The Inn's iconic orange roof was a welcome sight after a day of riding in the green station wagon with my sisters. We'd fight over seats, sit on the floor (no seatbelts, remember), read comic books and lay in the back on top of the luggage. We always knew what we were going to get at HoJo's. A pool, at the restaurant, maybe ever vibrating beds - the whole package. Mom liked Howard Johnson's because they had a kid's menu that actually offered food that Betsy (picky eater) would eat, like macaroni and cheese. The hotel reminds me of bonding time with my sisters. Fond memories.
When we'd arrive at the location for the night, the routine was to wind down the back window of the wagon. There were no automatic windows then. Then the hanging clothes would come out, followed by each kid's suitcase. I admire my mother for managing four kids, ages 16 down to 5 on a trip that long. Along the way there and back we visited several historical and tourist sites. I was ten years old then and I still remember some of the stops, like the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's home - going on fifty years later.
After Paul and I retire (not soon for me anyway), we plan to visit that area again when we have lots of time to see things. This fall we plan to go to Atlanta where Amy will be living. I haven't been in that area much. I don't think we'll stay in a Howard Johnson's (HoJo's) though. The chain will always have a fond place in my heart.
 |
| Deb and me at Lakeside |
Last night Paul and I met our pal Deb in Osceola, Iowa for a meal at Biggy's Italian Restaurant. It was good and I'd go back again. Then we were off for a concert at Lakeside Casino at their outdoor venue. It was a muggy summer night - perfect! Grand Funk Railroad was one of my early favorite bands with "Footstompin' Music" as the song that claimed my heart. It's not really one of their commercial successes, but I've got a keen ear for good music! Some of their others songs:
"Loco-Motion, Some Kind of Wonderful, We're an American Band, I'm Your Captain"
 |
| Grand Funk Railroad! Lake in the background |
They sang some other songs that I didn't recognize, but they are clearly good musicians and the drummer treated us to fab drumroll as the rest of the band took a break.
There was a lake in the background behind the bandstand, and kayakers floated in the distance. That looked like fun! It was a quick concert - starting right at 7:30 p.m. and it was over by 8:45 - but for $30 it was a bargain. The wonderful evening featured a super venue with a backdrop of an Iowa lake. At one point turkey vultures circled over trees in the distance. I was just glad they weren't coming after this crusty injured winged gal. I had a cold beer, good music and two of my best friends by my side. When the music ended, we sat for an hour and continued to catch up on family and such.
I always hate saying good bye to Deb, but we'll see each other again in the coming months - somewhere! Odie was happy to see us when we got home. She went out the back door to potty to avoid possum confrontations. I love summer in Iowa. And air conditioning!
Paul continues to work on the deck - installing new side rails and posts before we paint. He's in heaven as he love, love, loves projects. I think I'll wipe down the kitchen cupboards. LOL.
 |
| Look how happy he is |
No comments:
Post a Comment