Hi All,
Two days ago I was called a racist by the manager at a Denny's in Manassas, Virginia. Below is an account I wrote up after the event occurred. Its bewildering how with one short experience or even two short experiences, a manager, a representative of Denny's, can call me a racist. At most it seems the manager of Denny's could say I make racist comments but even that's a stretch for anyone who knows me.
May 29, 2007 beginning at or about 8:30am
I went to Denny's this morning to get some breakfast before starting a day of moving furniture.
I went in and asked the waitress if I could have a specific booth at the window facing the main parking lot so I could get Wi-Fi signal I broadcast from my truck.
I ask the waitress if I could exchange french toast for the pancakes in a certain menu choice. I would have to pay an additional fee, the waitress replied. She told me of the french toast breakfast choice. So, that was cool. I chose the french toast mega meal. It was going to be more then I could probably eat but I wanted french toast.
After a few minutes the french toast arrives and the waitress comments that they cooked the eggs wrong so it would come out later. I spread the butter around and then pour syrup. I cut off a piece of french toast with my fork and began to eat it. First piece was okay. I cut into a second piece and started chewing on that second piece. Yuck! It wasn't cooked. It was like eating raw egg.
It took a couple minutes to get her attention but I asked the waitress to take it back and cook a new order but to be sure to make it well done. I showed her the uncooked nature of the french toast and told her I wanted it fully cooked please. She says okay and takes the plate of undone french toast away.
I eat my bacon, sausage, and eggs. Two gentlemen are seated fairly near me.
Eventually, I'm ready to dig into my french toast that has since then arrived. I was thinking it was a new order like I asked. But as I moved one of the slices from a pile, I see its the same piece I ate from. I tried to explain my disdain of the situation by telling her that for one thing, my germs were on that piece they put back on the grill and handled with cooking implements not to mention that it can't be cooked right with it being saturated with syrup and butter.
I then asked for the manager thinking I would notify him of a potential liability and to avoid it in the future.
The manager comes out and I explain to him the whole scenario as written above. He then tells me that they didn't worry too much about it because I'm the person that tried to give away his breakfast before and complained.
Let's go into history ...
It must be some two months ago that I was eating at that same Denny's. Note, I haven't been there but maybe once since then until today. That morning I was hungry, or so I thought. I ordered a meal with french toast but asked the french toast come later so to avoid it getting cold before eating it. It was a waitress, I think Hispanic, but I don't know for sure. We already had a hard time communicating just to get my order across and that I wanted the french toast later in the meal versus all together. Well, the french toast arrive and she was about to sit the plate down. By this point, I had already decided I was too full to eat the french toast. I asked the waitress to not place it on the table but to immediately make it to go instead. She could not understand me I guess because she kept moving it down. So I asked her to stop and not to place it on the table. She seemingly ignored me and placed it down anyway.
I told the wiatress I was unhappy with her decision and tried to explain why I wanted her to put it directly into a box. She then tried to explain to me that she speaks very little English and would get someone to help.
A minute later a fellow comes over and offers to help by explaining that she doesn't speak much English and didn't understand me. I explained to him that a person dealing with customers in the US needs to speak English with some resemblance of fluency.
He apologized but I asked for the manager. I spoke to a young lady and explained to her my situation. She explained to me that its hard to get help on what they pay. So I commented that the customer has to suffer.
After all this I take the french toast and put it into a take home box. But as I leave I see a man and his daughter. I know I don't do well at eating left overs so I was happy to offer the french toast to him. I personally saw him open the box and serve some to the little girl before leaving. I was happy someone got to enjoy it.
I left the restaurant at that point
Okay, back to today.
Once the manager said I was the one who gave his breakfast away I went “HUH, what does that matter?” he said how they didn't worry about the french toast this time because I was the one that gave it away last time and how would I like being offered food from someone else. I told him I'd appreciate it especially if down on my luck. He said that the guy left the take-home box on the table. I told him that I saw the guy open the box and serve a slice to the little girl.
I went on to say “Since you brought that incident up ....”. I explained the whole thing from two months ago. I also went on to say that my germs have gotten on the grill they recooked the french toast on as well as the tools they use to cook with. I also went on to say how can they cook it right a second time once its gotten soaked with butter and syrup. He reiterated that they didn't worry about it and that I am welcomed to my opinions but that I was a racist.
You should have seen my shock. Me, a racist! I explained to the manager that I'm the one standing up for others with they are being persecuted for their nationality. I again told him that if he knew me that he could never consider me a racist. I asked him to explain why me believing that someone in this country working in customer service shouldn't have to be fluent in English. I reworded the question but stipulated only 75 to 80% fluency. I told him over and over I don't care where someone comes from but they need to know English in this kind of job.
Take note. I intentionally kept my voice calm. I was sitting down while the manager was standing. I made to gestures with my hands. I knew this could escalate so I took whatever precautions I could do to keep it from doing just that.
The manager took the glass of ice tea as I was reaching for a drink. He asked me to pack up my things and leave and never come back again. I asked him for the district manager and the phone number. As the laptop was shutting down, I called and left a detailed voice mail with the answering machine. The office was to open at 10am and it was only 9:40am at this point.
I close up my laptop and grab my stuff. I walk to the register and once again try to explain to the manager that I'm not being a racist and I simply wanted someone who could understand me. I explained that comments of that nature are not racist at all. He refused to talk except to ask if I needed to fill out paperwork or would I stay away and if I came back that I would be arrested for trespassing. I don't know what the paperwork was about.
The girl standing near the manager was the woman I spoke to two months earlier. She said I was insensitive. I could tell I was not going to get anyone to understand the differences between racism and the need for English in this job.
This is the end of the time at Denny's
Around an hour later, I called and left a detailed explanation of the event with corporate.
By the way, we still have the whole health issues of recooking my french toast. That manager made a decision to ignore good health concepts by cooking my food that I've eaten from again and he clearly said it was because I was the complainer from last time. So he has now risked others based on his opinion of me.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Trailer ??
New Trailer ??
Well, last night I spoke to a guy about his 6x12 enclosed trailer. We came to a verbal agreement. Of course, I realize that if someone came with more cash in hand then he would bail. But so far so good. I'd like to put an airconditioning unit in it and use it as a mobile basestation and sleeper if real hot or real stormy.
More updates on this on Tuesday.
Well, last night I spoke to a guy about his 6x12 enclosed trailer. We came to a verbal agreement. Of course, I realize that if someone came with more cash in hand then he would bail. But so far so good. I'd like to put an airconditioning unit in it and use it as a mobile basestation and sleeper if real hot or real stormy.
More updates on this on Tuesday.
WHEW Finally !!!
I'm finally out ...
Today I'm moved out. But then again, I haven't unloaded my trailer yet. This trip is a hodgepodge of a load. Unloading is going to take longer then the first load. Because of the deadline, I had to throw things together at the end so now to organize it better into existing boxes once I'm at the storage facility.
The Real Challenge
Then comes the real challenge. I have piled and piled stuff into the cab of the truck and in the passenger seat. Its reminds me of basig geology - layers and layers if mud pile up eventually being pressured into making rock. Well, I'm afaid to look at the bottom layer in my passenger floorboard. I'm hoping I don't find a Tyranosaurus Rex in there !!
My helper didn't show up yesterday (Friday). He didn't call the night before either like he said he would. I had gotten signs earlier that he may not show up on Friday. Its the holiday weekend and I should have known. But with the signs, I decided to have him move all the heavy things on Thursday instead of pacing it to Friday or today. I left him two messages; one in the morning and the other in late afternoon. He finally calls me back saying he had to deal with a family crisis and would be in Richmond the whole weekend.
Well, he could have called me. The lack of a call and the vibes I got earlier tells me he went partying at Virginia Beach.
Because if Tony not showing up, I got a lot more of a workout. Hard work never hurt anyone - right? Hmmm, I may need to reevaluate that phrase.
After I get unloaded, and do some other errands its off to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shendoah National Park for some rafting, hiking, and camping. I saved this as my "reward" for moving. Also, I wanted to go after the move incase I get hurt and can't walk well or whatever.
I recall several times needing to work at a client site by installing networking cable or something. It should be an easy job, right? Well, it would end up being a bear and made all the worse because I was sore from playing wallyball the night before. When I play wallyball, I don't just "play" wallyball, I "am" wallyball !! lol
Today I'm moved out. But then again, I haven't unloaded my trailer yet. This trip is a hodgepodge of a load. Unloading is going to take longer then the first load. Because of the deadline, I had to throw things together at the end so now to organize it better into existing boxes once I'm at the storage facility.
The Real Challenge
Then comes the real challenge. I have piled and piled stuff into the cab of the truck and in the passenger seat. Its reminds me of basig geology - layers and layers if mud pile up eventually being pressured into making rock. Well, I'm afaid to look at the bottom layer in my passenger floorboard. I'm hoping I don't find a Tyranosaurus Rex in there !!
My helper didn't show up yesterday (Friday). He didn't call the night before either like he said he would. I had gotten signs earlier that he may not show up on Friday. Its the holiday weekend and I should have known. But with the signs, I decided to have him move all the heavy things on Thursday instead of pacing it to Friday or today. I left him two messages; one in the morning and the other in late afternoon. He finally calls me back saying he had to deal with a family crisis and would be in Richmond the whole weekend.
Well, he could have called me. The lack of a call and the vibes I got earlier tells me he went partying at Virginia Beach.
Because if Tony not showing up, I got a lot more of a workout. Hard work never hurt anyone - right? Hmmm, I may need to reevaluate that phrase.
After I get unloaded, and do some other errands its off to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shendoah National Park for some rafting, hiking, and camping. I saved this as my "reward" for moving. Also, I wanted to go after the move incase I get hurt and can't walk well or whatever.
I recall several times needing to work at a client site by installing networking cable or something. It should be an easy job, right? Well, it would end up being a bear and made all the worse because I was sore from playing wallyball the night before. When I play wallyball, I don't just "play" wallyball, I "am" wallyball !! lol
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Sunday Night
Today we made more progress. Barb is helping me out. Today she packed up most of the kitchen items. There are some things that need to be cleaned first. But that should soon be completed.
I spent more time emptying more old worthless mail and paperwork from boxes I just threw stuff into. Not an exciting day today at all.
Oh, I forgot to mention that last night I took some pictures of the moon and venus close together. Pictures didn't come out half-bad with this new camera. I still have lots of nuances to learn about the Nikon D40x.
The next several days I have to put a lot of effort into packing. In addition to cleaning out boxes I packed some smaller clothes. I lost a lot of weight over a year ago but eating out everyday helped me gain in all back. But I'm going to look at saving the smaller clothes. But I do have a system in mind.
I've packed similar sized items together and labeled the box with the size. This way I can choose what I want to keep in storage. My thought is I can pack my storage until its full or I have everything stored. Should I run out of space then I will opt to sacrifice certain things ... smaller clothes, some software manuals, older plastic storage containers (very light but take lots of room up), etc.
I'm still debating in my mind to get a storage unit here in Herndon, VA area or a trailer, and if even a trailer then what size pr perhaps a combination of a trailer and a storage room. My guess is that I will come back here for work in the future but not sure. I would like to get into photojournalism work but its a long-shot whereas computer work is a lot more certain.
My thoughts are I NEED to know what I have to store first and the space it will consume before I can make an intelligent and knowledgeable decision. So, I'm going to stack all the boxes in the living room in a measurable pattern. I'm going to know the workable dimensions of wherever I store things. A little geometry calculations and life is good!
Oppsss! All my silverware has been packed up as well as grilling tools. So I had a thought of getting some bratwurst to grill. Easy to grill using just a stick to move them around with. I have plenty of trees around me to grab a green branch and carve a point on it. Eating bratwurst is even easier then cooking – insert into mouth and bite down YUMMM
While driving to the grocery store I see a Chipotle's. There goes my plans in lieu of a Fajita Bowl. The bratwurst would have been good but the Fajita Bowl was better. I'm here typing this BLOG entry after I've eaten on the outside deck of Chipotle's. Awesome breeze makes this a great spot to reflect on the day and ponder my actions for tomorrow.
Time to head home and get some more work done. The night is young with it only being 9:13pm.
I spent more time emptying more old worthless mail and paperwork from boxes I just threw stuff into. Not an exciting day today at all.
Oh, I forgot to mention that last night I took some pictures of the moon and venus close together. Pictures didn't come out half-bad with this new camera. I still have lots of nuances to learn about the Nikon D40x.
The next several days I have to put a lot of effort into packing. In addition to cleaning out boxes I packed some smaller clothes. I lost a lot of weight over a year ago but eating out everyday helped me gain in all back. But I'm going to look at saving the smaller clothes. But I do have a system in mind.
I've packed similar sized items together and labeled the box with the size. This way I can choose what I want to keep in storage. My thought is I can pack my storage until its full or I have everything stored. Should I run out of space then I will opt to sacrifice certain things ... smaller clothes, some software manuals, older plastic storage containers (very light but take lots of room up), etc.
I'm still debating in my mind to get a storage unit here in Herndon, VA area or a trailer, and if even a trailer then what size pr perhaps a combination of a trailer and a storage room. My guess is that I will come back here for work in the future but not sure. I would like to get into photojournalism work but its a long-shot whereas computer work is a lot more certain.
My thoughts are I NEED to know what I have to store first and the space it will consume before I can make an intelligent and knowledgeable decision. So, I'm going to stack all the boxes in the living room in a measurable pattern. I'm going to know the workable dimensions of wherever I store things. A little geometry calculations and life is good!
Oppsss! All my silverware has been packed up as well as grilling tools. So I had a thought of getting some bratwurst to grill. Easy to grill using just a stick to move them around with. I have plenty of trees around me to grab a green branch and carve a point on it. Eating bratwurst is even easier then cooking – insert into mouth and bite down YUMMM
While driving to the grocery store I see a Chipotle's. There goes my plans in lieu of a Fajita Bowl. The bratwurst would have been good but the Fajita Bowl was better. I'm here typing this BLOG entry after I've eaten on the outside deck of Chipotle's. Awesome breeze makes this a great spot to reflect on the day and ponder my actions for tomorrow.
Time to head home and get some more work done. The night is young with it only being 9:13pm.
Good Morning from Herndon, VA
I made it back to Virginia and couple days ago but its been busy ever since then. I had to meet with my landlord and come to some agreement over the rental house. I met some friends now that I'm back in town and get boxes - lots of boxes - well, not that many boxes.
Before the boxes, I wanted to return some unopened items. Before my thoughts of moving things to storage, I got some things for the house. But there's no reason to keep them and store them when I could return them. So, back to Staples and Lowes I will go (See, I could be a poet lol ) I also returned a cooler to Wal-Mart.
Now to discuss a silly trait I have. I forget what I have, at times. For instance, I needed a cooler to keep things cool on my way back. The older cooler I had was better at melting ice then keeping it cool. I go to Wal-mart and look at my choices of coolers. So after a few thoughts of what's important to me, I purchase the "perfect" cooler.
When I finally get back to Virginia, I was looking in the garage wondering what am I going to do with this stuff and then I saw the same cooler. But no, that cooler was still in the truck. Egads! I bought the same cooler for the same reasons. Good news was I'm consistent in my choices; bad news is I forgot I had one. But no worries, I'll bring back one!
Yesterday I bought 20 boxes from U-Haul. While there, I was faced with my old nemisis - ever since the making of the telephone people have had to deal with the same nemesis - "Yes you have been in line but let me answer the phone that just rang" syndrome. How many times have you been in line and the phone gets highest priority? Well, the U-Haul in Herndon gets low-points from about 5 customers in line along with me!
I was thinkingto alternatives and U-Haul had me. So, I waited like the others who probably felt they were held hostages by U-Haul a.k.a. "Lack of Choices".
Finally made it home to think about packing. Because of my lifestyle, I have lots of those white boxes from office stores. I like things that stack well together and the same size boxes do just that. I knew that consolidating boxes would make this large array of boxes into a smaller one but I didn't think about how cutthroat I was going to be when it came to deciding to toss stuff.
I have a feeling I'm going to have lots of U-Haul a.k.a. "Lack of Choices" boxes left.
Today, the day after of the boxes, I'm getting ready to look at a trailer and do more boxes.
Take Care
Before the boxes, I wanted to return some unopened items. Before my thoughts of moving things to storage, I got some things for the house. But there's no reason to keep them and store them when I could return them. So, back to Staples and Lowes I will go (See, I could be a poet lol ) I also returned a cooler to Wal-Mart.
Now to discuss a silly trait I have. I forget what I have, at times. For instance, I needed a cooler to keep things cool on my way back. The older cooler I had was better at melting ice then keeping it cool. I go to Wal-mart and look at my choices of coolers. So after a few thoughts of what's important to me, I purchase the "perfect" cooler.
When I finally get back to Virginia, I was looking in the garage wondering what am I going to do with this stuff and then I saw the same cooler. But no, that cooler was still in the truck. Egads! I bought the same cooler for the same reasons. Good news was I'm consistent in my choices; bad news is I forgot I had one. But no worries, I'll bring back one!
Yesterday I bought 20 boxes from U-Haul. While there, I was faced with my old nemisis - ever since the making of the telephone people have had to deal with the same nemesis - "Yes you have been in line but let me answer the phone that just rang" syndrome. How many times have you been in line and the phone gets highest priority? Well, the U-Haul in Herndon gets low-points from about 5 customers in line along with me!
I was thinkingto alternatives and U-Haul had me. So, I waited like the others who probably felt they were held hostages by U-Haul a.k.a. "Lack of Choices".
Finally made it home to think about packing. Because of my lifestyle, I have lots of those white boxes from office stores. I like things that stack well together and the same size boxes do just that. I knew that consolidating boxes would make this large array of boxes into a smaller one but I didn't think about how cutthroat I was going to be when it came to deciding to toss stuff.
I have a feeling I'm going to have lots of U-Haul a.k.a. "Lack of Choices" boxes left.
Today, the day after of the boxes, I'm getting ready to look at a trailer and do more boxes.
Take Care
Saturday, May 12, 2007
In Louisiana, Fairview-Riverside State Park
In Louisiana, Fairview-Riverside State Park
I stayed the night at Fairview-Riverside State Park. I saw a sign for the park while still some 8 hours away from Atlanta. I got off the highway and drove several miles on these small roads going through a couple small towns. I finally get there and just in the nick of time. There was only one spot left; then it dawned on me, it was a weekend at a lake in early summer. No wonder its full.
I paid my $16 bucks and scoped out the site. Once I knew where I was going I drove to the lake.
There's a boardwalk around this area where several people are fishing. There are 2 ladies and a man and another man fishing at the end of the boardwalk. I was sitting in my chair enjoying the sounds of birds, the sun getting lower and the waves of passing boats sloshing into the shoreline. I was there for a spell chatting online with some friends. I decided to talk to the fisherman at the end of the boardwalk, his name was Chad (if I recall correctly). He was the rescuer of this one older lady fishing. She had hooked an eel and ask Chad to help her release it from her hook. Chad and I talked for a bit. He and his wife moved from California to Louisiana. Chad showed me his catfish; “just one more then dinner for me and the wife”, Chad said. I took a lot of pictures of the trees and the sunset. Wow, the temperature was great and just enough breeze.
That eel was a challenge for Chad. The eel was about 12 inches long and reminded me of a snake with the shape of the mouth. I felt bad for the eel cause it was difficult to get it loose from the hook. Blood came out as Chad was using a tool to remove the hook. Of course, the eel is not liking this at all and is trying everything to get away. Quite a bit of blood comes out as the eel makes noises in pain. I know its only an eel but this animal is going through a lot of pain and isn't even going to feed anyone in the process. Finally, the hook is out and the eel released back to the water. Maybe the eel will live, maybe not. The damage to his mouth was enough to maybe keep him from eating or weaken him enough to be eaten by a predator.
Eventually it was getting dark enough I knew I needed to get my tent cot ready. It doesn't take much time to make ready my site. Once I had the cot ready I sat down at the nearby picnic table and chatted with some friends online. For those reading and don't know, I broadcast WiFi from my pickup truck using a Verizon Broadband card to make a connection to the Internet.
Its about 8:30pm by now. Another rig pulls in across the road from me. There must be 4 adults in a group and a million kids ... well, only 4. They finally get their trailer backed in and mostly setup. By this time its after 9pm. All of a sudden I hear this one child driving a battery-operated 4-wheeler; you know, the kind where the child can ride in it and drive it like a go-cart. Well, this car make a lot of noise not to mention running into trees and jackrabbit starts and stops in the gravel. I love kids but letting their kids scream and that car this late at night seemed ridiculous to me. I finally go talk to them about the noise. They reminded me that 10pm is the quiet time. They're right although there were no apologies for the noise in general. Instead of taking ownership for their kids being disrespectful of the parents and the car noise, the parents defended the kids by telling me the time for quiet.
I remember as a child. I didn't have an electric car to drive around in. We played cards or other activities. In fact, I would be out there looking around at the trees, and even then, hoping to see a bear. lol
I was watching satellite doppler weather images. There were storms around us but not where I was. I got the tent cot rainfly out just in case. Well, as I worked on projects I kept an eye on the weather. I decided to not sleep with the rainfly since it blocks a lot of airflow through my tent cot.
The next morning (today), I awake to the sounds of woodpeckers and Peacocks. These peacocks are noisy too. Some one across from the park raises them. I didn't know how loud Peacocks can be until my stay here.
In general I recommend staying away from this park. It doesn't seem like noise rules are enforced and several people had dogs that barked at any and every one. I came for peace and quite, recognizing there would be normal sounds. In the plus, the staff was very nice. The shower is nice and the water had lots of pressure behind it. Perhaps its a good place to camp but bring ear plugs. lol
Bugs and more bugs but then again, I am in a state comprised of mostly swamps. My windshield is full of bugs. So, I take my step ladder and spray ammonia down on all the glass. To combat the bugs and other solid things on my glass, I use a plastic put scrubber. It does great and doesn't scratch the glass. I scrub it down really well then wipe it off. Then another spray and wiping for the finishing touches. Now, I need sunglasses again :)
This leads me up to packing stuff up and now I'm sitting here at an iHOP eating my breakfast and writing this. I'm enjoying watching these two little girls (4 and 6) eat breakfast with their father. The girls already have him wrapped around their little fingers as they choose what to do and not do. I think this dad is out of his league lol He tries to discipline them but with little result. I do hate seeing when people pull hard on their children's arms to get them to move. It seems like that action teaches a lot of wrong things versus simply spanking the child, in this case, for refusing to allow her sister to get out of the booth. Of course, I know its much more complex then being seen by me, an outsider.
Well, time to hit the road. My eyes are really tired. I have over 8 hours to drive yet to see Dave.
Time to push on.
Until Later,
-- Tim
I stayed the night at Fairview-Riverside State Park. I saw a sign for the park while still some 8 hours away from Atlanta. I got off the highway and drove several miles on these small roads going through a couple small towns. I finally get there and just in the nick of time. There was only one spot left; then it dawned on me, it was a weekend at a lake in early summer. No wonder its full.
I paid my $16 bucks and scoped out the site. Once I knew where I was going I drove to the lake.
There's a boardwalk around this area where several people are fishing. There are 2 ladies and a man and another man fishing at the end of the boardwalk. I was sitting in my chair enjoying the sounds of birds, the sun getting lower and the waves of passing boats sloshing into the shoreline. I was there for a spell chatting online with some friends. I decided to talk to the fisherman at the end of the boardwalk, his name was Chad (if I recall correctly). He was the rescuer of this one older lady fishing. She had hooked an eel and ask Chad to help her release it from her hook. Chad and I talked for a bit. He and his wife moved from California to Louisiana. Chad showed me his catfish; “just one more then dinner for me and the wife”, Chad said. I took a lot of pictures of the trees and the sunset. Wow, the temperature was great and just enough breeze.
That eel was a challenge for Chad. The eel was about 12 inches long and reminded me of a snake with the shape of the mouth. I felt bad for the eel cause it was difficult to get it loose from the hook. Blood came out as Chad was using a tool to remove the hook. Of course, the eel is not liking this at all and is trying everything to get away. Quite a bit of blood comes out as the eel makes noises in pain. I know its only an eel but this animal is going through a lot of pain and isn't even going to feed anyone in the process. Finally, the hook is out and the eel released back to the water. Maybe the eel will live, maybe not. The damage to his mouth was enough to maybe keep him from eating or weaken him enough to be eaten by a predator.
Eventually it was getting dark enough I knew I needed to get my tent cot ready. It doesn't take much time to make ready my site. Once I had the cot ready I sat down at the nearby picnic table and chatted with some friends online. For those reading and don't know, I broadcast WiFi from my pickup truck using a Verizon Broadband card to make a connection to the Internet.
Its about 8:30pm by now. Another rig pulls in across the road from me. There must be 4 adults in a group and a million kids ... well, only 4. They finally get their trailer backed in and mostly setup. By this time its after 9pm. All of a sudden I hear this one child driving a battery-operated 4-wheeler; you know, the kind where the child can ride in it and drive it like a go-cart. Well, this car make a lot of noise not to mention running into trees and jackrabbit starts and stops in the gravel. I love kids but letting their kids scream and that car this late at night seemed ridiculous to me. I finally go talk to them about the noise. They reminded me that 10pm is the quiet time. They're right although there were no apologies for the noise in general. Instead of taking ownership for their kids being disrespectful of the parents and the car noise, the parents defended the kids by telling me the time for quiet.
I remember as a child. I didn't have an electric car to drive around in. We played cards or other activities. In fact, I would be out there looking around at the trees, and even then, hoping to see a bear. lol
I was watching satellite doppler weather images. There were storms around us but not where I was. I got the tent cot rainfly out just in case. Well, as I worked on projects I kept an eye on the weather. I decided to not sleep with the rainfly since it blocks a lot of airflow through my tent cot.
The next morning (today), I awake to the sounds of woodpeckers and Peacocks. These peacocks are noisy too. Some one across from the park raises them. I didn't know how loud Peacocks can be until my stay here.
In general I recommend staying away from this park. It doesn't seem like noise rules are enforced and several people had dogs that barked at any and every one. I came for peace and quite, recognizing there would be normal sounds. In the plus, the staff was very nice. The shower is nice and the water had lots of pressure behind it. Perhaps its a good place to camp but bring ear plugs. lol
Bugs and more bugs but then again, I am in a state comprised of mostly swamps. My windshield is full of bugs. So, I take my step ladder and spray ammonia down on all the glass. To combat the bugs and other solid things on my glass, I use a plastic put scrubber. It does great and doesn't scratch the glass. I scrub it down really well then wipe it off. Then another spray and wiping for the finishing touches. Now, I need sunglasses again :)
This leads me up to packing stuff up and now I'm sitting here at an iHOP eating my breakfast and writing this. I'm enjoying watching these two little girls (4 and 6) eat breakfast with their father. The girls already have him wrapped around their little fingers as they choose what to do and not do. I think this dad is out of his league lol He tries to discipline them but with little result. I do hate seeing when people pull hard on their children's arms to get them to move. It seems like that action teaches a lot of wrong things versus simply spanking the child, in this case, for refusing to allow her sister to get out of the booth. Of course, I know its much more complex then being seen by me, an outsider.
Well, time to hit the road. My eyes are really tired. I have over 8 hours to drive yet to see Dave.
Time to push on.
Until Later,
-- Tim
Friday, May 11, 2007
Heading to Virginia - Good Morning from Orange, Texas
Hello from the big metropolis of Orange, Texas. Well, maybe I should say its east of Beaumont, Texas by a few miles incase you can't see the dot on the map where Orange is.
Yesterday was a interesting day. I finally got started after noon by having lunch with Dad, Carolyn, and a friend of Carolyn's at this good mexican restaurant. I think the name of the restaurant was Mama Sita's. Maybe Carolyn will read this and correct my spelling. lol
But I still had to run a couple of errands and return stuff to Tractor Supply. Since I didn't have a receipt they only gave me a store credit. You're reading from a guy with several water bottles labeled "Tractor Supply". Of course, one can never have too many handy gadgets and got a thumb screwdriver. The screwdriver is pretty neat and for the guy (or gal) who has to have his (or her) gadgets.
So, where am I headed today? Well, 'm going back to Virginia to pack up my stuff in storage or whatever to save paying a lot of rent for a place I'm not at. But along the way, I hope to visit new friends, see old friends, see a couple more Cabella's and Bass Pro's, and see the countryside. Wow, I have a lot of goals for this trip, don't I?
As I headed out of San Marcos late yesterday, I realized I was headed towards Luling, Texas; home of the best barbecue around. Its a great place to eat. I can't remember the name, so Carolyn, help me out here. You walk in and the smell of wood smoke and slow-cooked meats hit you square in the face. You see some old timers, younger, and the youngest eating dinner from large pieces of butcher paper; not plates. I don't see any forks, only plastic knives. This place cooks brisket, ribs, and sausage. Everyone eats with their fingers. I would say most people sprinkle a little salt over everything. Forget free refills for the drinks. They sell bottles of root beer, Big Red, and other drinks. Of course, you can't eat barbecue without a Big Red.
Now, mind you, I'm not really hungry from eating lunch not two hours earlier but this is Luling, Texas and this is the best place to get barbecue. To leave drive through Luling without eating this barbecue is akin to breaking a commandment: #11 Shalt not leave Luling without eating barbecue from market! Yep, that's the way it is! :)
I'm only there for a 1/2 hour just to get a taste before I leave. Along wmy trip to Virginia I'm first hopping to outside of Houston to meet an online buddy named Yorkshire. Later on I discovered where his online nickname has come from. We were going to meet for lunch yesterday but he was called in for work and I had an idea that perhaps he could show me that seafood place he told me about after his work day.
I'm driving along enjoying my old MP3 player in the new MP3 player holder I made. Then out of the blue, and I didn't know this prior, was a billboard for a Bass Pro Outdoor World (Bass Pro). Wooo Hooo ... another store to explore! Of course, there isn't a doggone thing I need but does that really truly matter when you have another opportunity to visit Bass Pro (or Cabela's) - I say "No, it doesn't matter!" This Bass Pro is a small store and has been there for a few years. I noticed the sign out front didn't say what the other stores say. For instance in San Antonio, the banner reads "San Antonio's Favorite Outdoor Store" or something like that. But at this store (in Kyle, outside of Houston, Texas) the banner doesn't say the city's name; just "Favorite Outdoor Store". I walk in and asked the clerk why not the city name in the banner. I think he was shocked anyone noticed.
-------------
Present
I'm writing this entry while eating at Waffle House. But its about time to leave and get back on the road. Later on, I'll tell more about yesterday like meeting Yorkshire, a great fish place, the storm, a major wreck (not involving me) and the fact I drank way too much iced tea. Stay tuned!
-------------
To be continued .....
Yesterday was a interesting day. I finally got started after noon by having lunch with Dad, Carolyn, and a friend of Carolyn's at this good mexican restaurant. I think the name of the restaurant was Mama Sita's. Maybe Carolyn will read this and correct my spelling. lol
But I still had to run a couple of errands and return stuff to Tractor Supply. Since I didn't have a receipt they only gave me a store credit. You're reading from a guy with several water bottles labeled "Tractor Supply". Of course, one can never have too many handy gadgets and got a thumb screwdriver. The screwdriver is pretty neat and for the guy (or gal) who has to have his (or her) gadgets.
So, where am I headed today? Well, 'm going back to Virginia to pack up my stuff in storage or whatever to save paying a lot of rent for a place I'm not at. But along the way, I hope to visit new friends, see old friends, see a couple more Cabella's and Bass Pro's, and see the countryside. Wow, I have a lot of goals for this trip, don't I?
As I headed out of San Marcos late yesterday, I realized I was headed towards Luling, Texas; home of the best barbecue around. Its a great place to eat. I can't remember the name, so Carolyn, help me out here. You walk in and the smell of wood smoke and slow-cooked meats hit you square in the face. You see some old timers, younger, and the youngest eating dinner from large pieces of butcher paper; not plates. I don't see any forks, only plastic knives. This place cooks brisket, ribs, and sausage. Everyone eats with their fingers. I would say most people sprinkle a little salt over everything. Forget free refills for the drinks. They sell bottles of root beer, Big Red, and other drinks. Of course, you can't eat barbecue without a Big Red.
Now, mind you, I'm not really hungry from eating lunch not two hours earlier but this is Luling, Texas and this is the best place to get barbecue. To leave drive through Luling without eating this barbecue is akin to breaking a commandment: #11 Shalt not leave Luling without eating barbecue from market! Yep, that's the way it is! :)
I'm only there for a 1/2 hour just to get a taste before I leave. Along wmy trip to Virginia I'm first hopping to outside of Houston to meet an online buddy named Yorkshire. Later on I discovered where his online nickname has come from. We were going to meet for lunch yesterday but he was called in for work and I had an idea that perhaps he could show me that seafood place he told me about after his work day.
I'm driving along enjoying my old MP3 player in the new MP3 player holder I made. Then out of the blue, and I didn't know this prior, was a billboard for a Bass Pro Outdoor World (Bass Pro). Wooo Hooo ... another store to explore! Of course, there isn't a doggone thing I need but does that really truly matter when you have another opportunity to visit Bass Pro (or Cabela's) - I say "No, it doesn't matter!" This Bass Pro is a small store and has been there for a few years. I noticed the sign out front didn't say what the other stores say. For instance in San Antonio, the banner reads "San Antonio's Favorite Outdoor Store" or something like that. But at this store (in Kyle, outside of Houston, Texas) the banner doesn't say the city's name; just "Favorite Outdoor Store". I walk in and asked the clerk why not the city name in the banner. I think he was shocked anyone noticed.
-------------
Present
I'm writing this entry while eating at Waffle House. But its about time to leave and get back on the road. Later on, I'll tell more about yesterday like meeting Yorkshire, a great fish place, the storm, a major wreck (not involving me) and the fact I drank way too much iced tea. Stay tuned!
-------------
To be continued .....
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