Chessie's Tales...

Colder Than a Set of Steel Balls

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 21:37:00 +0000

Yeah, that's right...I said steel balls.

I awoke today to a low temp of 18 degrees. Tonight it is said to be much colder. Single digits.

I knows it's only February. I'm looking toward about another 30 days where the weather will offer me more warmish days than the brutish temps we are now enduring.

I'm going through older photos. Enjoying the idea of spring, and long rides.

I want to ride and discover little white churches. Small enough for all my true friends to gather in...

I enjoy discovering lost refuges of weary travellers. Dying vestiges of the years I traveled with my folks. I was military brat, and life was good growing up back then. Travel was infused into my blood. I am not sad to see these buildings like this. I become sad for the next time I come by, and they're gone.

While some men and women crave their adventure on the water, I have found my destiny on 2 wheels. Water is a life's blood. Water is my second love. I've aboard small boats, I've managed several parts houses for marinas in Florida for over 10 years. Yes...I have an affinity for water too, but my 2 wheels on asphalt bring me the pleasure of life.

Life is precious and beautiful. The ride goes on forever...

It's TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 21:43:00 +0000

"Time Has Come Today"

I don't have an idea why I have not come back here for almost a year. It's not because I'm truly busy. I just seem to have lost the flavor for my writing. I'm not sure if I'm basicly smothering myself in pity for some circumstances I'm in, or if I'm just being lazy. I hope it's not so much lazy.

I haven't really been taking photos too much, I haven't been riding as much, I've kind of been staying at home with Mom and my dogs. Just vegetating. As I open my eyes, I'm starting to see a correlation between being prescribed anti-depressants and my ability to write. Or should I say inability to write?
I've stayed on the prescribed meds for almost 3 years. And as I look at my posts...that's about when I stopped writing too.

I quit taking them in December. Not because I don't need them, I do. I quit taking them because I have a job to do, a book to write, and I couldn't write while on these drugs. My family may suffer because I'm such a bitch when I'm not on these drugs...but I will be a writer again. I miss that about me. I miss writing and being alive. I maybe a uber bitch now, but I'm a productive and creative uber bitch. I hope my family don't kill me.

So here's what I'm gonna do. Even though it's winter and I'm not riding (much) I pledge to write. I'd like to hear from you...are you still out here? Do you still come? Do you want to read my work, see my photos? Help me stay focused on the path? It's been a long time. I don't know how many of you click on the links you get in the mail from my blog...let's see...

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:24:00 +0000

The Range of Harley Davidson Bags

Once you make up your mind to ‘Leave it all behind and head off into the sunset,’ do not forget your Harley Davidson bags. When we mention biking, the first name that invariably comes to mind is that of Harley. There is a whole range of these bags that complete your gear. Available in a wide range of styles and colors, these accessories go well with different Harley models irrespective of the level of customization. The range of Harley Davidson bags broadly includes but is not limited to:

Saddlebags: You can choose from five collections – Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC, and Rocker C. Made of superior material such as 100% Viking leather, Harley saddlebags are stronger, water resistant, and weatherproof. You can use them as thrown over or mount them.

Trunk Bags: You can have a large range of Harley motorcycle trunks to choose from. They often come as a hard case with a plenty of space. Classic trunk design and crafting with Viking leather provides them added strength along with the resistance to the weather and moisture. You can attach these versatile Harley Davidson bags to a sissy bar, rack, or you can place these over the passenger seat. A 100% money back guarantee can certainly make them look more attractive!

Tank Bags: You can create these items using synthetic fabric or Viking leather. You can then attach them with the help of straps or magnets. Right from the size, durability, straps, pockets, closing options, handles, tether, and a mounting base, tank bags offer a huge variety to meet the custom requirements of various users. While the price range of the Harley Davidson bags is set to suit all budgets, a 30-day money back guarantee does not hurt!

Sissy Bar Bag: These accessories are particularly designed for use with sissy bars. For added value, the motorbike sissy bags are often equipped with extras, like mounting gear and quick release technology. Some types include wheels for mobility. They are created from tough fabric material or leather. Viking leather is a good option if you are looking for weather & water resistance and durability. You have sleek and simple models as well as stylish and studded ones – the choice is yours to make.

Note that this range of Harley Davidson bags is not limited to the above. You can pick bags customized exactly for your motorbike's model. These Harley Davidson bags fit like an integral part of your machine. The deal definitely is worth a shot!

Spring...Camping...It's coming soon.

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:42:00 +0000

Long Distance Riding...A Point Of View

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 19:12:00 +0000

Long Distance Riding Tips:

People who ride long distances are often asked, “What tips do you have for riding long distance?” Wow, those answers are a mouthful; I’d like to write a few hints each month/week to help you along the way.

v The Motorcycle: What type of motorcycle you choose for the job is important. How you set it up is also an important and decisive factor in your abilities to ride the distance you are hoping for each day. Most folks who are riding long distance do so with the “TOURING” motorcycle. As such, they have a motorcycle that is heavy in nature, has a rather large engine displacement, and is outfitted with a fairing, saddle bags as well as several foot placement choices. There are very good reasons for this choice.

a) A heavy bike with a large displacement engine is easier to maneuver down an interstate and is more forgiving as well as stronger in a wind situation. Don’t forget, in interstate riding, you have the crosswinds of the empty spaces the road travels through; you have the wind currents from passing traffic, be they large semi trucks, or a long line of cars. A large displacement engine can move you away from hazardous traffic situations, or power you through a strong head wind.

b) If you are choosing a lighter motorcycle, you should keep in mind that a smaller engine works harder to travel on Interstate roads. The higher speed limits, the truck traffic, the vibration of the engine and road are all elements that cause a rider to fatigue faster. Of course, you do have options such fairings, and foot peg placements. Being able to move your legs reposition the feet forward and back allow the rider to change how he/she sits in the saddle, stretch the back and legs and generally get some blood moving in extremities that need it.

v Riding Style

a) There sure are a lot of preferences out here for the style of riding. Sport bike, adventure bike, duel sport bike, touring bikes. Each one of these bikes comes with a specific life style and adventure. Plan your routes with your bike choice in mind. For bikers, the beauty of riding is NOT so much getting to point B from point A. It’s the encounters, the scenic beauty, the hum of our motorcycles under us and the adventure that comes in between A and B! Arriving alive at point B is the whip cream and cherry on top!

b) Let’s face it; most of us aren’t riding an Iron Butt adventure. We are riding because we love the motorcycle. We want the adventure of daily riding coupled with seeing and experiencing new places and things. So a long distance ride could mean going 500 miles away from home to visit the Smoky Mountains and ride The Dragon. Or it could mean putting in 1200 miles to see the new grand-baby. I’d use this to plan my 2 week vacation and ride the Grand Tetons. Whatever your style of riding, be sure to plan accordingly. Touring bikes usually allow a rider to take high mileage tours each day, while the smaller motorcycle is better suited for the rider with a leisurely and flexible schedule. No matter how you plan to tour, do yourself a favor and train for it. Ride your motorcycle on your days off as far as you can each day. Building yourself up to riding 10 hours a day with the most mileage possible. Train like an athlete, that’s how you will make the best of your trip!

I'm Thinking About Gloves: IT'S ALMOST SPRING!

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 19:49:00 +0000

Spring…

While the calendar says spring is days away (March 20, 2014), it’s cabin fever time. Our Northern brothers and sisters are dreaming of the day they pull their hibernating motorcycles out from under their dust covers, disconnect the battery tender, lovingly pull their heart’s desire into the bright sunshine…and turn the key…igniting the heartbeat….awaking the beast. We stand next to it, listening to the thumping…the “potato-potato”…or the staccato beat of the power-house that drives our passions. Taking in the peculiar exhaust foot-print of our own brand and style of the motorcycle we cherish and love. It’s intoxicating. It’s our life memories reawakening.

We go to our closets, drawers, and shelves. We pull down and examine our riding gear. Is it road worthy for the new season? Many times, I've put away gear with the intention of using it for the next season, I pull it down to ready it for wear, only to discover it isn't in the best of shape. This is a particular thing that happens to my lighter, softer, spring gloves. Well actually, they started life as my spring gloves, but finally carried over into summer, then fall, and finally replaced with the heavier, more cumbersome winter gloves. My beloved DEER-SKIN gloves: soft, supple dear-skin. Reliable and hardy, yet thin enough to be able to pick up a screw or washer with them on. Well fitting and as they wear, they simply tend to expand, as if they know the seasons are changing and I need my gloves to fit a bit looser to allow for air circulation in the heat of the day. By fall, they've stretched enough to allow a thin insulting glove to go on first. They are a good all around glove for the active rider.

Today, I pulled my gear out, including my lovely deer-skin gloves. I enjoy them, but I had forgotten how abused they actually are. The entire glove is fused into the shape of my hand, fingers curled around the grips. The stains of weather and oil give them that loved, lived in look. But I see problems with these beauties. The suppleness is gone. I forgot to condition them before putting them up. I also have found a burn spot on three fingertips on the left hand. Opps, sometimes I will put my hand down on my engine for warmth during rides on cold days…I guess I may have overstayed my welcome without realizing it. My gloves were toasted, fingertips hard and brittle, ready to be popped away like pimples on a teenager’s face. I could actually pull the burned tips off with my fingers. My beloved gloves weren’t suitable for another season, but not because they didn’t try.

Photo by Kirk Tanner

Deer-skin gloves are multi-functional. They are durable, their natural coloring is attractive. The casually dressed bagger rider with his lady in tow will like these gloves. They are soft to the skin. They are supple, hardy and offer serviceable options for the biker who likes to look like a peacock. More than that, they offer protection from the elements, from road hazards such as small stones and sand. For the biker who rides hard and often, they are ready for hard duty. They will last all season, no matter what you do to them, and if taken care of your deer-skins will last several seasons more. I had a pair of deer-skin gloves that went the distance of almost 100,000 thousand miles. I wore them out finally where the thumb webbing meets the palm. Most of the deer-skin gloves I’ve owned, I lost long before I wore them out.

It’s true, when the idea of spring is looming large; our energy drive turns to our gear. Buy what you like, buy what feels good, but when it comes to comfort and durability this hard riding gal loves her deer-skins.

SPRING: ANNUAL TRIP TO WHEELS THROUGH TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:58:00 +0000

Yes, it's finally SPRING here in North-East Tennessee. Happy days! I've gotten my bike sported out with the new suspension (front and rear) pipe wraps, New (to me) CV carb, rear rocker box has new gaskets for all three layers and gosh, I dunno. Stuff done.

This past week we had 3 days of beautiful weather. On Thursday, the heat index rose to around 80 degrees! All be praised. I'm gonna be riding! I decided early in the week, enough time has slipped by without my annual visit to Maggie Valley N.C. and Wheels Through Time. I love this place, I am totally awed by the folks who run it. Everyone is friendly, nice and have the best knowledge when it comes to all things MOTORCYCLE. And they remember my name. What's not to like?

The trip is about 105 miles one way for me. I twist through the mountains for 2.5 hours. Enjoying the hair pin turns, the beautiful National Forest where all the old trees are waking up, pushing out the new buds, the great greenery, the amazing purple flowering buds, the odor is amazing. The world is waking from a long winter. My life don't suck. This ride is wondrous.

I've been following Dale, Matt and Trish with their adventures at Wheels Thourgh Time since they opened for 2013. Trish fills us in on the work behind the scenes. Dale and Matt have been working like dogs on many new displays. I was really looking forward to seeing the new displays. So I don't really stop much to take photos of the ride in. I can't wait to get there and check out the museum.

After stopping to chat with the gals at the front desk, (where you will pay for your entry and also your purchases such as t-shirts, raffle tickets and such) I walk through the double doors and I am drawn right away to this Pierce Arrow display. UMMMM good!

There are so many fantastic displays. How does one decide what to photograph and what to leave for the next visit? It's tough.

There is NO shortage of bikes here. I'd say this is one of those really wondrous BEHIND the barn finds. The rubber has rotted so all that remains is the rims. Still...so cool.

Don't you enjoy looking at these period displays? I do!

Board Track racers.

And of course, the iconic view from the second floor.

Some lucky guests are invited to ride with Dale on the sidecar. You could be one of these lucky folks. Dale and Matt are generous like that. It's a good day when you come to Wheels Through Time.

It's amazing how all the finds are so dang cool.... every nook and corner is filled with good stuff.

I took over 160 photos. Less than 30 were of quality to place here. So this is about all for now...

I darn sure hope you guys all get to ride soon. Oh, and I am telling everyone here and now. I've decided to volunteer at Wheels Through Time 1 time a week, perhaps more. So...if ya come down (or up) or over...or however you have to come, ask for me. I might be there to shot your picture near one of your favorite displays! Have fun!

Good GOD, It's Been a Long TIME

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:29:00 +0000

OK, UPDATE:
In July, I took on a job after they called and begged me to come back to work. In Oct. Mom got quite sick. We almost lost her several times over the 6 week period of her hospitalization from Oct. through the end of November. It's still a long road of recovery.

Today, the man who runs the store and calls himself a GM told me I was being transferred from COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS to DIY. WHAT? Thanks, but I'm not working at the front counter. I quit. I will not work nights and week-ends. I have my Mom to take care of, and a teen-aged grandson to raise.

So now here I am, ready and waiting for spring to come to North East Tennessee. I can ride to my heart's content. (As long as Mom is well.) So there it is, I will be riding, writing and photographing and I will be happy once more. I can't wait for spring. Hell, I can't wait for the snow to leave outta here by Monday, because I'll be riding. See you on the road.

ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLES IT'S ALL GOOD

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Riding Tennessee

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:00:00 +0000

I have a lot of photos from my last couple of rides. I don't know where they were taken or how I got there. I just took photos and kept making turns until it was time to go home. Funny how I can find my own way home when it's time to go.

I was very surprised when I found this field of sunflowers.

And farms with barns...

I am experimenting with some textures. This barn photo didn't come out well before I added this texture to it. I took the photo while I was riding at a speed of about 35MPH. It blurred. So this texture saves the photo. What do you think?

This next photo is from Jonesboro, Tennessee (Tennessee's oldest city). Looking historic Main Street:

I wonder what stories this building has to tell? (Jonesboro, TN.)

In Jonesboro, a story of a Buffalo Solider.

And then there is the car show in Elizibethton, TN.

One of my favorite cars and photos.

One more for your pleasure. Cars...cars...

OLD CARS, OLD MILLS, LANDSCAPES AND TRACKS

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 17:43:00 +0000

New Discoveries in South Western Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 19:18:00 +0000

Rural Virginia. It's hard to imagine a place that let's you feel as though you've dropped back into an easier time. A time of grace and beauty. The hardness of the great slabs of rock, with only their domes left uncovered in the field where the livestock graze. Land not good for much else. When you gaze across the country side at the hills of South Western Virginia, you are able to grab a sense of how the people of this state were influenced and molded. Rock and greenery, hand in hand in the fields: easy going, rough and hardy, sweet and bawdy...is South West Virginia.

Reminiscent reminders of grander times are all around. Grand mansions, losing their grip to the ravages of time and neglect.

Barns left to the sages of time. Housing not work animals or tractors, but the wild critters such a coons, bats, and small night foraging mammals. Man has filled some of the barns with the items he loves to save, and forgets them as quickly as he does the barn.

As you ride through the countryside, you will run across places and things that help define the South's role in the Civil War. This next photo is of the brine kettles. In a town known as SALTVILLE, you will find these kettles, which supplied 1/3 of all the salt used by the Confederate Army. The salt came from brine water found in pockets beneath the soil. It was pumped to the surface and the water boiled away in these kettles, leaving behind...life giving SALT.

And here is the original "Walking Beam" pump from the Civil War time period. No...I don't know how this pump was powered. It didn't say, and I haven't found anything on the web to explain it. Sorry.

Then, there are the many log cabins still to be found. I love the shutters and always try to grab the photography of the shutters. I kinda think this is a reproduction of a cabin from long ago. I don't think they had nails with this kind of head on them. But it is still a nice contrasting photo of wood and metal. I think the hinges are original.

I found an excellent road running from Saltville to Tazewell. I ignored the sign's suggestion to continue on 601. I kept my heading on VA-91 north. That's where a five mile stretch of gravel road comes into play. A well maintained section of road, it was wide, it was scenic, and in some sections it was a bit dangerous for a 2 wheeled vehicle like a Harley Davidson. But a rider who has confidence and experience will travel this road like it is a good paved surface...it was just that fine. I liked he ability the road gave me to relive some of my "glory" days as a wanna be flat-tracker.

This photo shows how well maintained it is. A baby could ride this easily enough...except maybe his big wheel...front wheel might not roll to good on some of the larger chunks of rock?

What views VA-91 afforded. It was a good fun ride. Including amazing views and a fun technical ride too!

I have one last photo to leave you with. This is the reason I didn't ride the Blue Ridge Parkway this day...but oh gosh...isn't this a wondrous view?

I'm In the Running: GARAGE GIRLS MAKEOVER

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:54:00 +0000

Hi y'all!
You know, I've been chosen as one of the four finalists for a biker make-over from the good folks over at Garage Girls http://www.garage-girls.com/

I need your votes! You guys know my bike has almost 200,000 miles on it, right? Well I'm in need of a few items that will get her to riding like she is a new baby! The ladies at Garage Gals are willing to help me get these things...as long as YOU vote and get me the most votes!

The others who are running are all deserving folks. I read their stories, and for sure...well... you know. But we can only vote ONCE! I need your votes, I need your support! Please help my Lil Sportster get some of the needed up-dates!

100 year old Harley Davidson Bar and Shield

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:59:00 +0000

RING OF FIRE

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sun, 20 May 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Ring Of Fire

Love is a burning thing
And it makes a firy ring
Bound by wild desires
I feel into a Ring of fire.

I feel into a burning Ring of fire
I went down
down
down
and the flames went highter
and it burns
burns
burns
The Ring of fire
the Ring of fire.

The taste of love is sweet
When hearts like ours beat
I fell for you like a child
Oh
but the fire went wild.

I feel into a burning Ring of fire
I went down
down
down
and the flames went highter
and it burns
burns
burns
The Ring of fire
the Ring of fire.

I feel into a burning Ring of fire
I went down
down
down
and the flames went highter
and it burns
burns
burns
The Ring of fire
the Ring of fire.

I feel into a burning Ring of fire
I went down
down
down
and the flames went highter
and it burns
burns
burns
The Ring of fire
the Ring of fire.

And it burns
burns
burns
The Ring of fire
the Ring of fire

the Ring of fire
the Ring of fire ...

I'ma Going to Berlin, To Mister Hitler's Town....

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:27:00 +0000

World War II German Sidecar

Round and Round Ole Hitler's Neck

by Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Millard Lampell

Now I wished I had a bushel

Wished I had a peck
Wished I had old Hitler
With a rope around his neck.

Hey, round, round Hitler's grave
Round, round we go
Gonna lay that poor boy down
He won't get up no more.

Mussolini [Hermann Goering] won't last long
Tell you the reason why
We're a-gonna salt his beef
And hang it up to dry.

The German army general staff
I guess they missed connection
Went a hundred miles a day
But in the wrong direction.

I'm a-goin' to Berlin
To Mister Hitler's town
I'm gonna take my forty-four
And blow his playhouse down.

How Hitler went to Russia
In search of Russian oil
But the only oil he'll find there
Is a pot in which he'll boil.

[Hitler said to Goering
Here's what he did say
I can't understand this Russian snow,
It's getting too hot for me.]

Now Mister Hitler's traveling mighty fast
But he's on a one-way [single] track
Started down that Moscow road
But now he's coming back

BLACK CLOUDS

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:43:00 +0000

lyrics by SAMIAM

black clouds hang over you
like anvils on a string
they follow you everywhere so
don't stand so close to me

they gather while you're sleeping
and wait above your bed
and when you open up your eyes
they strap themselves fast to your head

dreamed through another starless night
awakened by the gloom this morning
I keep myself buttoned tight
these storms come without warning
there seems to be no end in sight
this shit could last forever
I've been through this before
there's no predicting weather you

will find your way around
whatever's got you down
whatever's got you down

the lines across your brow
tell me the entire story
I won't be listening
while you go on about your fears and worries

dreamed through another starless night
awakened by the gloom this morning
I keep myself buttoned tight
these storms come without warning
there seems to be no end in sight
this shit could last forever
I've been through this before
there's no predicting weather you

will find your way around
whatever's got you down
whatever's got you down

you blow into the room
I pour myself some shelter
I know the storm is coming soon
I'm sensitive to changes in pressure

I spent another sleepless night
on your couch tossing and turning
sometimes I don't know why I try
I think my neck is broken

there seems to be no end in sight
this shit could last forever
I've been through this before
there's no predicting weather you

will find your way around
whatever's got you down
whatever's got you down
can you find your way around
whatever's got you down
you're bringing us all down

AMERICAN STORM

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:28:00 +0000

AMERICAN STORM:

Words and music by bob seger

Headin' out on some uncharted path
You soon turn back
It happens time and time again
You never seem to reach the end
Someone's out there on the street tonight
When things go wrong
He'll guarantee to make them right
If the price is right

Every time I look you're fallin' fallin'
Beaten by the wind
Every time I turn around he's there again

It's like a full force gale
An american storm
You're buried far beneath a mountain of cold
And you never get warm
It's like a wall of mirrors
You charge `em at full speed
You cover up - you hear the shattering glass
But you never bleed
You never feel the need
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/b/bob+seger/american+storm_20021946.html ]
Everybody casts a certain light
A special gift
It's theirs to use for wrong or right
When you face the night
More and more we choose the easy way
We take no risks
We figure out which games to play
And how to make 'em pay

Suddenly the pressure's fallin' fallin'
Skies have all turned grey
Suddenly the storm is heading straight your way

It's like a full force gale
Atop a mountain of cold
You tell your story again and again
And it never gets old
It's like a wall of mirrors
You charge 'em at full speed
You cover up - you hear the shattering glass
But you never bleed
You face a full force gale
An american storm
You're buried beneath a mountain of cold
And you never get warm - no you never get warm
You face a wall of mirrors
You charge 'em at full speed
You cover up - you hear the shattering glass
But you never bleed
You never feel the need

SO IF YOU DRINK BUG JUICE:

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:08:00 +0000

I took this photo after riding a couple hundred miles. I lost the lens cover so when I ride, if I forget to put the camera behind my shoulder, I accumulate bugs on the lens and the box. Well...

At camp with the Boy Scouts,
they gave us a drink.
We thought it was kool-aid
because it was pink.

But the thing that they gave us
would gross out a moose,
for that great-tasting pink drink
was really bug juice.

It looked fresh and fruity
like tasty kool-aid
but the bugs that were in it
were murdered with raid.

We drank it by gallons.
We drank it by tons.
But, then the next morning
we all had the runs.

So if you drink bug juice
and a fly drives you mad
he's just getting even
because you swallowed his dad.

CRUISE IN...

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:09:00 +0000

...IF MAN IS STILL ALIVE...

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:49:00 +0000

IN THE YEAR 2525
by Zager and Evans

In the year 2525
If man is still alive
If woman can survive
They may find

In the year 3535
Ain't gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lies
Everything you think, do, or say
Is in the pill you took today

In the year 4545
Ain't gonna need your teeth, won't need your eyes
You won't find a thing to do
Nobody's gonna look at you

In the year 5555
Your arms are hanging limp at your sides
Your legs not nothing to do
Some machine is doing that for you

In the year 6565
Ain't gonna need no husband, won't need no wife
You'll pick your son, pick your daughter too
From the bottom of a long black tube

In the year 7510
If God's a-comin' he ought to make it by then
Maybe he'll look around himself and say
Guess it's time for the Judgement day

In the year 8510
God's gonna shake his mighty head
He'll either say I'm pleased where man has been
Or tear it down and start again

In the year 9595
I'm kinda wondering if man's gonna be alive
He's taken everything this old earth can give
And he ain't put back nothing

Now it's been 10,000 years
Man has cried a billion tears
For what he never knew
Now man's reign is through
But through the eternal night
The twinkling of starlight
So very far away
Maybe it's only yesterday

In the year 2525
If man is still alive
If woman can survive
They may find

In the year 3535
Ain't gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lies
Everything you think, do or say
Is in the pill you took today ....(fading

source: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/z/zagerandevanslyrics/intheyear2525lyrics.html

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:20:00 +0000

Through the Looking Glass

by Alison Clare Grills

One morning rising from your bed

A funny thought pops in your head

What fun you’d have if you could pass

Like Alice, through the looking glass

But your mirror is no magic door

Of that you feel you can be sure

The reflection shows no one but you

Then a hand snaps out and pulls you through

At first it seems like nothing’s changed

Then things begin to rearrange

It isn’t your house, or even your town

It seems the world’s turned upside down

The moon’s bright red, the sun is blue

Grass is purple, leaves are too

Birds all crawl on claw and wing

While cats and dogs both fly and sing

North is south and left is right

Hot is cold and day is night

Yes means no and go means stop

In is out and bottom’s top

Dark is light and good is bad

Wet is dry, happy is sad

Big is small and high is low

Loud is soft and fast is slow

Your head begins to spin and ache

This is much more than you can take

Feeling confused and so alone

You close your eyes and think of home

The air around you starts to shift

You feel you’re being cast adrift

While falling up you look around

Below is sky, above is ground

Your face about to hit the dirt

This crazy world seems to revert

Soft pillows now support your head

As you bounce awake in your own bed

You think at first "Twas just a dream"

Then notice things aren’t as they seem

You’re wearing shoes beneath the sheet

And they’re on your hands ‘stead of your feet

HILL CLIMBER

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Wed, 09 May 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Hill Climbing Equipment ahhhhhhh

DIRT BIKE

They Maybe Giants

Here comes the dirt bike
Beware of the dirt bike
Because I hear they're coming to our town
They've got plans for everyone
And now I hear they're over their sophomore jinx, so you had better check it out

All hail the dirt bike
Philosopher dirt bike
Silence as we gathered round
We saw the word and were on our way
Now it's

Brain washing dirt bike
Ground shaking dirt bike
Mind bending dirt bike
In control

Soul crushing dirt bike
Self propelled dirt bike
You see I never thought I'd understand
'Til that bike took me by the hand
Now I ride
Ride
Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:10:00 +0000

BLOODY BOOTS

"THE THINGS THEY CARRIED"
a poem by a gal called "little-hug"

They trudged through many battlefields
Eating M&Ms and swallowing fear
Just little boys in big army boots
The things they carried; always near

They reminisced about lost loved ones
Regaling while they threw grenades
They blocked it out the best they could
but the things they carried never faded

They lost fights and some lost their lives
Things hit them hard, they still fired
Smoking and laughing...It was all to hide
the things they carried; now in them wired

They put on brave faces and bullet-proof vests
Patching each other up as wounds bled
but even pure morphine could not numb
the things they carried in their head

Then it was over. They won, they were told
The lucky got home and some even married
but wenty years later, still swallowing fear
Nothing could ease the things they carried

Spring at Wheels Through Time

noreply@blogger.com (Chessie (Chesshirecat)) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:48:00 +0000

I seriously don't like the new format for writing the blogs. I guess I'm a dinosaur. But what's to do? Get over it and move along.

Yes, sir...

On Saturday, April 14th, I loaded the bike and headed down to my favorite museum, Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The ride down was an eye opener. It appears that at least 2 of the old buildings I admire have been brought down and devoured by the demons that scour the countryside paying well for "old barn wood". Two of the buildings I would stop to grab a few snap shots of my bike in front of are GONE. The first one is nothing but a rubble of concreate from the foundation being ripped up. Everything else that even suggested there was a great old wood building there was gone. Amazing.

This is now nothing but concrete rubble

The next building was a very strange one. I have featured it here before, with the question of "What would this have been used for?" It too is totally gone. Not a stick of wood is left. Not a shred of evidence that it stood in the place I last saw it at remains. Not even old plumbing, windows, NOTHING. It's just gone. An empty field there now. How sad.

As I drive along on my way to Maggie Valley, I'm comforted to find that SOME of the great scenery is still intact, but I have noticed that there are 3 of the old trucks that were "abandoned" on the roadside are GONE! But there are a few still here:

Thank goodness, some things are still here...

Luckily, some things don't change....LUCK N.C.

I arrive at Maggie Valley at about 12 PM. As I sit in the filling parking lot, I see this very cool little "car" on a trailer.

This is the engine in that "car" Cool eh?

I walk around this vehicle and realize how lucky I am to see it. We will never see another one, I'm sure of this. But lingering around this car won't get me more photos. I'm inside and paying the entry fee. I pass through the entryway and turn to my left. I've learned to go the oppisite direction of the suggested traffic pattern. You see the last of the museum with fresh eyes. This is beautiful museum that holds more things one can view is just a few visits. I come as often as I can. I love this place. So much to see, so much to do, so many cool people to meet. Life is good!

This one cylinder Apache greets you

Now this: Do ya know what it is?

The Mighty Thor...

I've seen this a couple of times over near the "Chopper Graveyard" display. I never thought to photograph it. I did this time. It's so reflective of the late 60's and early 70's. My time line...I "GET" this paint job on this...do you?

After grabbing the mushroom photo, I walk down the path a ways...I walk between and behind the beauties on display and take this photo.

This is another shot I've been wanting to grab, yet never seemed to be able to get it JUST RIGHT. Even now...it's not "JUST RIGHT" but it's better then the rest of the previous shots.

I turn around and walk into the next display. I believe this is "Swim's Harley Davidson".

What do ya think of the POLITICALLY INCORRECT gas tank? Me? I'm a product of this time period, and I think it's GREAT!

I will never tire of this view. It's from the Mezzanine, looking down.

And this shot...is now one of my most favorite shots. It's a new work room for our hosts: Matt and Dale Walksler. Of course, it's not meant to replace the REAL work area with the modern lifts and such, but...don't ya think this is cool?

Loads of cool displays for us all to check out. Thousands...too many to show you in just one or two postings.

But all good days end...as does this one. I rode in the dark to my next destination from here. Good night my friends.