On November 24th, a Tuesday night, 9 of us from the group got together at Vaudeville Mews in downtown Des Moines to watch Donna's youngest son play with his band, Cup of Tea. This group is made up of ISU students and one ISU professor.
There were about 4 other bands that night but it seemed that we were the only ones to show up to support any of the groups. That was kind of sad really.
Cup of Tea was pretty good. It is interesting to watch Donna's son Mike play as he is self taught on all the stuff he plays. He plays guitar, banjo, ukelele, harmonica and probably other stuff I have forgotten. One member plays a thing called a cohon that takes place of the drum. It is interesting to watch that being played.
All in all, it was a pretty good time. Afterwards, we went over to Fong's Pizza and had dinner. This pizza there is very very good. Worth your time if you happen to be in the area.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Nebraska Fall Follies
8 people from Iowa went to Grand Island Nebraska for their Fall Follies on November 13th - 15th. Donna and I, Pam and Glenn, Ben and Sherrill and Jo and Bryan from Chapter P. For those that did not attend, you missed a really good time. The attendance was down from previous years but that did not stop this group from have a fun time full of activities and friendship.
There theme this year was famous couples and these people go all out. They really had some fantastic get ups. Archie and Edith Bunker, Morticia and Gomez Adams, two sets of Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Cat in the Hat. The Blues Brothers made an appearance. Colonel Sanders and Wendy were there. There were many more. All of them were great. It is really fun to see how much these people get into it.
They had an auction to help the state budget and also to help defray costs for the Family of the Year. They took in a pretty good amount to help out their causes. The dinner was quite good. They had a lot of little, quick, easy games to play as well. We may have to incorporate them into our events at some time. They also did some roasts and they put a lot of work into that as well.
Then there was the time just sitting around visiting and getting to know new people or to reacquaint with ones you don't see often. I think this was the best part for me. We were up till after midnight on Saturday just talking and laughing.
If you have never been, or have not been recently, you really need to plan on doing so. These people know how to put on a good time. They have the same kind of event, called Spring Fling, February 26th - 28th next year. You might consider going on over for that.
There theme this year was famous couples and these people go all out. They really had some fantastic get ups. Archie and Edith Bunker, Morticia and Gomez Adams, two sets of Thing 1 and Thing 2 from the Cat in the Hat. The Blues Brothers made an appearance. Colonel Sanders and Wendy were there. There were many more. All of them were great. It is really fun to see how much these people get into it.
They had an auction to help the state budget and also to help defray costs for the Family of the Year. They took in a pretty good amount to help out their causes. The dinner was quite good. They had a lot of little, quick, easy games to play as well. We may have to incorporate them into our events at some time. They also did some roasts and they put a lot of work into that as well.
Then there was the time just sitting around visiting and getting to know new people or to reacquaint with ones you don't see often. I think this was the best part for me. We were up till after midnight on Saturday just talking and laughing.
If you have never been, or have not been recently, you really need to plan on doing so. These people know how to put on a good time. They have the same kind of event, called Spring Fling, February 26th - 28th next year. You might consider going on over for that.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
PGR Mission
Last night, Donna and I decided to attend the Patriot Guard Riders mission of escorting the Honor Flight Veterans from the Holiday Inn on Fleur to West Des Moines where they had supper. It really wasn't a bad night. It rained on us a little and got a little cool but not bad all things concerned. It was really pretty cool to see all these men and women load and unload from the buses. Many of the veterans were really quite moved and honored to be able to take part in this venture they were about to embark on. We wish them all the best in their trip.
There really were a lot of bikes there to help escort them. I'd say 50 anyway. Got a lot of help from both Des Moines and West Des Moines police. They escorted us the whole way.
If you have never done this, consider doing it some time. It is a very nice feeling to be part of something like this. Sometimes it is very moving. A very worthwhile thing to do. A simple way to show your respect and support.
Thanks to another couple in this big old family of ours, we got to ride in this event. Our bike is still down but Ernie and Louise let us borrow theirs to do this. That is what is great about being a member of this chapter and being it's director for the last couple of years. Our big Chapter I family is always ready to help out anyone that needs something. It is not often so, that this happens, in many other groups. I am so proud of this group. This is what this group is all about.
There really were a lot of bikes there to help escort them. I'd say 50 anyway. Got a lot of help from both Des Moines and West Des Moines police. They escorted us the whole way.
If you have never done this, consider doing it some time. It is a very nice feeling to be part of something like this. Sometimes it is very moving. A very worthwhile thing to do. A simple way to show your respect and support.
Thanks to another couple in this big old family of ours, we got to ride in this event. Our bike is still down but Ernie and Louise let us borrow theirs to do this. That is what is great about being a member of this chapter and being it's director for the last couple of years. Our big Chapter I family is always ready to help out anyone that needs something. It is not often so, that this happens, in many other groups. I am so proud of this group. This is what this group is all about.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Ride to Apple Orchard in Ft. Dodge
Today Joe Larson let a ride to the Community Orchard and Apple Orchard Cafe in Ft. Dodge. What an absolutely wonderful day to ride and what great rodes he picked. And then the treats were fabulous.
This group was a conglomeration of people from different groups. That was really neat to meet new people and check out their rides and to swap stories.
17 people on 11 bikes and in one car took the trip. I wasn't there for the first part of this adventure but I know some met at Country Kitchen on NE 14th to have breakfast. After breakfast those that ate and those that just came along for the ride took off. I believe their route was around Saylorville and through Polk City out towards Madrid. After Madrid, they swung through Ledges Park where some went around and some went through the park. They left there and came north to Boone where Donna, myself, Ray, Judy and their daughter Debbie met up with them. We took some very scenic roads out of Boone and all the way to Ft. Dodge. We hit Doliver Park and went through Lehigh and just had a wonderful pleasant ride.
Getting to the orchard, I think everyone tried at one of their treats. My pie and cinnamon ice cream was fantastic. Several had apple dumplings and I heard no complaints. Joe and Carl both had two different treats. The turnovers they had after their dumplings looked excellent and Joe says they are a must.
We grouped up afterwards and headed back Hwy. 169 towards town. The Busch's and us split off at Hwy. 30 and headed back for their house to pick up our car. Ray and Judy were nice enough to loan us their old 1500 while they took the 1800. Ours is down right now with a bad alternator but I have it off and just need to get it fixed and put back in. What great friends we have that they would do that for us. The trip was so much more fun on two wheels instead of four.
This group was a conglomeration of people from different groups. That was really neat to meet new people and check out their rides and to swap stories.
17 people on 11 bikes and in one car took the trip. I wasn't there for the first part of this adventure but I know some met at Country Kitchen on NE 14th to have breakfast. After breakfast those that ate and those that just came along for the ride took off. I believe their route was around Saylorville and through Polk City out towards Madrid. After Madrid, they swung through Ledges Park where some went around and some went through the park. They left there and came north to Boone where Donna, myself, Ray, Judy and their daughter Debbie met up with them. We took some very scenic roads out of Boone and all the way to Ft. Dodge. We hit Doliver Park and went through Lehigh and just had a wonderful pleasant ride.
Getting to the orchard, I think everyone tried at one of their treats. My pie and cinnamon ice cream was fantastic. Several had apple dumplings and I heard no complaints. Joe and Carl both had two different treats. The turnovers they had after their dumplings looked excellent and Joe says they are a must.
We grouped up afterwards and headed back Hwy. 169 towards town. The Busch's and us split off at Hwy. 30 and headed back for their house to pick up our car. Ray and Judy were nice enough to loan us their old 1500 while they took the 1800. Ours is down right now with a bad alternator but I have it off and just need to get it fixed and put back in. What great friends we have that they would do that for us. The trip was so much more fun on two wheels instead of four.
Haunted Forest
Donna and I along with Ray and Judy went to the haunted forest in Ames last night. Didn't have a clue as to what to expect since none of us had ever been. Hell, maybe this was the first year for the forest, I don't know.
After getting over the shock of the $11.00 per person entry fee, we stood in line for about a half hour. This really wasn't too bad. Line moved pretty quickly. We got there at a good time. They said the line was a lot longer before we got there and after we were in line, the line got really long again.
This was really an event to go to. If they have it next year, I would recommend you go. They spent a lot of time, effort, and I'm sure money to set this up. It is probably about a 20 minute walk through this conglomeration of maze work and some outdoor set ups. The actors are trained and they did a really good job. They really put in a lot of time and work into making this a good time for all that attended. While it is pricey, I think it was worth it.
After getting over the shock of the $11.00 per person entry fee, we stood in line for about a half hour. This really wasn't too bad. Line moved pretty quickly. We got there at a good time. They said the line was a lot longer before we got there and after we were in line, the line got really long again.
This was really an event to go to. If they have it next year, I would recommend you go. They spent a lot of time, effort, and I'm sure money to set this up. It is probably about a 20 minute walk through this conglomeration of maze work and some outdoor set ups. The actors are trained and they did a really good job. They really put in a lot of time and work into making this a good time for all that attended. While it is pricey, I think it was worth it.
HallowWing Campout
The first weekend in October, a number of us met at Don and Kathy Thomasons house for a get together just for fun times. This would be the 2nd annual and for the second year the weather did not really cooperate. At least the wind was not as bad as last year but the temps were cold and with all the recent rain, it took all the riding spirit out of everyone. We still got together and had a good time.
We actually had at least 15 people. Joe and Brian from Chapter P came all the way from Griswold and we had a couple from Chapter A (although they live around Grinell), Ron Lillie and his wife, and it was nice to meet them.
As usual, the food this group put on was great. Don and Kathy provided the main course, condiments and other stuff and the rest brought side dishes. Plenty of food and it was all very, very good.
We had the hay rack ride again. This was fun although a bit cool. My bad, I should have dressed warmer. We just talked and joked and sang some. It was a lot of fun.
As usual when this group gets together, we have a fun time. Be sure to put it on your calendar for next year. Maybe we can get some nice weather.
We actually had at least 15 people. Joe and Brian from Chapter P came all the way from Griswold and we had a couple from Chapter A (although they live around Grinell), Ron Lillie and his wife, and it was nice to meet them.
As usual, the food this group put on was great. Don and Kathy provided the main course, condiments and other stuff and the rest brought side dishes. Plenty of food and it was all very, very good.
We had the hay rack ride again. This was fun although a bit cool. My bad, I should have dressed warmer. We just talked and joked and sang some. It was a lot of fun.
As usual when this group gets together, we have a fun time. Be sure to put it on your calendar for next year. Maybe we can get some nice weather.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fall out and about
This morning Donna and I, after sleeping in a bit, something I rarely get to do, took off for Gabby's in Prole for breakfast. This is one of my favorite breakfast joints. There almost every weekend if I'm not otherwise engaged. Ed and Madeline Buchanan (they ride with the GWRRA and Honda Riders Club) decided to join us and that was fun. We don't know them extremely well but it was fun to just sit and vistit. They are nice people and it is becoming more and more fun to do things with them. We spent two hours just eating and talking.
After leaving there, we came back home so I could finish getting the bike out of the back yard. It was pretty wet before breakfast and I ended up just spinning and couldn't make it up the hill. At least I didn't slide back down the hill and hit something in the backyard. After putting down some kitty litter on the still slick spots, I was able to get up and out into the driveway. We packed up and headed out.
Went down through Norwalk and out the Cumming Road to Hwy 169. From there, we went north and toured the town of DeSoto. A quaint little town. Continued north to Minburn where I took F31 west of town. Went west and then came north into Perry. Tooled around town a little. Found the restaurant that Jim Castleblanco told us about where he and Judy had a good meal. It is salvadorian. Much like mexican. Might have to try this out. We also checked out a place that Harry had told us about called the Mars Dairy Bar. Harry said they had good ice cream and he was right. They also have sandwiches and the one we tried was excellent. Also had some chili. Donna liked that better than I did. This is a nice little place and I'd recommend if your in the are and looking for a place to grab a bite, stop in and give them a try. We may try and have a get together there as an impromptu sort of thing.
Leaving there, we headed north again and went up through Ogden to Don Williams Recreation Area north of town. Kind of a nice little campground. Nothing special but just nice. Came back into town and went east to Boone and into McHose Park. This is a nice park. Came back west to Seven Oaks Recreation and then south before coming east again and then back north into Ledges Park. Left there and took a ride through the little town of Luther. Coming east from there, then south, then east again into Kelley and then on to Hwy 69 and back into town and home. Burned up a full tank of fuel today. It was a good time. A little cool at times but not really bad at all. Passenger got a little cold I could tell by all her fidgeting but she toughed it out.
Fall colors were not as impressive as I had hoped and thought they might be. It was kind of disappointing really. Ledges Park was OK but even there it wasn't as nice as I have seen and I had hoped to come across. Oh well, still a nice day to get out and enjoy a ride. Not many more of those this season.
Get out and have fun while you can.
After leaving there, we came back home so I could finish getting the bike out of the back yard. It was pretty wet before breakfast and I ended up just spinning and couldn't make it up the hill. At least I didn't slide back down the hill and hit something in the backyard. After putting down some kitty litter on the still slick spots, I was able to get up and out into the driveway. We packed up and headed out.
Went down through Norwalk and out the Cumming Road to Hwy 169. From there, we went north and toured the town of DeSoto. A quaint little town. Continued north to Minburn where I took F31 west of town. Went west and then came north into Perry. Tooled around town a little. Found the restaurant that Jim Castleblanco told us about where he and Judy had a good meal. It is salvadorian. Much like mexican. Might have to try this out. We also checked out a place that Harry had told us about called the Mars Dairy Bar. Harry said they had good ice cream and he was right. They also have sandwiches and the one we tried was excellent. Also had some chili. Donna liked that better than I did. This is a nice little place and I'd recommend if your in the are and looking for a place to grab a bite, stop in and give them a try. We may try and have a get together there as an impromptu sort of thing.
Leaving there, we headed north again and went up through Ogden to Don Williams Recreation Area north of town. Kind of a nice little campground. Nothing special but just nice. Came back into town and went east to Boone and into McHose Park. This is a nice park. Came back west to Seven Oaks Recreation and then south before coming east again and then back north into Ledges Park. Left there and took a ride through the little town of Luther. Coming east from there, then south, then east again into Kelley and then on to Hwy 69 and back into town and home. Burned up a full tank of fuel today. It was a good time. A little cool at times but not really bad at all. Passenger got a little cold I could tell by all her fidgeting but she toughed it out.
Fall colors were not as impressive as I had hoped and thought they might be. It was kind of disappointing really. Ledges Park was OK but even there it wasn't as nice as I have seen and I had hoped to come across. Oh well, still a nice day to get out and enjoy a ride. Not many more of those this season.
Get out and have fun while you can.
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