Route 66 Web

Well, it turned out to be a short road for this blog. The powers that be have decided that it would be best to reassign me to the Lincoln-Way area. Since they sign my check I guess I better go. It is a number thing and important for you all to know it is not something I have asked for. I have enjoyed working in the Wilmington, Elwood, Braidwood and beyond beat. I look forward to coming back someday.

Could he have posed for a photo with the Gemini Giant? Could someone have driven by and said, "Hey, that guy looks a lot like Paul McCartney?
Could he have stopped to munch on a hot dog at Dreamland or Doughboys? Perhaps he enjoyed some ice cream at the Polka Dot?
Did he stop to sign the books at the trolley or the 2-cell jail?
Has anyone looked?
How could the most famous former Beatle of them all slip quietly in and out of our towns without being noticed?

I have to agree in theory with the town of Lynwood's decision to keep underwear under the baggy pants and not above them. I have seen some of these young fellows wearing their pants so low I couldn't figure out how they were keeping them there.

As a news reporter, I worry that such a ban violates certain civil liberties. Yet public nudity is illegal in most places.

What I don't see is anyone coming up with any regulations on how much cleavage one can expose.

It has been a year since the Minnesota Bridge plummeted into the Mississippi River killing 13 people. I find it hard to believe the bridges around here are safe. Have you seen them?
Next time you are on one of the Interstates look up as you go under the bridges. Most are all rusted and corroded. It amazes me that the one over Interstate 55 onto Illinois 129 is still standing. The ones on Blodgett and Bluff Roads are not any better. The bridge over I-80 near the New Lenox exit also looks like it could come crumpling down at any minute.
Last year, USA Today released a report that listed the southbound Interstate 55 bridge over the Kankakee River one of 96 in the country rated "structurally deficient" by government officials. A road official said just because a bridge is structurally deficient does not mean the bridge is not safe. How can that be?
I know some expert has deemed the railroad bridge over Brandon Road safe. I hope they are right because it sure does not look safe to me.

For me is when I learn something good happened as a result of my work. I took great pride this morning during the dedication of the James Tyler Gazebo in Elwood. I wrote a story a while back on what was going on at the parks and how a gazebo was on the wish list for the little park in town. After receiving an invitation to cover the dedication, I decided to write a story on the new gazebo. I called Aimee Ingalls, the village administrator. She said the story caught the eye of the Tyler family who were looking for a way to pay tribute to their late father so they dedicated the money to reconstruct the gazebo in his name. The village got what they wanted, the Tyler's got what they wanted and even though his name is on the plaque as it should be, I felt like I may have had a tiny impact on the future of the village and in a good way.

This summer has brought in more things to see and places to visit along our section of the Mother Road.
At 11 a.m. tomorrow morning (Wednesday, July 30) a once historic gazebo will be formally dedicated in the Village of Elwood. This beautiful building should prove to be a welcome addition as it takes residents and visitors back in time to a place where the community once gathered. Turn west off of Route 66 down the new reconfigured Mississippi Avenue to see this new addition.
On your way back head south. Pay attention to the corner along Water Street in downtown Wilmington. On the Southside, you will notice the once graveled over corner has been transformed into a beautiful walkway and garden thanks to the partnership of Denise Issert, Rick Smith and Mark and Candy Shell. On the north side, there really is a new visitor's center on the building that faces the street in the park known as Claire's Corner. Some scoundrels stole the sign and folks are working to raise money for a replacement. Feel free to get out of the car and grab some brochures. While stretching your legs take a walk and visit the downtown for a unique shopping adventure.
While continuing south you will notice another beautiful little garden on the west side after crossing the Kankakee River Bridge. This park just received a facelift courtesy of the Wilmington Lions Club. They did an excellent job. A short way down the road is the new Doughboys featuring pizza by the slice as well as other tasty fast food goodies for your dining pleasure. Be sure to tell me what you think of these new things.

I have been going to the same one hour eyeglass place in the same mall for more than a decade. I even stayed with them when I went from bifocals to trifocals that now take weeks to make.
I have been wearing eye glasses since I was 12. I never broke a pair until recently.
Lucky for me, I always keep the pair before. Without them I would not have been able to see to get back to the one hour store.
Yet, I always feel guilty not popping the old glasses into the Lions Club collection boxes.
When I took my glasses back, I saw red when the technician looked me straight in the eye and said no, these glasses cannot be fixed. She admitted I should have been told this when I bought them.
I spent more than $500 on them. I spent the same amount the year before that and the year before that. Hubby Jerry also spends about that amount each year. Does customer loyalty count for anything?
They offered to replace them for $250 since they were under a year old. Half price may have sounded like a deal to her but I said no deal. That will be the last time I see that place.
Anyone got the name of a new eye doctor?