TED DREWES FROZEN CUSTARD - ROUTE 66 ST. LOUIS

Saturday is Route 66 post day. Here are a few photos from Route 66 - West 366, (sorry the Route 66 sign did not come out too good). We had a nice visit to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a roadside attraction in City 66.

We took Babe Benjamin to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard on Chippewa Street in the City of St. Louis on Historic Route 66. This simple stand, built in 1941 as a clapboard cottage with icicles hanging on the roofline, is still standing today. Ted Drewes has steady and loyal customers, from all corners, continue to line up around the stand to enjoy a "concrete" (a famous shake so thick that can be turned upside down). I had a small concrete with coconut and pecan, my husband had two scoops of chocolate and Benjamin enjoyed a banana boat filled with whipped cream and cherry toppings!

CITY OF ST. LOUIS - 2009 MLB ALL STAR GAME

Last weekend, we were in downtown St. Louis and I took these photos of the City all awash in red and blue banners as the town prepared for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. It is the 80th Midsummer Classic between the All-Stars of the American League and the National League. The last time St. Louis hosted the MLB All-Star Game was in 1966. Visit my sport blog www.shorthandedgoal.blogspot.com if you wish to see more photos covering the event and Busch Stadium including locker rooms.

According to the business journal, the 2009 All Star game is expected to make an approximate $60 million economic impact not only to the City of St. Louis but to the entire bi-state region (Missouri-Illinois). An estimate of 250,000 people will attend other events such as FanFest (above photo) at the America's Center, the Home Run Derby, and Charity Concert at the Riverfront.

A national tourism event like the All-Star Game is great as it brings in much needed economic boost. It is estimate that visitors would spend an approximate $30 million in dining, hotels and retails. Photo below shows the food and merchandise tents are ready to accomodate visitors' shopping needs.

Downtown St. Louis, anchored by the mighty Gateway Arch, was founded by Pierre Laclede in 1764. The town became a vital hub of transportation in the early 1800s with the arrival of the steamboat. Like many urban centers, the City of St. Louis has gone through many changes and renewal efforts have continued to bring a resurgence of residential living and business community. Here is an interesting fact - 16.4 million visitors spent their vacation annually including 4 million people visited the Gateway Arch. I wonder what the 12.4 million people do while in St. LOuis if they did not go up the top of the arch.

JUST A LITTLE INCIDENT

Here is Benjamin all safe and happy. Only the day before he had a little incident that caused all his eight strings of yellow yarns turned completely white. The incident took place as we walked across the street with Benjamin tucked in my purse. I did not realize that I had dropped Benjamin until we got to the fairground. As we hurried up, re-tracing our steps to the parking lot where we parked our pick-up truck, I spotted Benjamin laying face down in the middle of the busy 4-lane road (photos below). Luckily the traffic lights were red and my husband was able to safely ran out and retrieved Benjamin. My husband jokingly said that I should give Benjamin CPR. Then my husband started laughing at how distraught I looked while trying to look for a silly beanie baby. I actually felt as if I was a bad mother who did not take good care of her child.

As we frantically re-traced our steps, we saw a family of four, Mom, Dad and two cute little boys, all smiling as they walked towards the fairground. I said to my husband that the mother probably picked up Benjamin and put him in her big shoulder bag. The little boys were happy that they found a cute little toy. I was so upset at these people that they took something that did not belong to them. After we found Benjamin in the middle of the road, I felt so guilty for wrongfully accusing the family without any concrete evidence. How often we blamed others for our mistakes or conveniently accused someone (or a group of people based on their race or most recent, social class just like when the Vietnamese Communist labeled upper-class people as enemy of the working class) for misfortune or failure that was created by own incompetence? I learned a valuable lesson that I should try to remember not to jump to conclusion or make false accusations without checking all the facts.

Benjamin suffered a few tire marks (photo below) but he had a good bath in the washer. No major damage to his appearance. He is clean and fresh like a daisy.

TOTA ACHIEVES IMPORTANT MILESTONE

My adoring fans and faithful followers, rejoicing with me as my little silly blog, TOTA, has reached an important milestone. According to the "accurate and reliable" Brave.net Counter, the current count is over 5,000 (half of that would be from my daily visits to make sure the blog did not suddendly disappear overnight). Also, I have set a new record of 113 posts for the year of 2009 (and it is only July), compared to 107 in 2008, 89 in 2007 and a pitiful 47 posts in 2006. The next milestone I am trying to reach would be the 400th post. I only need 44 more posts to get there! (Hey Qaptain Qwerty, you only need 22 to reach your 500th post - so get busy and keep posting. And tell your friend, the Lone Gunman to start blogging as his faithful followers have been waiting!)

I am such a goal-oriented person that in order to motivate myself to continue blogging, not so much writing but posting often, I have to set and try to reach certain levels. At the beginning back in August 2006, I wrote lengthy posts about what was happening in my life, in the community, typical rants and raves and comments on current events. One day I became brave and learned how to post photos. Since then my blog has became more of a scrapbook (or photo albums) with lot of photos and not much writing. I no longer tried to impress the readers with intelligent comments or lengthly essays without much content. My little silly blog will continue to include photos from my visits to NYC, photos of "Babe" Benjamin around St. Louis, my new passion for discovery and history of Route 66 and anything that might be worthy to share (such as Humor of the Week) with my adoring fans and faithful followers. Sorry I did not buy a cake or a bottle of champaign, I hope you enjoy looking at these pretty flowers.

GOING, GOING, GONE TO THE BALLOONS HEAVEN

It has to be the balloons from the float by a local church with a summer camp called "The Ultimate Survival Guide" that broke free and flew away. I was watching the parade and was so glad for the opportunity to capture the balloons breaking off into the balloons heaven. This is the first time I have the camera handy and was in a position to safely take pictures of the balloons going up the sky.

HUMOR OF THE WEEK & THREE MORE QUESTIONS

I drove by, I saw, I captured the above sign while riding along in the T-bird near MO-30 (Old Route 66) in St. Clair, Missouri. The sign was located in front of an old roadside grocery store.


Here are three questions for this week - (All questions were randomly selected from the Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.)


Question #155 - Would you be willing to make a substantial sacrifice to have any of the following: your picture on a postage stamp, your statue in a park, a college named after you, a Nobel prize, a national holiday in your honor?

Answer from TOTA: First, I need to know what kind of substantial sacrifice. As long as it does not involve pains, humiliations, any forms of sufferings, be that physical or mental, or any kinds of torture. Second, here is my thought process in making my selection - I don't want my picture on a postage stamp because the traditional letter writing or sending cards has been the thing of the past. When was the last time you write a letter or even a short note to anyone? Even sympathy notes are being sent by "cold and impersonal" email - no one takes the time to go to the store, purchase a nice thoughtful card, hand write the address, put a stamp on the envelope and drop off in the mail box.

I don't want a statue in a park because pigeons tend to leave their "stuff" on statues. A college named after me would probably not last every long since someone has more money and power could decide that their name should be on the building. My maternal grandfather (Che Cung) was the only person I knew who gave a big chunk of money to build a school and refused to have his name on the building.

I used to have high respect for the Nobel prize until it was "conveniently" given to an individual who conveniently wrote a book and lectured everyone about the environmental responsibility and yet this person conveniently lives in a mansion and flew around in private jet, leaving carbon footprints while shamelessly presented himself as someone who tried to save the earth. The Nobel prize is just a conveniently political meaningless award.

So my selection would be a national holiday in my honor because it would take place every year. Most likely no one would care who I was and why a national holiday named after me but they all would be glad to enjoy the day off. Just like Memorial Day and Independence Day, there are only a few flags being displayed in my neighborhood. The holidays have lost their meanings and the people don't take the time to appreciate the men and women who gave their lives so we could live in freedom and enjoy the liberty.

Question #22 - If you could use a voodoo doll to hurt anyone you chose, would you?
Answer from TOTA: I am going to take the Fifth on this question. And if you wish to remain in your current employment, you should not answer this question either. If you so desired, know that stating your answer would be at your own risk!

Question #74 - Would you enjoy spending a month of solitude in a beautiful natural setting? Food and shelter would be provided but you would not see another person.
Answer from TOTA: Is this a trick question? Food and shelter provided and I don't have to see another person for a month in a beautiful natural setting without any harmful threats, where do I sign up for this? I could read books, listen to music and don't have to talk anyone - life is good!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY - GOD BLESS AMERICA

HOW MUCH TIME DO WE HAVE?

I saw the clock (above photo) as I walked up the stairs from 33rd Street Station Downtown (Subway #6 Lexington Line) after my visit to Hunter College on 68th & Lexington (on Friday, May 8, 2009). I originally selected the title "Do you have the time?" for this post to go with these photos. Then the recent passings of well known people, two just turned 50s, reminded me that we are living on borrow time. You never know when the time is up. So I changed the title of this post to "How much time do we have?".

Also during my visit in May, my sister and I went to the Wall Street area because CH wanted to take pictures of the Bowling Green Bull. We passed by the Sports Museum of America located at 26 Broadway. I was willing to pay the admission fee just to see what they have in the hockey section, but the building was closed due to financial problems. So I took photo (above) because I like the clock in the lobby.
The clock below was at the corner of Sterling and 7th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

You could tell I like taking photos of clocks in public places, particularly at town squares, train depots and along main streets. I don't collect clocks or purchase them like my husband. There are about 10 different clocks in his office in various designs of automobile parts such as tires, steering wheels or in the shape of golf bag and antique radio. Some Chinese (Asians) associate a clock with death or a reminder that time is running out. Each ticks signal the last moment of life is near. So be advised, do not give a clock as a gift to an Asian person for his/her 1st wedding anniversary, and definitely not as birthday present. You might well say "I wish you were dead" while the person blowing out the candles on the birthday cake! I don't believe in any of these silly supertitious or beliefs, just passing on the information on cultural etiquette.

Above - Clock by the train depot in Pacific, Missouri.

Remember to enjoy each moment, treasure each memory and plan for the future but don't worry too much that you might miss living fully in the present.

Above - Clock by the train depot in De Soto, Missouri and display of clocks (below) with 10 different time zones around the world in the Stan Musial Grill at Missouri Athletic Club in Des Peres, West St. Louis, Missouri.

HAPPY CANADA DAY

JUNE PROGRESS REPORT

Not much to report for the month of June. I plan to enjoy the summer with lot of fun activities, though I was not fond of the steamy weather last week, I am just so glad to be alive! I don't want to complain too much. With all the negative events happening, I am still thankful for all God's blessings. Hope ya'll have a great summer!

BENJAMIN AT THE PARADE

Benjamin "Babe" had a great time watching his first small town parade. There were typical floats from local businesses and charity organizations, veteran groups, classic cars driven by state and local representatives, fire trucks, police on motorcycles, a high school marching band and a nice visit from Ronald McDonnald! The weather has cool down a little and the parade took less than an hour. (More about a scary accident happened to Benjamin and at the Fair after the parade in future posts.)

PUBLIC ART - BICYCLES

A creative way to make use of an old bicycle. My husband pointed out that someone with a clever idea has installed a lawn mower to the front of this 60s style bicycle. Should we call it a "licycle mower" or a "bawn mower"?
(Photo above - Fanning US 66 Outpost)

At Dixon's Bike Shop (above) on Union & 7th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NYC, I wondered was the mural part of our real world or the bikes and people on the sidewalk actually were part of the mural?

Benjamin had fun riding the bicycle sculpture at Vlasis Park (above).

Yellow bicycle sculptures (below) on display at Chesterfield Valley, a large shopping area that was submerged under water during the 1983 Flood. Developers were confident that after the new levee was built, it would be another 100 years before the town might be flooded again. I would be long gone by then so what do I care?

ROUTE 66 - MERAMEC CAVERNS

This is where I would like to be right now, Meramec Caverns and 60 degrees cool (the proof is in the above photo). Directly off old Route 66 or Exit 230 off I-44, the Caverns is named as "Missouri's Buried Treasure" as stated in the promotional brochure and thousands of billboards along the highway. There is much to do besides the guided tours. Our first visit was in 1997. We enjoyed the tour, ate lunch at the restaurant and ice cream for dessert (there are 28 flavors as advertised in the billboard below) but I don't remember if we purchased anything from the gift shop.

Meramec Caverns is a great family outing with activities such as Sluice Mining that children can "pan for gold", Canoeing, Riverboat Rides, and Camping. For those seeking quiet and comfortable lodging, there is a motel located in LaJolla Natural Park. Or you could try looking for the hidden gold and money that Jesse James and his gang buried somewhere but did not get a chance to retrieve.

Check out Meramec Caverns at www.AmericasCave.com

HOW BENJAMIN KEEPS HIS COOL

This is where Benjamin has been the last few days - Fritz's Frozen Custard. With the heat index above 100 degrees, we have tried very hard to keep cool. The temperature has been in the high 90s but when you are outside, even in the shade, it feels like 110! Excessive heat warning was issued and everyone is encouraged to stay indoor or in our case, in the basement where it is cool. The same forecast will be for the rest of the week, extreme hot weather in St. Louis and it's only the beginning of summer.
Fritz's Frozen Custard is located just south of Hwy. 141 and Big Bend www.fritzsfrozencustard.com since 1983. In addition to the rich, creamy custard made with highest quality standards, there are special events such as Annual Car Hop Night with live music, a dance contest for kids and prizes. When you stop by Fritz, be sure to tell them that Benjamin sends you!

HUMOR OF THE WEEK & THREE QUESTIONS

IF A WOMAN IS STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WOODS SPEAKING & THERE IS NO MAN AROUND TO HEAR HER, IS SHE STILL WRONG?
I saw this sign at Fanning US 66 Outpost Souveniers shop, http://www.fanning66outpost.com/. (More about the shop in future posts). I don't have any more photos of dry cleaners with funny names and even though I don't exactly know what the sign was about other than "Men from Mars, Women from Venus" humor, I thought the sign would suffice for this week Humor of the Week post.

Now on a new feature - Three Questions (randomly selected from the Book of Questions by Gregory Stock, Ph. D.)

Question #80 - Would you rather die peacefully among friends at age 50, or painfully and alone at age 80? Assume that most of the last 30 years would be good ones.

Answer from TOTA: How about 30 good years starting at the age of 50 without any friends, then live alone and at 80 die peacefully. I would rather be alone, no friends with 30 good years and without the painful part. I am not fond of pains. What can I say, I am a loner! What would be your choice?

Questions #31 - If you knew there would be a nuclear war in one week, what would you do?

Answer from TOTA: It depends on whether I would survive this nuclear war and what became of the immediate surroundings where I lived. If I only had one week (hopefully it would be during hockey season), I probably take all the money I have (not much) and see the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs on home ice. Or better yet, playing in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. What would you do?

Question #32 - Would you accept 20 years of extraordinary happiness and fulfillment if it meant you would die at the end of the period?

Answer from TOTA: Depends on when these 20 years of extraordinary happiness and fulfillment begins. At the age of 20 - I would accept the offer with hesitation because after only 20 good years I would die too young at the age of 40. I would definitely accept the offer when I was 40 because these were prime years physically and mentally. Not sure about after 50 since the body started to break down but 20 good years still would be a good offer. I would definitely accept these 20 years if I was offered "this deal of a lifetime" at the age of 30. I would rather lived a short life with extraordinary happiness and fulfillment than to live to be 100 yet boring and sad.
So, my adoring fans and faithful readers, your turn. What would be your answers?

HOOT HOOT FROM PARK SLOPE

I spotted the above weather beaten owl while walking around North Flatbush in Park Slope, Brooklyn, New York. It stood guard on top of the shop next to the Providence Building. If the owl could talk, he would make a great history buff with the things that it witnessed and heard over the years. I wonder if this owl is a cousin of the owl at the Barn at Lucerne in St. Louis.

Does anyone have a story to share about Mr. Owl from Park Slope or about the Providence Building? How about Qaptain Qwerty? Is the area really North Flatbush in Park Slope or is it something else?