On the Road Again with Merle

[paulhilborn]

Nature Boy , Thank you Mike, you've been a terrific host to Merle, I've enjoyed your pictures

 

[Jack Black]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Touching post Paul, my condolences to you all there

I kid you not, the wake was held at the "Sin Bin Bar and Casino" This was so Betty

We could all do a lot worse my friend

 

[cbach8tw]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

Sorry about your loss but I thank you for posting your comments, and sharing a tough time, but a meaningful wake for your family. It helps to know that others go through the same grieving process and can still come together in a way to grieve, remember, support and go forward, even with a touch of sadness. My aunt, my father’s sister, passed a little bit ago, we are having the service this coming weekend to celebrate her life. Thanks for sharing.

Also, thanks for taking us along with Merle to see some cool places.

 

[hornetguy]

It reminds me so much of Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk... I'm sure we copied you guys.

I was kinda thinking the same thing.... the Santa Cruz pier and amusement park reminded me of a mini-Coney Island kind of thing.... I wonder if they have free concerts on the beach there in NY...?

 

[JohnDF]

the Santa Cruz pier and amusement park reminded me of a mini-Coney Island kind of thing

Nature Boy's pictures had me thinking about Santa Cruz and we went ahead and booked a hotel there for this Summer.

 

[Nature Boy]

I wonder if they have free concerts on the beach there in NY...?

I’m not too sure what goes on on the Coney Island beach, specifically, but I assume that they have some free shows. The boakwalk does have an amphitheater, though. And a minor league baseball stadium.
Most of the bigger parks have doings all summer long. And smaller parks host smaller shows and outdoor movies. Even Staten Island’s less popular beach hosted a local act, the Wu Tang Clan, last summer. That said - I’d take the west coast beach vibe any day.

Speaking of NYC parks, a doctors appointment took me to the opposite side of the island today, and I got to take Merle to a park I was hoping we’d get to visit.

At the southernmost tip of New York State…

(With a view of New Jersey and the Raritan Bay)

…sits Conference House Park

So named because of the structure on it, and it’s historical significance (or maybe lack there of).
The Staten Island Peace Conference was an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a swift end to the American Revolutionary War. Richard Howe, the commander in chief of British forces in America, arranged to meet with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rudledge, who rowed over from Perth Amboy, NJ, hosted by the Conference House’s Tory owner. The meeting lasted for three hours and ended with the Americans politely declining Howe's offer - leading to another seven years of conflict.



A gaggle of sorority sisters happened to be posing in front of the Conference House today, ruining our own photo shoot…




Speaking of doings in NYC parks, my daughters and I saw an outdoor movie here last summer…

(Conference House is to our right)

On the way home, We also got to stop by The Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne on the grounds of Mount Loretto, which you may recognize from the outside shots of the baptism scene from the movie, The Godfather. (Indoor scenes were shot at St. Patrick’s in Manhattan)

Not long after the filming, most of the church burned down, with only the facade, which was build in 1891, remaining. When they rebuilt the church, they kept the original facade.

The bells were removed after the fire in 1973.


Merle will be shipping off tomorrow, so we’ll try to get him a good meal and some rest this evening.

 

[Old Engineer]

I’m not too sure what goes on on the Coney Island beach, specifically, but I assume that they have some free shows. The boakwalk does have an amphitheater, though. And a minor league baseball stadium.
Most of the bigger parks have doings all summer long. And smaller parks host smaller shows and outdoor movies. Even Staten Island’s less popular beach hosted a local act, the Wu Tang Clan, last summer. That said - I’d take the west coast beach vibe any day.

Speaking of NYC parks, a doctors appointment took me to the opposite side of the island today, and I got to take Merle to a park I was hoping we’d get to visit.

At the southernmost tip of New York State…
View attachment 1785503
(With a view of New Jersey and the Raritan Bay)

…sits Conference House Park

So named because of the structure on it, and it’s historical significance (or maybe lack there of).
The Staten Island Peace Conference was an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a swift end to the American Revolutionary War. Richard Howe, the commander in chief of British forces in America, arranged to meet with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rudledge, who rowed over from Perth Amboy, NJ, hosted by the Conference House’s Tory owner. The meeting lasted for three hours and ended with the Americans politely declining Howe's offer - leading to another seven years of conflict.


View attachment 1785530
A gaggle of sorority sisters happened to be posing in front of the Conference House today, ruining our own photo shoot…

View attachment 1785539
View attachment 1785538

Speaking of doings in NYC parks, my daughters and I saw an outdoor movie here last summer…

(Conference House is to our right)

On the way home, We also got to stop by The Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne on the grounds of Mount Loretto, which you may recognize from the outside shots of the baptism scene from the movie, The Godfather. (Indoor scenes were shot at St. Patrick’s in Manhattan)
View attachment 1785568
Not long after the filming, most of the church burned down, with only the facade, which was build in 1891, remaining. When they rebuilt the church, they kept the original facade.
View attachment 1785572
The bells were removed after the fire in 1973.
View attachment 1785573

Merle will be shipping off tomorrow, so we’ll try to get him a good meal and some rest this evening.

I have enjoyed seeing your postings with Merle Mike . Having never been to your part of our country , you have certainly changed my opinion of what part of it looks like .
Thank you very much my friend .
Harry

 

[JohnDF]

Thanks for the tours, Mike.
I've really enjoyed the pics and information.

 

[abbydaddy]

I thought for sometime about posting this, because I didn't want to distract from this wonderful thread. I feel in a way it's in step with the porch and touches on Merles travels.
I'm carrying my forum knife today because my boys and I are going to my sister in laws wake. Sad in a sense but really a celebration of my wife Nancy's sister's life.
We are having a wake today to celebrate Betty's life as Betty didn't have a religious denomination.

Merle had just arrived when Nanc got the word her sister Betty was admitted to the hospital, not the first time, as this has been more frequent in the last two years. Betty was a good person who loved life, she was kind, funny and sarcastic (as her obituary points out) Nanc has been gone most of two weeks now as I ran our furniture store while she's been gone. We're blessed at this stage in life that we can leave on a moments notice if needed.

My son and I have been trying to do all the things that Nanc does at work and home on a daily basis and my son commented "Wow, Mom's a superhero"

I've carried a pocket knife since I was very young and now reflecting back they do more than just cut, they mark time in a way, I can look at a certain knife and recall a specific day or occasion. Merle's travels will create these memories as well, a page in the book of Merle and what a tale to tell. Merle hit the road only after a day with me in ND but it's neat to see where he's been and what he's done. It's a fun thread but a real thread also.

So in a sense when I see Merle, it will make me think of that day when Nanc left to be with her sister in the hospital, one that Nanc is thankful for because those days with Betty were filled with fond memories of childhood and laughter, so a celebration with good memories and a life well lived

I'm sorry for your loss Paul. May her memory be a blessing.

 

[paulhilborn]

Touching post Paul, my condolences to you all there

We could all do a lot worse my friend

Sorry about your loss but I thank you for posting your comments, and sharing a tough time, but a meaningful wake for your family. It helps to know that others go through the same grieving process and can still come together in a way to grieve, remember, support and go forward, even with a touch of sadness. My aunt, my father’s sister, passed a little bit ago, we are having the service this coming weekend to celebrate her life. Thanks for sharing.

Also, thanks for taking us along with Merle to see some cool places.

I'm sorry for your loss Paul. May her memory be a blessing.

Thank you all, it truly is appreciated. Please know, my intent was to not take away from this fantastic thread. Your condolences are, again, truly appreciated

 

[redsparrow]

Nature Boy
Thanks Mike for an enjoyable visit, I'm certain Merle was seeing the area in a new light, well done my friend.
Love the Conference House and last year's outdoor movie pic!

 

[Nature Boy]

I have enjoyed seeing your postings with Merle Mike . Having never been to your part of our country , you have certainly changed my opinion of what part of it looks like .
Thank you very much my friend .
Harry

Thanks for the tours, Mike.
I've really enjoyed the pics and information.

Nature Boy
Thanks Mike for an enjoyable visit, I'm certain Merle was seeing the area in a new light, well done my friend.
Love the Conference House and last year's outdoor movie pic!

Thanks, fellas!
Don’t let me fool you, though. I think S.I. is kind of one of those places you have to grow up in to fully appreciate! I am still getting used to it, myself, after a number of years of living here.

That said, I suppose that wherever you go, there’s an opportunity to carve (whittle?) out a space for yourself.

Thank you, Barrett, for the opportunity to host Merle, and thanks to everyone who came along to let me show off some of my little corner!

A little cloud covered parting shot to send Merle on his way!

Cheers!


Mike & Merle

 

[mbkr]

Thanks, fellas!
Don’t let me fool you, though. I think S.I. is kind of one of those places you have to grow up in to fully appreciate! I am still getting used to it, myself, after a number of years of living here.

That said, I suppose that wherever you go, there’s an opportunity to carve (whittle?) out a space for yourself.

Thank you, Barrett, for the opportunity to host Merle, and thanks to everyone who came along to let me show off some of my little corner!

A little cloud covered parting shot to send Merle on his way!
View attachment 1786354

Cheers!
View attachment 1786356

Mike & Merle

Great job! I'd hate to have to follow you...
...who's up?

 

[Nature Boy]

Great job! I'd hate to have to follow you...
...who's up?

Thanks! It was fun!
Merle will be a little closer to being an “Okie from Muskogee” on his next stop…

 

[btb01]

I’m not too sure what goes on on the Coney Island beach, specifically, but I assume that they have some free shows. The boakwalk does have an amphitheater, though. And a minor league baseball stadium.
Most of the bigger parks have doings all summer long. And smaller parks host smaller shows and outdoor movies. Even Staten Island’s less popular beach hosted a local act, the Wu Tang Clan, last summer. That said - I’d take the west coast beach vibe any day.

Speaking of NYC parks, a doctors appointment took me to the opposite side of the island today, and I got to take Merle to a park I was hoping we’d get to visit.

At the southernmost tip of New York State…
View attachment 1785503
(With a view of New Jersey and the Raritan Bay)

…sits Conference House Park

So named because of the structure on it, and it’s historical significance (or maybe lack there of).
The Staten Island Peace Conference was an unsuccessful attempt to negotiate a swift end to the American Revolutionary War. Richard Howe, the commander in chief of British forces in America, arranged to meet with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rudledge, who rowed over from Perth Amboy, NJ, hosted by the Conference House’s Tory owner. The meeting lasted for three hours and ended with the Americans politely declining Howe's offer - leading to another seven years of conflict.


View attachment 1785530
A gaggle of sorority sisters happened to be posing in front of the Conference House today, ruining our own photo shoot…

View attachment 1785539
View attachment 1785538

Speaking of doings in NYC parks, my daughters and I saw an outdoor movie here last summer…

(Conference House is to our right)

On the way home, We also got to stop by The Old Church of St. Joachim and St. Anne on the grounds of Mount Loretto, which you may recognize from the outside shots of the baptism scene from the movie, The Godfather. (Indoor scenes were shot at St. Patrick’s in Manhattan)
View attachment 1785568
Not long after the filming, most of the church burned down, with only the facade, which was build in 1891, remaining. When they rebuilt the church, they kept the original facade.
View attachment 1785572
The bells were removed after the fire in 1973.
View attachment 1785573

Merle will be shipping off tomorrow, so we’ll try to get him a good meal and some rest this evening.

Thanks, fellas!
Don’t let me fool you, though. I think S.I. is kind of one of those places you have to grow up in to fully appreciate! I am still getting used to it, myself, after a number of years of living here.

That said, I suppose that wherever you go, there’s an opportunity to carve (whittle?) out a space for yourself.

Thank you, Barrett, for the opportunity to host Merle, and thanks to everyone who came along to let me show off some of my little corner!

A little cloud covered parting shot to send Merle on his way!
View attachment 1786354

Cheers!
View attachment 1786356

Mike & Merle

More excellent photos, Mike! You've done an excellent job showing off Staten Island, which has a lot more going on in a relatively small area than I think I realized. Thank you again for participating!

 

[btb01]

Even living in NYState my whole I didn’t realize until I lived in one of the boroughs that “the city” just refers to Manhattan - though the other boroughs would qualify as urban living, too.

Staten Island is a fairly unique locale. I describe it as having a suburban mindset with an urban density. And most of that population growth is in the last 50ish years since the construction of the Verrazano bridge - transforming what was mostly farmland, if you talk to any of the old timers.

It has the most amount of park space of the NYC boroughs, but with a population of, about, the state of Wyoming on an island not quite 14 miles long. I just haven’t shown Merle the densest parts, since I try to avoid them…


Ever since you posted about Matt’s, I knew I had to take Merle to see our own “Juicy Lucy.”
View attachment 1784741
Unfortunately, they are closed on Mondays…

Fortunately, Merle wasn’t really interested in trying a “Shameless Ripoff!”

The place has only been opened a few years, and I have only ate there once. I must say, the brisket was pretty fantastic!
View attachment 1784744
They get a pretty good crowd most nights, but, for us, the place it replaced was one of our go tos, one of the “dated but well cared for neighborhood bars, and we never made the switch with new ownership.

A mural left on the deck area from the previous bar denotes the water level after hurricane sandy came through in 2012. Behind the restaurant, the land all drops below sea level, and was hit especially hard here. Most of the housing around the restaurant was bought back by the state, and is being returned to marshland. Hard to see, but I figured we’d post:
View attachment 1784750View attachment 1784751

Merle was schedule for departure today, but it looks like his stay will have to extend for another day or two before he is on his way. We will keep y’all posted.

Oh, and thanks for taking Merle by Staten Island's Juicy Lucy! That really made me laugh! (Don't worry, I think it only counts as a "shameless ripoff" if they're serving cheese-stuffed burgers.)

 

[Nature Boy]

Well…they are…

 

[Nature Boy]

I had to investigate, btb01 , to see if the Juicy Lucy here gives credit where credit is due.
The owner does credit Matt’s Bar’s Jucy Lucy with changing his life during a layover while flying cross country.
He also asks for forgiveness in taking liberty to spell Juicy Lucy “our way.”

 

[btb01]

Well…they are…

Wow! I even checked the menu before giving them a pass, but I guess I saw the section on smash burgers, thought that was the end of the burgers and stopped there.

I had to investigate, btb01 , to see if the Juicy Lucy here gives credit where credit is due.
The owner does credit Matt’s Bar’s Jucy Lucy with changing his life during a layover while flying cross country.
He also asks for forgiveness in taking liberty to spell Juicy Lucy “our way.”

Honestly, when you posted those photos the other day, I just assumed the name was a coincidence. I didn’t expect there to be an actual connection to Matt’s Bar in Minneapolis!

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks, fellas!
Don’t let me fool you, though. I think S.I. is kind of one of those places you have to grow up in to fully appreciate! I am still getting used to it, myself, after a number of years of living here.

That said, I suppose that wherever you go, there’s an opportunity to carve (whittle?) out a space for yourself.

Thank you, Barrett, for the opportunity to host Merle, and thanks to everyone who came along to let me show off some of my little corner!

A little cloud covered parting shot to send Merle on his way!
View attachment 1786354

Cheers!
View attachment 1786356

Mike & Merle

Stunning photos Mike I am envying old Merle