traveling Discussions - Traveling within the World2024-03-28T14:58:53Zhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/group/traveling/forum?feed=yes&xn_auth=noOhio State Fairtag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2012-07-30:2185477:Topic:1777192012-07-30T00:16:05.731ZRev. Allen M. Drago ~ Travelerhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Traveler
<p>Well today the State Fair has a Veteran/Military day. With ID you get in for free but still had to pay $5 for parking. I went did the sign in veteran thing looked at what they had to offer then walked around the fair. In doing so I became gloomy. For with out someone there to share it with a hollow outing it was. I felt this at the Zoo as well. But more so here for again with out I was and the of it did not hold my interest. I found my self starting to not want to be there. But instead of…</p>
<p>Well today the State Fair has a Veteran/Military day. With ID you get in for free but still had to pay $5 for parking. I went did the sign in veteran thing looked at what they had to offer then walked around the fair. In doing so I became gloomy. For with out someone there to share it with a hollow outing it was. I felt this at the Zoo as well. But more so here for again with out I was and the of it did not hold my interest. I found my self starting to not want to be there. But instead of leaving I fell into old habits. I found first a Mailler to talk to. Then an Civil War encampment to look through and talk about how to take a 69 CAL lead ball and turn it into a die. I found a Cooper booth demonstrating and talked of the older tools and how to fix/sharpen one. Am 'old west' encampment beside a BBQ food place and asked if I could take pictures of the iron work. I even found a candle maker whom does only in bee wax mold and dipped. Then a tinsmith doing cookie cutters. I fell into the Artist/Crafter finding others of the same, to hold some meaning upon the day. But now after all is done still feel as if it was empty. Missing her and him every in the mind and within. Unknowing if ever again will have a chance. I have what she asked for. A solid place to be. I am working on Gov'tment things and setting in motion others. Yet no words of good or bad do I get from her. Messages have been sent, letters and a box of things. Even the door key to have her have the way to open the door once again. Below are the few pictures that I took. But no Powder Monkey to pat the fur or scales today. No Isabell to ride the rides. No meal to share of things that smell so good. Just me and a shadow walking in circles. Looking, remembering, and wishing once again. Two families I have had and lost. I hope to rebuild again but without is becoming nothing. As the feeling of not worth trying grows to fill the hollow that has become dark and echoes of memories of times.........</p> July 7th Veteran's Day at Columbus ZOO Ohiotag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2012-07-07:2185477:Topic:1766762012-07-07T20:42:15.653ZRev. Allen M. Drago ~ Travelerhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Traveler
<p>Seems each year the Veteran Associations here in Columbus put on an Event for Veterans at the Zoo. This get the Veteran and their family entrance to the zoo. A simple hamburger and hot dog lunch. And several service providers and other organizations the chance to set up and meet the Veterans and see what they can do for them. Which helps the Veteran know what is available in the area. As well as a 'Welcome Home' and Thank you from them to the the Veteran.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is this year's…</p>
<p>Seems each year the Veteran Associations here in Columbus put on an Event for Veterans at the Zoo. This get the Veteran and their family entrance to the zoo. A simple hamburger and hot dog lunch. And several service providers and other organizations the chance to set up and meet the Veterans and see what they can do for them. Which helps the Veteran know what is available in the area. As well as a 'Welcome Home' and Thank you from them to the the Veteran.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Here is this year's advert for it:</p>
<p>Saturday, July 07, 2012<br/> 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM<br/> To honor the members of the military and the sacrifices made to serve our country, the Zoo is offering free Zoo admission and discounted Zoombezi Bay admission to all who are serving and have served our great nation, including their immediate family, July 2 through July 8. Military personnel should show their military ID and veterans must show proof of service for free entry to the Zoo. Immediate family is defined as active or non-active military personnel, their spouse and any kids living in the household.</p>
<p>Zoo Price of Admission: Free Zoo admission to any active or retired military personnel and their immediate family</p>
<p>Ride Discount: $5 ride wristbands for any active or retired military personnel and their immediate family.</p>
<p>Zoombezi Bay Price of Admission: $22.99 (per person) for active or retired military personnel and their immediate family</p>
<p>Parking is $7 per car.</p>
<p>More Dates For This Event:<br/> Saturday, July 07, 2012 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM<br/> Sunday, July 08, 2012 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM</p>
<p></p>
<p>This is a repeating event each year so next year I will plan for it. I sent the Flyer to Isabell and Powder Monkey. But have not heard of or from them. So for them and my Mom I melted int he Heat and humid. Pounded my knee hip and drank lost of water. Pictures below are just a few of the animals there. Not all pictures were clear enough. But below is what was left to show off.</p>
<p></p>
<p>2012 Welcome Home Event</p>
<h1><img title="Welcome Home Event 2012" alt="Welcome Home Event 2012" src="http://www.columbus.va.gov/images/welcomehome3.JPG" align="left" border="0" hspace="5" vspace="5"/></h1>
<p>Columbus VA is hosting their annual Welcome Home event for our Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans, Veterans from all eras, Active Duty, Reserve & Guard Service Members, and all their family members.</p>
<p>Welcome Home is an opportunity to enjoy a free day at the zoo and receive some great information on the benefits that Veterans have earned through their service to our country. Make your plans to bring your family to this fun-filled day. </p>
<blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><blockquote dir="ltr" style="margin-right: 0px;"><p align="center">Date: Saturday, July 7, 2012<br/> Time: 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.<br/> Admission: <strong>FREE</strong> <br/> (Please provide Military ID, DD 214, or VA Patient ID)<br/> Location: <a title="Columbus Zoo and Aquarium" href="http://www.colszoo.org/" target="_blank">Columbus Zoo and Aquarium</a><br/> 4850 West Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065</p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p dir="ltr" align="left"><img title="Welcome Home Event 2012!" alt="Welcome Home Event 2012!" src="http://www.columbus.va.gov/images/welcomehome2.JPG" align="right" border="0" height="180" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="130"/>The Welcome Home event features:</p>
<ul dir="ltr">
<li><div align="left">Free admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to all Veterans, Active Duty members and their family</div>
</li>
<li>Special Welcome Home Activity & Lunch area at Water’s Edge Event Park at the Columbus Zoo. Activities include:<ul>
<li><div align="left">Employment and Education Fair</div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">Live entertainment</div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">Complimentary food and drinks</div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">Community resources for Veterans and their families</div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">VA health care and benefits information</div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr" align="left">For additional information call 614.388.7787</p> Persephones Travelstag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2012-07-05:2185477:Topic:1766522012-07-05T20:11:46.573ZPerseH ~Staff Wrangler~https://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/PersephoneStaffWrangler
<p>I have traveled a bit, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico some parts of the East Coast, Mid-West, and most of the West Coast. Now at this point my travels are limited only because of time but soon I will be posting pictures for you.</p>
<p>I have traveled a bit, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico some parts of the East Coast, Mid-West, and most of the West Coast. Now at this point my travels are limited only because of time but soon I will be posting pictures for you.</p> My adventures in/to Tennesseetag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2011-09-23:2185477:Topic:1505992011-09-23T00:20:30.718ZDenise Morgan (Helping Hand)https://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/DeniseRMorgan
<p>As Many of you may know, I recently made a very long distance move from Rhode Island to Tennessee...</p>
<p>I thought that I may share a bit about where I am now and where I have been. I will probably add to this now and again so I will just say this...</p>
<p>I was raised in Portage Wisconsin... lived most of my life in Milford MA... then spent about 12 years in Pawtucket RI... Now I have landed in Tennessee, very near the Ocoee River and the Cherokee National Forest. As well as having been…</p>
<p>As Many of you may know, I recently made a very long distance move from Rhode Island to Tennessee...</p>
<p>I thought that I may share a bit about where I am now and where I have been. I will probably add to this now and again so I will just say this...</p>
<p>I was raised in Portage Wisconsin... lived most of my life in Milford MA... then spent about 12 years in Pawtucket RI... Now I have landed in Tennessee, very near the Ocoee River and the Cherokee National Forest. As well as having been a few places in between.</p>
<p>I will share bits and pieces along the way... but this is where I am now</p>
<p> </p> Drago's Adventures at the Vet Hometag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2011-05-06:2185477:Topic:1220122011-05-06T03:08:19.557ZDept of PMM Artists & thingshttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Artistsandthings
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Drago's Adventures at the Vet Home</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Day one arrived about 1030 in morning and started in here. After answering several pages of questions. I found that the pee testing was also a requirement. Thus the body and their time did not agree. So I was put in a waiting area. That turned out to be the common seating area and where now the chairs have been removed and the sleeping…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Drago's Adventures at the Vet Home</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Day one arrived about 1030 in morning and started in here. After answering several pages of questions. I found that the pee testing was also a requirement. Thus the body and their time did not agree. So I was put in a waiting area. That turned out to be the common seating area and where now the chairs have been removed and the sleeping cots set.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Meals I have found are 730, 1200, 17oo you stand in line and sign a roster. Pick and choose food then sit eat throw away plate and return to what you were doing. For me it was sitting in the common area most of the day.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Showers are mandatory for cot allowance it seems. Simple folding metal cots with a grey plastic covered 3-inch mattress. In addition, a sheet and blanket are given out as the settings for them are done. My pillow is my highway coat and liner stuffed in my hooded pullover.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Perhaps on the morrow I will be told more of how things are to progress. If one leaves they must sign out. Then back in when returns. Must be back by 2300, will find out if that is when things close down then.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">I also have been told that when the medical clears you and a bed is available up stairs you are moved from common room to a 6 or 8 person room.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Showers to use right now are on the 2nd floor. Know nothing of the third at this time. You are given a simple shower kit. Moreover, right now no big towels are viable so got two what I would call dishtowels and two hand cloths to assist and dry with. Currently they hang off the edge of the cot to dry overnight.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">This eve in the common, area is a big TV it is ran with a vote with what is watched. So far this eve true grit and a dvd movie that stuck in mid play so now we have the basketball game weeeeeeeeeeee.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Everything here is sign in sign that and if one messes up he sheet we have to refill out and resign allover that just happened with the cot list. Is first in line get the metal cot and mattress. When those dozen are gone then mattress on floor is what is left.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">I have reshuffled the bag contents. Now all the clothing and black bag of stuff is in the new brown bag that found this winter on a trip to the market in Dec it still had the red holiday bow on it when I found it. New still folded up and ready to be given. The back pack has the rest of things. Like meds laptop camera and other things that are small and easy carried. Been told where to store the clothing bag in a hallway with the other ‘common roomers’. If important then keep with you hence why the shuffle to ensure if something goes it is clothing and not the other things.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">So far some seem friendly. I have already been tagged with it is the Viking by the director here. In addition, by one of the staff Hercules when I helped move the benches out of the common area so cots could go in. Because I picked up the metal one in the center by self and moved them.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">The outlets are limited, also in demand. Many here have some sort of cell phone that needs charged. I was quick enough to get near one so could pug the laptop in to type this eve. Moreover, seemed to upset someone else that had sighted and planned to be where I currently am. Nevertheless, was doing other things when the chair to cot common area shuffle started.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">There are two resident dogs here an older white muzzled black lab, which has been dubbed ‘Sarge’. The other is a cinnamon Shepard dubbed ‘Major”. Very friendly and tolerates many things I see throughout the day.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">I figure that after the 1700 meal I will sign up for shower and get it out of the way. Will at that time change into the track paints I have brought to sleep within.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">A 1930 bible class in the mess hall was also called for those whom wanted. Not mandatory that is good.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">Oh desert has been called must go see. To put that into perspective. It is now 2157 and a lemon crumb like square just was consumed. Lunch was two hot dogs with a bean mix and French fries. Eve meal was meatloaf, mixed veggies, mashed potatoes with gravy. Hell this is more than I have been eating per day at where I just came from for several months. I did have one last pkg of the Italian sausage I have grown to enjoy before I left this morning as well.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">All the items that were walked away from were stacked in a neat and orderly way in the room I was within. I do not know what or how he is to react nor do with them. After two weeks I have had no place to be. This place was the last resort for me to be at.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">It did bother me that within he questions the drinking was repetitively brought up and hashed about. How long did I, how long have I not, And other questions of it.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="color: #ffffff;">AN Hour left till pill time and their sign in dead line. Then I will find of what happens then. I will see if I can do this each eve, the next step is finding a hot spot or open wireless system to get things going in that area as well.</span></p> See what Drago's Monster #2 did, Cori went swimming in the oceantag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2011-02-07:2185477:Topic:996222011-02-07T18:46:59.820ZDept of PMM Artists & thingshttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Artistsandthings
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Hundreds attend Pleasant Point dip in Passamaquoddy Bay…</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Hundreds attend Pleasant Point dip in Passamaquoddy Bay</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;"><a rel="gallery-458873" href="http://bdn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/020511_Polar-Bear-Dip-1GD.jpg" title="People scramble out of the ice-cold water of Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point during the 11th annual Polar Dip on Friday. More than 100 people took the plunge into water that was only slightly warmer than the 26-degree air temperature. After running into the water cheering, most walked out in a hurry with loud gasps."><img width="600" src="http://bdn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/020511_Polar-Bear-Dip-1GD.jpg" alt="People scramble out of the ice-cold water of Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point during the 11th annual Polar Dip on Friday. More than 100 people took the plunge into water that was only slightly warmer than the 26-degree air temperature. After running into the water cheering, most walked out in a hurry with loud gasps." title="People scramble out of the ice-cold water of Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point during the 11th annual Polar Dip on Friday. More than 100 people took the plunge into water that was only slightly warmer than the 26-degree air temperature. After running into the water cheering, most walked out in a hurry with loud gasps."/></a></span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">People scramble out of the ice-cold water of Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point during the 11th annual Polar Dip on Friday. More than 100 people took the plunge into water that was only slightly warmer than the 26-degree air temperature. After running into the water cheering, most walked out in a hurry with loud gasps</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">By <a href="http://new.bangordailynews.com/author/sharon-kiley-mack/" title="Posts by Sharon Kiley Mack">Sharon Kiley Mack</a>, BDN Staff</span></h1>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Tony and Melissa Newcomb of Eastport had three special reasons for being among the hundreds of spectators attending Friday’s 11th annual Polar Dip in the chilly waters of Passamaquoddy Bay.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">The couple is expecting triplet boys within the next four to six weeks, and despite being put on bed rest, Melissa said it was important to come to the dip, although she stayed in a wheelchair and never entered the water.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">“The triplets are not due until May, but we expect them in the next few weeks,” she said. “We fully anticipate spending lots of time at the Ronald McDonald House in <a href="http://new.bangordailynews.com/region/bangor/">Bangor</a> over the next few months,” she said.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Over the past 10 years, the dip has raised $160,000 to support the Ronald McDonald House. Tessa Ftorek, one of the founders of the dip, said attendance has grown each year from 13 or so at the original event held at Gleason’s Bay in Perry, to the hundreds who attended Friday.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">One hundred twenty participants actually went into the water, raising more than $12,000 for the charity.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Despite stiff winds and mountains of snow, the event was pretty much a party. Participants were walking around in bathrobes and flip-flops, wearing wigs and odd hats. Danny Lola of Indian Township came dressed as Super Grover. Jeff Stanhope of Perry wore a cheesehead (he proudly said he was actually a <a href="http://new.bangordailynews.com/organization/new-england-patriots/">New England Patriots</a> fan and only wore the cheese to get attention) and “Star Wars” underwear.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">“I raised $1,135 from truckers,” he said. Stanhope drives for A.D. Pottle Trucking. “This was actually on a dare. My niece has stayed at the Ronald McDonald House several times and this was how I could give back.”</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Barbara Barrett, 64, of Eastport said she had dipped every year except one because that year she was down with the flu. “It’s a wonderful shock to the system,” she said.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Heather Stanhope of Perry was dipping for the first time. Her daughter Jocelyn Stanhope, 17, has dipped for the past three years, and the pair decided to make it a mother-and-daughter event this year before Jocelyn leaves for the <a href="http://new.bangordailynews.com/organization/university-of-maine/">University of Maine</a> in Orono next fall.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">“It is such a great cause,” Ftorek said. “Ronald McDonald House has served so many people in our area. I am so absolutely proud of this event.”</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">After Ftorek retired from Washington County Community College, WCCC took on sponsorship of the dip. “But you’ll never be able to keep me away,” she admitted moments before plunging into the ocean.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Dippers came from far and wide — 14 participants arrived in a school bus from Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle. Even the school’s dean Bill Egeler dipped along with the students. “It was minus 10 when I left for work this morning,” he said, dripping onto the snow.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">“So this I’ll consider balmy,” said Egeler, referring to the 26-degree temperature at Pleasant Point.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Before the actual dip, participants warmed themselves by a bonfire or visited a heated tent to shelter themselves from the biting wind.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">Inside the tent, culinary students from WCCC offered samples of specially created desserts. The offerings were tantalizing — key lime cheesecake, spiced chocolate creme brulee, strawberry margarita baked Alaska, white chocolate raspberry mousse.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">“Can I have more?” was the most asked question. The students who participated included Shaylah Gates of Wells, Sierra Dyer of Detroit, Jacob Raymond of Webster Plantation, Donald Grindle of Bucksport, Jacob Bonbille of Presque Isle, Josh Barnard of Calais and Tamra Cummings of Pembroke.</span></p>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;"><a rel="gallery-458873" href="http://bdn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/020511_Polar-Bear-Dip-2GD.jpg" title="A group of Northern Maine Community College faculty and students from Presque Isle had a countdown of their own as they were just a few minutes late for the noontime plunge into the ice-cold water of the Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point Friday, Feb. 4, 2010. They made the long drive to participate in the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip when over 100 people took the plunge into the water that was only slightly warmer then the 26 F air temperature. "><img width="200" src="http://bdn.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/020511_Polar-Bear-Dip-2GD-250x250.jpg" alt="A group of Northern Maine Community College faculty and students from Presque Isle had a countdown of their own as they were just a few minutes late for the noontime plunge into the ice-cold water of the Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point Friday, Feb. 4, 2010. They made the long drive to participate in the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip when over 100 people took the plunge into the water that was only slightly warmer then the 26 F air temperature. " title="A group of Northern Maine Community College faculty and students from Presque Isle had a countdown of their own as they were just a few minutes late for the noontime plunge into the ice-cold water of the Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point Friday, Feb. 4, 2010. They made the long drive to participate in the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip when over 100 people took the plunge into the water that was only slightly warmer then the 26 F air temperature. "/></a></span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">THERE SHE IS CENTER AND ENJOYING IT. RIGHT?</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;">A group of Northern Maine Community College faculty and students from Presque Isle had a countdown of their own as they were just a few minutes late for the noontime plunge into the ice-cold water of the Passamaquoddy Bay at Pleasant Point Friday, Feb. 4, 2010. They made the long drive to participate in the 11th annual Polar Bear Dip when over 100 people took the plunge into the water that was only slightly warmer then the 26 F air temperature.</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #c0c0c0;"> </span></h1> My Trip to Ocoee Tennessee…tag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2011-01-31:2185477:Topic:974752011-01-31T02:57:09.756ZDenise Morgan (Helping Hand)https://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/DeniseRMorgan
<h1><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">My Trip to Ocoee Tennessee…</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044039?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="478" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044039?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="566"></img></a> From January 15<sup>th</sup> 2011 to January 29<sup>th</sup> 2011, I spent my time in Ocoee Tennessee, with my Dad who I hadn’t seen for 23 years before that. The last…</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">My Trip to Ocoee Tennessee…</span></h1>
<h1><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044039?profile=original"><img height="478" width="566" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044039?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" class="align-center"/></a>From January 15<sup>th</sup> 2011 to January 29<sup>th</sup> 2011, I spent my time in Ocoee Tennessee, with my Dad who I hadn’t seen for 23 years before that. The last time that I saw him was when I was 13 years old.</span></h1>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">A little back ground on Ocoee Tennessee…</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"> <a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044217?profile=original"><img width="288" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060044217?profile=original" class="align-center"/></a></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">Ocoee is Cherokee for "place where the passion flower is found."</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">(<a href="http://www.campocoee.com/trivia/index.asp?f=9">http://www.campocoee.com/trivia/index.asp?f=9</a>)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"><b>Ocoee</b> (also <b>Ocoa</b>) is an unincorporated community in Polk County, Tennessee, United States. Its altitude is 797 feet (243 m), and it is located at 35°7′28″N 84°43′6″W / 35.12444°N 84.71833°W<u> /</u> <u>35.12444; -84.71833</u> (35.1245194, -84.7181327). Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 37361.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocoee,_Tennessee">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocoee,_Tennessee</a>)</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">The <b>Toccoa River</b> and <b>Ocoee River</b> are actually a single river that flows northwestward through the southern Appalachian Mountains of the southeastern United States. It is called the Toccoa in Georgia, until it reaches the twin cities of McCaysville, Georgia and Copperhill, Tennessee, at the truss bridge which connects Georgia State Route 5 (Blue Ridge Street) with Tennessee State Route 68 and Georgia State Route 60 (Ocoee Street and Toccoa Street). The remainder is called the Ocoee through Tennessee, known for its whitewater rafting, and host to whitewater slalom events during the Centennial 1996 Summer Olympics held primarily in Atlanta, about 100 miles (160 km) to the south.</span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">The Ocoee River is a tributary of the Hiwassee River, which it joins in Polk County, Tennessee, near the town of Benton. It was an important river for both the Cherokee and Creek tribes.</span></p>
<span class="font-size-4" style="font-family: georgia,palatino; color: #ffffff;">(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toccoa/Ocoee_River">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toccoa/Ocoee_River</a>)</span> Pictures from MayFaire in Marshall MI May 2010tag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2010-06-06:2185477:Topic:442882010-06-06T18:47:10.726ZRev. Allen M. Drago ~ Travelerhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Traveler
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060034840?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060035066?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060035187?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060034840?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060035066?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" alt=""/></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2060035187?profile=original" alt=""/></p> ANd back to Ohio into Michigaintag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2010-02-21:2185477:Topic:344972010-02-21T04:12:13.274ZRev. Allen M. Drago ~ Travelerhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Traveler
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">After a week of being there upon the Friday of the 12<sup>th</sup> of Feb. The brother’s of whom I was with showed up escorted me out with my pack and dropped me off in a Ihop parking lot telling me never to return nor contact
them again. Run out on a rail without the tar and feathers was the style they<br />
used. Telling me first that they were taking me to a shelter/mission,…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">After a week of being there upon the Friday of the 12<sup>th</sup> of Feb. The brother’s of whom I was with showed up escorted me out with my pack
and dropped me off in a Ihop parking lot telling me never to return nor contact<br />
them again. Run out on a rail without the tar and feathers was the style they<br />
used. Telling me first that they were taking me to a shelter/mission, which I<br />
had accepted. That was not what happened. Taking across the water over bridge<br />
and through a tunnel and sticking me in aplace I could not walk off from was<br />
what they did. So Friday started the next traveling. I made some phone calls<br />
and tried to tell the one whom I was just taken from what happened so she knew.<br />
And the little pretty as well. I ‘stole’ out of the bank money I was leaving<br />
for Isabell and monkey boy enough for a bus ticket back to Ohio where there was<br />
a van for me to use. And had arranged a place in Michigan to go to. And one<br />
where I could reclaim things from the Vardar and sort and place here in stock<br />
items for sale. Walking through the night 9 miles and arriving at the bus stop<br />
at 0330 in the morning as it starts to snow I find the buss terminal closed.<br />
But the security guard indicated from inside at 0500 they will reopen. SO I<br />
signed I would be at the door. So leaning the pack up against the wall beside<br />
the door I sat down with it to my back and covered up with the highway coat to<br />
wait the time as snow fell upon me. At five a bus rolled in and I entered the<br />
building paying for the ticket. And then started the wait for the buss at 0730.<br />
Up to Baltimore it went and snow falls as I napped in my seat. Off to Pittsburg<br />
arriving late because of the weather and missing the connection I now have to<br />
wait till 0335 for the next bus to Ohio. Arriving in Ohio at 0710 of the 14<sup>th</sup><br />
I was picked up and taken to where my things were. Being introduced to Ellaford<br />
the white e250 extended van { white elephant} that I was handed the keys to.<br />
Sunday I move some things around. And waited for him to return from the Hockey<br />
game. Napping as well to try to reset my body from the Friday to Sunday<br />
adventure. When he returned we transferred things to the 1<sup>st</sup> level<br />
to make the packing of Ella quicker Monday morning. And I cooked corned beef<br />
that night as well. Boiling my right hand because I over fuilled the pot and<br />
went to dump out the extra water it over spilled on to my hand. That was the<br />
ending of the night and sleep soon followed. The next morning we started<br />
packing Ella and a pork roast was set to cooking as we did so. After packing<br />
the van we ate and I took off to Michigan. <span style=""> </span>The van drives well and with a slight<br />
transmission problem<span style=""> </span> causeing it to<br />
stall out like a standard when it come so a stop sometimes. It felt good to<br />
once again return to that I have know many years. As I crossed into Michigain<br />
and checked my messages the world crashed once more for me. Seems where I was<br />
to go was no longer a friendly place. Someone else was there and refused me to<br />
be there. The person I had been taking to to to this day has yet to be found or<br />
contacted of this happened. So Monday after noon in a truck stop with no money<br />
to be had I found myself. Again upon the internet I went thanks to wifi and the<br />
laptop. Contacted some people and through messages and they calling places I<br />
threw darts at the board and came up with a high score. One of the artists here<br />
on site that has done shows with me was able to offer me a place. All I had to<br />
do was drive to Lansing and get there. So all that read this thank Stick John<br />
Mire blacksmith and Viking for having a small place for me to be. Now I am in<br />
Lansing Michigan setting the Vet back up and restarting to place things back<br />
into some type of order for me to work from and to the goal of returning to<br />
shows and hopefully earning Isabell and monkey monster back in my life once<br />
again. Ella sits here with the tings from Ohio in it. Tools in VA. Things in<br />
eastern PA. And the Vardar in Jackson Michigan. The offer stands as I have<br />
written other places ad here. Truck canvas supplies to be gotten and then to<br />
the shows known to me. With it I will show and teach one of these things.</span></p>
<br />
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Georgia","serif";"> </span></p> VAtag:travelingwithintheworld.ning.com,2010-02-21:2185477:Topic:344942010-02-21T04:11:09.869ZRev. Allen M. Drago ~ Travelerhttps://travelingwithintheworld.ning.com/profile/Traveler
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The travel from Ohio to Virginia was done in 12 hours. The person I was staying with in Ohio had a small sports car and offered to take me to Virginia where I did have a place to go to previously offered to me. But
because I was trying to reclaim my things in Michigan and try to get a vehicle<br />
in Ohio delayed going to. So off to Virginia I went to a place that was told…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The travel from Ohio to Virginia was done in 12 hours. The person I was staying with in Ohio had a small sports car and offered to take me
to Virginia where I did have a place to go to previously offered to me. But<br />
because I was trying to reclaim my things in Michigan and try to get a vehicle<br />
in Ohio delayed going to. So off to Virginia I went to a place that was told of<br />
fixing the person’s house and general maintenance upon for them.<span style=""> </span> I drove the distance and was not a bad drive<br />
his care I dubbed “HI HO SILVER” for it is silver and drives well. I surprise<br />
him with the amount of tools clothing and material I fit into the Misibisti<br />
Eclipse two door hatch back. Arriving at the house next door we quickly<br />
unloaded and he was away back to Ohio and I was left in a new place to start<br />
once again. After a couple of days there I transferred my things to the room I<br />
was to stay in. Finding the home owner and one room mate already there. And<br />
also a cleaning person once every two weeks also. I was to find that I did not<br />
fit into this place as well. For telling the cleaning lady that if she did not<br />
like how I did things she could do them her self was bad. The fact I was not<br />
‘clean’ enough for them did not work as well for the anal clean they required<br />
was a bit much for me. And the fact the room mate and cleaning lady would run<br />
the owner upon me after they got back from working several days in the Navy did<br />
not help. They would not talk to me but jump him of me when he returned. So<br />
another palce need to be found again.</span></p>