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Post by billhammond on Aug 19, 2015 6:38:28 GMT -5
Greetings from Lexington, Ky. Yesterday I awoke for the second morning in beautiful and incredibly quiet Thaxter Manor, near Orange, Va. The difference between Morning One and Morning Two there was that on Tuesday, I had to say goodbye to Richard, and that was difficult. To be honest, I would have liked to become part of that family for the foreseeable future, so welcome did they make me feel and so dearly I feel toward Dick and them. I work with words for a living but none seemed up to the challenge of the moment. I told him I thought he seemed to be on an even keel, approaching things with calm and good humor (I might also have said without signs of panic, or anger). His wife is just the best, a total sweetheart, and the son who is back living with them for now from his place in Culpepper is also super-friendly, funny and helpful in caring for Dear Olde Dadde. Dick and his bride and I had a most pleasant afternoon on Monday at Early Mountain Vineyards northwest of their place, tasting some really tasty reds and roses (and one white), all produced entirely with the winery's own grapes. A terrific cheese plate and plenty of easy-going conversation added to the charm. Earlier that day, I had ventured off to James Madison's Montpelier, a wonderful and uncrowded tour that was enlightening and educating and a feast for the eyes, as well. Mixter Thaxter had recommended the I-64 route that I am taking homeward -- once I cleared the truck-constipated I-81 corridor, it was, as he had said, virtually empty roadway, and I made great time and just soaked up the scenery, including the incredible New River Gorge: It started to drizzle a bit as I climbed into the higher elevations, and I shut down the car stereo and just listened to the swoosh of the tires and the rhythm of the wipers, and thought back to the previous evening when one of Dick's work buddies, Brian, stopped by on his 225,000-mile BMW motorbike to make some music with us. What a balm, what a gift, what a reality to make mit der musik, no matter what the situation might be. When we were playing and singing and laughing and sipping, it was not about an illness, it was not about an outcome, it was about the moment, and the bond, and the humanity of it all -- the things that really matter. Not that illnesses and outcomes don't matter -- they do. But Richard, you need to know that you are in my navigator seat as I head toward the Mississippi, that landmark that tells me I am back where I belong, for now, at least.
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Post by aquaduct on Aug 19, 2015 6:41:57 GMT -5
Awesome, Bill. And that place looks vaguely familiar.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2015 7:00:12 GMT -5
You'll be passing Ayana going the other way somewhere near Chicago.
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Post by coachdoc on Aug 19, 2015 7:29:41 GMT -5
You'll be passing Ayana going the other way somewhere near Chicago. And life goes on.
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Dub
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I'm gettin' so the past is the only thing I can remember.
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Post by Dub on Aug 19, 2015 7:36:33 GMT -5
Thank you, Bill for letting us be there too.
Over to Des Moines today to perform at the Iowa State Fair.
Have a good day, everyone.
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Post by millring on Aug 19, 2015 7:46:51 GMT -5
(btw, that's some beautiful writing, Bill.)
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Post by drlj on Aug 19, 2015 8:19:41 GMT -5
Very nice, Bill.
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Post by coachdoc on Aug 19, 2015 8:49:32 GMT -5
(btw, that's some beautiful writing, Bill.) And picture snapping. (otherwise known as photography)
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Tamarack
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Post by Tamarack on Aug 19, 2015 11:40:48 GMT -5
Well said Bill. I hope you gave Dick and family a warm embrace from the totality of SoundHooligans.
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Post by billhammond on Aug 19, 2015 11:46:05 GMT -5
(btw, that's some beautiful writing, Bill.) And picture snapping. (otherwise known as photography) That image was ripped from the Internet -- no camera have I, and only a dumbphone.
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Post by TKennedy on Aug 19, 2015 12:05:14 GMT -5
You have a way with words Bill.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 19, 2015 13:00:51 GMT -5
You'll be passing Ayana going the other way somewhere near Chicago. And life goes on. Yes it does. Little Zaria is bummed because biggest sister is gone and now she is left with big sister Kaiah, otherwise known as Bossy Betty.
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Post by brucemacneill on Aug 19, 2015 15:57:15 GMT -5
Thank you, Bill for letting us be there too. Over to Des Moines today to perform at the Iowa State Fair. Have a good day, everyone. Did you announce that you're running for President? Everyone else did.
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Post by billhammond on Aug 20, 2015 7:33:42 GMT -5
I woke up in Peoria, and it occurred to me that maximize my time remaining on the road, I will avoid any highway that starts with "Interstate," all the way home. So, today, for instance, I am taking Hwy. 40 north, then 30 west, 78 north and 20 west into Galena, then will stay along the river -- mostly Wisconsin side, maybe stay overnight at the Trempealeau Hotel. Friday will bring at least some time on Hwy. 61 on the MN side, as it's so scenic and yet a fast drive, too. Probably finish on the Wisconsin side, as Hwy. 35 is hard to beat.
And even though it would seem that once I reach St. Paul I can't avoid I-94 or I-35E, I can get off the Lafayette Bridge and head straight to Ward 6 for refreshments, then it's Payne Avenue to Larpenteur to home, baby.
Weather continues to be dandy -- radar yesterday looked like I was headed for storms, but I just managed to outrun the leading edge.
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Post by millring on Aug 20, 2015 7:41:06 GMT -5
Look to your right and holler.
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Post by billhammond on Aug 20, 2015 7:49:30 GMT -5
I never realized that Lonnie was such a great dancer.
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Post by millring on Aug 20, 2015 7:50:39 GMT -5
I never realized that Lonnie was such a great dancer. Sure, if you're talking about the Skate, the Frug, or the Boogaloo. He's got the moves.
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Dub
Administrator
I'm gettin' so the past is the only thing I can remember.
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Post by Dub on Aug 20, 2015 7:56:17 GMT -5
Thank you, Bill for letting us be there too. Over to Des Moines today to perform at the Iowa State Fair. Have a good day, everyone. Did you announce that you're running for President? Everyone else did. I may be unique in that I'm certain I would not make a good president.
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Post by Marshall on Aug 20, 2015 10:13:21 GMT -5
I thought maybe it was because of the Ashley Madison crash.
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Post by Rob Hanesworth on Aug 20, 2015 20:59:24 GMT -5
Did you announce that you're running for President? Everyone else did. I may be unique in that I'm certain I would not make a good president. No, not unique. I am also certain you would not make a good president. (Nor would I.)
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