knightfan26917

That's rather aggravating. Sure hope the petition helps & gets the road re-opened & repaired as needed. I'd love to drive it someday. I signed the petition, the 334th, I believe. Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" | Thurl Ravenscroft | 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'

* Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! Anyone shop at local hometown establishments today, 11/26/2016, Small Business Saturday? Thursday-Friday (11/17-18/2016) I drove to Okemos MI & had a great, yet somewhat weird, very mini road trip, the 1st of hopefully many full road trips, in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis. I wrote about those 2 days, & included some details, such as gas mileages, & 2 photos in this entry: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/22/tuesday-trip-82/ Now, I really want to road trip more again; cool & somewhat bittersweet to have those impulses back full force. This 1974 Ford brochure cover makes me miss the days when individual models had their own emblems &/or nameplate style-design! Do you have a favorite unique emblem from vehicles of yesterday? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/24/throwback-thursday-82/ Finned Cadillac, a great cruising & listening to music vehicle! What do you think is the best vehicle for cruising & listening to music? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/26/car-tunes-saturday-82/ Perhaps it will be a little tougher than I thought to let go of the 1979 Caprice Classic, tho selling it is probably for the best; drove it for ~1.5 hours Friday & finished removing my stuff from it. Comparing my CC & 03 MGM, the Mercury is physically larger, yet the Caprice drives-handles like a much bigger car. Despite the silver color & the leather seats, I really do like my 03 MGM. BONUS: no MGM generation makes you wonder what Mercury was thinking; all years stay true to the heritage of the nameplate. After owning the Mercury for ~1 month now, I recognize an importance in branching out & owning at least 1 from each of the Big 3 at some point in life, for experience & knowledge. Maybe someday I will get a late 1970s Chrysler Cordoba!? Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "Another dream that ended way too soon" | Restless Heart | 'The Bluest Eyes In Texas'

* Had a great, but somewhat weird, very mini road trip in my 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis (upwards of 25mpg) to Michigan this past Thursday & Friday (11/17-18/2016). Drove straight to Okemos MI via I-390, I-290, I-294, I-94, I-69 & I-96 Thursday AM, then drove a LONG way back via I-69, I-74, I-57, US 24 & IL RT 47 Friday. I will need to go back to Okemos in ~1 month, so maybe I could plan to meet some of you along the way? BTW, if you are interested in more details about my recent 2-day journey (including the 03MGM actual gas mileages), I will write it up & include a couple pics in the TUESDAY TRIP entry on my website this week (to publicize Tuesday, 11/22/2016, 8a US central). Last week, I asked what made you feel good recently; this time, what has made you laugh recently? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/15/daily-dose-trivia-tue-81/ Something to remember about life, with a deep blue Chevelle: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/13/daily-dose-savvy-sun-80/ About a banker & interest, with an AMC: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/14/daily-dose-mon-madness-81/ I love the color combo, including the honeycomb wheels, on this Pontiac: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/18/friday-photo-81/ I quipped this about life 4 years ago about cars & music: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/18/daily-dose-philosophy-fri-81/ Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy" | Eagles | 'Take It Easy'

Hey Mike ... congrats on the license & getting married! Good luck with the potential job; what would you be doing? Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "Your friends have shown a kink in the single life" | The Raconteurs | 'Steady As She Goes'

* What a difference a few years make? 5 years ago this very week (dates & days), I had my catheterization Monday (11/07/2011), my 4th open heart surgery Friday (11/11/2011), & then today (Saturday evening), I was rushed back into the OR to stop some bleeding. Now, I am surprised by a Cubs World Series win & getting used to a new daily driver! Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "Yes, it's been quite a summer" | Jimmy Buffett | 'Come Monday'

* With all of the horrific events lately, how about some GOOD? So, I want to know what has made you feel good recently! http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/08/daily-dose-trivia-tue-80/ FOR ME 1: 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs 2: new-to-me 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis 3: for the 1st time ever, representing my employer at a meeting hosted by another company (just yesterday, Friday, 11/11/2016, the 5th anniversary of my 4th open heart surgery, Friday, 11/11/2011) 4: writing 2 stories that just flow with ease as I type 5: my upcoming very-mini road trip from northern IL to Okemos MI to the Effingham IL area & back, Thursday-Friday, 11/17-18/2016 (anyone in those areas or along the way want to meet!?) [among others] I do not have the talent or patience to build model kits, but I sure love the detail work others put into them, like this engine bay a friend crafted: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/09/wednesday-ratio-80/ Interesting truck-bed camper; would you use it!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/12/saturday-smorgasbord-81/ I know this phrase is most-associated with highway driving-merging, but this lineup of cars reminded me that it would seem the phrase could be applicable to some cruise nights & shows: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/11/07/daily-dose-mon-madness-80/ Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "A heart that's hopeful" | Michael W Smith | 'Place In This World'

I'd actually forgotten I'd posted this! Even more ironic ... I was just on this road about an hour ago. HA! It still doesn't have proper shoulders, & I agree with you, Mike, it should. Heck, it still does not have a lot of buildings on-around it ... so, absolutely no reason for it to NOT have proper shoulders ... PLENTY of space for 'em. Weird. Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "The curves around midnight aren't easy to see" | Rosanne Cash | 'Runaway Train'

Mike, Your work is an AWESOME resource. I bookmarked it for future reference, but glancing through & reading a few portions of it just now ... makes me want to go explore full time ... if only I could. Nicely done. Thank you for posting it here for us. Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "He's off on a midwest run" | Alabama | 'Roll On'

* "You better get ready for a brand new day" | Steve Goodman | 'Go Cubs Go' I apologize for not visiting since 10/04/2016, but you might say I have been busy: MLB playoffs & buying a new-to-me 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis, now my daily driver! I introduced the 03 MGM here, including a collage of photos & a walk-around video: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/24/from-the-heart-491/ When your mechanic guesses the price was $1,000 more than what you actually paid, you might have made a good decision, eh!? My 1st ROAD TRIP in it will be to Okemos MI (where a friend will take care of my current cavities), then to the Effingham IL area to hopefully take pictures of the 2003 MGM with my 81mc; let me know if you want to meet up along the way! This 79 CC farewell posted a day after I bought the 03 MGM: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/21/from-the-heart-488/ Elsewhere, this posted a week before I bought the Mercury: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/13/thursday-survey-76/ Choice of a Chevrolet or a Mercury, 1950s style! Which would you choose? Then, this posted the Monday after I bought the Mercury: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/24/daily-dose-mon-madness-78/ Dare I say I am starting to feel more motivated to accelerate this new start in my life? Sure hope it fuels more success! Have any of you ever seen this purple color on a Corvair? I kinda like it! http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/15/car-tunes-saturday-76/ Life has unexpected turns (I know all too well!), but would you agree that no turn is a wrong turn? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/09/daily-dose-savvy-sun-75/ This Kaiser Darrin, a car I would love to see in person, prompted me to ask: what vehicles do you want to see yet!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/25/daily-dose-trivia-tue-78/ BTW, my 1979 Caprice Classic sedan is for sale; if you or anyone you know might be interested, TEXT me: 847 -337- 9897 Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 CC to 2003 MGM + 81mc "Quarter notes & Hank's half time are poundin' on this heart of mine" | Eric Church | 'Record Year'

* Did you know Sunday, 10/02/2016, was Name Your Car day? Meet my current 2: 1979 Caprice Classic sedan (winter warrior) & 1981 MC coupe (Sweet Tea)! May replace the Caprice with a 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis soon; will have pics (& a name, perhaps) if the deal happens. http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/02/from-the-heart-469/ If you name your vehicles, what did you choose? I LOVE old family photographs, especially when vehicles are involved! This history-filled image includes a 1964 Ford, a 1972 Plymouth & the town that houses the National Motorcycle Museum: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/30/flashback-friday-74/ Speaking of old photographs: anyone at the 1985 Rod Run in Pigeon Forge TN? This is a pic a friend took during the huge event: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/19/memory-monday-73/ A cousin & his wife found this old newspaper clipping, complete with what appears to be a Cadillac limo, in a house they are having extensive remodeling done! Have you ever found anything similarly surprising while renovating? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/26/memory-monday-74/ In 2010, during my road trip, I met a friend & ate at the longest steel diner in the United States: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/20/tuesday-trip-73/ Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 Caprice to MGM + 81mc "1 of those never forget it, better stop & take it in kinda scenes" | Cole Swindell | 'You Should Be Here'

* Decided to put my ideas for a sequel-continuation of my mystery story into writing. The 1st of several sections publicized Sunday evening here: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/10/02/sunday-story-74/ Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 Caprice to MGM + 81mc "I don't want to take this life for granted" | Keith Urban | 'Somebody Like You'

Hey Mike, That's really neat! I can imagine what fun it is to put all that together. Love the combination photos, vintage photos, maps & descriptions. Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 Caprice Classic + 81mc "Tryin' to make a livin' & doin' the best I can" | Allman Brothers Band | 'Ramblin' Man'

* Been a while since I had time to visit; living life, or so they say. I am alive & fine, just handling & juggling a lot currently: health issues, health insurance changes, personal projects, professional obligations, trying to figure out a way to do more of what I really want to do while I still have time in this life, etc. I sure miss my cars & some people, but I am doing the best I can in the moment. I hope to be able to participate regularly again soon. Meantime, sharing a few new things, FWIW. I start with something I recently wrote: a short murder mystery story that simply flowed, surprisingly sparked by a rather insignificant experience. (I already have some ideas for a sequel-continuation.) Cars included: 1975 Caprice Classic convertible, 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis, 1991 Ford Crown Victoria, 1976 AMC Matador sedan, 1974 Dodge Monaco sedan. If interested, people tell me it takes ~1-1.5 hours to read; I explain the inspiration in the Forward: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/08/dont-forget-schuster/ Love the creative mind of my Nephew with these scenes he has created; this includes KITT & the General Lee: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/19/monday-night-fun-73/ With summer 2016 in the rear view mirror, what are your favorite memories &/or huge moments from 2016 & all-time? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/13/daily-dose-trivia-tue-72/ I took this photo just over 3 years ago, while driving my former 1989 Caprice Classic Brougham north on I-39 in IL! Considering the local radio stations kept playing songs from my life that road trip, I figured it was perfect for what I quipped ~1 year ago: sometimes, surprising songs fit the moment perfectly: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/18/daily-dose-savvy-sun-72/ I have a scale version of the GMC Motorhome; do you know this history!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/23/friday-files-73/ Side view of a Dodge Challenger a friend, Mark, built & detailed! Almost looks like a 1:1 car? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/28/wednesday-ratio-74/ THIS is a moon-sun roof, on a Mercury Sun Valley: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/09/27/twist-tuesday-74/ Cort, www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pig&cowValves.paceMaker * 1979 Caprice to MGM + 81mc "How can life be what you want it to be" | Madonna | 'Frozen'

* Kinda cool to have a new (2nd) Niece! While the scene for KITT & General Lee my Nephew drew is cued for future feature, this stormy-rain-flower scene (with scale model Camaro, Nova & Cutlass) was published earlier this week before it was SUPPOSED to storm in Chicagoland: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/08/11/from-the-heart-417/ Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 79 CC to ?? Mercury Grand Marquis!! "Don't let your life pass you by" __ Sarah McLachlan __ 'I Will Remember You'

* Quick follow-up to Rusting Away 2 Hours: Less than a day after I was told the dealership was going to wholesale-junkyard the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis, this Craigslist ad popped up: http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/ctd/5727763987.html Did they really think I wouldn’t see it!? Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 79 CC to ?? Mercury Grand Marquis!! "Seems like it's been forever that you've been gone" __ Fort Minor __ 'Where'd You Go?'

* I have become an Uncle for the 3rd time! Meet my newest Niece, Jillian: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/30/saturday-smorgasbord-72/ Nephew created some background scenes for his cars & wanted me to take pics. This is the 1st, including an Oldsmobile dealership with a yet-to-be-bought Omega: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/30/scale-saturday-71/ I will feature other scenes in the future, including 1 he drew for KITT & the General Lee! Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "I wouldn't trade those days for nothin'" __ Mark Wills __ '19 something'

Oh my goodness. The second I opened that link, Denny, I recognized it. I believe that is 1 site I checked out when I was planning my 2009 Route 66 road trip....wow. &, I second Dave's comments about Denny's site ... his recent Alaska road trip was awesome. Lucky for me, he stopped to see me along US Route 20 on his way back to Ohio! Cort > www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "Spare me your freaking dirty looks" __ Katy Perry __ 'Waking Up In Vegas'

Oh. My. Goodness. What an absolute treasure trove! Thank you for the link, Jim. I've bookmarked it; I could spend HOURS on that site! Cort > www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "I don't need to be" __ Stone Sour __ 'Bother'

* While it has been a few days since this experience & the resulting article (Rusting Away 2 Hours), it still aggravates me; the car is now headed for auction-junkyard & probably was from the moment it landed on the dealer lot. It COULD be repaired & still give years of reliable service! Sounds like Cash-For-Clunkers?! http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/08/05/rusting-away-2-hours/ What has been your most aggravating dealership experience? Regarding new, anyone else miss when vehicles had exterior differences each year to distinguish each model year!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/29/friday-files-71/ For those who have named your vehicles, have you ever put the name ON them!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/26/daily-dose-trivia-tue-71/ I prefer the chrome look, but blacked-out trim is growing on me! Which do you prefer? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/28/thursday-survey-71/ Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "Why are we so blind to see that the ones we hurt are you & me" __ Coolio __ 'Gangsta's Paradise (Dangerous Minds)'

* To me, the word -rare- is used a bit too much nowadays! What do you consider rare? Would this coupe fit your critical definition!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/19/daily-dose-trivia-tue-70/ Some cattle humor, with a gorgeous, 2-tone GMC pickup: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/22/daily-dose-philosophy-fri-70/ Which of these 2 smart promo models would you rather have!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/21/thursday-survey-70/ A surprising street-eye level view of Metro City: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/23/scale-saturday-70/ Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "I'm just saying" __ Shinedown __ 'Second Chance'

* CANCELED Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "Life throws you curves, but you learn to swerve" __ Rascal Flatts __ 'These Days'

* GOOD NEWS: pleased to report a block of rooms for those coming from out of town! Newly-renovated Elgin IL Area Chamber Of Commerce member hotel: Quality Inn 500 Tollgate Rd Elgin IL 60123 847-608-7300 $80 per night (regularly $95-99) mention “Old Cars, Strong Hearts” See the FULL, UPDATED details HERE: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/12/tuesday-trip-69/ Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "It's always the same old story, you never know what you've got til its gone" __ Mike & the Mechanics __ 'All I Need Is A Miracle'

* Before my 4th open heart surgery, 11/11/2011, & my full-time job loss February 2012, I had several cars & enjoyed sunshine-splashed weekends filled with pure driving. I sure miss those days! I know life will never be the same, but I still think, to some extent, this is very, very true. Who all loves to just drive for the fun of it? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/17/daily-dose-savvy-sun-69/ Remember when the speed limit was 55!? http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/15/flashback-friday-69/ I love mechanical art & look forward to featuring close-ups of some of these pieces: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/16/saturday-smorgasbord-70/ 2-DAY EVENT S Elgin IL, with restaurant & hotel discounts: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/12/tuesday-trip-69/ "Let's don't let a good thing die" __ Elvis Presley __ 'Suspicious Minds'

I tried an online search using some of those "key words" you mentioned, but ... only came up with websites dedicated to specific roads, like Route 66! Maybe it is no longer online? 2-DAY EVENT S Elgin IL, with restaurant & hotel discounts: http://www.oldcarsstronghearts.com/2016/07/12/tuesday-trip-69/ "You probably won't remember me" __ Jan Arden __ 'Insensitive'

* After work 07/07/2016, I stopped at Beef Villa to pick up the 15% discount coupons. Meantime, I am checking possibilities for hotel discounts, but no guarantees. Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com pigValve.paceMaker.cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic (needs new owner) "We go through life so sure of where we're headed" __ Brad Paisley __ 'Find Yourself'