Karate Explosion!
Well, I’m back. Back at work, back from NYE in NY, back in black, all that sort of thing. Dana, Buddy and I took a trip to visit Jason and Dani in upstate NY for New Years Eve. We left the afternoon of the 29th, stopped overnight in Cleveland (about halfway) and resumed the trip on Thursday morning. Buddy was excellent for the trip. We put a bunch of blankets and one of his beds in the back of the Explorer and he was fine. He’d lie down and sleep, occasionally perking his head up to see if we were there yet.
We hit a ton of traffic in Chicago, but once we got past the Skyway, we were fine. Naturally, being the forgetful person that I am, I forgot half the beer I wanted to bring and my digital camera. I had to google for this, but I eventually discovered a crappy image of the greatest store ever:
If you can’t read the sign, it says “Fireworks and Karate Supplies.”
Sadly, we didn’t stop. It’s a long drive out there, about 12 hours without dealing with heavy traffic, and by this time, we just wanted to get a cocktail in us.
Anyway, the morning of New Years Eve, Jason closed his store, Dani had off from nursing duties at the hospital, so we had breakfast, did a little shopping and got ready for the party. Dana made her famous beef sandwiches, and I made ten pounds of my chicken wings. Both were a hit at the party. I had to grill them five pounds at a time due to grill space. Jason got some snaps of me in action, but he hasn’t sent them to me yet. Jason, if you’re listening, make with the email!
About 30 people showed up for the party at Jason and Dani’s, including a lot of people we met down in the Bahamas for their wedding. There was plenty of liquor, wine, beer, and lots of food brought by everyone. Dana unfortunately got a little ill from some fast food we ate on the go earlier in the day, so she went to bed before midnight. I stopped in to wake her up and get my midnight smooch at the proper time. Funny thing is, last year I was sick, this year was her turn.
On New Years Day, we had breakfast, Jason made his patented Bloody Mary’s (I had to refuse, I can’t stand tomato juice) and Jason’s dad stopped by with his new ride. This isn’t the exact one, but it is nearly identical:
1967 Corvette, 427 C.I., hardtop, sidepipes, acceleration that made go pee a little in my pants. I heard the car before I saw it. Easily the fastest car I have ever been in. Roy, Jason’s dad, said he’s been wanting one for 37 years, and it was time to satisfy that desire. It truly was an amazing ride.
We intended to leave on the 2nd, but after checking the weather for the trip, we decided to leave on the first, as freezing rain was forecasted for the entire duration of the trip back. We left about 2:30 Eastern time and got home in less than twelve hours. From Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana) to just before the Skyway (about 70 miles), the road was very icy due to the freezing rain. I’d rather deal with a little over an hour of driving in that crap than 12 hours of it.
We felt relief seeing the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign and I celebrated a bit by getting off on highway 50 in Kenosha for a half dozen Slyders and a coke and headed for Stately Doro Manor.
Once home, we unloaded the car, walked the dog, and I grabbed one of the beers I forgot and stood around and drank it. Just couldn’t sit after that long ride, with an hour of white knuckle driving to boot. I had one more beer, and it was off to bed.
There ya have it. That’s what we did.
Now get back to work.
We hit a ton of traffic in Chicago, but once we got past the Skyway, we were fine. Naturally, being the forgetful person that I am, I forgot half the beer I wanted to bring and my digital camera. I had to google for this, but I eventually discovered a crappy image of the greatest store ever:
If you can’t read the sign, it says “Fireworks and Karate Supplies.”
Sadly, we didn’t stop. It’s a long drive out there, about 12 hours without dealing with heavy traffic, and by this time, we just wanted to get a cocktail in us.
Anyway, the morning of New Years Eve, Jason closed his store, Dani had off from nursing duties at the hospital, so we had breakfast, did a little shopping and got ready for the party. Dana made her famous beef sandwiches, and I made ten pounds of my chicken wings. Both were a hit at the party. I had to grill them five pounds at a time due to grill space. Jason got some snaps of me in action, but he hasn’t sent them to me yet. Jason, if you’re listening, make with the email!
About 30 people showed up for the party at Jason and Dani’s, including a lot of people we met down in the Bahamas for their wedding. There was plenty of liquor, wine, beer, and lots of food brought by everyone. Dana unfortunately got a little ill from some fast food we ate on the go earlier in the day, so she went to bed before midnight. I stopped in to wake her up and get my midnight smooch at the proper time. Funny thing is, last year I was sick, this year was her turn.
On New Years Day, we had breakfast, Jason made his patented Bloody Mary’s (I had to refuse, I can’t stand tomato juice) and Jason’s dad stopped by with his new ride. This isn’t the exact one, but it is nearly identical:
1967 Corvette, 427 C.I., hardtop, sidepipes, acceleration that made go pee a little in my pants. I heard the car before I saw it. Easily the fastest car I have ever been in. Roy, Jason’s dad, said he’s been wanting one for 37 years, and it was time to satisfy that desire. It truly was an amazing ride.
We intended to leave on the 2nd, but after checking the weather for the trip, we decided to leave on the first, as freezing rain was forecasted for the entire duration of the trip back. We left about 2:30 Eastern time and got home in less than twelve hours. From Notre Dame (South Bend, Indiana) to just before the Skyway (about 70 miles), the road was very icy due to the freezing rain. I’d rather deal with a little over an hour of driving in that crap than 12 hours of it.
We felt relief seeing the “Welcome to Wisconsin” sign and I celebrated a bit by getting off on highway 50 in Kenosha for a half dozen Slyders and a coke and headed for Stately Doro Manor.
Once home, we unloaded the car, walked the dog, and I grabbed one of the beers I forgot and stood around and drank it. Just couldn’t sit after that long ride, with an hour of white knuckle driving to boot. I had one more beer, and it was off to bed.
There ya have it. That’s what we did.
Now get back to work.
Random Posts
Loading…
Tags:
