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My 2016 Mid-West Trip~Part 9

31 Aug

A Slice of Life

 Bill Lites

 

Day 9 (Sunday)

 

The day started nice enough in Indianapolis, but as I traveled south I ran into some fairly heavy rain storms. I made a short sidetrack off I-65 to check out The Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum located adjacent to the Bakalar Air Force Base just outside Columbus, IN. Even though I could not see in the building, it was quite small and I’m sure the museum was made up of local memorabilia about the history of the Bakalar Air Force Base.

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I drove on into Louisville, Kentucky where my first stop was visit the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory located just across the Ohio River in the West-Main District of downtown Louisville. A guided tour was included, as part of the admission price to the museum, and it was very interesting and well presented. They showed us how some of the wooden bats were made by hand in the late 1880s (30 hours). We also got to see how a Louisville Slugger wooden bat is made today, from start (billet) to finish, ready for a game (30 minutes). I was amazed to find out that the Louisville Slugger factory produces as many as 1.6 million wooden baseball bats per year. And if that’s not enough, they are only one of over 30 some wooden bat manufacturing companies in the United States and Canada. It you happen to be a baseball fan, checkout Wikipedia under “Facts about Louisville Slugger Wood Bats” for some amazing information about wood baseball bats.

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This section of West Main Street, in the downtown area of Louisville, is called “Museum Row” and is a little rundown. It appears to have become an art enthusiast’s dream, with several art galleries and tea shops. I was not impressed with the “Artwork” some of the galleries choose to display on the sidewalks.

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My next stop was at the Kentucky Railway Museum located in New Haven, Kentucky. This was one of those museums that sell short railroad rides similar to those I’ve seen in Florida and Colorado. The inside of the museum itself was very small and filled with local train memorabilia. They had a considerable amount of nicely restored rolling stock but I don’t believe it was accessible to the public.

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Since the other railroad museum and the automobile Museum on my list in the area were both closed today, I headed for the motel in Radcliff, Kentucky. I was surprised to see on the map that the Fort Knox Gold Bullion Depository was only a few miles from Radcliffe, located within the Fort Knox Army Base. I asked the desk clerk at the motel if I could get a tour of the nation’s gold depository, and he informed me that security was very tight around the facility, and that they did not allow people to stop their cars on the highway in front of the building or even take pictures of the grounds.

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I just had to drive by and take a look at this famous facility. I headed down East Bullion Boulevard, and as you might guess, the local gentry have used the local gold depository in advertising of all types, just like at home with the “Space Coast” title.

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I passed several such signs for businesses, such as “Gold City Towing” and the “Gold Vault Inn.” Then when I drove past the treasury building itself, where most of the American public visualizes the housing of all that gold, it is really a very unimpressive structure. Wikipedia says that much of America’s gold is actually stored in a massive vault under the Depository building.

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Then it was back to the motel to warm up my yummy dinner of Outback grilled Pork Chop, garlic mash potatoes and asparagus. It was every bit as delicious as it was the night before. The only thing missing was the restaurant music and the sports on the TV, which I can do without while I’m eating.

—–To Be Continued—–

 

 

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If we all did this, we could change the world.

27 Aug

 

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

 

VIDEO OF THE WEEK SNEAK PEEK: CLICK HERE

 

My jaw was still numb as I approached the receptionist desk at the dentist. She handed me the card. “Here’s your next appointment date.”

“Thank you,” I said. Then I leaned toward her and whispered, “And stay as sweet as you are.”

She didn’t answer. But after a few seconds, she cleared her throat, “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me lately.” Her voice quivered.

I gave her a huge smile. But on the way home, her response rode in the car with me. What prompted me to say that to her? How often had I encountered folks who might also need a kind word, an encouraging comment or a genuine smile?

But the busyness of life, the tugging of the next chore, the issues at hand, usually erase any desire to encourage those we meet, those we know and…gulp…those we love.

We all hear words of discouragement on the news, at work, in the street, on the radio, on TV, on social media. But we have the power to change that.

We can make a difference choosing to encourage others. To share kind words, to impart positive comments and give a verbal hug.

Here are three truths about the power of our words:

  1. “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12:25)
  2. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” (Proverbs 6:24)
  3. “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)

Our words can lift the soul, bring a smile and touch the heart.

What impact will the power of your words have today?

 

Source: If we all did this, we could change the world. | Janet Perez Eckles

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What Works for You?

26 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

 

 

Sometimes it is a dream that keeps us going-
the root of a thought that keeps on growing and growing.
Or, are you motivated by others?
You strive to meet their goals for you.
Just remember, it’s important to yourself be true.
it will only lead to strife.

 

God created you to be You.
He is the one who gave you talent.
He is the one who gave you life.
When you struggle to be another,
it will only lead to strife.

 

Trust in the Lord with your whole heart.
He wants the best for you.
When you are doing what you love,
God is saying “Yes” to you.

 

Don’t let failure define you.
Hold on to your vision.
Ask the Lord to guide you
in making the right decision.

 

When you are doing what you love,
it excites your inner core.
It energizes creativity
and allows you to do more.

 

Keep in mind, your biggest cheerleader
in life is you.
Choose a positive attitude in reaching your goals
and watch you dreams come true.

 

 

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Hummy Hummingbird

25 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

My husband and I spent a few days this past week in Raleigh, North Carolina visiting family and eating way too much good food. Since we returned home, I have been busy catching up as well as wandering aimlessly.  Fortunately, our guest blogger, Patricia Franklin  sent a story that I am posting today. I feel better missing my posting day if I can share something good. Enjoy- Onisha

Patricia Franklin

A Few Thoughts

 

I just had a quick story to tell you.  We got home last night and I noticed the hummingbird feeder was out of juice.  I wasn’t going to put any more out, as it draws the hornets and they fight with the hummingbird to get it.  Also, it is getting to the end of the season.  But, I was standing at the patio door this morning, about 6 feet away from the feeder, which hangs right in front of my window over the sink.  Little Hummy came up to the patio window and buzzed around several times right in front of my face.  I was a little startled and thought “Is she trying to tell me something?”  I went about my work in the kitchen and went over to the sink to start the dishes.  She came flying over and was buzzing around the feeder.  I watched her and suddenly she came up to the window over the sink and flew around in front of my face again.  I said to myself, “She really does know where the food comes from, and is telling me she is hungry.”  There are fewer flowers around now, so she is looking for food. Guess she does not mind fighting with the hornets.  I sit outside frequently in my chair next to the feeder, and I know she keeps an eye on it because occasionally another hummingbird will come, and she is immediately there to chase it away.  So I made up some juice and hung it out there. She has been back about six times already today.

 

Hummingbird

 

I loved this story. I do believe that hummingbirds communicate with us humans. We have had them fly from the feeder to hover in front of us as though saying “thank you.” One summer my husband put his camera on the tripod and took some great photos we treasure. Here is one of them-Onisha

 

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Do you have any hummingbird stories or photos?  If so, it would be fun if you shared them in comments.

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My 2016 Mid-West Trip~Part 8

24 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

 

Day 8 (Saturday)

It was a beautiful day for my trip from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN.  My first stop was to visit the Indiana Transportation Museum located in Noblesville, IN. This museum turned out to be a very small and mostly a collection of neglected rolling stock.  However, there was a tour guide who showed me around, and informed me that much of the museum’s train equipment was in one state of restoration or another. He added that the restoration process was slow going because they did not have that many volunteers to do the work.

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I spent a lot of time with Greta trying to find the Rolls-Royce Allison Heritage Trust Museum located on the southwest side of Indianapolis. She kept taking me around in circles that always ended up at the same intersection, in front of a deserted building. I finally found the Rolls-Royce facility, a mile or so down the road, but did not see a museum sign anywhere. I couldn’t find any evidence of it, and I might be wrong, but the museum (if any) might be closed to the public.

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Next I headed for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum situated just west of Indianapolis in Speedway, IN.  In order to get to the museum I had to drive through the tunnel, under the speedway racetrack, to the infield where the museum is located.  The museum has a fantastic collection of race cars, many of which have been winners in races at the Indianapolis 500 race, and other races at the speedway, dating from the early 1900s to the present day.

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One of the tour guide to saw me taking pictures of the cars and said, “Would you like me to take your picture with one of these race cars?” When I told him I would like that, he said, “Just sit on the bench in front of this one, it is the car Juan Pablo Montoya won the last year’s Indianapolis 500 race with (and $2.5 million).”

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I tried to find the World War II Memorial, which is the centerpiece of the World Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis, but Greta kept telling me she couldn’t find a match for the address I had giving her. So, after several tries, I gave up the hunt for today and headed for the motel.

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Tonight I treated myself to meal of some really great Outback Stakehouse grilled Pork Chops, garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and a house salad with ranch dressing on the side. They were some of the best pork chops I’ve had in a long time. Freshly baked bread with lots of butter and Strawberry jam was my desert. Makes my mouth water just thinking about how good it was!

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Tomorrow morning I’m heading out early for Louisville, Kentucky.

—–To Be Continued—–

 

 

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What you must kill in order for joy to grow.

20 Aug

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

GardeningA desire to garden exploded in me when I read this:

Why do gardeners go for their hobby with such passion and dedication? I think it is because the creativity never ends. Gardeners are always adding, trimming, forming, watching, and that’s what makes the work fun. Our gardens are our living, ever-changing palette.

What fun! I want to do that, too. But then I remembered what someone told me. Gardening requires work, real work such as consistent efforts to pull out weeds so the flowers can grow.

I should’ve known that—nothing grows without work. I learned that in the weed-filled garden of my own life. And when I went to work, pulling out the weeds, then joy began to blossom.

And like many, the most stubborn weed is the one called doubt. It has to be yanked out. If not, doubt chokes all that tries to grow.

Often that unsightly doubt comes in these three different varieties:

  1. Doubt that God is enough, that He will provide for all our needs. “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
  2. Doubt that God will be with us no matter where life takes us. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
  3. Doubt that is the key that opens the door to destructive fear. So we fear things won’t turn out, answers won’t come or solutions won’t arrive. “For I’ve not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, of love and a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When doubt is pulled out, the garden of life shines with new colors. Peace grows, security blossoms, and hope brings on the fragrance of joy.

What weed-killer are you using for that stubborn doubt?

Source: What you must kill in order for joy to grow. | Janet Perez Eckles

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It is Always Too Soon to Quit

19 Aug

From the Heart

Louise Gibson

Louise Gibson

 

 

Let your dream be bigger than your fear.
Hold on to your vision and persevere.
The fuel for your journey is a spark.
By perseverance the snail reached the ark.

 

Love always perseveres;
a force strong and true.
It motivates your best interests
and brings out the best in you.

 

Don’t despise the day of small things.
It is the small thing that forms
the framework of our day.
Keep an attitude of gratitude
as the Lord leads you to do all things His way.

 

Father Jean Nicholas Grou wrote:
“Little things come daily, hourly, within our reach,
and they are no less calculated to set forward
our growth in holiness than are the greater occasions
which occur but rarely. Moreover, fidelity in trifles,
and an earnest seeking to please God in little matters
is a test of real devotion and love. Let your aim be
to please our dear Lord perfectly in little things.”

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It is Good to Give Thanks

18 Aug

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

During my growing up years, we lived in Orlando, Florida. My parents loved to fish, so most Fridays as soon as my parent’s made it home from work, we loaded the car with fishing gear and headed to the east coast. We would fish all night and most of Saturday.  We usually fished from a pier and late at night when most folks had gone home to sleep, we would often  begin to sing hymns in the evening stillness. Just my family, the moon and the stars. Wonderful memories.

What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks,
    to sing an anthem to you, the High God!
To announce your love each daybreak,
    sing your faithful presence all through the night,
Accompanied by dulcimer and harp,
    the full-bodied music of strings.

Psalms 92: 1-3

The Message

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My 2016 Mid-West Trip~Part 7

17 Aug

A Slice of Life

Bill Lites

Day 7 (Friday)

Since most of the museums on today’s list were on the west side of St. Louis I started with the Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum located at the Creve Coeur Airport. I had been unable to find their hours of operation on their website; I called ahead this morning and was told that they were only open on Saturday and Sunday. They also informed me that any other day of the week the museum was only opened to the public with a 24-hour advance appointment, which left me out in the cold. I was a very disappointed as the museum consisted of three hangers which I’m sure houses many beautifully restored airplanes. Maybe next time.

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Not too far down the road was the St. Louis Museum of Transportation located in the small community of Twin Oaks. This was a fairly large museum consisting of restored cars, trains, and aircraft. The most interesting item at the museum, as far as I was concerned, was their 1/3 scale train ride. The train was modeled after an early 1900s steam engine with open train cars for passengers that circled a portion of the museum grounds. Everything associated with the train ride was 1/3 scale, including crossing safety bars, flashing lights, railroad crossing signs, and the load & unload station. I took a ride and the little kid in me really enjoyed it.

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Next I headed for the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum located in Cahokia, but Greta had a hard time finding it. I reset the location three times for her but she never could get me there. Finally I stopped at a motel and ask for directions, which they printed out for me from MapQuest. I tried to follow the written directions, read the street signs and drive at the same time, but that didn’t work. So I tried a final time to input the location to Greta, and what a surprise, she took me right to it. However, when I got there the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum I saw at that location was a joke! It was one rundown Hanger with a beat-up C-47 sitting out in front with no engines, and they were closed.

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(This is the sign on the gate where Greta took me)

When I got home and looked up the museum’s website. I couldn’t understand what had happened. All the photos on their website showed something very different from what I had seen and photographed. There was some information about two museum site locations (hangers), so maybe Greta took me to the other location. Whatever, that doesn’t explain her taking me to the address I had for the museum. Mysteries seem to never cease with Greta. I may have to turn her in for the GPS system on my IPhone.

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(This is not the museum location Greta took me to)

Finally I headed for the St. Louis Gateway Arch. I had left visiting the Arch until last because the Internet had said their hours were 8 AM – 10 PM. I have always wanted to ride the elevator up to the top of the Arch, but today it wasn’t going to happen. I had noticed as I came across the bridge, over the Mississippi River, that it looked like there was a lot of construction going on around the base of the Arch. When I pulled into the parking lot I was told that parking was $15, and that Arch tickets might be sold out for the day.

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I was a little surprised at this statement, because it was only 4:30 in the afternoon. The parking attendant was very nice and informed me that today the Arch was closing at 6:00 PM and the last tram ride was at 5:45. I hadn’t known I needed to buy a ticket online before I left home, and would have to drive several blocks to the Courthouse to buy a ticket. Even if I was able to get a ticket, the chances would be slim that I could drive to the Courthouse, find a place to park, buy the ticket, and get back to the Arch parking area and walked to the tram location in time. As I was discussing all this with the parking lot attendant, I noticed a group of at least 75 – 100 school children, all dressed in the same uniform, heading for the Arch tram location. Even if both trams were working, I just knew my chances of getting a ride in one of the small 5-person trams would be likely impossible today. That’s when I called it a day and started looking for someplace to have dinner.

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After all the frustration of this day, I treated myself to a wonderful dinner at the local Cracker Barrel. I had enjoyed their Grilled Catfish so much a couple nights before that I decided to try their grilled Lemon Pepper Trout tonight. It was wonderful, and the collard greens and carrots were great. Honey on one of their famous buttermilk biscuits was my dessert. Once my tummy was full, I was ready to head for the motel for some TV and a good night’s rest.

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—–To Be Continued—–

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Coral

15 Aug

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Recently, I had a look at some coral, but only in a nice safe aquarium shop where the tanks shone with black-light and displayed tiny bits of coral growing on bases. It was a delightful, cool place to be and a young clerk was kind enough to answer my questions without pressuring me to buy. I never knew that such a thing as a coral farm existed and I realized that if I ever got a yen to see coral again, the coral farm or a public aquarium were the places for me.

I’ve accomplished the two things that were on what is now called a bucket list. I can’t think of anything else I want to do because I’m living the life I want and I’ve been lots of places, already. One thing I wanted to do was to SCUBA dive. There wasn’t much chance of that as you had to take classes, be certified, and buy a lot of expensive equipment, and don’t forget, practice, practice, practice. Frankly, I didn’t want to bother with it or pay for it, even though undersea videos and experiences with snorkeling had always fascinated me.

Then Bill and I went to a Caribbean island on vacation and lo, they offered SCUBA diving! We only had to take one class in the resort’s pool in borrowed equipment. Piece of cake. After our lesson, we were excited about the next day when we’d go to the beach, get in a boat and be outfitted for our dive over a coral reef. Yes, I can swim. Not a great swimmer, but okay. I’ve always been able to float pretty well if I needed to rest.

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The water at the beach was almost body temperature so our bathing suits were fine. There were about six other people on the boat who would take their turns. The trainer gave me a mask. I knew about using a mask from snorkeling. Then she put a lead-weight belt around my middle. Next the flippers and air tank went on. By the time they got me outfitted, I could barely hold myself up, let alone walk. Two native crew-men one on each side walked me to the gunwale where they lifted me over onto the ladder.

I’m the one with the pink flippers on.

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Underwater I was so amazed by the beautiful colors and patterns of the coral that it took a few seconds to notice that I was sinking and would soon crush coral. My mask was fogging up so I couldn’t see. I swam hard trying to stay off the bottom. There was no one in my range of vision. Finally I decided I needed to make my way back to the ladder and when I got there, the trainer and Bill came right away. I gave the signal to go up, and the trainer mimed for Bill to stay at the ladder. He hovered, but knowing Bill, I figured he would need to explore a bit in the short time the trainer was getting me on board. Doing that, he could get into trouble or get lost and there would be no one to save him, so I motioned that I had changed my mind. For the rest of the short time we were down I clung to the ladder and concentrated on breathing.

When our time was up, Bill and the trainer returned. I climbed the ladder and two crew members lifted me into the boat. They took off the tank, mask and flippers and set me down. They threw a towel over my shoulders because they could see I was shivering. I pulled it close and soaked up the warmth of the sun.

The next day Bill wanted to go for a longer tour. Of course, Bill came back safely, raving about all the wonders he’d seen. I was glad for him, but I mentally crossed SCUBA off my want-to-do list, and eventually found other ways to enjoy the wonders of the deep. Oh, by the way, “Finding Nemo” is one of my all-time favorite movies. I can hardly wait until “Finding Dorry,” comes on Netflix.

 

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