Morning Cup Of Coffee And Weather

[Sweeney]

It costs less if I do pay by plate in Illinois however it’s only good for IL. If I use I-Pass it’s good for most states but more important its good for the states I would travel.

I would use it 2-4 times a year.

I am fundimentally opposed to toll roads. The Chicago toll roads especailly. Insanely expensvie, first, second, we still pay gasoline taxes that are set aside for roads...and springfield promised that once the toll roads paid for themslves, the tolls would be removed.

Believe that, and I've got some prime land in Florida I'd love to talk to you about.

I digress. I personally travel miles out of my way to avoid tolls. From Indianapolis I drive to bloomington-normal and head north. In Madison area there isa bout 5 miles that are toll roads. I exit there and take surface streets. I can't stand them.

There are places where the toll road is the only viable way -- like in Kansas, and in that case, I can almost understand it -- the miles and near vacant state means revenue has to be made somehwere. Of course, the minute it becomes a federal highway....ahem...federal tax in my gasoline...just sayin'.

 

[The Postman]

If I don't take the trailer and I buy a decal can I still put the decal on it?

I vote yes.

The decal describes where the person went. Where you attach it; scrapbook, fridge magnet, inside back window or bumpersticker or as a metal device, its just a place to mount it.

 

[Tour 931]

I am fundimentally opposed to toll roads. The Chicago toll roads especailly. Insanely expensvie, first, second, we still pay gasoline taxes that are set aside for roads...and springfield promised that once the toll roads paid for themslves, the tolls would be removed.

Believe that, and I've got some prime land in Florida I'd love to talk to you about.

I digress. I personally travel miles out of my way to avoid tolls. From Indianapolis I drive to bloomington-normal and head north. In Madison area there isa bout 5 miles that are toll roads. I exit there and take surface streets. I can't stand them.

There are places where the toll road is the only viable way -- like in Kansas, and in that case, I can almost understand it -- the miles and near vacant state means revenue has to be made somehwere. Of course, the minute it becomes a federal highway....ahem...federal tax in my gasoline...just sayin'.

I’m fundamentally opposed to 90% of things I see in the world. And I, just like you avoided them. Then I realized I was missing out on life and slowly started accepting them while still opposing them.

I’ve traveled that same stretch in IL and avoided it. The problem is it added a lot of time and raised my blood pressure. Then I paid the toll and realized it wasn’t all that expensive. I’ve also compared the Interstates in IL and WI and came to the conclusion IL interstates are much better than WI.

I’m a baseball fan and boycott games where they promote certain groups of people. That is important enough to stand against. I guess I pick my battles because going to war everyday is tiresome.

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

As far as I know, the only toll road in SC is the Southern Connector which is part of I-185 near Greenville, SC. It has a cash option. I normally avoid it since it’s not much quicker for me. Definitely avoid it with the camper. Used to be a toll road on Hilton Head, but the debt was paid off so the toll was done away with.

 

[Sweeney]

I’m fundamentally opposed to 90% of things I see in the world. And I, just like you avoided them. Then I realized I was missing out on life and slowly started accepting them while still opposing them.

I’ve traveled that same stretch in IL and avoided it. The problem is it added a lot of time and raised my blood pressure. Then I paid the toll and realized it wasn’t all that expensive. I’ve also compared the Interstates in IL and WI and came to the conclusion IL interstates are much better than WI.

I’m a baseball fan and boycott games where they promote certain groups of people. That is important enough to stand against. I guess I pick my battles because going to war everyday is tiresome.

I stay outside of chicago pretty much entirely at this point. Chicago being define as anything north of 80/94 area on the southeast side all the way outside of 294, going as far southwest as far as Joliet. In september, I'll go out to bloomington IL, then head north. Strangely, the time difference doesn't bother me, that is a conscious trip planning decisions, and even though I'm a go-go-go person...I'm ok.

Sports aren't my thing, but I totally get it -- I refused to give money to places that are not compatible with my values. If these organizations would just provide a good product at a good price...I probably would. But when I realized by doing business with them, I am just feeding them and their intention is to run me over....I can't stop others from going there...but I'm not about too.

As far as I know, the only toll road in SC is the Southern Connector which is part of I-185 near Greenville, SC. It has a cash option. I normally avoid it since it’s not much quicker for me. Definitely avoid it with the camper. Used to be a toll road on Hilton Head, but the debt was paid off so the toll was done away with.

The chicagoskyway comes to mind here -- when I bought a new lane of travel on one trip to save 15 minutes....20 bucks comes to mind and that was with 518...so that was 2016?

 

[The Postman]

I stay outside of chicago pretty much entirely at this point. Chicago being define as anything north of 80/94 area on the southeast side all the way outside of 294, going as far southwest as far as Joliet. In september, I'll go out to bloomington IL, then head north. Strangely, the time difference doesn't bother me, that is a conscious trip planning decisions, and even though I'm a go-go-go person...I'm ok.

Sports aren't my thing, but I totally get it -- I refused to give money to places that are not compatible with my values. If these organizations would just provide a good product at a good price...I probably would. But when I realized by doing business with them, I am just feeding them and their intention is to run me over....I can't stop others from going there...but I'm not about too.



The chicagoskyway comes to mind here -- when I bought a new lane of travel on one trip to save 15 minutes....20 bucks comes to mind and that was with 518...so that was 2016?

You are in fine form @Sweeney
I can relate...

 

[Tour 931]

I stay outside of chicago pretty much entirely at this point. Chicago being define as anything north of 80/94 area on the southeast side all the way outside of 294, going as far southwest as far as Joliet. In september, I'll go out to bloomington IL, then head north. Strangely, the time difference doesn't bother me, that is a conscious trip planning decisions, and even though I'm a go-go-go person...I'm ok.

Sports aren't my thing, but I totally get it -- I refused to give money to places that are not compatible with my values. If these organizations would just provide a good product at a good price...I probably would. But when I realized by doing business with them, I am just feeding them and their intention is to run me over....I can't stop others from going there...but I'm not about too.



The chicagoskyway comes to mind here -- when I bought a new lane of travel on one trip to save 15 minutes....20 bucks comes to mind and that was with 518...so that was 2016?

I just like sports. I’m currently a season ticket holder for the Wausau Woodchucks. It’s a college wooden bat league where they are being groomed for the pros.

About the NWL

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 2022 season will mark the 29th season of the Northwoods League. It is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark...

northwoodsleague.com

 

[Sweeney]

I just like sports. I’m currently a season ticket holder for the Wausau Woodchucks. It’s a college wooden bat league where they are being groomed for the pros.

About the NWL

The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 2022 season will mark the 29th season of the Northwoods League. It is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark...

northwoodsleague.com

I grew up with the sound of the Chicago White Sox being a constant sound in my home. fond memories. If I were going to give any time to them, it would be at that level or lower. I dont' like how sports has changed from a healthy pastime to a near relgious experience. Look at the bears right now...its kind of a sickness if you ask me.

It looks like the north woods league may be bucking that trend with higher attendance and focus on friendly.

 

[Tour 931]

I grew up with the sound of the Chicago White Sox being a constant sound in my home. fond memories. If I were going to give any time to them, it would be at that level or lower. I dont' like how sports has changed from a healthy pastime to a near relgious experience. Look at the bears right now...its kind of a sickness if you ask me.

It looks like the north woods league may be bucking that trend with higher attendance and focus on friendly.

The players really appreciate us fans. The group I’m with are very vocal. Especially me. I’ve been told my voice carries by a lot of people. Plus we have front row tickets right behind home plate. The batters are mere feet away.

 

[Tour 931]

I just took a head dive down the stairs carrying the box the a/c came in. Fortunately the big box that caused the fall also made a good cushion. I’m okay but need a change of underwear.

 

[Sweeney]

The players really appreciate us fans. The group I’m with are very vocal. Especially me. I’ve been told my voice carries by a lot of people. Plus we have front row tickets right behind home plate. The batters are mere feet away.

Nice to know that small town american still lives somewhere

I just took a head dive down the stairs carrying the box the a/c came in. Fortunately the big box that caused the fall also made a good cushion. I’m okay but need a change of underwear.

Dude! Thats my job! you OK? don't need two gimps at the CICO

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

171 days left in my teaching career or 113 if you subtract my 58 sick days. Both of us are retiring. 41 years for her & 37 for me.

First trip will be the Indy 500.

 

[JohnC]

171 days left in my teaching career or 113 if you subtract my 58 sick days. Both of us are retiring. 41 years for her & 37 for me.

First trip will be the Indy 500.

I've attended about 20 Indy 500s. It is a fantastic event to attend. Where else do they let you bring your own beer into an event where they also sell it?

I've seen some great races there. Saw Danny Sullivan spin and win. (He actually spun in front of us.) Saw Gordon Johncock beat Rick Mears in the closest finish ever (until the record was beat) (I also have a photo I took of their crossing the finish line and taking the checkered flag.) I saw the poll sitter (Roberto Guerrero) crash out on the pace lap. Saw and have photos of Danny Ongais' crash when he landed in front of our seats which were only a few rows up from the track. Horrific crash and amazing that he survived. Another year Dan Wheldon crashed and landed (safely) upside down just down from our seats again.

I guess most of all, I have some great memories of friends I attended with over the years. Lots of crazy weekends with good friends.

It truly is....The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Have a great time!

 

[Tour 931]

I saw this black bear about a half mile away from my house this morning.

IMG_0181.jpeg

• Tour 931
• Aug 9, 2026

 

[Tour 931]

Anyone know what kind of plane this is?

IMG_0176.jpeg

• Tour 931
• Aug 9, 2026

 

[The Postman]

Anyone know what kind of plane this is?

IMG_0176.jpeg

• Tour 931
• Aug 9, 2026

Its a Black Ops model from an undisclosed location in WI?

 

[Tour 931]

Its a Black Ops model from an undisclosed location in WI?

You mean Cary?

 

[Warren Mary Ellen]

I've attended about 20 Indy 500s. It is a fantastic event to attend. Where else do they let you bring your own beer into an event where they also sell it?

I've seen some great races there. Saw Danny Sullivan spin and win. (He actually spun in front of us.) Saw Gordon Johncock beat Rick Mears in the closest finish ever (until the record was beat) (I also have a photo I took of their crossing the finish line and taking the checkered flag.) I saw the poll sitter (Roberto Guerrero) crash out on the pace lap. Saw and have photos of Danny Ongais' crash when he landed in front of our seats which were only a few rows up from the track. Horrific crash and amazing that he survived. Another year Dan Wheldon crashed and landed (safely) upside down just down from our seats again.

I guess most of all, I have some great memories of friends I attended with over the years. Lots of crazy weekends with good friends.

It truly is....The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Have a great time!

Headed to Darlington in a few weeks for the NASCAR race & I’ll be able to bring beer in. It is a nice gesture compared to outrageously high prices.

Looking forward to Indy. My grandfather won a trip to the 1948 race as a manager of a NAPA auto parts store. I have the ticket stub and the telegram from NAPA telling him he had gotten it. Never knew him, he died before I was born. None of us knew my grandmother had these until she died 10 years

 

[JohnC]

Headed to Darlington in a few weeks for the NASCAR race & I’ll be able to bring beer in. It is a nice gesture compared to outrageously high prices.

Looking forward to Indy. My grandfather won a trip to the 1948 race as a manager of a NAPA auto parts store. I have the ticket stub and the telegram from NAPA telling him he had gotten it. Never knew him, he died before I was born. None of us knew my grandmother had these until she died 10 years

I attended one Daytona 500 with free tickets from work. That was pretty cool. If I remember right we somehow got out on the track well before the race. That banking is unreal to see and walk it.

Living in SoCal I've attended many NASCAR and IndyCar races over the years. Lots of fun, especially when you can get into the garages.

I wish I had saved all my ticket stubs. I have a few but they're in bad shape and I have no idea why I have those and not others. (I also lost ticket stubs to Jimi Hendrix, Wings, and McCartney solo among others. Ah, but, I still have menu from the Vegas Hilton where I saw the real Elvis. Good times.

 

[The Postman]

You mean Cary?

I can neither confirm nor deny...