Branson

We have meandered our way to Branson, MO. On the way we stayed a couple of days in Cuba, MO and went on a 6 mile float trip in a rubber raft. We are doing a little recon of Branson before our families arrive on Saturday from Texas and Illinois when we will move in to our rented house for a week of fun and visiting. Next week will be sure to create lots of blog fodder.

Drivers, Start Your Engines!

Last weekend Tonya stayed in Carrollton while I went back to Normal so I could go to the NASCAR races at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. with old friends. While we don't go much any more, Tonya and I went to the Indianapolis 500 time trials for more than 20 years with these guys in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. They have continued going to the Indy 500 as well as several other Indy car and NASCAR races every year. Friday night was the Nationwide Series 300 mile race and Saturday night was a Sprint Cup 400 mile race. Lots of fun with guys I don't see very often.

Jerry, Dewey, and Rod. It occurs to me the term "old friends" is starting to have a whole new meaning.


Getting the green flag after a yellow light late in the race. Turn your volume up.


We will be in Greenfield until Friday.

4th of July Parade

Made it back to Indiana and got the slide fixed. Actually found a local machine shop that could make the broken shaft before the place I ordered the whole unit got around to sending it. From there we went to Greenfield, Illinois, where we stay when we are visiting Tonya's mom in Carrollton. We made it for the 4th of July parade where Grannie's Model A roadster drove through under it's own power. Her mechanic has it running like a sewing machine. We will be here another few days.
Typical traffic in Amish Country (from previous post)

Aunt Maralee and Uncle Dude at the "Hardt Farm"

Proof that the Model A is running. Clancy was driving and Alice and two of their grandkids rode in the rumble seat.