Signs Along the Way

Last September when I visited Kristen in Indiana and David in Pennsylvania, I took photos of everything. Here's a few pictures of signs along the way.














Kristen lives in Brownsburg outside of Indianapolis


On our drive to the big city she took the back streets to show me Raceway Drive and the track



























In Indianapolis we walked the
Canal Walk with Scooby and umbrella.









The Hoosiers seems to be very proud of the speed way and their athletes.
























We saw a Nordstrom's Sign

Moving along to Pennsylvania. David drove us downtown Philly.
To the left of the sign, Drexel, where David goes to school. WE never went to the campus but saw the sign. That will have to suffice.



One day David & Kelly drove me to the Lancaster County. I never dreamed I would visit this town with the famous name.

Famous?
This is embarrassing.







Everywhere I looked Intercourse was made public.












Best Western advertized, Free breakfast with Intercourse, I mean at Intercourse.





Not to be outdone by her competitors



Even the craft shops raised their banner to advertize










I bought some Intercourse Kettle corn.
















It's so embarrassing, I think I would hide my face too.
















A little Intercourse history:




On to the next town so my face can turn back to it's normal color.




They do have strange names for some of their towns.
.






Quincy and I pose by the sign








Gas pump found in front of Country Store





















On to the Chocolate town of Hershey Penn.

We knew we had found the right town when we saw this sign























We took the chocolate tour. Similar to Disneyland we rode,
a car through an animated display of how chocolates were made.



We were all primed for chocolate as we watched chocolate bars being wrapped. At the end of the tour we were stratigically deposited in a room full of touristy stuff and shelves of chocolate. Yes I bought some.

Goodbye Hershey, Penn.


















Another Day, Back to Philadelphia to see places of interest


Coming from landlocked Idaho, I was excited to see some water, The Delaware River. Yea, there's a ferry over there. I also saw some sailing ships and a submarine, but they didn't have sign on them so I can't use them with this theme.

I really loved these old buildings and street.























I thought this sign was interesting.
It makes the tour group look like inmates. Since when does a state advertise their state Pen? Only in Pennsylvania. Actually it was a historical place



Lots of signs in China Town Philly.



















And don't forget Lady Liberty Banner,
which reminded me of the SLC Olympic Banners.













To end my sign tour, I take to Phoenix, my two hour pit stop via SLC . Sponsored by Southwest
Thank you for coming aboard.

Poo Poo Paper

What's new at USU ?
Lora Dawn sent an e-mail about a conference she attended and the cute Poo journal she saw.
It looks like the same kind of product has arrived at USU Bookstore




I don't know if these products are selling but t the slogan and titles are clever.




















Also available Elephant POO POO Paper


I like the slogan "We're number One at Number Two

Cowboy Rendezvous

Cowboy Poetry

This blog is dedicated to Sharla, who was more than willing to go with me but had other plans and to Laura, whose part redneck and cowgirl herself.

With the popularity of Cowboy poetry growing I've been curious and wanted to attend a festival. Elko is too far away and always in the winter. I just learned of the Heber poetry festival which I had missed in the fall. When I learned of this local rendezvous I didn't want to miss the opportunity. So Friday night I attended the Cowboy Rendezvous held in Hyrum at the Mountain Crest High School. Billed as First Annual I hope they return next year. I'm was interested in the folklore and the humor.

I found Elkhorn Stage which was in the gym. Chairs were set in front a temporary stage which had a mountainous backdrop. They had a fantastic sound system considering the gym size whichwas managed by a technician who doubled as timer. A big wall clock leaned against the controls. Even though the sound was great the setting was less than ideal for a performer. A spotty audience sat on the chairs and others sat on Bleachers to the left which distanced them from the performer.(less involvement.) There, timed cowboy poets, ten minutes,alternated with 20 minute music groups. I put up with this schedule for one hour. Then hit the halls bouncing back and forth trying to hear poets and miss the music. In another location, the Old Ephraim stage local stand up poets performed. This was an enclosed room which was more ideal for intimacy with the audience.

Vendors were in the halls with jewelry, art, saddles, boots etc. Several booths promoted handcart treks, and "Come Follow the Vaquero Trail." Bar J Wranglers performed a concert for 25.00 a ticket.

What do all cowboy poets have in common ? They wear a hat. and wear long sleeve western shirts which they tuck in. They wear boots and most sport a long handled mustache. Some wear scarves.

This young man, who was the announcer, started the

pm line up of poets. I noticed he and others

sometimes used common punch lines. Remember when Dad, Grandpa Ison told the story about the lady who baked cookies for her husband. When he reached for one she slapped his hand, "You can't have one, these are for your funeral." This cowboy poet wrote a poem to go with that punch line.

This was the first singing group from Oregon, who have opened for Willie Nelson and others.

Doug Keller from southern Utah. Most poems used names like Tex, Sim, Shorty, or Pete. Come to think of it,

Several punch lines, " May have a bear behind", "Cut another Quarter." "No, you just caught my eye."

Followed by the "Tumbleweeds." I really liked these guys,
Steve Fillmore, and Earl Bradley who reminded me of my
uncles. They were funny and sang
"Sons of Pioneers" type songs. I learned they perform at
LD's in Richmond every Saturday night.
So Cheri, There's a Saturday night date for you and Robert.






















I cut out and headed over to Old Ephraim Stage "Look guy, there's a bear behind you."



I told you there was a bear.





















Another local poet at the open mic. He recited a poem

about Privy Social life. As a young boy he'd be sitting there

and his girl cousin would come in , followed by his large aunt.


He must have stayed in the privy a long time. Funny stuff.


Do Cowboys Poets ever take their hats off?
Alan Chenworth did. This young man, who seemed rather nervous, took his hat off to place across his chest.
( serious poem) which revealed a balding
head. A geologist, writer, and 4th generation miner, he's from Heber. His poems were more about the land and not as humorous.












I could never write cowboy poetry because I haven't experience cowboy life. Not all performed original poetry. Some recited too fast, others, I lost a few words. Couldn't be my hearing. I blame in on the droopy mustaches.

This young cowboy, Steve Porter, from South Carolina
was the best presenter. He was Animated, knew when to

pause. He enunciated every word and he didn't get
into the same up and down vocal patterns that
most did. I loved his southern drawl. Look closely, no mustache.

I regretted not having the opportunity to hear a cowgirl poet.

Anyway it was a fun evening for a excellent price. Sure missed you Sharla.