Monday, July 6, 2015

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

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Let's face it, ninety-nine percent of the content on this blog is fluff. And during my bouts with Deadline Fever, that percentage skyrockets. My apologies. But that's just how it is. I can't be everywhere, doing everything at once. I share your disappointment at my mortality. But do not despair. There is hope for the future. A whole new generation of overachievers is now positioned to humble us all. In fact, the future of hot rodding is so bright, you gotta wear shades to take it all in. I recommend the Sunglass Hut at the Rogue Valley Mall (2nd floor plaza). Prices start at an affordable $9.95. My sincere regret to the uncredited photographers. I know not who you are.

























































































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CHASING THE O'BRIENS PART III

Grab your scorecard and your pen. The O'Briens are at it again. Last week, they tangled with a tornado in Iowa, and ultimately landed in Chicago, Illinois. This week, they embark on an inexplicably convoluted course through the Midwest, en route to Florida. Hey, don't look at me. I didn't plan their itinerary. Which O'Brien is your favorite? Shawn, Kenna, Cormac, or Birdie?


Oosp! Wrong photo.


Ah, that's more like it.


The O'Briens celebrated surviving an Iowa tornado by attending this yard sale in the town of Walnut.

We last saw the O'Briens in Chicago, where Shawn was signed-up for some seminary classes. This is his excuse for being tardy on the first day of the course. 

Back on the road, boredom sets in somewhere in Illinois.


Amish in Indiana? Sure. Why not?


Ohio!


Carlisle, that is. Aliens. Space ships. Ohio hospitality.



Dayton. Birthplace of the fan belt! Two Birdies with one shot.

Kentucky!

When in Louisville... where else but the Louisville Slugger Museum.

Kentucky Corvette at Bowling Green, where they make these things.

A van full of stalkers chased the O'Briens to this lonely rural location, somewhere in Kentucky. Turns out, they just wanted to take photos with the wagon. Whew!



Tennessee!


Birdie made some new friends in Tennessee, using birthday cake for bait. She's four now. Cormac provides brotherly support behind the scenes.


While the kids scarf cake, the folks escape for a night in Nashville. Methinks Shawn and Kenna needs to get out more often.


A stormy night of camping at Mammoth Caves in Franklin, Tennessee.

Then, the tension builds through several days of silence. The O'Briens are off the grid...

 Surprise! Happy 4th of July from South Carolina! Land of sandy PB&J's! Note absence of Confederate flags. (Photos courtesy of Shawn O'Brien)

Where to next? Place your bets now.

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SQUIRREL AND TOOLBOX


This is only the beginning. Chances are, the moment that set your course was every bit as innocuous as this.


Squirrels and kids go together like trees and chainsaws. And you get bonus points for capturing the moment!



GRIN

Does this photo seem familiar? We double-dipped it to use as a pawn in a fun game for the kids: Can you name the smiley girl on her daddy's lap? 


SREDNE ACIRE:REWSNA

NEXT TIME: UPDATES FROM YOUR HOT ROD HEROES!


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