Final Post for this Blog

During my trip, I've taken a lot of pictures of friends and family in the Corvette. For those people that I didn't get pictures of...we'll make sure it happens during the next visit or trip. - - - However, because I had so many pictures of people in the car, Barb made it clear that I needed to get at least one picture of her in the car before I closed the blog, so...here's Barb and our wonderdog, Max.

During the trip, one of the questions asked most often was: "How are you going to top this after it's over?" - - - Well, I doubt I'll ever top it, but I do plan on making other memorable events. In fact, that has already happened. For the July 4th celebration, Barb and I joined our wonderful Corvette Club and drove our car (along with several other Vettes) in the Monument, Colorado parade. It was AWESOME! Not only was everyone patriotic, we had SO many wonderful comments about our car (during the parade), that Barb and my egos should be set for a long time. To further make the event more wonderful, our Club's entry won the 1st Place Ribbon for large entries in the parade. I can't even begin to think what wonderful thing will happen next...but I'm ready for it. Here's a couple shots of the cars while waiting for the parade to begin.

My thanks to EVERYONE that made this trip possible; that shared their homes; that treated me like royalty; that are my very dear family and friends. I will never forget how you've blessed my life. THANK YOU!

Final Day of Trip

June 28th - It's hard to imagine that I started this trip on March 23rd. During the trip, I covered 22 States including Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska. I also visited 4 Canadian Provinces. They included New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario. - - - The total mileage covered was 8546. - - - One note about the Vette's performance include that I averaged just over 22 mpg on the highway. - - - - - - I know how truly blessed I am with the family and friends I was able to visit during my trip...but I'm also sad that I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to. When I planned the trip, I thought I "may" have planned too much time in each location...but was I ever wrong!!!! Here's a couple pictures that will just about close out my blog. - - - As I made my way across Kansas, this first picture made me realize how very fortunate I was NOT to have been involved in any type of incident or accident. In this case, it looked like someone may have crossed the median and just completely destroyed the car being tended to. I'm sure no one survived the crash and the interstate had been closed down for quite some time as they tended to the victims and cleared the debris.

On a better note, some of you may remember my first picture, which was taken at the "Hen House Cafe" in Simla, Colorado. I just had to stop there on the way home so I could resign their VIP guest book and sort of close out my trip. If anyone ever stops there, take a look at my entry on March 23rd and June 28th.

Throughout my trip, I frequently thought of about how lucky I am to have a wife that would not only support, but encourage me throughout the trip. Because of planning and hard work, I was able to fulfill a dream. I am truly blessed. - - - To EVERYONE that helped make this trip a success, I thank you SO VERY, VERY much!!!! - - - For Barb, I tried to make a short video as a arrived home.

Now Barb and I can begin planning the next trip...but together. - - - Will have one last post after a couple days at home.

Final Days in Omaha, NE

June 26th and 27th - The heat and humidity in Omaha have been intense. While I went to the FSU - TCU College World Series game, that was the only day the heat (for me) was tolerable. In fact, not only did I choose not to go to more of the games, many fans evendently were thinking along the same line when the heat index climbed between 108 - 112 degrees. During those days, the stadium was less than half filled. Although the forecast for the 28th and 29th was looking better, the heat levels were supposed to increase later in the week...when I planned to be driving back to Colorado Springs. After talking with Barb, I decided to cut my time short in Omaha. - - - However, I did get to spend some fun time with family. I first got some pictures of Marcus and Laura in the Vette.

Then, after taking the car in for a final oil change before heading home, I noticed that both front tires (although having less than 10,000 miles on them) were extremely worn on the outside edges. (It appears some of the bad roads early in the trip may have knocked off the alignment.) Anyway, I purchased new tires; had them installed and balanced; then had a front-end alignment performed. (Alignment work shown below.)

After getting the car work done, I spent some real fun time with Sue and Dave (my Sister and Brother in law). We went to the Harrah's casino, and the Diamond Lounge inside the casino (where drinks were complimentary). Needless to say, we took advantage of that fact. By night's end, we were feeling no pain. Dave and Sue then met me for breakfast the next day, and took me over to Rosenblatt stadium so I could pick up a couple more souvenirs. - - - That evening I went out to dinner with Linda, who you may have seen earlier playing the bongos. Anyway, we had a nice dinner, and I chose not to have any alcohol type beverage to drink. (Imagine that!) - - - Keeping in mind that this was the final World Series to be held at Rosenblatt, I got a few final pictures. - - - First, here's some pictures from the Diamond Lounge. (So many choices!)

My choice was pretty consistent throughout the night.

While not the best picture quality, I used my Blackberry to take a couple pictures of Dave and Sue. We had a GREAT time!

Here are the final pictures I took of Rosenblatt.

Below is a picture of a poster that shows all the teams represented at the 2010 CWS.

As with most sporting events, there's always something for "crazy fans" to have fun with. The CWS wasn't any different, so I posed as a Reese's candy.

After getting my souvenirs, Dave and Sue took me to view the progress being made on the new stadium. If I remember the details correctly, it's supposed to handle approximately 10,000 more fans for any event. - - - Maybe I'll need to go back for the CWS next year.

After having a nice morning with Dave and Sue, I headed to Beaver Lake to see Sister-in-Law (Cathy); Brother-in-Law (Mike); and Niece (Becca). We had a nice bar-b-que, then took a nice relaxing boat ride around the lake. As the evening drew to a close, I also started to experience some surreal feelings as I knew this was the last night of my incredible journey. Shown below are Cathy, Mike, Becca, Uncle Tom, and Lucky. I'm hoping everyone can distinguish Uncle Tom from Lucky.


After the sunset, I took this time-delay picture of the lake. It looked wonderful and I was glad it was cooler so that I'd begin my last 540 miles in cooler temperatures.

College World Series - FSU and TCU

June 23rd - What a great day of weather to go to my first 2010 College World Series game. Here's a few pictures of the stadium that were taken before and after the game. - - - Sisters Linda and Janet pose to show their attendance...this last year at Rosenblatt Stadium.

These two pictures are of the same sign, but before and after the game.

I posed outside the stadium with the statue dedicated to all those who work so hard throughout the year to get on "The Road to Omaha."

We had great seats right behind home plate.

I've always thought that Rosenblatt had a beautiful scoreboard to show all the players and their stats. Here's a picture that shows what I mean.

We also had a great view of the Henry Doorly Zoo atmosphere controlled dome from our seats.

We were pulling for TCU (A Mountain West Conference team...with Air Force), and after about the 3rd inning, the TCU crowd just kept getting louder as they cheered for their team. What a great feeling to see the team start to respond for their fans. - - - TCU had what looked like the right time to make a run in the 7th inning, but ended up only getting 1 run. However, when the 8th inning started, there was something in the air that said "COME BACK TIME." The fans were on their feet, then things really started getting noisy when TCU got the bases loaded. I turned on my camera so I could hopefully catch the moment. I wasn't disappointed. After a couple pitches to the batter, here's the "grand slam" I recorded.

After the great comeback, we just stuck around the stadium for awhile to absorb the atmosphere...so I took a few more pictures. Here's Marcus and I.

Here's a couple more shots of the scoreboard.

Marcus and Tom Shooting Pistol

June 22nd and 23rd - My Son (Marcus) and girlfriend (Laura) broke out the good stuff for a nice drink (in 24 karat gold trimmed glasses) before we watched another movie in their theatre room. What a fun time!!!!

June 23th - Well, I can check off ANOTHER item of my list of things never done. Marcus took me shooting (with his 9 mm) at an indoor shooting range. - - - Marcus was ready to fire.

Marcus taking aim and shooting.

Marcus and Rapid-Fire

Now it was my turn. Can you see the look of panic? I was VERY nervous as I've not shot a pistol very often.

After a couple rounds to build my confidence, Marcus told me to "open fire"....so I did. OMG! What fun!!!!

The first picture shows the pattern of shots I made with the first clip. The 2nd picture shows the results of Marcus and I aiming for "head shots." I don't think these were bad results at all.

Now onto the next blog from last night's College World Series game between TCU and FSU.

Pre College World Series Game Fun

June 23th - After shooting with Marcus today, he and I went over to Linda's house to meet up with her Brother (Dan) and her Sister (Janet)...then go to the game together. - - - Of course I needed pictures with them in the Vette before we could go to the game. - - - Linda is in the 1st two pictures; then Janet; then Dan.

After getting to the game area, I first bought a souvenier hat, then we headed into "Famous Daves" outside the stadium. We heard they might have booze...and did they have booze.

While we thought about having a beer, Linda suggested we get a drink that would make hair grow on your chest. Well, all we had to do was ask. The bartenders set us up with TRIPLE shot drinks of Jim Beam and Coke...and Rum and Coke. It didn't take long to hit us...and we'll just say we started losing count around the 3rd one (9 shots). After my 2nd drink, I spotted a bottle that "might" be JUST the right size. Could you imagine the story you'd give to the cop?! "Honest officer, I only had 1 drink!)

Marcus and I, then Linda and I posing after a couple drinks.

After the 2nd drink, Linda decided the singer could use her assistance, so she grabbed the bongos and started playing. Wow...never knew she could play.

After the 3rd drink, Marcus and Janet decided they needed to pose for a picture too. TOO FUNNY!

This singer was probably one of the best musicians I've EVER seen...or at least that's what I thought after that 3rd drink. He WAS fun...and funny....but I swear he sounded better live. (Sure Tom!)