing people for the last time is a sad thing, and knowing it is worse. I think its sometimes better not knowing....
When I started writing this blog one of my goals was to have my kids read it, and maybe learn more about me and my thoughts and ideas. Maybe learn a little about "where" they come from. Whether they have or not, I don't know. Can only hope so. In any case, this is the last "Random Rumbling of a Middle Aged White Guy". For one thing I find myself no longer middle aged. I think I'm what I like to call early old. I'm getting there. I'm heading into the fourth quarter---but it's all good. The kids are out on their own, making their own memories and mistakes. Hopefully they have learned from my mistakes, and the memories are good ones. The misses and I are planning for our next stage of life here, and I'm excited. I hope somebody somewhere has been entertained, or has had to think about something, or has been moved to action by my writings. I have generally enjoyed getting my thoughts down. Thanks to everyone for reading these past 3 and a half years......
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
The Baked Potato
I spent most of a day this past week at the Wisconsin State Fair and I had a wonderful time. Ran into some old friends, heard some music, saw some animals, did some people watching. Grand. I used to work at the fair park, back in the late 70's/early 80's. It was a fun job actually, and I learned a number of skills that I have used over the years. When I started in 1979, my pay was $3 per hour. I did get a raise to $3.10 after a couple of weeks.......
But back to the baked potato. The potato is a big draw at the Wisconsin fair. You get a good sized spud, and pretty much anything you could want to top it off--butter, chives, sour crème, whatever. The workers used to be all volunteers (potato farmer families--daughters and wives if I recall), but I really don't know who mans the boot now. Anyway finally to my point. In 1978, a baked potato cost you a quarter. Two bits. We would live off those things while we were working there. We would say you could get a dozen potatoes for an hours wages.
Not many of us could say that any more. A baked potato will now set you back five bucks. Looks like the same potato to me. Still good sized, still the same toppings---little bigger booth, but it's been that way for years. You'd need to be making $60 an hour now for a dozen of those spuds. Not me. The guy making the minimum wage now is dropping a whole days wages now instead of an hours worth on a dozen baked potatoes. Sad.
I'm no economist. I suppose I could check the prices on other things that have been hit by inflation, like beer or beef or those mops every third person seemed to be walking around with. I just remembered the price of the lowly spud back then, and saw what it costs now. And I remember what it was like making minimum wage back then, and can only imagine what it must be like now. And with that, I will let you draw your own conclusions about things.....
But back to the baked potato. The potato is a big draw at the Wisconsin fair. You get a good sized spud, and pretty much anything you could want to top it off--butter, chives, sour crème, whatever. The workers used to be all volunteers (potato farmer families--daughters and wives if I recall), but I really don't know who mans the boot now. Anyway finally to my point. In 1978, a baked potato cost you a quarter. Two bits. We would live off those things while we were working there. We would say you could get a dozen potatoes for an hours wages.
Not many of us could say that any more. A baked potato will now set you back five bucks. Looks like the same potato to me. Still good sized, still the same toppings---little bigger booth, but it's been that way for years. You'd need to be making $60 an hour now for a dozen of those spuds. Not me. The guy making the minimum wage now is dropping a whole days wages now instead of an hours worth on a dozen baked potatoes. Sad.
I'm no economist. I suppose I could check the prices on other things that have been hit by inflation, like beer or beef or those mops every third person seemed to be walking around with. I just remembered the price of the lowly spud back then, and saw what it costs now. And I remember what it was like making minimum wage back then, and can only imagine what it must be like now. And with that, I will let you draw your own conclusions about things.....
Monday, August 10, 2015
The End of the Line
Well we've finally finished our trip and are taking a little time to reflect. We certainly covered some territory, some 6800 miles in total, over 21 days. And we sure did see many things. There is so much to see in this country, and we have barely scratched the surface. But what we did see sure has made an impression on us. As can probably be seen, we are big fans of the national parks and monuments. We visited eight on this trip, and thoroughly enjoyed each and everyone. No telling if we'll ever get back--I pretty sure we're not going to keep making the hikes we did, so I really relished this trip.
We visited some different cities we haven't spent much time in, tried a few new food, some different beers, met some people. Read a bunch of historic markers, spent some time in a few museums. There truly is more to do than a person could ever do. We are happy just to touch on some of the highlights.
There were a couple of disappointments. We had planned on visiting Glacier National park, but were scared off by the fire. That led to a chain of events which screwed up the timing for visiting with the Misses sister. Sad on both accounts, but it did lead to us visiting Zion, so perhaps thing work out. No other real problems though, which is kind of amazing to me.
So that's it. Trip of a lifetime? No, I wouldn't call it that, but a wonderful vacation. Saw things that I'm pretty sure I will never see again, met some nice folks along the way. Learned some things, which is always good. And we'll have plenty to talk about until the next big adventure come along.
We visited some different cities we haven't spent much time in, tried a few new food, some different beers, met some people. Read a bunch of historic markers, spent some time in a few museums. There truly is more to do than a person could ever do. We are happy just to touch on some of the highlights.
There were a couple of disappointments. We had planned on visiting Glacier National park, but were scared off by the fire. That led to a chain of events which screwed up the timing for visiting with the Misses sister. Sad on both accounts, but it did lead to us visiting Zion, so perhaps thing work out. No other real problems though, which is kind of amazing to me.
So that's it. Trip of a lifetime? No, I wouldn't call it that, but a wonderful vacation. Saw things that I'm pretty sure I will never see again, met some nice folks along the way. Learned some things, which is always good. And we'll have plenty to talk about until the next big adventure come along.
Sunday, August 9, 2015
The Mile Of Music
We headed for home this past Friday form St. Louis, but only because it was a convenient stop over on our way to Appleton Wisconsin for the 3rd Mile of Music.
The Mile of Music is an event In Downtown Appleton founded by my college friend Mary's husband Dave and musician/recording artist Cory Chisel. I learned very quickly that Mary and her kids are heavily involved with this festival as well, as must be many others, as something of this scope isn't happening with just a few people running it.
This is an amazing music festival. Around 200 groups and artists with nearly 800 performances. In the bars up and down College Avenue. The shows run about 50 minutes. There are a number of larger venues as well, and a few places not on the strip. And it is packed. The music ranges mostly from folk to country to indirock I would say. There is such a wide variety of music and the folks watching it it is difficult to describe. It reminded me very much of Nashville---blocks of bars with live music and people having a really good time. And oh yeah, it's free, for the most part. They have a bunch of corporate partners, sell their own beer, have some raffles===yeah, it's a fundraiser too. The profits go to the school district for musical education. They have workshop type things throughout the weekend for kids so there is stuff for the entire family to do. What a fantastic event Dave and Mary and Cory and their team have come up with. Everyone I saw, from performers and audience alike seemed to be having a great time. And I read the economic impact last year was somewhere around $2 million. Pretty good for the second year of a festival, I'd say. I like to wish them all good luck with continuing this great weekend. I hope to be back, and definitely encourage everyone else to plan on making a trip to Appleton for Mile of Music.
And that will do it. We are done, worn down a bit, but so much better for this great trip. We'll need a couple of days to get our wits about us and see what's up next. Sure was a great time......
/
The Mile of Music is an event In Downtown Appleton founded by my college friend Mary's husband Dave and musician/recording artist Cory Chisel. I learned very quickly that Mary and her kids are heavily involved with this festival as well, as must be many others, as something of this scope isn't happening with just a few people running it.
This is an amazing music festival. Around 200 groups and artists with nearly 800 performances. In the bars up and down College Avenue. The shows run about 50 minutes. There are a number of larger venues as well, and a few places not on the strip. And it is packed. The music ranges mostly from folk to country to indirock I would say. There is such a wide variety of music and the folks watching it it is difficult to describe. It reminded me very much of Nashville---blocks of bars with live music and people having a really good time. And oh yeah, it's free, for the most part. They have a bunch of corporate partners, sell their own beer, have some raffles===yeah, it's a fundraiser too. The profits go to the school district for musical education. They have workshop type things throughout the weekend for kids so there is stuff for the entire family to do. What a fantastic event Dave and Mary and Cory and their team have come up with. Everyone I saw, from performers and audience alike seemed to be having a great time. And I read the economic impact last year was somewhere around $2 million. Pretty good for the second year of a festival, I'd say. I like to wish them all good luck with continuing this great weekend. I hope to be back, and definitely encourage everyone else to plan on making a trip to Appleton for Mile of Music.
And that will do it. We are done, worn down a bit, but so much better for this great trip. We'll need a couple of days to get our wits about us and see what's up next. Sure was a great time......
/
Friday, August 7, 2015
St.Louis-Florissent
Well it was just a couple of hundred miles from where ever we were last night to St. Louis. Not much of a challenge for us, and we took our time accomplishing it. We have been to St.Lou a lot over the years, but it was a little different coming from the west.
The Misses wanted to see where our son works--teaches--so we took a drive by the school. Looks like a nice enough place--I was somewhat relived because it is the Ferguson - Florissant school district. Looks all good.
Next stop was the Bud brewery. They really play up their horses (impressive enough), but the lame jokes need to go. They keep changing their route too. And they are pretty stingy with their beer--especially compared with the Coors folks. Oh well......
We went to see my 92 year old great aunt (she may be great great, I get confused) and spent a wonderful hour and a half just talking and listening (mostly listening) about all kinds of things. It really is interesting talking with the older folks about things they have done, places they've been, stuff like that. I try to take it all in and remember as much as I can. I would highly suggest that if you have the opportunity to interact with the older generation you do the same. They won't be around forever you know.
Finally Junior was home from work, so we headed over to see his new place. Nice sized place in a four unit, couple of blocks from the local brew pub. Sounds good to me. Soon his girlfriend arrived and we were off to dinner. Said he had planned on a rib place, but after seeing me rave about last night decided against it. Good choice. Instead it was some new burger place downtown. Food was good enough, conversation was much better. Very happy to report that he is happy and healthy.
Well we are about 6 hours from home now. Still have a week of vacation to go. I proposed Nashville, but the Misses says she's had enough---probably of both the road and me. So I guess that will about end this great adventure......or not..............
The Misses wanted to see where our son works--teaches--so we took a drive by the school. Looks like a nice enough place--I was somewhat relived because it is the Ferguson - Florissant school district. Looks all good.
Next stop was the Bud brewery. They really play up their horses (impressive enough), but the lame jokes need to go. They keep changing their route too. And they are pretty stingy with their beer--especially compared with the Coors folks. Oh well......
We went to see my 92 year old great aunt (she may be great great, I get confused) and spent a wonderful hour and a half just talking and listening (mostly listening) about all kinds of things. It really is interesting talking with the older folks about things they have done, places they've been, stuff like that. I try to take it all in and remember as much as I can. I would highly suggest that if you have the opportunity to interact with the older generation you do the same. They won't be around forever you know.
Finally Junior was home from work, so we headed over to see his new place. Nice sized place in a four unit, couple of blocks from the local brew pub. Sounds good to me. Soon his girlfriend arrived and we were off to dinner. Said he had planned on a rib place, but after seeing me rave about last night decided against it. Good choice. Instead it was some new burger place downtown. Food was good enough, conversation was much better. Very happy to report that he is happy and healthy.
Well we are about 6 hours from home now. Still have a week of vacation to go. I proposed Nashville, but the Misses says she's had enough---probably of both the road and me. So I guess that will about end this great adventure......or not..............
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Kansas is long and lonely
We had planned to take a quick trip through Denver, but they had some traffic problems in the morning---accidents, general crowding. I'd have liked to have seen the mint, but you can't get in anyhow, so it really didn't matter. We headed to St. Louis.....
Now I don't want to be disrespectful, but Kansas is one long, boring state. I know they are farming and feeding the world, but boy oh boy. The most exciting thing all day was driving on the original 8 miles of interstate just west of Abilene. Eisenhower has his library here, but we've seen it--very interesting. Anyhow, it gives you lots of time to think about stuff. And I was thinking about....
What the first people heading west thought about the things we have seen on this trip. You get across the Mississippi River and you're going along fine and you run into the Rocky Mountains. How did that happen. Or ya' got a thirsty horse and you get to Salt Lake---not going to work. You go around a corner and there are the Arches-nothing else like them. Or what about Crater Lake----clearest water I've ever seen. All kinds of other stuff as well----lots of time to think when you're putting on about 675 miles for the day....
All was not lost though. Put out a quick call on the Facebook to a friend for a good place to eat in Kansas City---and did Sean ever come through. Jack's Stacked Barbeque---Best ribs ever to me, without a doubt. The Misses was even pleased, and she's not normally a big pork eater.....best meal of the trip!!
Onward to STL to check in with the boy.....it will be good to see him!!!
Now I don't want to be disrespectful, but Kansas is one long, boring state. I know they are farming and feeding the world, but boy oh boy. The most exciting thing all day was driving on the original 8 miles of interstate just west of Abilene. Eisenhower has his library here, but we've seen it--very interesting. Anyhow, it gives you lots of time to think about stuff. And I was thinking about....
What the first people heading west thought about the things we have seen on this trip. You get across the Mississippi River and you're going along fine and you run into the Rocky Mountains. How did that happen. Or ya' got a thirsty horse and you get to Salt Lake---not going to work. You go around a corner and there are the Arches-nothing else like them. Or what about Crater Lake----clearest water I've ever seen. All kinds of other stuff as well----lots of time to think when you're putting on about 675 miles for the day....
All was not lost though. Put out a quick call on the Facebook to a friend for a good place to eat in Kansas City---and did Sean ever come through. Jack's Stacked Barbeque---Best ribs ever to me, without a doubt. The Misses was even pleased, and she's not normally a big pork eater.....best meal of the trip!!
Onward to STL to check in with the boy.....it will be good to see him!!!
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Denver
Quite the day.....
We started day 16 of our trek a little behind schedule, but after taking care of some administrative chores we headed over to Red Rocks--too late for the sunrise we were encouraged to see, but I wanted to check it out anyways. They have a nice museum and a history of the performers who have been there, some short videos playing constantly, and a rundown on how the amphitheater came to be. It is world renowned--and apparently is the biggest workout area around when not in use for music. People all over running and jumping and what not. Young and old, teams and individuals. A woman told us on the weekend it's sometimes hard to even move around.
Next we were off to the Coors Brewery tour. Different than other tours we have been on, they give you one of those handheld things that give you the story as you move on to different sections of the tour. They actually let you move at our own pace. Other than that just the typical brewery tour, although they have a fairly wide selection in the sampling room and are fairly generous with it.
We had planned on heading downtown after our tour, but it was awful hot here, pushing 100 I guess, so we took advantage of an early check in time for a little R&R. A little rest for me, then some afternoon sun and pool time with he Misses. Very relaxing, but hotter than a pistol. I've been in baths that were cooler than the pool I think, and didn't even look at the hot tub.
We headed to dinner in the city at a place called Euclids. Not the typical place you would find the Misses and myself, but the people were awful nice, the beer was good and cold, and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend it, especially to the younger folks.
Finally, we headed back to Red Rocks. I had told the Misses before we left home that I didn't care who was playing, I'd like to see a concert at Red Rocks. On the schedule for this night was Sam Smith, not at the top of my must see list, but at least I know who he is. The show was sold out, but there is always Craigslist. I had checked a couple of days ago, and there were plenty of seats available, so I figured no problem. I figured we'd pick up some general admission seats and be in good shape. Looking at the place I didn't see how there could be a bad seat in the house, and don't think there is. We talked to a few people and they said we'd have to get there early, but so what.
Surprising to myself, though, the ticket prices remained strong. I was calling folks and emailing and getting no replies. I wasn't worried, but a little concerned. Then an ad popped up for some seats that sounded really good. The Misses walked over and found them, sat down and gave me the thumbs up. I got ahold of the guy and we were in. Excellent seats, dead center, 25 row up. Proved to be the best seats I've ever had in a large venue like Red Rocks. The show was entertaining, though relatively short (Sam Smith has but one album), Smith is a very good sing with a unique voice, band was real good. But the real star of the evening for me was Red Rocks itself. What an amazing place to see a show. If you ever get the chance, don't miss it.
So that was the day. We only have about a week to go now on this great vacation----quick scoot through Denver this morning, then I have a hankerin' for some good ribs......
We started day 16 of our trek a little behind schedule, but after taking care of some administrative chores we headed over to Red Rocks--too late for the sunrise we were encouraged to see, but I wanted to check it out anyways. They have a nice museum and a history of the performers who have been there, some short videos playing constantly, and a rundown on how the amphitheater came to be. It is world renowned--and apparently is the biggest workout area around when not in use for music. People all over running and jumping and what not. Young and old, teams and individuals. A woman told us on the weekend it's sometimes hard to even move around.
Next we were off to the Coors Brewery tour. Different than other tours we have been on, they give you one of those handheld things that give you the story as you move on to different sections of the tour. They actually let you move at our own pace. Other than that just the typical brewery tour, although they have a fairly wide selection in the sampling room and are fairly generous with it.
We had planned on heading downtown after our tour, but it was awful hot here, pushing 100 I guess, so we took advantage of an early check in time for a little R&R. A little rest for me, then some afternoon sun and pool time with he Misses. Very relaxing, but hotter than a pistol. I've been in baths that were cooler than the pool I think, and didn't even look at the hot tub.
We headed to dinner in the city at a place called Euclids. Not the typical place you would find the Misses and myself, but the people were awful nice, the beer was good and cold, and the food was excellent. I would highly recommend it, especially to the younger folks.
Finally, we headed back to Red Rocks. I had told the Misses before we left home that I didn't care who was playing, I'd like to see a concert at Red Rocks. On the schedule for this night was Sam Smith, not at the top of my must see list, but at least I know who he is. The show was sold out, but there is always Craigslist. I had checked a couple of days ago, and there were plenty of seats available, so I figured no problem. I figured we'd pick up some general admission seats and be in good shape. Looking at the place I didn't see how there could be a bad seat in the house, and don't think there is. We talked to a few people and they said we'd have to get there early, but so what.
Surprising to myself, though, the ticket prices remained strong. I was calling folks and emailing and getting no replies. I wasn't worried, but a little concerned. Then an ad popped up for some seats that sounded really good. The Misses walked over and found them, sat down and gave me the thumbs up. I got ahold of the guy and we were in. Excellent seats, dead center, 25 row up. Proved to be the best seats I've ever had in a large venue like Red Rocks. The show was entertaining, though relatively short (Sam Smith has but one album), Smith is a very good sing with a unique voice, band was real good. But the real star of the evening for me was Red Rocks itself. What an amazing place to see a show. If you ever get the chance, don't miss it.
So that was the day. We only have about a week to go now on this great vacation----quick scoot through Denver this morning, then I have a hankerin' for some good ribs......
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