I heard about the plan Keith Ladage and Mark Dozier had schemed several months prior to the Half Century of Progress show. Keith had planned on making two trips, back and forth accross the state, hauling his two Model As, a Model T, and golfcart.
Originally, Cindy Ladage had been recruiting me to help out as a staff writer covering the event. She initially felt overwhelmed after dealing with health issues earlier this year. Of course Cindy has demonstrated her resilience, bouncing back to her usual full steam.
The plan made was changed. Cindy had learned of a local book fair in Petersburg. Neither one of us have discovered the abilty to be in two places at the same time. Cindy had to attend Half Century, but I didn’t. It was a logical decision for me to represent both of us as authors. I was pretty confident I could sell Cindy’s book, considering its a wonderful read. I’ll share about the book fair in another discussion.
The planets did align enough that I could be some help for Half Century. My schedule allowed me an offer to save Keith a trip. He was hesitant, not understanding I never hold favors over anyone’s head. My Sunday round trip included a delivery to Monticello anyway. This was all part of my sinister plan to draw Keith into the network.
Cue Garth Brooks ~ 🎵 I got friends in low places 🎵
We loaded Tuesday after I was released from work. Cindy insisted on serving supper. I can’t seem to get the point across that feeding strays isn’t in her best interest. It‘s also embarrasing to admit I will work for food.
We didn’t convoy over Wednesday. I had a doctor appointment before I could leave. I managed to find my way, the overwhelming part was the delivery destination.
I’ve never been to Half Century, I’m not sure this counts. However, I have been to the retired base. I attended a truck show. I knew it was a big place and could be overwhelming. Keith dialed me in without inicident.
Unloading went quickly. Tim Seifert, and Wayne Ladage lent hands to safely off load.
I wish I could say my return trip home, on Wednesday, was uneventful. Unfortunetly, I litterly ran a wheel off my trailer! It’s very disconcerning to discover everything missing right down to the axle. I’ve got many years of driving experience and I take pride in my diligence. The missing wheel was on the left side. I’d think I’d have seen it go!
Cue the Kenny Roger’s parody ~🎵 Ya picked a fine time to leave me, loose wheel 🎵
Actually, it could have been far worse. The wheel left at the end of the lane where some of my tractors are stashed. I’m glad it didn’t come off on the interstate! Perish the thought.
Now I’m like a mailman. I had a commitment to Keith. I was going to see it through. What’d I do? Remember the network I was drawing Keith in to? Well I’m in that pretty deep. probably way over my head. I made a phone call.
Cue Garth again 🎵
I’m not going to reveal all my secrets, I just have sources and I called in a favor. I made it back to Rantoul, as scheduled. The return trip went without a hiccup. The Ladages, and the conversion tractors were returned home safely.
So, Have I been to Half Century? I’m just going to shrug my shoulders and let you, the reader, decide
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