Retired Engineer Bob
Retired Engineer Bob's JournalNeed lodging, dining, things to do ideas for Memphis and New Orleans
Hubby and I are taking a Mississippi River cruise in late September. Starts in Memphis, ends in New Orleans. Going to re-read Huckleberry Finn on route. Cruise lasts 8 days, we have two weeks or so before he needs to get back to work.
So I see us spending 1-2 days in Memphis, and 2-3 days in New Orleans. We enjoy music, dining, a degree of partying. Also very interested in history.
Any and all suggestions appreciated.
Any sheepshead player here?
It’s a great card game. Involves quite a bit of strategy, and keeping track of who played what cards. It’s a game of skill, my grandfather was wickedly good, me not so much.
My brother and I were taught at an early age. Folks would get together to socialize and play. I remember my grandparents taking us over to the Kunde’s home. There would be a card table set up at each corner of the table where we played, each loaded with chips, snacks, chocolate, and other goodies.
At work a group of players would often get together and play over the lunch hour.
The last game I played was sometime in November 2019. My dad was in a memory care center. We were amazed and grateful he could still play. Someone had to shuffle and deal the cards for him, but other than that he was good to go.
Father's Day
This is the second Father’s Day since my dad has passed. I still miss him greatly. Some miscellaneous memories:
I stayed at my grandparents house went I went to the University, came home to visit on weekends. Had a great paying part time job, mentioned to the folks I was thinking about taking a year off and working part time. Without skipping a beat, and no malice, he asked me where I was planning to live. Put a quick end to that line of thought. Looking back I really appreciate his wisdom.
Speaking of that job, I was working second shift. Idiot me got into a race on the way home. They used the jaws of life to get me out of the vehicle. My folks arrived at the hospital at around 2:00 am. Fortunately I only suffered a broken collarbone from the seat belt, and was released around 3:00 am. He never castigated me for my stupidity. He got up at 5:30 that same morning to go to work, I don’t recall him ever missing work regardless of the situation. I never did apologize for putting him through this, sorry dad.
He and I always took a one week vacation around Labor Day. Started out backpacking, visited Pukaskwa national park (https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/pukaskwa-national-park-is-a-must-visit-for-hiking-and-paddling-adventures), Isle Royal, and Pictured Rocks. We discussed going to Tierra del Fuego after I graduated, but by then we lost interest in backpacking. Beer is way to heavy to carry.
So our interests turned to fishing. We took our yearly vacations to northern Canada. The lakes are large, people few and far between. Could go for hours without seeing another boat. Experiencing bald eagles, loons, bears, moose, and the scenery was tremendous. And the thrill of latching on to a 50”+ Northern Pike on 10 lb test line was amazing. We always released the Northerns, but would save a few Walleyes for dinner 3 or 4 nights. Fantastic memories, thanks dad.
I thought I would share a wedding photo of my folks, they look very happy. 56 years all told.
Father's Day
This is the second Father’s Day since my dad has passed. I still miss him greatly. Some miscellaneous memories:
I stayed at my grandparents house went I went to the University, came home to visit on weekends. Had a great paying part time job, mentioned to the folks I was thinking about taking a year off and working part time. Without skipping a beat, and no malice, he asked me where I was planning to live. Put a quick end to that line of thought. Looking back I really appreciate his wisdom.
Speaking of that job, I was working second shift. Idiot me got into a race on the way home. They used the jaws of life to get me out of the vehicle. My folks arrived at the hospital at around 2:00 am. Fortunately I only suffered a broken collarbone from the seat belt, and was released around 3:00 am. He never castigated me for my stupidity. He got up at 5:30 that same morning to go to work, I don’t recall him ever missing work regardless of the situation. I never did apologize for putting him through this, sorry dad.
He and I always took a one week vacation around Labor Day. Started out backpacking, visited Pukaskwa national park (https://www.northernontario.travel/algoma-country/pukaskwa-national-park-is-a-must-visit-for-hiking-and-paddling-adventures), Isle Royal, and Pictured Rocks. We discussed going to Tierra del Fuego after I graduated, but by then we lost interest in backpacking. Beer is way to heavy to carry.
So our interests turned to fishing. We took our yearly vacations to northern Canada. The lakes are large, people few and far between. Could go for hours without seeing another boat. Experiencing bald eagles, loons, bears, moose, and the scenery was tremendous. And the thrill of latching on to a 50”+ Northern Pike on 10 lb test line was amazing. We always released the Northerns, but would save a few Walleyes for dinner 3 or 4 nights. Fantastic memories, thanks dad.
I thought I would share a wedding photo of my folks, they look very happy. 56 years all told.
My old man was a prankster
He and mom would go to Jamaica once a year. One year the resort could not accommodate their reservations, but they offered an ocean facing suite on the ground floor as reimbursement. The only catch was the adjoining beach was clothing optional.
What are you going to do? They took the suite.
Dad occasionally hung around the “dividing line” between the beach and the remaining parts of the resort where clothing was required; the bar was conveniently located. He had a tee shirt on that read “Shore Patrol” on front, and “Milwaukee Summerfest 1998” on back. Two ladies came past sans tops. The old man politely but firmly pointed out the sign stating clothing required beyond this point. They quietly complied. He then got up, walked away, and made sure they saw the back of his shirt.
Later in the evening they were at one of the resort’s many restaurants. The ladies happened to be seated at a nearby table, with their partners. He could tell that they were pointing dad out, and his “horrible behavior”. Their partners laughed and gave dad a thumbs up.
If this comes odd as misogynistic, I apologize. Dad’s intent, and my own are intended to be humorous.
PS: Dad did admit to walking out of the suite sans clothing. Walked to the beach and dug in his toes before returning. When in Rome...
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: Milwaukee
Home country: USA
Current location: Carmel, IN
Member since: Wed Apr 14, 2021, 09:08 PM
Number of posts: 759
