Thanksgiving Trip 2013: Nov. 23rd, Just Hanging Around Columbus, Ohio

Breakfast at Tommy's Diner in Columbus on the National Road across from the Florentine Italian Restaurant where we had the Ohio National Road Association dinner last night. It was packed with Ohio State fans and had a great breakfast.

Then, we saw the site of the original Wendy's and then Topiary Park where they are recreating Impressionist painter Georges Seuratt's "A Sunday Afternoon On the Isle of La Grand Jotts." This is one impressive (and incomplete) undertaking.

Next we went to the Ohio Historical Society museum and spent a whole lot of time looking at the Civil War and Lustron Home exhibits. They also had an "Our Miss Brooks" show put on by actors, a man showing how model train folk made trees and a Rosie the Riveter presentation. Lots of great stuff to see and do at that museum.

Last two stops of the day were to watch the Ohio State game vs. Indiana. Went to Bob's Bar, or "The Cultural Hub of the Midwest" as they bill themselves. The place was packed with OSU fans and quite loud. Also, they had one huge collection of craft beers. Then, back to Route 66 Roadhouse for the last part of the game.

Now, I have to admit that I am no fan of Ohio State and normally would have been pulling for Indiana, though they had little chance.  But, it is more fun pulling with the hometown fans, so there I was, cheering for OSU and not feeling the least bit guilty about it.  You know, when in Rome, do as the Romans, or something like that. Of course, Ohio State won easily.

A Good Time in Columbus and Nary a Buffalo Wild Wings. --RoadDog

I Was Busted About the Wedding Ring-- Part 2

OK, I wasn't going to tell Liz about the lost ring unless she brought it up. I was doing alright keeping my hands from view until the coaster incident Tuesday. Man, done in by those great tacos at Antonio's.

Actually, when I noticed I had lost the ring, I searched Mom's car from top to bottom in case the ring had slipped off there. Not there. When we returned from the beach to Goldsboro, I went to every place we had been and asked if anyone had turned a ring in. That would be the CVS store in Hamstead (newspaper and check gas cap because the Check Engine light had come on after we got gas), the Wendy's and Hess station in Castle Hayne (where we got gas and Frostees), Smithfield BBQ and Chicken (well, far be it for me to pass a BBQ place in NC) and my cousins' home in Warsaw and back in Goldsboro at the house and garage. But, no ring.

The manager at Smithfield's was quite upset that I might have lost the ring there and even asked for my phone number in case it was turned in. Without thinking, I gave him my home phone number in Illinois. Dumb move now that I think about it. Wonder who the person would be who would answer the phone and I don't want her to know about it.

A real good way to get busted.

OK, the Ring Was Officially Gone. Should I Tell Liz Or Not? --RoadDog

I Was Busted About the Wedding Ring-- Part 1

I didn't write about this in the blog for fear that Liz would find out about my lost wedding ring. Back on November 25th, I lost my wedding ring somewhere between Goldsboro and Topsail Beach, North Carolina. I looked all over for it, including the five places we stopped between the two places, but couldn't find it.

I wasn't in much desire to tell Liz about it, so kept quiet hoping she wouldn't notice when I got back home. She didn't notice.

However, Tuesday, we were at Antonio's in Spring Grove, Illinois, having tacos when Liz noticed the coasters had ring sizes and mentioned it. I quickly tried to turn the conversation away, but too late. Her next words, "And what happebned to your ring?"

BUSTED!!! And by a stupid coaster!! All those well-laid plans for naught because of a little piece of cardboard.

I thanked owner Tony for his assistance for putting those out.

I then had to tell the story and I'll follow up on that tomorrow.

Almost Got Away With It. --RoadDog

Thanksgiving Trip 2013-- Part 2: Nov. 22nd The National Road

NOVEMBER 22ND: After leaving the museum, Denny and I backtracked a way into Dayton and had lunch and played NTN at one of the Cadillax Jack's you see so often in the national top twenty.

Then drove the National Road (US-40) into Springfield, Ohio, and saw the new Madonna of the Trail statue location and then National Roaded it to Columbus where we took the interstate (I-271) north and got rooms at the EconoLodge Motel ($50 a night) then went to Dave Wickline's Route 66 Roadhouse nearby before driving to the Ohio National Road annual dinner and awards meeting at the Florentine Italian restaurant (dating to 1946) on US-40 in downtown Columbus.

Quite the dedicated group there and they were nice enough to let me get a dinner as well. Lots of Ohio State fans there. Someone said tickets to the OSU game were $100 each and still a sell-out.

Afterwards, drove down Ohio State's party strip which was just beginning to hop what with the home game tomorrow against Indiana. This strip had to be three miles long, a real lot longer than NIU's Lincoln Highway party strip. Then, back to the Route 66 Roadhouse for drinks and back to the motel.

--RoadDog

Just Got Back

Arrived here in Spring Grove, Illinois, about five hours ago after a two week trip to NC for Thanksgiving. 

Over 2,000 miles and lots of history, family and Christmas decorations. Always great to get back home.

Typing on this and listening to some Christmas music on a recorded cassette tape. This one is a Little Steven's Underground Garage recording.

--RoadDog

Thanksgiving Trip 2013-- Nov. 21-22: 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy Assassination

NOVEMBER 21ST, THURSDAY--

Drove the usual way, Il-47 south from Woodstock, Il., but turned east at Forrest on US-34 instead of going to I-74. Took that east to I-65 and then to Indianapolis where I found confusing signage on I-465 and ended up on the west side of the city instead of the east.

Went through the city on I-70 right during rush hour, but it wasn't bad. Finally stopped raining east of it and drove to Ohio and exit 29 (Englewood) on I-70 and had my Skyline Chili before getting a room at the Best Western.

NOVEMBER 22ND, FRIDAY--

Drove to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton and met my buddy Denny. We took a bus out to see JFK's Air Force One on the 50th anniversary of when it flew him to Dallas from Ft. Worth and then carried him back in a casket and LBJ was sworn in as president.

We then toured the museum and saw the goblets used in the Final Toast of the Doolittle Raiders. And, we weren't finished for the day.

--RoadDog