“It’s ‘Go Time”

June 30th, 2004

Minneapolis, MN to Fargo, ND

(STA) Outta Minnie, heading to Fargo. Had the largest Bloody Mary ever yesterday. Last night was a pretty rockin’ good time, despite the majority of it being spent around the MPLS yuppie set. I think I may have approached intoxication while drinking only Pimm’s cups, something heretofore unheard of. It very well may have been the gimlet at the end that pushed me toward the precipice. Had a nice dinner at Zelo with RV crew plus Alex, Veronica, Heather and special appearance by Kosel the Youngest. We were sadly denied entry to Nye’s Polonaise by an “Under Repair” sign, so we went back to the Monte Carlo in hopes of a repeated Matt Dillon sighting. That endeavor was unsuccessful, but most of the crew managed to maintain their spirits with spirits. Thanks again to Heather for the hospitality.

(GK) – We are currently in Fargo, waking up from a late night of Pitch (cards) and martinis. Four free tix to the FM Redhawks game, found us in the ninth row for nine innings. We split after regulation but discovered later the game ran another two hours and into 15 innings. Saw two thirds of the Rose family last night and got the scoop on the Fargo scene. We promptly went to Duffy’s and got carded by Billy the 21-year-old bartender. We were scheduled to golf this morning but the late nights have taken its toll on some of our older members. Thanks again to Heather and Alex for going out in Minneapolis despite your busy schedules…

Chilin’ Like Matt Dillion

June 28th, 2004

Minneapolis, MN

(GK) – We arrived in the Twin Cities on Sunday evening shortly after Happy Hour at some rest area without bathrooms. We met some friends here from Seattle on their way to Denver and back home. Learned how to eat shrimp and scale corn on the cob. Very friendly here in MN. The next afternoon we spent a good amount of time at the Uptown waiting for just about everything. I had a good time with my sister and Stash at dinner. Thanks to Mr. Zyka for driving down from the Cloud. Powder Blue had been parked for two days now and seems ready to bolt at any minute, but we have one more night in Minneapolis…

Call to Arms – Tonight, 8pm and on, Nye’s Polynaise by the Hennepin Ave Bridge. Call us if you have any questions; otherwise we will see you there. Bring you $10 for the new Duct Tape Todd shirts. They are going super fast.


(SB) - Minneapolis is a cool town. We’ve been here two days and I have to say I was draggin’ at first but now am at full steam. I got a pace down now and believe we could extend this trip a few more weeks. Slept in a bed for the last 2 nights (no…..all alone). So I’m having some Powder Blue withdrawal. Nothing a Bloody Mary won’t take care of (I’ll see you soon old friend).

Last but not least, what a treat, Sherm took us to a little hotel bar last night called the Monte Carlo after a BBQ at Rich and Annette’s place (Rich you could make a livin’ servin’ them ribs). Who was there, why it was Matt Dillon. We felt a charge in the room of say fifteen people when we entered. Sherm looked over and saw Mr. Dillon so we knew then and there why. He had kind of the “Singles” look going on, only with short hair and 10 years on him all the while having let his sit-up program lapse (I’m with you on that one Mattie). He’s a super nice guy. As we were leaving he had no qualms about signing my chest with a Sharpe.

(STA) Back in Minnie…seems foreign and familiar at the same time. The accent hasn’t changed and the CC is still smoky as hell.

Omaha Matrimony and Jaegerschnitzel

June 24 – 27th, 2004

Omaha, NE

(GK) – A vacation from our vacation. We rolled into Casa de Loeffelbein at reasonable hour and parked the RV for what would be the longest immobility to date. She was itching to leave the driveway once we got on the road again. Daddy Don took all the boys to the golf course for a fabulous round of golf on a perfect day of weather. One highlight of the stop was Happy Hour at the Holiday Lounge. A cozy room and some supple drinks was mere foreplay for the eastern European confines of the Bohemian Café. If you can fry it, they can serve it. Sparkle nearly ate through the table when devouring his dumplings and schnitzel. We met some old friends and proceeded to close the Homy Inn, somewhere hidden in central Omaha. Half of the team had wedding duties to attend to the next night, the other half gorged on BBQ courtesy of Don and Mary Lou. Brunch the next day and then off to the Land of 10,000 Lakes…


(SB) - Thursday was my turn to be the DH. We left Topeka having made an Exxon oil tanker captain look like Wayne Brady making Bryant Gumble look like Malcom X. Translation we had an awesome time seeing old friends and making new ones. A quick shout of hello and thanks to all of you in Lawrence and Topeka. After a night off as the DH. We proceeded with more of the same in Omaha. Visiting local establishments while partaking in merriment in the form of food and beverage along the way. Seriously, If I had a penny for every calorie I brought in, we would already have enough money to buy this RV. Conversely, if I had a penny for every calorie I burned then I’d have to borrow one to chuck it at that Omaha cop that stopped us last night at 12:30am and then called in back up to cite us for malfunctioning reverse lights.
Omaha treated us well. I saw the Barron’s parents for the first time in years ….their hospitality was deluxe (I never realized this but I’m a big fan of “The Shower”). Congrats to the new couple and thanks to them for inviting me to attend the wedding and reception with Sherm and Meg even though they never met me.
Just cruised through Des Moines on our way to the Twin Cities, which like Omaha is another great American city I’ve never been to but look forward to leaving is satisfied.


(BVW) On a dark and lonely highway, east of Omaha…
Actually, it is 4 pm. Leaving the Big O a little homesick. Had a great visit with Ma, Pa, sister, brother and their respective families. The RV crew was a big hit with my family. This visit will certainly live on in family lore for quite some time. Was able to visit hallowed ground (the Bohemian Café) for schnitzel and kraut. The meal was met with the highest praise from SB and GK. If ever in Omaha, one must make this place a stop; though I must say love/hate of this restaurant divides sharply along gender lines.
Played first round of golf in 5 years. Kept score by how many balls I lost (3), I considered it a very successful outing. Had a fine time at wedding reception and Sunday brunch. By the way, if you are ever in Omaha, driving at 1 am on a Saturday night, 3 of Omaha’s finest will be more than happy to pull you over and bring a faulty taillight to your attention.