41st Annual Spoon River Scenic Drive

WARNING THERE WILL BE FOOD DISCUSSED!

PLEASE DON'T READ THIS IF YOUR HUNGRY!

October is almost here again, and for me another Birthday! I will be 31 year's old this year, and I don't care I just wanted to see what it looked like in print. All year I have been telling people I already was, so in some kind of odd way it will be like I didn't age at all. My B-day falls on a Monday this year, so I hope it's not"Just Another Manic Monday" Ha Ha !

I think this Birthday I'm going to set my alarm clock to the exact time I was born. Get up and just go Waaaaaaa! Then go back to bed. No I'm just kidding, three-something in the morning is too early for me to fake a cry!

One thing I have usually looked forward to is The Spoon River Drive, and last year one of the day's happened to fall on the day of my introduction to earth in this body."The Drive" start's on October 4, 5th and the next weekend after.  

It has been awesome in the past, and I am psyched up about all the WONDERFUL FOODS! At the Orchard Hill Farms, or the "Apple Place" you can get Grilled Po Cho's! Pork chop's for people who don't speak Wes, they can be plain or with Barbecue. They have burger's, Brats, and hot dog's on the outside of the joint.

Then you enter the inside and find a little piece of heaven, because they have Apple everything! A couple of my favorites Hot Apple cider, and homemade "Apple Butta"! They have several types of jams or jelly's. Homemade jars of honey, and relishes. I make the stop there for PICKLED BEETS! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Orchard Hill Farms: (309)-547-3221

Not to get off track, but when I think of theses "Scrumpshalessant" treats, I think of my Great Grandmother Mernerva Jane Watt. She used to make the Best Beets, and had a secret recipe that I will get off my Mom soon! I can't forget her homemade pies, and chicken noodle soup. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm! 

Now back to The Spoon River Drive I can't to forget to mention they have garage sales for over 100 miles in Illinois. They have nice shops and some vendors in these towns that Edgar Lee Masters wrote about in "The Spoon River Anthology".

The tree's are beautiful and views our breathtaking. The people are overall friendly, unless you are going to purchase something they want! Ha Ha

They have many events in many town's, but call me lazy. I typically stick to my same path, where it is a little more laid back, and closer to my family. They have gone for year's too, and last year on my birthday my wife and I ran into my Great Uncle Jim and Aunt Brenda. It was the first time they met MJ and it was a highlight of my day.

I like to go to Dicksen Mounds State Museum, and go to the roof and look across the lands.If you get a chance to stop in Lewistown, IL explore it once and you will see why! It is place I have been going since childhood, and it holds many memories. I can remember rolling down the big hill with my brother and sister. We called it "picnic hill" because we would bring all the fixings. Lay a blanket down and eat together as a family.

Dickson Mounds State Park:   (309) 547-3721

Year's ago when the Native American's thrived, most of that area was covered by water, so they traveled by canoe. They lived on the high grounds, and they buried their dead in the surrounding area in mounds. It holds a little piece of history, and happiness from my past. I can't forget to mention the abundant wildlife nearby.

I stop at many of the houses and towns along the way to the fairgrounds. They have all kinds of things, but I stop for the Candy! They have had many types of fudge, taffies, and brittles. In the past they have had giant corn dogs, funnel cakes, and Lemon Shake Ups. Too much to name, but Do Not Fill Up there, for there are a couple more towns nearby. I believe it is the town of Bernadotte that has one of the best Candy Shops, if I'm wrong it is the town of Duncan mills.

I must be getting tired if I can't remember which one it is? So, before I go I want you to know that along this stretch you can just about find any thing . Providing you beat other's to it. I have been going for over 2 decades and have never been through the whole thing yet. I try to make it the least like a "Walmart" feeling and more like a "Wes Smart" occasion.

Like I said I mainly go to eat, and create memories with my loved one's . Even if they would rather do something else. Ha Ha

I have been known to purchase a few things along the way, that wasn't food. I love books, old things, and Record Albums. I usually end up buying things for other people, because I have always liked to share a little of the Spoon River Drive with other people. One of my favorite memories was when I was a small child, we made a stop at an old Church/school house. When I went inside there were books everywhere, and they were closing soon. So, my family and I loaded up the station wagon, and I mean loaded it up. We had them in our laps, and on the floorboards.

I ended up getting most of the National Geographic's that were ever published. It was a great way to see the world from the past to the present. I believe that is one of the reasons why I wanted to become an archeologist! I can't forget to mention that was where I got my first poetry books. Also my first copy of  The Godfather!  HaHa

It can test your patience sometimes, and it can be very busy! It can be "Priceless" but well worth it. It just depends what you are looking for and kind of mood your in. I have not mentioned several interesting places, and several things you can do. So you might want to go to spoonriverdrive.org  and then try the Tour Info. 

Before I go, I wish to say thanks to all my loved ones and to say thank you for all that you do!

I wish to say thank you to all who read this ramble, and to say thanks for listening.

So, Cap'n  have a fantastic morning, and an Amazing day!  Arrrr!

Peace and Love,

Wes

  

Tags: A Road Trip for my heart, mind, and STOMACH!

Wanting to blog!

I have a good entry coming! But must find the time, but things are really hectic! I will return later tonight, if I am able. My duty calls right now, and I must go! So I will say Good morning to my Reader, and have a spendid day!

Blessed be,

Wes

Tags: MJ, Bills, and Family Crisis!

If Only Shot's Could Tickle!

I just back from the Doc's office, I had to take MJ for a check up and some shots. I know I have to make sure she is healthy, but I don't like it when she cries. I don't enjoy her painful faces, and fear. She does not like going to the doctor's, and I can't blame her.

MJ is only a year and a half, but I make sure tell her where we are going. I say I love you and be strong for daddy. I do love how she comes to me for Protection, and gives me the look of hero. Good thing she doesn't know I Arranged it to happen, to stick a needle in her legs. I'm waiting for the moment when she gives a kiss on the cheek, and says daddy I know it was you! (Here's where you here the Godfather music playing) I do know if she want's me go fishing with one of her friends later on in life, I will have to Refuse the offer.

Right now she sleeping, correction she is now awake. I will be back to journal  later. Because if I don't Stop now I will be sleeping with fishes!

Ciao,

Wes

Tags: The Doctor's Office, and my Family.

Another Depression?

I try to get a handle on my emotions the best I can, but I am human. I don't like the way life is sometimes, but I love my life. We are trying to help other's with their plates, while trying to finish what is on our's. I have a handful of people who help me out in this crazy world we live in.

We live in a Insane Asylum, and the trick is to keep sane. There are too many people walking around in straight jackets. What is scary is that some of them are wielding axes ready to decapitate us.What is even more frightening is we put some of them into elected offices.

We the people hand them are checkbook's and don't ask questions. I have lost count of how much money has been spent on what. I have lost count of how much has been lost or stolen. If we did, it would make our heads spin like in the exorcist. I just wish that Americans would stand up for what remaining rights we have left after the last seven years.

The Economy for example:

They want us to say "Here's 700 billion dollar's" " Do what ever you want!" I know we our damned if we do and damned if don't. I just can't stop thinking about that scene in "Animal House", the scene with Kevin Bacon. Where he is getting hit with a paddle and says "Thank you Sir!" "May I have another?" I just feel like the United State doesn't need any more spankings, let alone the Earth.

I just realized that even the economy connects back to Kevin Bacon. Who would a thunk it?

Now to get back to Yahoo Freak in Serious! I predict that one day in the future when we have no other choice, we as a society will work together. I pray that I'm wrong about no other choice. I cling to the hope that society is generally good and genuinely cares about humanity's future. I only wish that we get a leader who cares about "We the People", and not just big business. I hope one day we can win the War on Separation, and heal the heart's of mankind.

Accentuate the positive,

Wes

Tags: Money can't buy you love!

A Toast To Summer!

Fall is officially here!

I just came from outside, I was looking at the Summer sky. I was staring at the countless stars, and enjoying the years last summer night. Thinking about the time my father and I watched Haley's Comet in 1986. I remember him telling me "that it was something special, that he has the chance to see it with me". "That if I was lucky I would get to see it return, and watch it with my grandchildren". I cherish that moment with my Dad, and will always think about it when I see the night sky.

I took the time to reflect on this Summer, and realized that for me it will go down as one of the best. I was lucky enough to enjoy it with my family, and it wasn't too hot either. I got to go swimming with my wife and daughter. Watch a couple movies at the Drive In, and see some fireworks. Play in the summer rain, and watch Malayna's face as she smiled at the fire flies, butterfly's, and bee's. "Bzzzzzzz"

We took the time to smell the flowers, and count our blessings. Blew giant bubbles in the yard, and laid a blanket down and I read her books in the summer shade. We took countless trips as a family to many parks, and Malayna went "Weeee"  I gladly witnessed my father enjoy the summer with MJ, and the other Grand kids. Stroller ride after stroller ride. "Go Go Go" "Weeee"!

I may not have went to my usual places this year, but found happiness in my heart. I found confort in the memories that I shared with my family. I have learned to enjoy every moment of my life this Summer, even the one's I had no control of. I feel my soul has grown stronger by being a father, and sharing parenthood with my wife Lisa. I am so proud of her for what she has done as a mother, and wife! She sacrifices so much for us, and provides the love that a home needs. We will be here for her always, and will love her. I will try to return the favor, and unconditionally love her.

I say Fall is a very enjoyable season, but it hasn't always been kind to me. It is the season that brings great changes, it usually comes with difficult emotions. When the leaves drop to the ground and the Autumn chill sneaks up the back of your shirt, it whispers in your ear. "Winter's coming"!

For almost a solid decade it has allowed me to be a pallbearer many times over, and it has taken away friendships with the whirling wind. That's okay because "Once a Friend Always a friend"  and the memories will remain in my heart.

Now for the short list of good things:

We get to break out the sweaters and pants. We get to dig out the coats, hats, and gloves we hardly get to wear. We get to witness the Autumn colors from the forests, and the sky's. They can be very bright and filled with wonderful hues. It allows us to break out the Hot Cocoa, and Hot Apple cider. We get to watch football, and stuff ourselves like turkeys. Fall allows us to dress up and be silly, and devour lot's of candy. It allows me to go to the lake and watch the eagles fly, and film them in the tree tops.

I know this fall I am piling up some leaves, and playing in it with Lisa and Malayna. We will dress up this year and go Trick or Treating. We will go on a hay rack ride, or two. Lisa and I will go to some haunted houses. In two weeks Lisa will bake me a cake for my Birthday, and I LOVE HER CAKES. They are so moist, and scrumptious!

NBA basketball will be starting up soon! The World Series will be played, and the Cubs "Curse" will be lifted. If the Sox can do it, why not the Cubs? I know what I just said sounds unbelievable, but anything is possible. Being a Chicago sports fan I just don't get my hopes up. When I say a Chicago fan,I really mean the Bull's. My wife and I have been waiting to see them redeem themselves after last season.

We will have a new President chosen, unless we have another "Too close to call" situation. I think many people across the world will rejoice after W leaves the White House. I know I will do the "Dance of Joy" with my family. Then we can all chant together "Get out of the city"!  Ha Ha.  If you are as big as geek as my wife and I, you'll be able to tell what those apples are from?

I know given my life patterns during the season of Fall, I will try to make the best of it. I will maintain a high spirit, and keep my smile. I will make it the best Autumn I ever shared with my loved ones, and remember that Life Is What It Is Sometimes!

Sometime soon we will have to set the clocks back! "Spring forward and Fall Backwards"

For all of you who have reasons to feel like I have about this particular season, please follow my lead! I know things are easier said than done, but I have faith that this year it will be splendid. Love will keep us smiling, and love will keep us warm. I will wrap my self up in happiness, and love for my family.

We must have reasons to love all four of Earth's seasons. If we didn't have the changes in our life cycle, we couldn't appreciate the one's that we miss the most.  

Enjoy the beauty,

The Fall Guy 

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Tags: Sports, candy, cake, and change!

A Good Life!

I have had a good couple nights with my wife and daughter. We went to my dad's little get away by the lake, and cooked over a campfire.We spent some quality time together as a family, and when MJ went to bed we listened to Bob Marley. We had a couple drinks, and fell a sleep to a movie.

Today we went to an Native American Art show in Springfield. It was nice to share a little culture with Lisa, and MJ. There was some beautiful paintings, and jewelry. I really loved the head dresses and instruments. I purchased a Dance Rattle with a buffalo painted on it. We got a couple T-shirts, and then got something to eat.

Later on in the afternoon, we dropped MJ off at my sisters. She was having another B-day party for our niece Cassie. I was nervous about leaving her there with all the older kids, but I have to let her grow up.

Alright! Lisa and I have a couple hours to do something together, and we wasted no time. We decided to go to a movie, but all the movies we really wanted to see were already playing. So we chose The Disaster Movie, and it was funny in parts. I simply enjoy her company, and love to hear her laugh. I love holding her hand in the darkened theater, and sharing laughs with her. 

After the party we arrived home, and played with MJ. She finally passed out, and we laid in bed together. We watched some of Farm Aid 2008, and some of the new SNL. Then we held each other in bed, and loved each other. It was a wonderful evening, and I'm looking forward to spending the day with my family. Who know's what the day will bring?

One thing is for certain, we will make the most of our day. We will try to do something outside, for it is the last day of summer. We will find peace in what ever we decide to do. Speaking of the day, it's already here! I must leave it at this for now, but will try to write something tonight.

Blessed Be,

Wes 

Tags: movies, love, and good company!

On the Road Again

I woke up to my daughter saying " Daddy wet!" "Daddy Juice please!" "Daddy up please!", how could I resist. M.J is going to be 18 months on the September 22, and she has a decent vocabulary. Her phrases have been beneficial to our days, for example she let's me know when she is wet. She let's me know if she is hungry, or wants to go somewhere. Over all she can communicate with me, if not by word, by her gestures. I even got her to say I love you in sign language.

Being a parent I have noticed she will do things for me, but not in front of other people. I get a kick out of her silly little laugh, and the other day mom got her to snort. I love when were on the way somewhere, we will both hum, or sing to songs. We got her singing parts of  the B 52's songs, "Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah Yeah". One of her favorite Cd's is the Best of the Animals, and her favorite is The Curious George Soundtrack.

People look at me while I drive through town like I'm insane, because they are too busy to notice our daughter in the car with me. They can only see me making faces, and my silly head dancing, and me occasionally looking back at her, when I'm stopped at a light.

The other day I was listening to Bob Dylan, and I heard her play my Harmonica exactly like the song? She plays better than me when I started as a teenager. I hope she will sing as lovely as her mother when she gets a little bigger. Lisa can sing like an angel, and even better than most women ever played on the radio! At least M.J and I get at home concerts. When we first dated, many people got a chance to her sing, but she was in the shower. I put the phone up to the door when she didn't know it, until one time she had an "Herbal Essence" moment! "Aaaaauuuuhhhhhhh"! Just kidding!  Ha Ha Ha.

Actually one of my relatives let it slip that I put the phone to the door, and she asked me never to do it again. So, I haven't since, but I still sneak a listen. Sometimes we sing songs together to our daughter. M.J loves it and so do I. We have even sang some songs from "The Sound of Music ' with her, and it was fun. M.J's favorite style of music is from the 1930's and 40's.

We dance together almost every day, and it like magic. It is a good feeling to know that right now I'm the man she dances with, and looks to for support. I hope when she grows up to be a women that she will still want to dance with me, and look for me for support sometimes. I'm looking to far ahead, I promised myself I wouldn't do that anymore. She is still a baby, but she is getting big too fast! In the words of Stevie Nicks "I'm getting older too".

After I mowed the lawn tonight and visited some with Lisa, I went out to eat a supper by myself. I almost forgot what it was like to go eat a meal, and sip a cherry coke uninterrupted. I took my notebook, pen, and a book to read. I found a quiet little corner to do my thing. Next thing you know all the tables and booths filled up around me, and I didn't care. I just kept writing the thoughts from my mind, and would take a bite. I would write, and then take a sip. 

I almost forgot to mention a couple odd things about my late supper, I ordered a  Mushroom and Swiss steak burger, and some cheese fries. After my waitress Alyssa left, I remembered I should of asked for A 1 Steak sauce. So, I asked her if she could please get me some when she had a free moment. She returns and says "We don't have any, that they ran out." it isn't a big deal. But would you ever think that a Steak & Shake would not have any steak sauce? In the words of Jerry Seinfeld "Who are these people?"

As I sat there I noticed that my waitress was serving four other tables besides mine. I noticed that each table had different types of people. One table was a big family who didn't know what they wanted, so she visited them three times before they had an order ready. The other table was a smaller family, which the mom kept yelling at the kids. "That's too expensive" "Order something else" "No you can't get a shake" and that when on for minutes. Meanwhile Alyssa just stands patiently waiting. The third table is demanding why haven't you taken our order, and what is taking so long? After it is all settled, and she returns to me for a refill. The third table is yelling " This is cold!" Put in the microwave!". You get the Idea. Alyssa was so relaxed and kept her composure.

I decided that when she wasn't looking I would grab a comment card, and tell her boss how well she did under that kind of pressure. Let someone know how well she took care of all her customers. I couldn't find one, so I asked a person at the register for one. He couldn't find one either, so he yelled for a comment card. They couldn't find one in the whole joint? I was so determined to let someone know of her actions. In the end I tipped her well, and told her to her face how well she had did, and that I appreciated it. I usually just fill a card out without the person knowing who praised them. I realized that it probably meant more coming from the horses mouth.

On my way home I was at a light, and I sat there in the car for at least 5 minutes before I decided to back up and get in the right lane to turn. After I got back on the road I noticed the light hadn't changed yet, it was a good thing I decided to circle around. I turned the stereo up, and listened tomy Best of Tom Petty. I felt the cool breeze on my head, and sang to thee songs.

I wanted to get home to see my family before it got to late, and they would be in bed a sleep. I made it home in no time, and put the key in the door. I made my way to the room to discover the two of them a sleep. My two sleeping beauties, they are so cute and cuddly.

I must have Waltermittyinidus, my mind wanders to other things too easily. Back to our day, we went shopping for some outfits. I got her a white shirt with a pumpkin on it that says "Daddy's Little Pumpkin" and orange pants with leaves on it. I got me some fall shirts, and a pair pants. Later we went to another store and I got her a couple more outfits. One is a blue hooded sweat shirt with blue sweat pants, it will go well with her beautiful blue eyes. The other is a Winnie the Poo hooded shirt that she picked out her self. I almost forgot to mention that I finally replaced my ratty old wallet I've had for years, and it is about time. I don't know what I'm going to do now that my money and ID's will stay in there now.

Please forgive me for this, I know the above section should be a the front, but I am getting too tired to correct my order of events. Thanks for bearing with this loopy Yoda like of a human being. In a nut shell I had a good day today, despite spending money on the same day as G. W. Bush gave his "Economic Pep Talk". Ha Ha!

Here is a quote from a movie: "Look at me, I'm a nut!" "I'm in a shell" "How did I get in this shell?" If I didn't mess this quote up, can any one guess what it is from?

Aaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,

Captain Loren Wesley

 

Tags: Shopping, singing, dining, and laughing