CROSSING THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI - GRAFTON FERRY

The Belle of Calhoun is one of the Brussels Free Ferries.


From http://www.greatriverroad.com/, "Located about 1 mile west of Grafton and 4 miles east of Pere Marquette State Park, this ferry crosses the Illinois River linking Route 100 to Calhoun County and the village of Brussels. On busy days, such as weekends in the fall, there are two ferries operating to cut down on the waiting times. The ferries help keep the river free of ice during the winter and the action of their propellers stun fish and help bring them to the surface. These fish become easy prey for Bald Eagles making the Brussels Free Ferry Area one of the prime bald eagle watching spots in the region."

"Early American ferries consisted of rafts, rowboats and horse boats that could cross rivers where demand for transportation existed but where there weren’t any easy crossings. The advent of railroads and bridges put most ferries out of business and motorized vessels replaced the earlier forms of transportation of those that survived. For modern travelers, the remaining ferries in operation can save time as well as providing scenic river views. The Middle Mississippi River Valley offers seven ferries, two of which travelers can cross free of charge. Five of these ferries are located in the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area and the other crosses the Mississippi River between Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and rural Randolph County, Illinois."

Well, my ship (ferry) has finally come, but I was at the airport! (I read or heard this phrase but I don't know who said it. Would anyone know the original author, probably a comedian, of this funny but true saying?)

TUESDAY TWO - BICYCLISTS ALONG ILLINOIS ROUTE 100

I thought of QQ, www.qaptainqwerty.com, when I saw these two bicyclists along the Bike Trail during our Sunday drive in Grafton, Illinois.

From www.Greatriverroad.com, "The Vadalabene Trail is approximately 20 miles of level paved trail that parallels the Great River Road and the center portion of the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway. The trail is named after Sam M. Vadalabene, an Illinois State Senator and proponent of the trail. Riders, walkers, and joggers will see prairie wildflowers along the trail as well as flowering trees during the spring. Brilliant reds, yellows and oranges compliment the scenery in the fall. For those willing to brave the elements in the winter months should be able to see Bald Eagles soaring over the river and bluffs, or floating down the river on chunks of ice."
Hey, Qap, does it sound entice enough for you to visit this neck of the woods?

GRAFTON, ILLINOIS

Taking advantage of the nice cool yet sunny weather, my husband cleaned the carpet in the kitchen and family room using the steamer we purchased five years ago. Since we don’t have kids or pets and shoes are taken off once we are inside, the carpet only needs to be vacuumed weekly and cleaned twice during Spring and Fall cleaning. We steam cleaned the entire house in the Spring. On Saturday, while my husband cleaned the carpet and gathered the leave to the front yard for pick up (the City provides the service at no charge), I decided to make a visit to the mall. Regular readers know that I don’t care to spend time shopping. I could count on one hand how many times I went to the nearby malls in the last 5 years. Last week we got new mobile phones. And of course, now we had to get accessories such as carrying case for my husband and gel skin for both phones. I visited a few clothing stores but did not find any sweaters that I really liked (actually I did not want to pay full price). I usually make purchases at the end of the season when the items are placed on the clearance racks. I got a few more hand lotions to take care of the dry skin in the winter.

On Sunday, we drove to Grafton, Illinois for a 2nd visit. We heard of Grafton and its famous eagle watching but never paid a visit. During the Poker Run, we did not have time to really enjoy the town but we loved the beautiful scenery along the river, the limestone bluffs and the charm of its Main Street. Now we could not stay away! Grafton is definitely on our list for weekend roadtrips.

From the official website, http://www.enjoygrafton.com/, “Located near the convergence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers - Grafton, Illinois is a little town steeped in history. Grafton was founded in 1832 by a man named James Mason. Grafton is the oldest city in Jersey County. The area was being settled as early as 1812. The population reached 10,000 people in the 1850’s. Grafton, Illinois boasts a handful of ghost stories, the most famoushaunted site is the Ruebel Hotel.”

We had a nice home cooking lunch at the Ruebel Saloon. How fitting to listen to a ghost story about this place on Halloween.

“The hotel was built by Michael Ruebel in 1879 where it became the largest commercial hotel in Jersey County . It had 32 rooms with a bath house in the back and mainly played host to river travelers. Room rates at that time were $1.00 per day. The hotel thrived until it caught fire in 1912. As stories have been told the ghosts of the Ruebel Hotel remain. Many guests have spoken and seen a little girl ghost named, “Abigail”. Her presensce is still known and felt to this very day. Pictures that have been taken by several guests show orbs in many different places of the hotel recently.”

“In the heart of Grafton history is the Ruebel Hotel. The Ruebel was built in 1879, caught fire on 1912 and was rebuilt and renovated in 1997. The Ruebel Hotel has a magnificently restored bar from the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.”

This building used to be Grafton Bank. It is now a specialty shop selling leather and accessories to bikers (sorry, Qaptain Qwerty, for motorcycles, not bicycles).

Below is one of the many fine arts and crafts shops along Main Street.

MUMMY, MUMMY AND PIRATE

These photos were also taken at the recent BBQ Bash. Next year, I will try to remember to ask the people at these booths their reason for the decoration. What do mummies and pirates have to do with BBQ? I must admit these photos are appropriate for this post about Halloween. We had about 30+ kids stopping by, most were with parents or an adult keeping an eye on the groups. This year, I noticed the kids did not even bother saying "Trick or Treat", they just walked up to our door, rang the bell and not saying a word, yet expected us to put the candy in their bag, already wide opened or the pumpkin container. One kid was so lazy that he did not lift up the container, yet gave me a look like, "You know where to put the candy, old lady." My biggest pet peeve was when the kids just walked away after getting the treat, without saying "Thank You". This is what this world has become, a sense of entitlement, expecting something without working for it, asking the government for handouts (bailouts) or blame every problems on someone else (i.e. the rich, the corporation, the parents)! Next year, I will make sure that to receive the treat, the kids will have to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or list the years the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup!

FRIDAY AUTUMN SKY

Fall has arrived as evident in these photos taken from a park near our house.
One of the parks has a nice pond and many residents enjoy finishing there. There are tennis courts, basketball hoops, playground and enclosed pavilion for picnics.

In the last 15 years since moving here, we could count on one hand the number of occasions we utilized all the amenities the surrounding parks have to offer. We often don’t appreciate what we have. We take it for granted that our subdivision is a short distance between two good size parks. Actually, we live only a few miles from a well-known Castlewood Park.

Every year we talked about walking and spending more time outdoor. Yet, I only visit the park once or twice to take photos. As they say, “You could only lead the horse to the water ….”

This weekend I hope to sort thru the closets, get ready for the winter and gather a bag of clothing to put in the donation box. The Historical Society also asks for donation of books, so it would be good to find a few books to give away.

How are you getting ready for winter? It is time to stock up soup and hot chocolate :)

THIS IS NOT MR. ROGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD

Each time (that is once a year for us) when we leave the comfort zone of the suburb to go to the Polish Falcon Hall for the Polish Heritage Festival located on St. Louis Avenue in downtown St. Louis, we passed by these abandoned buildings in neighborhood where once was full of promise and potential.
The City of St. Louis never regained its glory of the World Fair, no longer a bustling city of steamboats and trading, socio-economic changes, political activism and conspiracy, and hopes for a more peaceful and safer life led many St. Louis residents to flee the city, prompting "white flight" by white residents who found integrated neighborhoods undesirable.

“The whites took their money with them when they left and the economic base for these neighborhoods collapsed. Poverty, crime, anger and a feeling of hopelessness settled into the once prosperous neighborhoods. This is the "White Flight" phenomenon that has turned East St. Louis into what it is today.”, these were words of deep resentment by those who were left behind.

I read an interesting fact that when Fred McFeely Rogers saw the television for the first time in the spring of 1951, he commented, “I just hated it.” For someone whose work was centered around this kind of medium, it is ironic that throughout his adult life, Mr. Rogers rarely watched TV.

There is no Mr. Rogers sitting on the front porch in a long sleeve cardigan sweater over a white shirt and a tie with a khaki pants and black sneakers, asking “Won’t you be my neighbors?”

TUESDAY TWO - THE GREAT PUMPKINS

These photos were from a recent BBQ Bash. After taking photo of the two giant pumpkins, I thought the smaller pumpkins lining on the ground looked like they were "sincere" pumpkins. I also thought I could send the photo below of my shadow at the corner to Linus van Pelt (of the Peanuts gang) and tell him that the Great Pumpkin has visited. Perhaps Qaptain Qwerty knows where I could forward the photo to the young Linus.

BENJAMIN SAYS "HAY"

Last weekend we made our 3rd trip to Oklahoma City. We missed a few attractions (downtown Tulsa, Totem Pole Park, etc.) the first time in October 2009. During our westward trip in July this year, we were trying to get to California so we kept on driving and on the returned trip we were so tired after driving more than 4,000 miles, we again could not make time to see the Golden Driller in downtown Tulsa.

This time, our trip started on Friday, October 15th, driving to Springfield, Missouri after we both got off work. We spent the night at a budget motel. The room was clean and comfortable, just what we needed for an overnight accommodation.

We got on the road around 7:00 a.m. and took I-44 into Galena, Kansas. This time we made time to stop by the famous Eisler Bros. Grocery and Deli in Riverton. Of course, CP has to take a few more photos of the T-bird at the Rainbow Bridge in Baxter Springs. We were hungry and decided that it would be a good time for lunch at Café on the Route.

We followed Route 66 into Oklahoma but did not make many stops since we already visited most of the attractions from Quapaw to Chelsea. Benjamin was really happy when we finally arrived at the Totem Pole Park in Foyil. (Photos will be in future posts.)

Sadly, the Admiral Twin Drive In Theatre was burned down to the ground early this month. There was a fundraising event that day but it did not look promising that it would be re-built.

At around 3:30 p.m., we finally drove into downtown Tulsa. We found the Golden Driller, a 76-foot tall sculpture tribune to Tulsa’s oil heritage at 21st Street west of Yale. (Photos in future posts).

We continued on to Red Fork where we stopped for dinner at Ollies’ Station Restaurant. I missed my nephew JL terribly when I saw inside the restaurant all decorated with collection of model trains that were moving around the dining room on tiny tracks suspended from the ceiling. Model trains are displayed on glass shelves around the restaurant. From Ollies’ website, “Ten running trains, from G-scale to Z-scale, run the length of the dining room and through scale model cities and towns. Our walls and shelves abound with railroad memorabilia.” (Hey Qaptain Qwerty, it would be a great road trip next April after the marathon?)

After Red Fork, we got lost for about an hour on a dark 2-lane country road trying to find the giant soda bottle in Arcadia. Just like a typical man, CP would not stop to ask for direction or let me read the EZ 66 guide. Only after I threatened to throw a bucket of yellow paint on his T-bird when we get home, CP agreed to turn around. I took many photos of the 66 foot tall pop bottle illuminated in beautiful colors.

We spent Saturday night in Bricktown, Oklahoma City. The next day, we attended Sunday Mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City. The Cathedral is located across the street from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum honoring the victims of the 1995 bombing.

A trip to Oklahoma City would not be completed without getting a few banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches) from Banh Mi Ba Le at the famous Giant Milk Bottle on Classen. Later, we stopped in Chandler, sat down at a park in front of the courthouse, enjoyed delicious banh mi. It was one of the most wonderful moments of the road trip.

Continued on Route 66, we were glad to find that Seeba Station has been beautifully renovated and is now open as Motorcycles Museum. After a stop at the classic Steaks n’ Shake in Springfield, Missouri, we drove all the way to St. Louis and got home around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday night.

Long time no see, so here is Benjamin again saying “Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hay”!

FRIDAY "EAGLE" SKY

It was a nice surprise during the Poker Run after the 2nd stop in Grafton, Illinois, I spotted the scuplture of a native American with an eagle at an entrance to a rather newly built subdivision. The houses are large and sit on decent lots with a great view of the river. I would love to spend the afternoon sitting on the patio, reading a book or just watching the river flowing by.

TUESDAY TWO - BACKUP GOALIES

If there was a category for "the most friendly goalie in the NHL", Ty Conklin (former Red Wings, current Blues) would win the award. I captured the above photo of Hannu Toivonen and Conklin during the warm up before the game (September 30th) when the Hawks came to St. Louis. Toivonen played 23 games as a Blues during 2007-2008 season.

I remembered seeing Conklin chatting with other goalies during warm up when we were at another game. Looks like Toivonen and Conklin were just saying hello and asking, "how are you doing, how is the family". Or could be just trash talk like, "Do you feel lucky, punk?", or "Don't let that puck get thru your 5th hole."

We got tickets to see the Penguins when they come into town on Saturday, October 23rd. We hope to say hello to Dan Bylsma and get his autograph. I hope Brent Johnson has forgiven me for being a "jinx" after I got his autograph when he was with the Blues in 2004, he was injured and traded to the Coyotes. I will be sure to take a photo of Conklin having a friendly chat with Johnson.

TOOSTIE ROLLS ANYONE?

The Missouri Knights of Columbus held the Annual “Tootsie Roll” Drive last week. The purpose of this fundraising effort is to provide assistance to people who are mentally challenged and those with physical limitations. On Saturday morning, October 9th, my husband was assigned to stand in front of one of the gadzillion Walgreen stores in the area. On Sunday morning, October 10th, we both were enlisted to be at a local Shop n’ Save supermarket. I was on the west entrance and CP was on the east. This was the first time I was asked to help. The last few years, only CP signed up to volunteer at a U-Gas near our house. I was more than happy to help since I wanted CP to move up to 4th Degree and eventually to be a Grand Knight. But my dear husband has no ambition and has remained a 3rd Degree Knight the last four years! People began to talk and I could not face the scandal (just kidding).

Most of the people were nice but no generous amount, only $1 or a few coins were deposited into the donation can. Only one person put in a $10 and did not even take the Tootsie roll. I smiled and greeted everyone with a "good morning or have a good day", without being a pushy salesperson. One person had a Tootsie roll in his pocket and quickly pulled it out, as he approached me, saying that he already gave. I engaged people, mostly man, with comments such as, “Were you at the game yesterday? The Blues sure played a good game against the Flyers.” when I saw a person with a Blues shirt.
Another comment, “That Cutler really struggled last week against the Giants”, to a young man with a Chicago Bears cap. When I told my husband about my tactic of getting people’s attention, he said that it was a good thing that I did not get into a fight with someone who might find out that I was really a Red Wings and a Patriots fan. Or I used my sports knowledge just to “B.S.” Well, I am doing whatever it takes to get money/funding for the kids!

FRIDAY SKY - ABOVE THE MIGHTY MISSISSIPPI RIVER

After collected the card from the 2nd stop of the Poker Run on Saturday, October 2nd, and then a quick lunch, we spent time watching the river flowing by. There were a lot of boaters on the river taking advantage of the beautiful weather on a sunny afternoon.

There was no activities at this sand dredging company since it was on Saturday.

We watched the barge pushing the heavy loads up the river at a pretty good speed.

A ferry moving slowly carries passengers and vehicles back and forth from Illinois side to the Show Me State - Missouri. Perhaps next time when we are not on a tight schedule, we plan to take the ferry across the Mighty Mississippi River.

TUESDAY TWO - LET'S ROW!

(I just realized that this is the 666th entry of this blog. It would have been "spooky" if it happened later on October 31st - Halloween. Or earlier on Friday, August 13th. So what is the significance, TOTA? Nothing! Now you believe me when I wrote that there is a lot of rambling in this silly boring blog of mine.)
While waiting for the Poker Run to start, I walked around the park and took the above photo of two rowing teams passing each other. They must be practicing for the 2011 Dragon Boat Race. Next year, the event is scheduled for Saturday, August 13th. I already signed up to be a volunteer that day.

The information below is from the official website www.gatewaydragonboat.org,
"A dragon boat is a long, narrow canoe-style boat that is used in the team paddling sport of dragon boat racing, a tradition which originated in China over two thousand years ago. Dragon boat races are held as part of the annual Duanwu Festival in China, and the tradition has emerged in the past several decades as an international sport. Dragon boats are so-called because they are typically rigged at their ends with decorative Chinese dragon heads and tails.
The best-known origin story of dragon boat racing is a folk legend about a Chinese statesman and poet by the name of Qu Yuan (c. 340-278 BC). Qu lived during a time in China's history characterized by a collection of warring states rather than a unified kingdom. A descendant of the royal house in the ancient state of Chu, Qu served as a government minister and, as a champion of political loyalty, was eager to preserve Chu autonomy in the shadow of the increasingly hegemonic Qin state. When the Chu king fell under the influence of other, corrupt ministers and decided to ally with Qin, Qu publicly criticized the alliance; for this, he was charged with treason and banished. During his exile, Qu travelled the countryside, collecting legends and writing poetry (producing some of the greatest poetry in Chinese literature, for which he is also remembered), expressing fervent love for his state and concern for its future. In the year 278 BC, Qu's fears were realized when Qin conquered the Chu capital of Ying. Upon learning of this, Qu is said to have waded into the Miluo River holding a great rock in order to commit ritual suicide as a form of protest against the corruption of the day. Folklore has it that the local people, who greatly admired Qu, rushed out on the water in their fishing boats and tried desperately to save him; they beat drums and splashed the water with their paddles in order to keep the fish and evil spirits from his body. Today, people still participate in dragon boat races during the Duanwu Festival to commemorate Qu Yuan."