gone CRAW fishin'

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I figured I would post this before a search party was called out. I will be gone from the fire department, computers, pager and cell phone until Mothers Day. I am taking a nice long trip to the swampy state I love so much to "study wildlife" (wink wink).... My favorite part of the whole trip is traveling down and up the entire length of our beloved State...NOT!

[RspctFrmCalgary]

:eek: Must be nice!!!!!

You actually put CR and Jay in charge of the place while you're gone??? WOW trusting fellow aren't ya??!!!

Enjoy your vacation :D

[jboczek]

Mikey, don't know if you're going down I 57, but if you are when you get past Mt. Vernon, look out West about 15 miles and wave. I'll be looking for you.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I sure am Jack. I must say that your part of Illinois is by far the most scenic part of my 355 mile trek down 57. The only thing I dont like is the speed trap in Pulaski County right outside of Cairo.

[80FIRE]

Sounds like you have been to Pulaski County before Mike!
Have a safe and fun vacation!
Don't Worry! Be Happy! Illinois will be in good hands while you are gone. HA HA HAAAAAAAA

[ChiefReason]

MIKEY:
Listen to that bayou blues and think of me. I love the blues. I like zydeco, too. I think that I could get along quite nice in Luziana.
You aren't job hunting, are you? Illinois can't afford to lose you.
Tell me you're not thinking of re-locating.
I'm starting to hyper-ventilate. I'm starting to get dizzy. Ears are ringing.
Wait a minute. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! It was just gas!:p
Have fun and lots of it, MIKEY. Drop us a postcard.
I will be playing golf with Tyke on May 17th. Anything you'd like me to tell him?
Have a safe trip.
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I am happily employed right here in Illinois... Pure vacation pleasure for me. Take it easy on poor ol Tyke..He isnt as young as he used to be. I am glad you got over your little "spell" Chief. I wont be relocating anywhere for a few more years.

[jaybird210]

Have a good time, MIKEY! Hey, if you find any extra "wild life" down there, bring one back for me, will ya?!?!?:D :D :p

[MikeF25]

Ok

I feel with everyone worried about Mikey not coming back I will let out my secret.

I am the owner of the great state of Illinois.

No No its true, that is why we have such great firefighters here, because I only allow the best.

Having said that Jumbalia(Sp) Jim the owner of Louisiana did want to trade a whole department for Mikey, but I wouldn't hear of it.

Keep up the good work ladies and gents.


Ok, I am awaking from my dream now.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Hello from the Bayou. After dodging a tornado on my way down near Jackson Mississippi, it looks like I may have to contend with a few more on my way back north. I am still in Louisiana. I spent 12 days in New Orleans and am now "recooperating" in the Breaux Bridge/Lafayette area. It hasnt rained a drop since I have been here. It was really really nice to get away from it all (although my liver may think otherwise)... I will be back on the job Sunday... Mike F. can you do something about boosting the speed limit to 70? Being the owner of Illinois, you should have some pull..:D

[MikeF25]

HMMMMMMM 70 huh,

You know I would love to, but some people seem to have forgotten that I own the state.

They seem to think I am crazy or something, but I will work on it.

[pcfdcap1]

Mikey, are you bringing some crawdads back for me? Nothin better than those daddys. They probably taste better than the ones we used to get out of the crick too. (that's yellow crick Jay). Speaking of the bird, he couldn't wait for you to bring him back a little fishy for him so he went out on his own.:rolleyes:
On your way back on 57, stop at the Bob Evans in Marion and say hey to my daughter for me.:) She'll be the short blond with a drawl that's 2 years old:p She doesn't like our winters so she skipped out on us :rolleyes: At least she became an EMT-B before she moved, so there's a little hope for her.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Too bad I didnt see this earlier Cap. I happend to stay over in Marion on my way home. I left LA late and just didnt wanna make those last 300 miles. I would have had a big breakfast and checked out the "noveau drawl"...

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I will be giving Jack a big wave(not the one-fingered variety) as I blow past his exit Tuesday. Keep the Flatlands safe while I spend the next two weeks gettin "swampy".

[dmleblanc]

Mikey, you must have a true connection with Louisiana because you know that "crawfish" is the proper term...not crawdads, crayfish, or mudbugs :D You heading down here again? Enjoy your visit! Laissez le bon temps rouler!


Having said that Jumbalia(Sp) Jim the owner of Louisiana

"Jambalaya":)

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Dwayne, I spend a lot of time in your state. I love it. Great people, great food. Boudin, oysters and etoufee are some faves of mine.Brother I sure will "let the good times roll" :cool:

[pcfdcap1]

Mikey, I'd have you wave to my daughter on your way through, but she's working at Hoolihans in Carbondale now. Besides, we'll be down there for a few days next month. She's finally graduating from SIU.

[jboczek]

Cap, I know this thread isn't about your kid, but congrats to her on graduation. I remember it's been a long time coming, at least for dad.
Mikey, enjoy yourself for a couple weeks. Got to be a lot different down there than in the windy city area. Sorry I left the meeting so fast last night, but my network connection went away. Hate it when that happens.

[ChiefReason]

Gumbo for everyone.
You know, around here, crawfish are de-clawed and used for catfish bait when you go bank pole fishin' in the cricks.
Swear to God!
CR

[dmleblanc]

Originally posted by ChiefReason
Gumbo for everyone.
You know, around here, crawfish are de-clawed and used for catfish bait when you go bank pole fishin' in the cricks.
Swear to God!
CR

Yeah, I used to work for my uncle in a little seafood restaurant and all the "Yankee" tourists said the same thing. Waste of good crawfish if you ask me...:)

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well I am back from da bayou and all I can say was that the beer was cold, the music hot, the weather beautiful amd the food was awesome. It was a great trip. Poor timing kept me from visiting Jack and his new firehouse, but 20 days off work was just what the doctor ordered !

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

My Doctor

[dmleblanc]

Yeah, Mikey, you came at a good time...the weather has been unusually mild this year for late spring...also, they're having a great year for crawfish....big and lots of 'em....:D

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

When I left ChiTown it was 80 degrees. After I left, it actually SNOWED a bit. I waited til it warmed up here before I came home. Dwayne, folks couldnt believe I heard of Paincourtville. When I escaped N.O., I took the back way (90) to Lafayette. The weather at times reminded me of Upper Michigan in the summertime, warm but no humidity. I cooked jambalaya for the troops tonight. I could have stayed a few more days and went to the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival, but my liver told me "no more buddy". :cool:

[dmleblanc]

Originally posted by MIKEYLIKESIT
Dwayne, folks couldnt believe I heard of Paincourtville.

Around here a lot of folks have heard of Paincourtville....a few years back there was car dealership here (right across from our station, as a matter of fact) that used to run commercials on all the Baton Rouge TV stations. Their little catch phrase at the end of every commercial was "Where in the world is Paincourtville?"

Although that dealership went out of business years ago, even today when I tell some people where I'm from, they recall that commercial (they still don't know where it is, but at least they remember the commercial....:rolleyes: )

[Weruj1]

Mikey welcome back !! Glad you had a good time and bright your extra liver............

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well since I didnt make the big deployment I am heading down to Louisiana and do what I do best, SPEND MONEY. The Sox had my plans in the air, but they took care of business and Friday I am southbound. Should be an exciting, emotional scene this Saturday (www.voodoomusicfest.com). I bought my ticket before Katrina and never went for a refund. Should be a good day for the city. The music scene is getting itself back on its feet. I am especially looking forward to catching Jon Cleary at the Maple Leaf Saturday night. Jon is a remarkable musician and happens to be a member of Bonnie Raitts band. Sunday I have been invited by a buddy to the Saints/Dolphins game in Baton Rouge. Not sure about that one yet. I am also going to spend a couple days in Mobile. Then its back to Louisana for the Bears/Saints game. Jack, I would love to see that new firehouse so dont be shocked when I call early in the first week of November.

[jboczek]

Mikey, have a safe trip and wave when you go down, or back up. It'd be a pleasure to give you the guided tour. Still got my cell number?

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Thats a big 10-4 on the cell #.

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

This is my second post-Katrina trip to New Orleans. It will be good to see the progress that has been made since October. I will be doing my part one buck at a time. This years New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is going to be a special one. Among the artists playing will be Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet and of course many Louisiana artists. Chief R. I will be thinking of you when the good Dr. closes out this Fridays set.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Have a great trip, Mikey :)

[FTMPTB15]

Among the artists playing will be Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet and of course many Louisiana artists.
Damn.. that does sound like a fun time. Too bad I'll be "partying" it up at work. I guess we'll just have to have our own music festival!

[ChiefReason]

This is my second post-Katrina trip to New Orleans. It will be good to see the progress that has been made since October. I will be doing my part one buck at a time. This years New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival is going to be a special one. Among the artists playing will be Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, Paul Simon, Jimmy Buffet and of course many Louisiana artists. Chief R. I will be thinking of you when the good Dr. closes out this Fridays set.
Damn, MIKEY.
As if today wasn't crappy enough. You're going to a rock/blues hall of fame concert.
An autograph from the good Dr. would cheer me up! :cool:
Have a great time.
I'll be thinking of you when the Dr. closes the show.
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Well after dodging tornadoes and driving over about 3 inches of hail near Hayti Missouri Tuesday night, I made it back to New Orleans. The city looks 100 percent better in many areas then when I was there in October but there is so much more that needs to be done. The Brothers in the N.O.F.D. are tired but hanging tough. I am sure many of you have gotten all the "funny Katrina" e-mails that seem to be hitting the inbox lately. If you spend some time talking to people just like us, you wouldn't think they were quite so cute. But I digress. I bore witness to one of the most enjoyable sets of music I have ever seen yesterday afternoon. Bruce Springsteen and his Seeger Sessions Band really showed why he IS the Boss. What a great, emotional performance. Not too preachy, (Except maybe the "President Bystander" :eek: line) but just a fantastic 2 hours.

[jaybird210]

Since this is the closest thing we have to a road-trip/vacation thread, I'm posting this here.

The Red One and I are headed to the Buckeye state this afternoon to check on Weruj1 and keep him safe while we all attend a "funeral" for a friend.

firenresq77 is getting married, the dumb-@$$. We've tried to stop him, but he just won't listen. So we'll go drink his beer.

T-minus 5 hours, 48 minutes and counting.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

Soooooooo the BIG DAY is finally here! CONGRATULATIONS, BRIAN! :D

Or, according to Jay, maybe I should give you my condolences instead? LOL ;) :p

[ChiefReason]

So much for golf then. :cool:

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Wave when you pass our water tower !

[jaybird210]

Wave when you pass our water tower !

We did! RaeBob told me to! :D

[Weruj1]

someday I am gonna stop in on my way over to see you ..............cause I wave to and you are also on our fire frequency !

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

Shoulda stopped for dinner Jay. I made ribs. Josh anytime. My annual road trip to Ingleside Illinois begins Saturday. The 16th annual Illinois Fire Safety Alliance's "Camp I Am Me" will be taking place until the 24th. One of the best things about the fire service in our great state.

[RaeBob21]

Mikey-I waved while driving past yesterday. Had a wonderful time (2 hrs) sitting in traffic. :p

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

80 is horrible. While I was in New Orleans, last month, the troops had a ripping fire on a street that is right along the Interstate. A lady slowed down to look at the fire and a semi driver did the same...Except he didnt slow down enough. The lady was killed. I am shocked to see where the traffic is backed up to these days. EVERYWHERE around Chicago is so screwed up right now. 80/94,355,294,394, THE DAN RYAN..All a freakin nightmare. That dosent include side streets.

[jboczek]

Danged White Sox!

Cardinals finally get a good pitching performance - 1 run on 1 hit and the Sox still win. What luck!

[jaybird210]

What's the difference between a Wrigley Field Hot Dog and a US Cellular Field Hot Dog? You can buy a US Cellular Field Hot Dog in October....

(That joke would flow a lot better if it was a COMISKEY PARK hot dog.)

[F18Wub]

So what do the White Sox and a US Cell hot dog have in common?











Lips and a$$holes.



Lame, but its the best I got. Just got back from vacation, still suffering from moderate jet lag.

Edited to make the joke better.

[trainer]

Mikey, did you see the skrewup that Idot made on the traffic info billboard on the Ryan? Seems the phone number turned out to be phone sex, problem was corrected the next day. Only in Chicago :o :rolleyes:

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I missed the sign foul-up Larry. Think of it as a new way to give "directions" :D

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I have been a huge computer slacker. I got down here last Tuesday. I waved to Jack when I went through Jefferson County. The city looks a lot better. The weather is beautiful, the beer is ice cold. I am going to an honest to goodness crawfish boil tomorrow. CR.. I saw the good Dr. twice so far. He is still alive and kicking. Add that to Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt amongst others (including a great set by Johnny Rivers) and life is good. We even saw a hell of fire Sunday night. My friends are appalled they expect firemen to work for $6.52 an hour starting pay. I am apalled too.

[RspctFrmCalgary]

I have been a huge computer slacker. I got down here last Tuesday. I waved to Jack when I went through Jefferson County. The city looks a lot better. The weather is beautiful, the beer is ice cold. I am going to an honest to goodness crawfish boil tomorrow. CR.. I saw the good Dr. twice so far. He is still alive and kicking. Add that to Rod Stewart, Van Morrison, Bonnie Raitt amongst others (including a great set by Johnny Rivers) and life is good. We even saw a hell of fire Sunday night. My friends are appalled they expect firemen to work for $6.52 an hour starting pay. I am apalled too.

Enjoy your vacation, Mike! Sounds like your having a blast :D

[jboczek]

Mike, I wasn't looking when you went by!. Let me know when you're going back through and we'll try to look for you. OR, if by some chance you want to make a short pit stop, look me or DJ up!

[lauraboczek]

Yeah, Mikey! Let us know when you're coming back through so we can hang out for a little.

[ChiefReason]

Mikey:
You know where I live.
Welcome mat is always out for the flatlanders. Cajuns too!
CR

[MIKEYLIKESIT]

I had a little change in plans and headed home without stopping in Ashley...again. It is a long story..(a good one) but I was thinking about Jack Laura and D.J. as I passed Mt. Vernon. I really am going to stop for a nice visit soon. New Orleans is looking better but still has a long way to go. By the way I think you have an anniversary soon Laura, so let me wish a very happy one !

[lauraboczek]

Thanks Mikey! Yeah, Sunday will be one year. I even got flowers today at work. He told me yesterday that since the "traditional" first anniversary gift was paper, all I was getting was a "stupid card" as he says. funny haha...
Glad you had a safe trip!! Stop next time!

[jboczek]

I had a little change in plans and headed home without stopping in Ashley...again. It is a long story..(a good one) but I was thinking about Jack Laura and D.J. as I passed Mt. Vernon. I really am going to stop for a nice visit soon. New Orleans is looking better but still has a long way to go. By the way I think you have an anniversary soon Laura, so let me wish a very happy one !

WELL! You did it again! I don't know what time you went through Mt. Vernon, but you could have at least stopped by there and said hi. I'll be waiting for the story: chief@ashleyfire.org

Seriously, I'm glad you had a safe trip and we will get together one of these days. We've got a big bash going on at our station on Sept. 8 or somewhere around there. Maybe a flatlander convention could be a part of that. Our district is 50 YO this year and we're planning a big event.