knightfan26917

LOL! Indeed, Denny. But, it won't be long until he is able to drive ... just a few SHORT years...aye! * IRONY ROCKS If it weren't for my open heart surgery, I would've driven all of my cars THANKSGIVING WEEKEND. Talk about GORGEOUS NOVEMBER WEATHER.... I could've driven over 1,000 miles on EACH of my MCs for the 3rd straight year.... SPRING HEALTH Because I had to put 'em all away sooner than usual, at least 2 have issues that will need attention as soon as I get them out.... 1972 ...The last day I drove them, the '72's brake light came on. The brake pedal felt a LITTLE light, but it stopped with no problem. Oddly, the master cylinder had been replaced spring 2011.... 1987 ...A couple weeks prior to the last drive, the '87's engine developed a ticking noise. When I first heard it, I thought I had left the 1981 running, because the '81 has had the same ticking noise for the last 90,000 miles. So, I believe the '87 has developed the same lifter issue, but we'll see. NEPHEW + CAR TIME 2 additional pics from 11/05/2011, when my sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew (NOW 3 YEARS OLD!) out to see all of my cars outside for the 1st time. ...My nephew in the backseat of my 1979 MC: ...My nephew attempting to drive "his" 1987 MC: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Life is like a circle slowly turning on itself" __ Clay Davidson __ 'Unconditional'

GREAT shot!!! Hope you had a good Thanksgiving! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "It's coming on Christmas" __ Robert Downey Jr __ 'River'

* HELLO AGAIN, EVERYBODY! I'm not sure any quantity or quality of words or time will ever be able to express my appreciation for ALL of your well wishes, thoughts/prayers. I'm well, mostly. My 4th open heart surgery (11/11/2011) was successful (my "big heart" is no more)! However, I was taken in for another surgery (evening, 11/12/2011), after I became unresponsive for a time due to internal bleeding around the surgery site. I still hurt/ache and am cold at times, but I'm coping and TRYING to follow "doctors orders" as MUCH as possible. The pain is more "annoying" than anything. Recovery is going VERY SLOWLY (it seems, since I haven't had energy to DO much), but better to be slow'n'steady than fast'n'crash.... I went outside a few times to walk, late morning/early afternoon, Friday, 11/25/2011. It was nice to get outside in the GORGEOUS NOVEMBER WEATHER, but it also made me jealous of anyone who could drive ... because it would've been an AWESOME day to drive my cars.... POST-SURGERY PARTY A few people asked if I am doing something special after surgery. Not sure; if so, I'll post details later. OHS LOG #1 = 11/1977 ... original pig valve installed (replace pulmonary valve I was born without) @ Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital #2 = 03/1987 ... replaced original pig valve (growing out of it) @ Chicago's CMH #3 = 01/06/2003 ... replaced 2nd pig valve (calcified) & original pacemaker installed @ Chicago's CMH, done by Drs Backer & Mavroudis #4 = 11/11/2011 & 11/12/2011 ... 11/11/2011 edition replaced my "too big" aorta/aortic valve @ Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, done by Dr. Russell ... it was 5.6 at middle; 5.3 at root. It is now 3.6. 11/12/2011 edition was to reopen me to remove/repair bleeding that had caused me to momentarily become unresponsive that evening. DRIVING ABILITIES Return in about a month; when they do, only my daily driver 1979 Caprice Classic will come out of storage. My MCs have to wait until spring to be cleaned...and have needed repairs...despite the "driving friendly" weather we've had this November....IRONY ROCKS! WORK RETURN Set for 01/06/2012, the 9-year anniversary of my 2003 OHS. RECOVERY PROJECTS I haven't done much yet, but I hope to... ...plan my 2012 ROAD TRIP (GA/FL, along east coast & into northern MI) & perhaps a short trip to STL along parts of Route 66. http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917 ...WRMN's request from a few weeks ago to host part of their CHRISTMAS EVE RADIO BROADCAST. We'll see if I can get it in the budget in a few weeks.... http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html ...finish putting my room back together (new carpeting & major re-arranging) ...read new books, etc. ...Nephew Time https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc ...my route 66 story...NO new chapter YET.... http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ ...organize a few things a bit better ...visit the groups/message boards, as possible ...misc. BEST REASONS TO HAVE OHS * Stay alive * Unfailing support of family and friends I doubt I will ever be able to personally thank each of you, or respond to every Email, call, post, PM, etc. Maybe if I had another 100 years.... * Caring healthcare workers Without the surgeon and a very quick-acting (hot) nurse after I became unresponsive Saturday (11/12/2011) evening, things may be different right now. Luckily, I came to on my own, but without the nurse, who knows. * 7a and 8a TNT showings of "Charmed" Why ELSE would you get awake at 4a? * 3:30p local showing of "Jeopardy!" & 6:30p local showing of "Wheel of Fortune" Perhaps inspiration for another of my "Jeopardy!" contests; it's been a while. It's nice to see some things don't change. * Hot female nurses No joke. If I thought for a second I had a shot with any one of them...oh my goodness...I'd go back to the hospital in a heartbeat. Pun intended. * Drugs * Vacation time Sarcastically added since MOST employers tend to see needed surgery as a way for an employee to take an extended vacation. Thus, they force you to use vacation/sick days before disability benefits kick in. For me, that meant using 5 of my newly-minted 15 vacation days for the October 2011 - September 2012 time period. Oh, fun. WORST REASONS TO HAVE OHS * Cheerful early wake up calls Unless you enjoy being pried from a deep sleep at 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a or 5a (or combo) by an overenthusiastic nurse, with a huge smile on her face, telling you that she needs to take blood and/or give you more drugs. Actually, that doesn't sound all that bad. * Hospital food They TELL you that you HAVE to eat in order to be stronger, yet MOST of the food they serve prepares you for the world of dieting. I don't think I finished ANY meal, except for the hot chocolate, which I had MULTIPLE cups of at every meal ... because it was Nestle's Rich Chocolate version. I was surprised they had a brand name. I thought I was on drugs. Oh, wait, I was. But, I have proof; I brought a few packets home. ONE EXCEPTION ... Chicago's soon-to-be-former Children's Memorial Hospital has the BEST food. I ate every meal in its entirety, as I recall, after my 2003 OHS. * Drugs Yes, I listed this as one of the "BEST REASONS", but it is a double-edged sword. It's nice to feel loopy instead of in so much pain, but when that loopiness makes you think things happened that didn't or think things didn't happen that did, it isn't so rosy. * Visits from strangers I know this is a bit odd coming from me (given my love of road trips and meeting people), but to be fair, my road trips are to meet people I WANT to see and converse with, not doctors, nurse practitioners, mental/social care workers, therapists (physical and occupational) that really do NOT know me and insist on going over details that I ALREADY KNOW FROM PREVIOUS SURGERIES. I had the unlucky happening Thursday (11/17/2011) of reading about the death of a long-time friend from montecarloss.com, David Denn ... right before the social worker stopped by to check on how I was feeling. David's death was NOT a surprise. He had been fighting cancer and the last I had heard, it wouldn't be much longer. But, stumbling across MCSS to see the banner across the top of the page saying "RIP David Denn" just killed me. I will so miss his ALWAYS and OH-SO-POSITIVE reports/posts, no matter how bad the news was at the time; people tell me I have an upbeat outlook to life, but not as much as David's. I had hoped to meet him in person June 2011 when I was in PA, but his health worsened some that weekend and we were not able to meet. LIFE IS TOO SHORT, PEOPLES. Get that through your THICK skulls. * Financial issues No matter what people tell you, this is no "get rich quick" scheme. In fact, it is the opposite. My lack of a "newer" car to drive daily and a place of my own testify to this. I am VERY good at handling and budgeting money. However, I can't afford to NOT expect medical expenses. I haven't wanted to look at my bills or checkbook since I got home, but I will need to do that soon, to pay bills.... I'll stop there. * TV selections This Chicago hospital didn't even have the digital versions of 2 of Chicago's very own stations (9.2 and 26.2, 26.3, 26.4), which have awesome daytime (Classic primetime) programming day in day out. And, whatever station is showing "Golden Girls" (I think, Hallmark?) was not part of the cable package. Bah humbug. * Male nurses Unless you are a female who likes to look at hot males all day. But, THIS male prefers to see female nurses. Male nurses just irritate me. I'm NOT trying to be harsh, but remember, my "big heart" is no more.... * A repeat performance ~24 hours later My OHS went well, 11/11/2011. But, Saturday evening, I was unresponsive for a time and had to be whisked into the OR again. Came out of that OK, but when the doctors and nurses are standing around telling you that everything will be fine, even though they have to open you up again, you wonder. Luckily, I didn't see my life flash before my eyes, but I kept saying, "oh no. Oh No! OH NO!" After the anesthesiologist, I believe, said, "You'll be fine. You have the best team available right now", I remember thinking: 'Uh oh. I know how this goes. I watch TV. The hated/loved character survives a surgery of epic proportion only to relapse 24 hours later, and the so-called best team is somehow not able to reverse it. The hated/loved character dies, setting off a firestorm of reaction, in more ways than one. And, the network has gotten rid of a popular character and saved money. Wonderful...JUST MY LUCK!' Or, maybe I just write too much. SSsssooooo ... what've I missed? Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.hobbies.RadioShows.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "You have all the tender sweetness of a seasick crocodile" __ Thurl Ravenscroft __ 'You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch'

*nods* Thank you ... much appreciated!!! * Holy cow AND irony rocks! THIS...should...be my last post before surgery.... The catheterization (Monday, 11/07/2011) went fine, though I was in a lot of pain Monday afternoon/evening. My surgery has been postponed until Friday (11/11/2011) due to an emergency heart transplant. Disappointed I am not. Frustrated...maybe, but not any more than I already am...in more ways than one. The postponement gives me a chance to recover/relax a bit more from the cath & accomplish a few more things prior to surgery, perhaps even some of my "recovery projects" list I noted in my original post.... I PLAN to visit the groups/message boards & "catch up" with personal Emails & notes received, etc.; HOWEVER, I cannot promise I'll get to everything...! PRE-SURGERY PARTY pictures! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636895683885.2152619.1300282613&type=1&l=7f835748ff NEPHEW & CAR TIME...TOGETHER! My sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew to see my cars outside, 11/05/2011. The 11 pictures I took are here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc ALSO: I know it can be confusing to "navigate" my Route 66 story in BLOG format, so here is a list of the chapters in order... ...1-4: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/29/_thats-the-highway_/ ...5-8: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/31/_thats-the-highway_-2/ ...9, The Drive & A Revelation: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/03/_thats-the-highway_-3/ ...10, Stall Tactic: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/06/_thats-the-highway_-4/ ...11-12: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/19/_thats-the-highway_-5/ ...13, Road Trip Rush: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-7/ ...14, Late Night & A Whistle: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-8/ ...15, Awakening: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-9/ ...16, Train & Memories: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-10/ ...17, Shopkeeper: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/06/21/_thats-the-highway_-6/ ...18-19: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/08/11/_thats-the-highway_-12/ ...20, The Picture: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ ...21, Shaping History: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/31/_thats-the-highway_-13/ Once again ... SO LONG, EVERYBODY! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 MCs + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We can take anything that comes our way" __ BJ Thomas __ 'As Long As We Got Each Other (Growing Pains)'

* Did your vehicle(s) see any milestones in 2011? Some of my cars reached "important milestones" this year: 1979 CC ... 150,000 miles 1976 MC ... 63,000 miles & over 20,000 miles since I bought it 1979 MC ... 146,000 miles & over 40,000 miles since I bought it 1981 MC ... 194,000 miles AND, FINALLY ... my "Car Time" & "Nephew Time" happened TOGETHER, the last day of my "car season", 11/05/2011, when my sister & brother-in-law brought my nephew to see my cars outside, Saturday morning! My "Car Time" was shorter this year, partly because of health issues & my ROAD TRIP in the middle of the summer...: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/CoastToCoastRoadTripFri06242011Mon07112011 However, I went to a number of CRUISE NIGHTS, more than I have ever attended & the most since ~2002/2003...: https://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917/2011CruiseNights More statistics & pictures.... 1979 CAPRICE CLASSIC SEDAN, "WINTER WARRIOR", 350 V8 w/TBI MILEAGE 12/15/2009 ... 134,505 11/28/2010 ... 143,853 11/05/2011 ... 152,976 MILES DRIVEN 12/15/09 - 11/28/10 = 9,348 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 9,123 since I purchased (2009) = 18,471 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 195.1 miles driven @ 12.379 gallons to fill up = 15.76 mpg 09/07/2011 ... 196.8 miles driven @ 12.125 gallons to fill up = 16.23 mpg 11/06/2011 ... 218.6 miles driven @ 14.289 gallons to fill up = 15.29 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "The window needs to go down, Uncle Cort" 1972 MONTE CARLO, "BROWNY", 350 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 144,986 11/22/2009 ... 146,054 11/28/2010 ... 147,123 11/05/2011 ... 147,891 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 563 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 497 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 489 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 957 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,068 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,069 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 768 since I purchased (2002) = 11,899 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 196.8 miles @ 12.505 gallons = 15.74 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 210.6 miles @ 13.268 gallons = 15.87 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 226.6 miles @ 14.158 gallons = 16.00 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "The window needs to go up, Uncle Cort" 1976 MONTE CARLO LANDAU, "ELVIRA", 305 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 60,140 11/22/2009 ... 61,215 11/28/2010 ... 62,260 11/05/2011 ... 63,007 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 624 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 527 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 506 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 930 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,075 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,045 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 747 since I purchased (1998) = 20,505 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 192.7 miles @ 11.376 gallons = 16.94 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 205.9 miles @ 11.775 gallons = 17.49 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 221.5 miles @ 13.374 gallons = 16.56 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... "I need keys, Uncle Cort" 1979 MONTE CARLO LANDAU, "SWEET PEA", 350 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 143,261 11/22/2009 ... 144,333 11/28/2010 ... 145,383 11/05/2011 ... 146,133 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 586 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 500 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 483 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 959 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,072 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,050 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 750 since I purchased (1992) = 40,071 (30,815 on the engine installed September 1996) GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 193.5 miles @ 10.287 gallons = 18.81 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 207.1 miles @ 10.408 gallons = 19.89 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 222.6 miles @ 12.505 gallons = 17.80 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Checking out the radio! 1981 MONTE CARLO SC, "SWEET TEA", 3.8 V6 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 191,486 11/22/2009 ... 192,574 11/28/2010 ... 193,637 11/05/2011 ... 194,392 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 645 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 476 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 482 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 944 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 1,088 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,063 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 755 since I purchased (1999) = 11,579 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 194.8 miles @ 9.268 gallons = 21.02 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 208.3 miles @ 9.496 gallons = 21.94 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 224.1 miles @ 11.259 gallons = 19.90 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Driving with Mom, while Dad watches: 1987 MONTE CARLO LS/CL, "BABY BLUE", 305 V8 MILEAGE 11/28/2008 ... 163,980 11/22/2009 ... 172,900 11/28/2010 ... 174,124 11/05/2011 ... 174,708 MILES DRIVEN 12/11/04 - 11/19/05 = 8,739 11/19/05 - 11/24/06 = 8,831 11/24/06 - 11/18/07 = 9,510 11/18/07 - 11/28/08 = 9,780 11/28/08 - 11/22/09 = 8,920 11/22/09 - 11/28/10 = 1,224 11/28/10 - 11/05/11 = 584 since I purchased (2003) = 68,988 GAS MILEAGE SAMPLES 11/07/2010 ... 162.2 miles @ 9.050 gallons = 17.92 mpg 09/04/2011 ... 146.0 miles @ 7.597 gallons = 19.22 mpg 10/29/2011 ... 181.1 miles @ 10.574 gallons = 17.13 mpg w/NEPHEW, 11/05/2011 ... Staking his claim to "Baby Blue", probably counting the days until he can drive it, or steal it! ALL 11 PICTURES OF MY NEPHEW w/MY CARS: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2636914604358.2152622.1300282613&type=1&l=00a2f5dccc Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Changed everything about this crazy world" __ Steven Tyler __ 'Feels So Good'

Definitely interesting! You have some great shots there, and I like the way you've displayed them in that link/webpage. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "We go through life so sure of where we're headed" __ Brad Paisley __ 'Find Yourself'

I certainly did! Now, I want to just get in the car and head on down the road.... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Looking at me now you might not know it" __ Emerson Drive __ 'Moments'

* I'll be "out" for my 4th Open Heart Surgery (OHS), Tuesday, 11/08/2011, at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital, performed by Dr. Russell. The catheterization is the day prior. Until I'm feeling up to being on the computer & online again, my sister will post UPDATES (which MAY be SHARED on the groups/boards) to my Facebook Wall: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300282613 My previous 3 OHSs (at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital) replaced the pulmonary valve that I was born without. The 1st, November 1977, was when the original pig valve was installed. The 2nd & 3rd OHSs (March 1987 & January 6, 2003, respectively) replaced the pig valve installed in the previous surgery. This 4th OHS is to replace my aorta/aortic valve with a cow valve. My ascending aorta is "too large"; it is 5.6 at the middle, 5.3 at the root. Too bad my "big heart" has finally won me a date with a surgeon, instead of a cool female.... If all goes well, the "projected" return of my driving abilities is mid December & return to work is January 6, 2012 (the 9-year anniversary of my 3rd OHS). I'm "ready" as I'll be. I'm not scared, just still dreading & "hating" the entire process, including the financial strain ... & still feeling a tad bit alone & out-of-place. On a positive note, the PRE-SURGERY PARTY was great; many thanks to those that joined us that evening!!! My MCs are ready for winter; just need to drive them one last time & snug them into the garage the weekend before surgery. I never did get them, or my Caprice Classic, cleaned; maybe while I'm recovering or next spring...! Speaking of recovery, my "projects" (other than the obvious) for the next 2 months or so, include... ...write more of my ROUTE 66 STORY: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ ...plan my 2012 ROAD TRIP (return to Georgia/Florida, along the east coast & into northern Michigan) & perhaps a short trip to St Louis along parts of Route 66.... Previous road trips (& other) pictures: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917 ...consider WRMN's request to host part of their CHRISTMAS EVE RADIO BROADCAST. My contact there called me a couple weeks ago to find out if I would.... Previous radio show playlists: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html ...finish putting my room back together (after new carpeting & major re-arranging) ...read some new books ...Nephew Time ...misc stuff ...AND return to the groups/boards.... I appreciate all of the well wishes, thoughts & prayers, including those in my "Open Heart Surgery, party & more..." post/thread. LIFE IS TOO SHORT! So long, everybody! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker + cowValve | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Time is a valuable thing" __ Linkin Park __ 'In The End'

* No, I still haven't written anything new for Motor Gnomes, but Don posted a Route 66-related entry the same day I added more to my ROUTE 66 STORY. This past Summer 2011, Don road tripped to St Louis MO & walked across the Mississippi River along the Old Chain Of Rocks Bridge. He blogged about it, including some great pictures: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/10/a-walk-across-the-mississippi-river/ I've added 1 more section to my ROUTE 66 STORY, prior to surgery. Chapter 21 (Shaping History), written 10/30/2011, is here: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/31/_thats-the-highway_-13/ Previous chapters... ...1-4: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/29/_thats-the-highway_/ ...5-8: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/03/31/_thats-the-highway_-2/ ...9, The Drive & A Revelation: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/03/_thats-the-highway_-3/ ...10, Stall Tactic: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/06/_thats-the-highway_-4/ ...11-12: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/04/19/_thats-the-highway_-5/ ...13, Road Trip Rush: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-7/ ...14, Late Night & A Whistle: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/12/_thats-the-highway_-8/ ...15, Awakening: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-9/ ...16, Train & Memories: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/05/25/_thats-the-highway_-10/ ...17, Shopkeeper: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/06/21/_thats-the-highway_-6/ ...18-19: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/08/11/_thats-the-highway_-12/ ...20, The Picture: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ ...& the ENTIRE story here: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "When we stand together, it's our finest hour" __ The Judds __ 'Love Can Build A Bridge'

Grover, Love the writeups ... thank you for sharing them with us! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Let's don't let a good thing die" __ Elvis Presley __ 'Suspicious Minds'

Sounds like an AWESOME road trip ... and great pics, too. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "My eyes to the seasons" __ David Cook __ 'Light On'

* The closer surgery gets, the more dread I feel. I know the drill, so I'm not worried ... just frustrated for many reasons on several levels. I don't always have a positive outlook...ha! PREP WORK: Another step closer. Pre-op testing complete. Blood work, Xray, EKG, 24-hour Holter monitor, 24-hour urine test. Catheterization and surgery in less than 2 weeks. Still have to prep my cars for winter storage, BUT FIRST... ...PARTY TIME: Pre-surgery fun is THIS Saturday, 10/29/2011, ~5:30p-10:30p. Beef Villa will offer some SPECIAL DEALS! CHD Quilt #35 is the home of my Quilt Block, middle row, far left: http://www.chdquilt.org/files/Quilts/chdq35.jpg Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "Need a second to breathe" __ Adam Lambert __ 'What Do You Want From Me?'

* Gluten for punishment? Perhaps, but I am tossing around the idea of organizing a drive sometime next year ... along US Route 20 to Galena IL/Dubuque IA and back, or a different route. Guess we'll see. Meantime, I may not have new writings until after surgery.... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I argue with my conscience" __ Charlie Pride __ 'Shouldn't It Be Easier Than This?'

* A few more exploratory pics, starting with a recent pic I took of my nephew. Talk about an explorer! It's hard to believe he will be 3 in a few weeks: ...Melms Rd, Hampshire IL: ...Ramm Rd, Burlington IL: ...Plato Rd, Plato Center IL: ...US RT 20, Elgin IL: ...Nesler Rd, Elgin IL: ...Spring St, S Elgin IL: ...IL RT 47, Morris IL: ...Lincoln Highway, Franklin Grove IL: ...Route 66, Pontiac IL: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "Your friends have shown a kink in the single life" __ The Raconteurs __ 'Steady As She Goes'

...and, as you probably guessed, Denny, I fully agree. I just don't have the "expandable time" to make some of those day trips that I'd like to do. Course, I suppose the argument could be made that I DO take those "day trips", whenever I drive my cars. But, I'd like to have time to do some day trips across Illinois, to Wisconsin and into Iowa. PLUS, have time to do the "major" road trips to see friends and family across the US...! Depending on how my surgery recovery goes in December ... as well as the weather ... I could maybe so some of that then. We'll see. Life is too short. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "I wanna drive" __ Trace Adkins __ '(Her Favorite Color Is) Chrome'

* PRE-SURGERY PARTY! WHO IS IN? ~5:30p-10:30p ... Saturday ... 10/29/2011 @ Beef Villa 1225 W SPRING ST S Elgin IL http://www.beefvilla.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103976313046427 Plenty of hotels around from which to choose, if needed. For "EARLY BIRDS" or "LATE OWLS", we could plan afternoon stuff as well as go elsewhere at 10:30p.... If you are planning to come, please contact me via FB... ...or PH: 847- 337- 9897- ...or EM: faithcubsmc2691 @ aol.com NEPHEW TIME, 10/16/2011 I caught an AWESOME pic of him, imho, anyway... ROUTE 66 STORY I've added a section, #20 (The Picture), 10/16/2011: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ SURGERY & POST-SURGERY: As in 2003, my sister will send Email updates, and this time, she will post updates to my Facebook Wall... https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1300282613 Those who receive the Emails or see the updates on FB are WELCOME to share those updates on the various groups/message boards. 3rd OHS: Some of the Emails my sister sent during/after my January 6, 2003, surgery.... Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "Watch over them for me" __ Darryl Worley __ 'If Something Should Happen'

* I've explored a bit more (big surprise)...! ELGIN-SPECIFIC... pics are few (if existent at all) from me also partly because I don't like driving around town in traffic; I prefer the "back roads". ...10/15/2011, downtown Elgin IL, EPD, Douglas Ave: ...10/15/2011, downtown Elgin IL, Highland Ave at Douglas Ave: BACK ROADS... are ripe for exploring. They don't see much traffic (making it easy to stop and take pics) and "hide" interesting things. ...10/09/2011, Burlington IL, Allen Rd: ...10/09/2011, Plato Center IL, Muirhead Rd at Plank Rd: RR PATHS... are created when old train tracks are torn up. I've taken/shared pictures of different RR tracks along roads, so now 2 pics of one such bike/pedestrian path on a former RR line. ...10/09/2011, Sycamore IL, path along IL RT 64 at Peplow Rd, looking W: ...10/15/2011, Sycamore IL, path along IL RT 64 at Peplow Rd, looking E: OLD ROADS & ABANDONED PLACES... are fascinating. Old roads connect the country, hold history (especially abandoned places) and have some cool people along them. I've taken/shared pictures of both, particularly along Route 66 and the Lincoln Highway. ...10/09/2011, Sycamore IL, abandoned 64 Motor Court, next to the Sycamore Speedway: ...10/09/2011, Hampshire IL, Allen's Corner Restaurant along "old road" US 20 [travels through Elgin IL via "bypass" & "business" versions], which I've driven on the East AND West coasts during my last 2 road trips (next 2 pics)...: ...07/07/2011, near Eddyville OR, traveling west on "old road" US 20 on my Coast-to-Coast Road Trip: ...08/08/2010, near Brimfield MA, traveling east on "old road" US 20 on my Nor'Easter Trek Road Trip: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "Don't make it hard on your heart" __ Tanya Tucker __ 'If It Don't Come Easy'

"Kind of" neat? Oh, heck no ... it IS neat. In fact, it is AWESOME! Denny ... I admit I'm a bit jealous. I dream of doing that many road trips. So far, I've only managed to do one a year since ~2002. Sadly, that first one in 2002 was NOT documented, nor were my mini and major road trips in 2003. I didn't start documenting them, per se, until my 2004 trip out west. And, it was 2 years later, my October 2006 road trip, that the pictures I share were taken by me. That year, a friend of mine, Ray B, told me that he was sending me his old camera. My "assignment" was to take at LEAST one pic EVERY place I stopped. He told me that, if I completed the "assignment" satisfactorily, he'd sell me the camera at a very small price. I did and he did ... and I still have and use that camera, though I wish finances would allow me to purchase a newer, better camera. *sighs* As you know, I would LOVE to be on the road 24/7/365. I enjoy your road trip reports and pics. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "Just like driving on an open highway never knowing what we're gonna find" __ Lady Antebellum __ 'Our Kind Of Love'

* I haven't had time to write anything new for Motor Gnomes recently, but something that my friend, Don, wrote on his 10/10/2011 post, caught my attention...because I agree: His post here: http://www.motorgnomes.com/2011/10/miata-car-clubs/ I see so many clubs having well-attended events, including DRIVING events; yet, it seems so hard to simply get people together from various groups/boards in Chicagoland. Maybe someday that will change. For a year, I thought it had, with 65 people attending the 2008 MidSummer Chitown Gathering. But then, every year after that, interest waned, including very low attendance at 3 Meet'n'Greets, 04/16/2011, 05/21/2011 and 07/30/2011; the 4th, 10/15/2011, was canceled. So, I'm done setting up gatherings/meet'n'greets. But, perhaps I should try to organize a drive in 2012...or not. I HAVE had time to add to my ROUTE 66 STORY. #20 (The Picture), 10/16/2011: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/2011/10/17/_thats-the-highway_-11/ ...& the entire STORY is here: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic * PRE-SURGERY PARTY = ~5:30p-10:30p, Saturday, 10/29/2011 at Beef Villa, 1225 W Spring St, S Elgin IL * "There's just a song in all the trouble and the strife" __ Dire Straits __ 'Walk Of Life'

LOL! Actually, Alex, I do! I know that issue, though ... lots of "boring" stuff out west of where I live, where I drive my cars. I've come up with SOME good shots, but just not too much "picturesque". Then again, someone else driving into the area for the first time might vehemently disagree with me.... *shrugs* * I don't have any good pics of my hometown. It's tough to be a "tourist" in one's own area, but I need to take time to do that. In the meantime, a friend sent me this video, which is a good "snapshot" of Elgin IL: I've shared plenty of pics I've taken of area roads west of Elgin, but here is one I took this year during cruise nights. It is Rookie's in Elgin, along Randall Rd ... a "new" area of town: Then, on Sunday, 10/02/2011, I "toured" a bit more, and took these 8 shots as I drove my cars: ...Plato Center IL, an old truck advertising a business on Dittman Rd: ...Campton Hills IL, Burlington Rd at IL RT 47, which connects Route 66, the Lincoln Highway and US RT 20: ...E of Sycamore IL, IL RT 64: ...Sycamore IL, Speedway: ...Sycamore IL, IL RT 23: ...N of Sycamore IL, farmhouse along IL RT 23: ...N of Burlington IL, pond along Baseline Rd: ...Burlington IL, old schoolhouse (1872) along Ramm Rd: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Don't you remember?" __ Starship __ 'We Built This City'

AWESOME pic! Glad all is well, Ara and Spirit ... and congrats on the new rig! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Time is a friend" __ Reba McEntire __ 'Is There Life Out There?'

* My "big heart" has FINALLY won me a DATE... ...with a knife! 11/07/2011 = catheterization 11/08/2011 = my 4th Open Heart Surgery; Recovery time, ~2-3 months. More information in a bit, but first... DETAILING: Anyone able to or know someone who will clean my 6 cars for me yet this October? Since my "car season" will be over sooner than usual, I will not have time to detail them, let alone get to 1,000 miles on each of them for what would've been the 3rd year in a row. PRE-OP FUN: Who is IN for a "PRE-SURGERY PARTY"? Stop in for 5 minutes or all 5 hours... ~5:30p-10:30p Saturday, 10/29/2011 @ Beef Villa 1225 W SPRING ST S Elgin IL http://www.beefvilla.com/ FB event: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103976313046427 NEPHEW TIME: Hard to believe he will be THREE just a few days after my upcoming OHS: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2430260958146&set=a.2430259678114.2146020.1300282613&type=1&l=f202ae6938 ...& now, BACK TO OHS NEWS.... I've been quiet because it took me time to process the news from my 09/29/2011 appointment with the surgeon, make some decisions & prep info to share. I'm NOT scared, but I dread enduring another OHS so soon after my 3rd one ... and I'm VERY frustrated/angry at the irony of how this will affect my finances/plans/cars/vacation/road trips. I'm starting to "hate" my "big heart", literally and figuratively. Remaining upbeat is tough with so much happening and on my mind (other than the surgery). I HATE medical bills and wasting time. Life is too short! My surgeon appointment was originally scheduled for 09/15/2011, but that never happened. If a friend of mine at the hospital hadn't sent me a message that morning asking what time I'd be there, I wouldn't have known. She noticed I wasn't on the schedule. So, I called and was told the surgeon was out of town at a conference. They CLAIMED to have called me, but the number they told me they called wasn't mine. UGH. So, LONG story short, the appointment was moved to 09/29/2011. The trouble my "big heart" has me in now: My ascending aorta is 5.6 at the middle; 5.3 at the root. The aorta (to the arch) & the aortic valve will be replaced with a tissue (cow) valve; I will have a small farm inside of me! The Tuesday, 11/08/2011, surgery will be performed by Dr Russell at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital. This is different than my prior 3 OHSs, done at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital... ...November 1977 ... 1st pig's valve installed to replace the pulmonary artery I was born without ...March 1987 ... 2nd pig's valve installed (outgrew 1st one) ...January 6, 2003 ... 3rd pig's valve installed (2nd one too calcified) & 1st pacemaker installed My CHD Quilt Block: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html'>http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html I appreciate ALL of the continuing support. Good thing about the surgery is that I'll have plenty of time to read, WRITE more of my Route 66 story, plan road trips, listen to music, etc. Though, I wish I was on a ROAD TRIP or back on the RADIO ... or both. My Route 66 story: http://whenthegoingisgood.com/category/route66/ My road trip (& other) pics: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/roadtrips/roadtrips.html http://picasaweb.google.com/knightfan26917 My radio show playlists: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/radioshows.html All of the above linked from: http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/ With so much happening, it's going to be a rough and fast few weeks. I have LOTS to do [pre-op appointments, move stuff out of my room, drive my cars, work, etc.], so I'll be online sporadically.... IRONY ROCKS! Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "Wonderin' what's real and wonderin' why" __ Andy & Terry Murray __ 'Treasures For The Road'

That sums it up right there, Dave ... for you and me both. My goodness. This past Saturday, I was supposed to be at a "mini meet" of one of my groups in Stillman Valley IL, but I wasn't feeling good, so I wasn't able to go. VERY VERY frustrating, particularly when I miss people I want to see . Ugh. Jim ... it is even better in person. I know the guy who owns it ... and this is the first year in about 5 (or so) that he has had it out for the summer. It has been so wonderful to see it back on the road. * Heh ... to further illustrate how "weird" my summer is: I haven't detailed my cars yet this year, let alone simply washed them! With the pending surgery, I probably will not have time to clean them...UGH. Ssssooo...anyone want to or know of someone who would clean them for me?????? ...at least I've had lots of "nephew time" this year; hard to believe he will be THREE in less than 2 months. Pics I took when I had the cars out Saturday, 09/17/2011: ...1979 Caprice Classic ...1987 MC ...1981 MC ...1979 MC ...1976 MC ...1972 MC Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I'm in a state of confusion, I hope things aren't what they seem" __ Travis Tritt __ 'Tell Me I Was Dreaming'

* Time sure flies. It's now been 3 months since my 2011 road trip STARTED ... and I'm wishing I could be back on the road ... NOW. 10 more highlights: Friday evening, 06/24/2011, W of Fort Wayne IN, along US 30 E: Saturday late evening, 06/25/2011, along PA Turnpike, I-76 W: Wednesday morning, 06/29/2011, Red Fork OK, 1 of a few MCs I saw along the way that I wondered if it was owned by someone I know: Sunday morning, 07/03/2011, Rock/Rail/River along I-70 W, Colorado: Monday morning, 07/04/2011, Nevada, along I-80 W: Wednesday morning, 07/06/2011, Lebanon OR, US 20 W: Thursday afternoon, 07/07/2011, Idaho, along US 95 S: Friday afternoon, 07/08/2011, Idaho, along I-15 N: Saturday evening, 07/09/2011, South Dakota, along I-90 E: Sunday afternoon, 07/10/2011, Minnesota, along I-94 E: Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I could never get enough" __ Eddy Raven __ 'I Could Use Another You'

Sweet news, Jim ... congratulations. Cort | 38.m.IL | pigValve + paceMaker | 5 Monte Carlos + 1 Caprice Classic CHD.MCs.CC + RoadTrips.models.RadioShows.legos.HO.us66 = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort "I'm going to make it to heaven" __ Irene Cara __ 'Fame'