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Saturday, August 1, 2026

Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning

There is a legendary highway in the United States known as the “Mother Road”. It was established in 1926 and stretches 2,448 miles from its beginning in Chicago, Illinois to its end at the Santa Monica Pier in Southern California. This iconic highway is best known as “Route 66”.

This highway was built to serve as a primary route for westward migration and tourism. While officially decommissioned in 1985, its popularity continues as a popular route for tourists and visitors.

Now, in 2026, we are celebrating the route’s Centennial, with events and celebrations occurring throughout the eight states Route 66 covers. The celebrations include local town festivals, museum exhibitions and many other events.

This page is the beginning, with the middle and the end to follow in subsequent pages.

Route 66 Centennial - The Beginning

Illinois, Missouri, Kansas

Driving the first three states of Historic Route 66 takes you from the bustling streets of Chicago through the rolling Ozarks of Missouri, and into the brief but beautifully preserved vintage stretch of Kansas.

The original beginning of Route 66 was at Jackson Boulevard and Michigan Avenue, right by Grant Park. Now, in 2026, the Centennial celebration for Route 66 has designated the Navy Pier as Chicago’s Pier-to-Pier Start, a symbolic launch point for Route 66's 100th anniversary. The extension creates a scenic "pier-to-pier" journey linking Lake Michigan directly to California's Santa Monica Pier.

ILLINOIS - 301 Miles - Historic Points

Iconic restaurant on Route 66

Illinois has many points of interest along Route 66. They include the historic Old Log Cabin Inn in Pontiac, which is one of the oldest continually operating restaurants on the Mother Road.

Pontiac also has the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum which features classic cars, memorabilia, and the largest collection of Route 66 artifacts in the country. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Gemini Giant at Wilmington, IL is a famous 30-foot-tall fiberglass "Muffler Man" in a space suit, a much photographed statue on the road.

Springfield, Illinois has the Shea’s Gas Station Museum, offering a massive collection of vintage neon signs and petroliana.

Classic highway memorabilia, along with old VW bugs, can be seen at Henry’s Rabbit Ranch (along with real rabbits!).

MISSOURI - 317 Miles - Iconic Points on Route 66

Chain of Rocks Bridge

Historic Route 66 leaves Illinois and enters Missouri by crossing the Mississippi River. The iconic crossing for the Mother Road is the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which connects Madison, Illinois, directly to the northern edge of St. Louis, Missouri.

Residents of St. Louis, Missouri regularly travel along portions of Route 66 in their daily commutes as it passes through the city.

Missouri has often been called the "Birthplace of Route 66" because its official name was conceived in Springfield in 1926. There are multiple places to visit along this iconic highway, including the historic Ozark attractions,the Meramec Caverns in Stanton and the Wagon wheel Motel in Cuba, MO, which is the oldest continuously operating motel on Route 66.

KANSAS - 13 Miles - Short, But With Much to See

Eisler's in Riverton, Kansas

Kansas has just a tiny portion of Route 66, just 13 miles long ~ the shortest route of the eight states. It stretches across the SE corner of Cherokee County. While short, there is a must-see stop in Galena where you will find a restored 1923 Kan-O-Tex service station featuring the International Harvester boom truck that inspired the character "Mater" from Disney's Cars.

You can also stop by the Old Riverton Store (established in 1925), known as one of the longest continuously operating grocery stores on the entire route, or check out the Baxter Springs Heritage Center and Museum to dive into local history and outlaw lore.

Summary

From The Navy Pier (beginning) in Chicago, Route 66 travels through Illinois, Missouri and a short stretch of Kansas. Continue your journey along “The Main Street of America” with the links below.

Friday, July 31, 2026

32" Mid Century Modern Slim Accent Cabinet Reviewed

I had not previously planned an update to my home office area, but after my sweet baby dog, Watson, discovered my electronics chargers, it became necessary. He only chewed the ends off of two chargers, but I didn't wish to see that activity continued or encouraged by danging cords.

Two home office furniture purchases were immediately made, in addition to the replacement charging cords. I bought a new cabinet to hold all of my business papers, organizers, planners, office supplies and of course, chargers. Plus, I purchased a box for my power strip and chargers (reviewed separately).

This turned out to be a fabulous change! I had not realized how "messy" my work area shelves looked to anyone else with my file trays and books visible. Once I put them all inside the cabinet, I was amazed at how much better my work area looked. It really is a tremendous improvement. I can thank Watson for helping me realize a change was needed and I can thank God that baby dog was not electrocuted helping me out.

Now, I await the "Midnight Marauder's" aka Watson's next discovery!

Slim Accent Cabinet

32" Mid Century Modern Slim Accent CabinetCheck Price

Because my open shelves were conveniently located right next to my chair, I sought a cabinet with sliding doors and interior shelves. I selected the 32" slim cabinet because of the width of the wall next to my chair. It fit my area perfectly. Plus, it is quite attractive. Much nicer than open shelves!

This cabinet would be pretty anywhere in a home. It would be a great cabinet in the kitchen, dining room, den, or hallway. Wherever you need extra storage. I love the sliding doors because they don't require extra area to open out.

It arrived well packaged with protective styrofoam on the ends and thin packing sheets separating the pieces so they did not rub against each other. It took approximately 30 minutes to assemble.

32"W x 11.8"D x 32.7"H
Dual Sliding Doors
1 Shelf
Outlet Hole in Back Center
Safe, Lead Free Walnut Finish
Top Holds Up To 100 lbs
All Hardware Included

Slim Accent Cabinet Measurements Two Cabinets Placed Side by Side to Look Like a Wide Buffet Cabinet

More Great Home Office Reviews

Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Rug for Your Home Office by Brite-Ideas

Computer Chair Mat Review by Wednesday Elf

Ativa Cross-cut Shredder Review by Sylvestermouse

Thursday, July 30, 2026

A Review of Flavored Coffee Recipes

I was visiting a friend today, and she made the most delicious coffee I have had in a long time. It was cinnamon-orange with a hint of vanilla. It was delightful, so I asked her how she made it. Imagine my surprise when she told me one of the ingredients was Jello! She actually uses her coffee maker and simply dumps all the ingredients into the filter with the coffee and out pours tangy orange coffee!

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup of ground coffee
1/2 teaspoon of orange Jello
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Directions:

Dump all dry ingredients into a coffee filter, gather it up and shake to mix.
Add the extract in the center of the filter.
Turn on your coffee maker and brew normally.

You can make this with tea as well, just make your tea as usual, then add the vanilla, cinnamon and Jello to the tea pot and stir to mix. In tea it is extremely flavorful, and is delicious with butter cookies or scones.

Two Recipes for Chocolate Coffee

Chocolate flavored coffee is really delicious, one of the easiest ways to make it is by using chocolate syrup:

1 cup brewed coffee
1-2 teaspoons chocolate syrup

Combine the brewed coffee and chocolate syrup in a large mug. Stir well to combine, then top with whipped cream if you like.

Another way to make chocolate coffee is by using cocoa powder. This method involves adding cocoa powder to a cup of brewed coffee, stirring well to combine.

1 cup brewed coffee
1-2 teaspoons cocoa powder

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

If you want a taste of pure fall, this is the drink for you. You can use store bought pumpkin spice, but I prefer to make my own so I can tweak the recipe to how I like it. I usually put more cinnamon and nutmeg and a bit less clove. I use pumpkin spice in other things, like cookies, pie or pumpkin bread, so I make a lot at a time and store it in a mason jar. You can buy the spices already ground up, or you can buy them whole and use a spice grinder to grind them yourself. Here's the recipe for homemade pumpkin spice:

6 tablespoons of cinnamon
4 teaspoons of ginger
4 teaspoons of nutmeg
3 teaspoons of allspice
3 teaspoons of cloves

To make Pumpkin Spice Coffee:

Fill your coffee maker with water and insert a filter
Put one heaping teaspoon of pumpkin spice on top of 1/3 cup of your favorite coffee in the filter
Stir the two ingredients together thoroughly
Turn on your coffee maker and brew as normal

I love drinking this coffee on my rear deck on crisp fall mornings with my homemade raised doughnuts. Fall bliss!

Mexican Coffee

Mexican Coffee is a spicy blend that is truly different from regular coffee. The ingredients may sound like a strange combination, but believe me, it is a really unforgettable taste that is great for after dinner or a mid-afternoon break.

Ingredients

6 oz. hot coffee
1 tablespoon cocoa
1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1/4 cup milk (can use skim or 2%)
whipped cream (I use the squirt from a can kind)

Directions:

In a mason jar, pour the hot coffee and brown sugar and screw the lid on and shake till all the sugar is melted and there are no lumps.
Add the cocoa, cinnamon, and ground cayenne into the jar, screw the lid on and shake till all ingredients are incorporated.
In a large coffee mug, pour in the milk and a pinch of cinnamon, stir and place in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Remove from the microwave and pour the coffee mixture in the cup and top with whip cream.

This is a great drink to serve in the evening after a barbeque or while sitting on the couch with your sweetie watching a movie. Spicy!

Peppermint Coffee

This coffee is always a hit around the holidays! Try it at your next gathering, I bet it will be a big hit!

Ingredients

6 oz. extra strong coffee
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Directions:

Place the milk, sugar, cocoa powder and peppermint extract in a medium saucepan over low heat.
Stir gently until heated, DO NOT boil!
Pour the coffee in and stir to mix, tasting to see if you feel it needs more sugar, peppermint or cocoa.
Pour in a cup and top with whipped cream and a candy cane

Every time I make this, everyone just loves it! They say the peppermint, cocoa and coffee flavors mix beautifully!

I know this last recipe isn't actually coffee, but it is a recipe you will want, trust me! This is the hands down most delicious coffee smoothie you will ever have in your mouth, guaranteed!

Coffee Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup black coffee (lukewarm is better)
1/2 frozen banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon cocoa

Directions:

Cut up the frozen banana (you can use a 3/4 cup of ice if you don't like bananas) and place it in the blender.
Pulse a few times to break the banana up and then add the peanut butter, milk, vanilla and cocoa. Blend on medium until smooth then switch to puree for 30 seconds.
Pour into a smoothie cup and enjoy!

I think all of these drinks are exceptionally delicious. I love to making things that are unusual and surprise my guests. All these drinks are good at doing that! Try a few out and see what you think, especially during the upcoming holidays.

_______________________________

Image Credits: tinyurl.com/pmm3esu

I http://tinyurl.com/jmrqlyn

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Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies

I'm reviewing my new book, The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies. My book is a step-by-step guide to learning how to time study.

In any operational environment, time is the ultimate currency. Whether you are managing a manufacturing plant, a fulfillment center, or a service team, understanding how long a task takes is the foundation of efficiency.

My Book Contains Seven Chapters:

Pre-Study Preparation
Breaking down the Work Into Elements
Conducting the Study (Stopwatch Methods)
Performance Rating (The Human Factor)
Applying Allowances to Find Standard Time
Analyzing and Acting on the Data
Time Study Worksheets and Templates

Knowing your labor costs is important, and developing labor costs starts with an accurate time study.

Who Can Benefit from this Book:

Industrial Engineering students and professionals
Manufacturing supervisors and managers
Small Business owners
Operations managers
Production planners
Process improvement professionals
Business owners looking to improve efficiency
Anyone interested in learning the basics of time study

Large companies may have dedicated industrial engineering and continuous improvement teams. Small businesses don't have that luxury.

That doesn't mean small businesses can't benefit from the same basic principles. My book will help a small business owner to understand where labor hours are being spent and where improvements might be possible.

The key is having an understanding of how to conduct the study and interpret the results, and my book will teach you that.

I have over 40 years of Industrial Engineering experience as an Industrial Engineer with Rockwell International Front Axle Division. Industrial Engineering manager for Bush Industries Inc., a ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturer, and an Industrial Engineer for TitanX Engine Cooling.

You can find my book on Amazon in both ebook and paperback. The paperback has an additional chapter with useful forms and templates.

The Ultimate Guide to Time Studies: A Practical Handbook for Efficiency

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Tuesday, July 28, 2026

My New Favorite Comb - Product Review

I recently purchased a new comb, which is double sided. It has a wide side and a more narrow side.

I almost purchased a different comb, but I paused, and gave some thought to the criteria that I actually wanted. I wanted my new comb to have a point for dividing my hair into sections; that point was really important to me. Low and behold, this comb that I had missed on my previous scans then showed up on my radar. Voila! There was my new comb. Perfect!

This comb is smooth to the touch, and does a wonderful job combing my hair. I use the wide tooth side for combing my hair that is still wet from being shampooed. Although I use a conditioner as well as shampoo, there are still a number of tangles to get out and the wide tooth side of this comb does a wonderful job.

If I want my hair to lay more compact, especially when adding a part to my hair, I use the narrow sided teeth side. It too does a wonderful job.

It's so nice to be able to flip the comb over in my hand to easily get to the desired side. This technique will definitely come in handy when I'm giving myself a haircut!

The comb is made from a combination of bamboo and recycled polypropylene. It is very smooth, and more so than the straight bamboo comb that I had previously.

Another thing I really like about this comb, is that the handle is somewhat wide at the base towards the comb, and narrows down to a rounded point at the end. This part comes in handy for when I want to section off hair for cutting, etc. You can see the handle here, as well as the company descriptions for the various parts.

I highly recommend these combs from ecoTools.

Check price on Amazon.

Happy combing.

Check here to read about how I give myself a short haircut.

Cheryl Paton

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Monday, July 27, 2026

Dr Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs Review

Tile floors and hardwood floors can be quite problematic for your dog as age advances and mobility decreases. Or perhaps your dog is recovering from surgery and needs a temporary mobility aid to navigate the home. Dr. Buzby's toegrips is a product I've always had bookmarked as a possible aid to try.

Toegrips are designed by a vet to ideally assist older dogs with traction and mobility. The toegrips are little rubber sleeves which slide on each nail.

Installation

My first thought looking at the size of the grips was whoa! The installation could be very challenging if you dog is not cooperative as many dogs have issues with alot of handling of paws and feet. I knew my dog would be cooperative, but even with a very cooperative senior dog, the installation was a little cumbersome at a minimum.

The opening of toegrips are very small and it took me three times to find the size for my dog. The sizing chart was incorrect for my dog; however, that is usual as well. It was easy to return and exchange.

The toegrips are soaked in alcohol per instructions and then "slid" on the nail. The instructions provided are very specific and easy to follow but it was tedious so bring patience. There are 20 toegrips per package and reviewers report the grips are long lasting before replacements are required.

Did The Toegrips Work?

This would be subjective I believe for each unique situation. I believe the toegrips help from my experience. Traction definitely improved and to date all toegrips remain from the original installation.

Price

These are not inexpensive. Price is subjection, I do think if this is the product that works great for your dog and its' mobility, then the price will be paid without a blink, I don't know if I've seen the prices vary too much if all all. I'd like to see a lower price point or more in the package for value, but again, very subjective.

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Sunday, July 26, 2026

Finding Your Footing When the Storms of Life Roll In

The Weight of the Currents We Navigate

Life has a way of testing our endurance when we least expect it. Writing Breathing Underwater came from a place of recognizing that heavy, overwhelming feeling when the challenges of daily life start pulling you under. We all face our own storms, and the chorus speaks directly to that shared human experience. Life is rarely perfect, and in one way or another, we are all in the same boat trying to stay afloat.

Instead of focusing purely on distress, this track explores what happens when you stop the frantic struggle against the current. It is about discovering a quiet, unexpected capacity to endure simply by pausing the fight and finding your footing again.

Designing a Safe Harbor Through Sound

Finding the exact musical tone to bring these words to life proved to be the most challenging part of the entire process. Crafting a soundscape from scratch takes time and a lot of patience.

For this piece, the vision was very specific. The goal was to avoid adding extra heaviness to a world that already carries plenty of it. To achieve that balance, I intentionally created a softer, easy-listening musical vibe that acts as the opposite of the words. That juxtaposition was completely deliberate, designed to honor genuine exhaustion with deep empathy while offering a soothing atmosphere that points toward a clear, empowering sky above.

Finding Calm Amidst the Storms

At its core, this song serves as a reminder for anyone going through hard days that even when you feel deep in the middle of a struggle, you possess the inner resolve to rise again and realize there is nothing to fear.

Thank you for taking the time to read and listen. I hope this piece brings you a measure of calm amidst whatever storms you might be facing right now.

*********

"Drageda Lyrics" on all Platforms, including Streaming Platforms**

YouTube: Follow Me on YouTube - @dragedapoemslyrics

Spotify: Stream Drageda Lyrics on Spotify

Subscribe: Join the Journey: Get New Songs and Stories in Your Inbox

*********

**I write and produce story-driven lyrics. ** ** Vocals and music are digitally produced (I am not the singer). I digitally direct and arrange the video and recording. ©2026 DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - All Rights Reserved. Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held). I wrote, created, and produced this piece on June 21st, 2026 - Member of SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada)**

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Saturday, July 25, 2026

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

Review of a novel by Stephen King

Cast of Characters:

Trisha McFarland. Age nine. Main Character

Tom Gordon. Closer. Pitcher, number 36, for the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

Time Sequence: June, 1998

Synopsis of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon : A NovelCheck Price

The story begins at ten o’clock on a June Saturday morning in Maine. Trisha is in the family car on her way, with her divorced mother and older brother, for a short hike along the Maine/New Hampshire branch of the Appalachian Trail. At ten thirty, she was lost in the woods!

Trisha had not meant to get lost. During the hike, she was trailing behind her mother & brother who were arguing again over the brother wanting to go back to Boston and live with his dad. Trisha got tired of listening to them, so when they reached a fork in the trail, she stepped off to the lessor trail to go to the bathroom. When done, she thought she could just cut across through the woods to rejoin the main trail. Instead, she got confused and ended up walking in the wrong direction.

The story occurs over the space of a week, with Trisha’s wanderings and poor choices of direction getting her more & more lost, including way beyond the search areas where search & rescue teams were looking for her.

To keep from being too frightened, especially the first night alone in the dark, she uses her Walkman to listen to a game on the radio of her favorite baseball team (The Boston Red Sox), with her favorite player, Tom Gordon.

Trisha also began to conserve her small store of food meant originally for lunch on the day hike. This included one tuna sandwich, some chips, celery sticks and Ding-Dongs, plus water and one other drink!

As the days go by, Trisha keeps walking, first following a stream because she heard that streams usually end somewhere near civilization. When the first stream peters out, she follows another. She mentally replays conversations with her dad on weekend visits, especially those about the Red Sox and Tom Gordon, also her dad’s favorite team. In one conversation, Trisha remembers dad saying:

“I believe Tom Gordon can save 40 games this year (1998). I believe right now he’s the best Closer in the major leagues — that if he stays healthy and the Sox hitting holds up, he could be pitching in the World Series come October!”

Eventually, as days pass, the batteries in the Walkman die. So, Trisha begins to keep her mind occupied with imaginary conversations with her hero, Tom Gordon.

Summary

The entire story (with a few side lines from minor characters) is narrated by and involves mainly Trisha McFarland (and, of course, her baseball hero, Tom Gordon). How she copes when she runs out of food and water and later becomes ill, is a testimony to the endurance of youth and the belief that things will work out.

Stephen King does a marvelous job keeping you riveted to each section of Trisha’s journey alone in deep woods. Only, Trisha doesn’t believe she’s alone; she’s convinced Tom Gordon is with her, encouraging her to keep going.

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon is a bit of a departure for Stephen King. Rather than a true horror story, (which is a genre I definitely stay away from; thereby seldom reading books by King), it is more a psychological thriller. And, since it involved baseball, and the fact that it is a fiction story involving a real-life baseball player from the 1990s, (whom I had just recently read about), I found myself drawn to it. I am glad I did, as I really enjoyed it.

Summary

Tom Gordon is best remembered in Boston for his dominant 1998 season out of the bullpen, where he set a then-major league record of 43 consecutive saves and a franchise record of 46 saves. Thereby, bringing Trisha’s dad’s earlier statement of 40+ games into focus.

Tom ‘Flash’ Gordon played for the Red Sox from 1996 through 1999. Find his stats and career information and how he acquired the nickname ‘Flash’ here. He is currently the radio color commentator for the Boston Red Sox.

*Family Note: Former Major League Baseball pitcher Tom "Flash" Gordon has three sons, two of whom followed in his footsteps to play in the major leagues.

*Book Review of "The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon" was written by Wednesday Elf

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