RIA New Museum
We recently attended the Rock Island Arsenal Grand Opening of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum. There was a half hour ceremony which started at 10:30 a.m. on July 29th. There were lots of civilian and military personnel at the event. The renovation took about 3 years and believe me, it is a first class museum for sure! I did miss the "Wall of Guns," but it is understandable as the museum is to show from past to present the manufacturing of items done on the "Island." It is certainly a place to visit. The museum is the second oldest Army museum and second only to the West Point Museum. If you plan on going on the RIA you must show your driver's license and a 1 year permit which can be obtained at a building to the right of the guard house. The guard I talked with said on special situations a driver's license is all that is required. Otherwise, you will also need the 1 year permit. Oh, one more thing! Yes, the stuffed horse is still there. It's under glass. As to what happened to all the guns on the west wall? The guns are all in storage which I was glad to hear. Many small, experimental firearms are displayed. One gun is a WW1 Springfield '03 rifle with serial number 2. Can you imagine what that rifle would bring on the auction block??? It is really a wonder of all the military equipment that has been produced at the Rock Island Arsenal. There is a lot of history going back to even before the Civil War. It was a prison for Confederate prisoners from 1863 to 1865. Anyway, if you like history, especially military history, be sure to check it out. The museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving.
Geneseo Community Concert
We always enjoy going to this event. It is hard to believe that it's 15 years old. It certainly has grown and its Choir Director, Pam Edwards, is to a large part, responsible for its continued success. Of course, we're sure it takes a lot of work from many volunteers, too! In case you missed the event it was held on Wednesday, June 28th. Both the adult and children choirs were "spot on!" It's kind of interesting about the town of Geneseo. They have a lot of volunteers doing a lot of good and noble works for the community. Geneseo - The town with a church on every block and to that I say it is a factor of a strong and healthy community.
Gars, Spare Me
I read recently that our IL-DNR stocked from 2010 to 2019 more than 9,000 alligator gars in 10 bodies of water in Illinois. They have changed little since before man stepped on the scene. They have armor-like scales, sharp teeth and big appetites. They can get really big, too. A Texas man last May caught one that went 207 pounds. I don't like any type of gar whether it's short-nose, long-nose or alligator. From 1977 to 1994 the alligator gar was listed as a state-threatened fish in Illinois. I wish our DNR left well enough alone. Most every fisherman that I know when hooked on to a gar they either cut their line or give it the coup de grace!
Nothing To Crow About
Known to be very intelligent and social, American crows can mimic wild turkeys and about 250 vocalizations. Some other animals crows can sound like are cats, dogs and geese. I can remember hunting squirrels in my younger days and sometimes a crow would let every living thing in the woods know there was danger a foot.
No Chickens
At least not allowed in Colona. In a recent article in the newspaper a couple of people in Colona think it would be nice to allow we Colonians to raise chickens.. I thought it would be kind of nice so I asked Lorna if we should put a chicken coup in our backyard. Of course, I wasn't serious. Lorna's answer to my question, 'NO!" She had plenty of work with chickens as she grew up on the Iowa farm. Ha! In fact, she added many NO's. to my suggestion. Sort of related, but I was able to cross a dog with an omelet. I ended up with pooched eggs!
Jokes
Before Clare Crawford was a Head Liberian, she was a flight attendant for Nose-dive Airways. She told me of a bad landing they had one time. Clare announced to the passengers, "We ask that you remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal." A long time ago I asked Judge Clark Barnes how can I learn to be a judge? He said it is mostly through trial and error. The "Man of Steel" had only one household chore to do. "Supper man."
Dale Collis once worked at the Henry County Fair taking money at the roller coaster. I asked him how he liked the job? He said, "Oh, it had its ups 'n downs!"
Jesse Watters
Okay, if you ever watch The Five take a look at when the camera shows the entire 5 individuals. Now take a look at Jesse's legs. It must be the reflection of the glass table or something, but it looks like his legs do not match up with his body. His torso and legs should match up, but his legs are spread out beyond where they should be.
Humor
Lorna and I wish the folks who make fitted sheets need to sit down with people who make mattresses and get on the same page. Making the bed shouldn't be like putting a swimming cap over a refrigerator. Why did the Doberman marry the Golden Retriever? He found her very fetching.