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davethebirdman
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« on: September 23, 2005, 07:01:27 pm » |
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Its been a bit quiet here for a while so I thought I'd share some of my Holiday Observations with you.
It's day five of our great big adventure here in North Myrtle Beach. The weather is blistering and the Air Con is running sweetly. Thank God.
I also have two under fives who are still on UK time. Early mornings. 4am starts and then wingeing and wineing mid afternoon. Oh, the wife is hormonal too. But don't tell her I told you so. Apart from that everything is going according to plan.
Okay My first observation.
What do you guys do with the best cuts of Bacon. All I can get is that stringy fatty stuff that frazzles and then plays havoc with your cavity filings.
Sausages, why can't I find a decent sausage. You know the stuff with skin on.
Tea. Tea should be hot . Not cold. Who the #### decided to put Ice in tea.
Hotels & Motels. That must be a cut throat business. Everywhere I go there seems to be at least ten places to stay the night. How do they make money.
Exits on your motorways. Please, can I have a little warning. Me and the kids are fed up with having to constantly turn around cos we missed the sign ON the exit.
petrol. I think you call it gas. Why??? It really is not the end of the world when a gallon goes up to 3 bucks. When it gets to 10 bucks I'll start to have some sympathy with you.
TV. What's with all the adverts. I start to settle down to something I have eventually found after surfing for twenty minutes and before I know it I have some old dear telling me about her piles. Some things are best kept to yourself.
"Have a nice day." What I reallly mean is " I don't care what sort of day you have. I'm being paid to say this drivel and in a while I get my break. "
On the plus side. The Ocean is like a warm bath. The people are the most friendly I have ever met anywhere. Everyone. Complete strangers wave and make a point of saying hello. Real Southern Hospitality. Retail Therapy. Some many shopping centres with so little time (Sorry that was the wife butting in there)
Coca Cola is sold in Bottles along with a host of other sodas.
I love it. But I guess you'd know that already.
Haven't seen many Machines. Acouple of old non vending coolers in the tourist Ice Cream Parlours and a non working and pretty beaten up 1960's vendo being used as a prop.
Dave
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BryanH
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« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2005, 07:16:53 pm » |
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Dave - that was fun...
when your done with your vacation we should start a UK to Canada to US disctionary.
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Thanks, Bryan
Cavalier USS-96: unrestored, working on the back patio
CV VUB/C 8-91: a fantasy restoration?
GE Cooler: in pieces, my next project
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johnieG
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« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2005, 07:36:26 pm » |
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Dave, drop me your home address & I'll ship you & yours a 6-pack of Faygo Red-Pop (strawberry/cream soda)& some Rock-n-Rye. (a Cream-cola) (Faygo's a Detroit,Michigan local bottler) you deserve it! don't worry about the little ones they'll adjust to local time , about the same time as you arrive back across the 'pond home!  '>
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Spoon-feeding Newbies since 2001...  Yeah..220,221 whatever it takes. Remember, all it needs is a shot of Freon! The Vendo V-83 is the '59 Edsel of the coke machine world. ;p Spray painting does NOT restore a compressor 11 is louder than 10... "Hope" is good, but it's not an action plan. |
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dr galaga
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« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2005, 07:43:21 pm » |
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Okay, you asked:
| Quote | | What do you guys do with the best cuts of Bacon. All I can get is that stringy fatty stuff that frazzles and then plays havoc with your cavity filings. |
That's the best stuff, a little limp please. Mmmmmm.
| Quote | | Sausages, why can't I find a decent sausage. You know the stuff with skin on. |
If you want sausage with skin, you need to order a bratwurst.
| Quote | | Tea. Tea should be hot . Not cold. Who the #### decided to put Ice in tea. |
What? You must not be from America...wait a second. I love the stuff. I drink over 1/2 gallon a day.
| Quote | | Hotels & Motels. That must be a cut throat business. Everywhere I go there seems to be at least ten places to stay the night. How do they make money. |
First of all it is after Labor Day here in the US and secondly it's Hurricane season!
| Quote | | Exits on your motorways. Please, can I have a little warning. Me and the kids are fed up with having to constantly turn around cos we missed the sign ON the exit. |
All depends which state you are in. Indiana is famous for that too. By me two Interstates split. There is only a sign right before it too (Actually, on the way to see Markito I had the some problem and ended up on a backroad. I think it was just North of Red Wing).
| Quote | | petrol. I think you call it gas. Why??? It really is not the end of the world when a gallon goes up to 3 bucks. When it gets to 10 bucks I'll start to have some sympathy with you. |
Americans are spoiled. They don't realize how good it is here.
| Quote | | TV. What's with all the adverts. I start to settle down to something I have eventually found after surfing for twenty minutes and before I know it I have some old dear telling me about her piles. Some things are best kept to yourself. |
That's why I only watch the Weather Channel. Stay up later - the infommercials are worse!
| Quote | | "Have a nice day." What I reallly mean is " I don't care what sort of day you have. I'm being paid to say this drivel and in a while I get my break. " |
Everyone is so conditioned with this and are more concerned about themselves and their rush, rush world.
| Quote | | On the plus side. The Ocean is like a warm bath. The people are the most friendly I have ever met anywhere. Everyone. Complete strangers wave and make a point of saying hello. Real Southern Hospitality. Retail Therapy. Some many shopping centres with so little time (Sorry that was the wife butting in there) |
Once you get away from the people mentioned before it's actually real nice.
| Quote | | Coca Cola is sold in Bottles along with a host of other sodas. |
Unfortunaltly most of it is not in glass.
| Quote | | I love it. But I guess you'd know that already. |
Yep.
Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay! (And I really mean it)
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jasmine64
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« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2005, 07:50:40 pm » |
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| Quote | Tea. Tea should be hot . Not cold. Who the #### decided to put Ice in tea.
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My daughter would die if she read that...she lives for iced
tea and it has to be sweetened with real sugar.
| Quote | | Hotels & Motels. That must be a cut throat business. Everywhere I go there seems to be at least ten places to stay the night. How do they make money. |
I'd much rather stay in a condo on the beach, that way I can do my own cooking, and in the long run it's cheaper.
| Quote | | Exits on your motorways. Please, can I have a little warning. Me and the kids are fed up with having to constantly turn around cos we missed the sign ON the exit. |
Try driving in Little Rock or Memphis, I can truely relate to the lack of warning.
| Quote | | TV. What's with all the adverts |
That has been a pet peeve of mine for years!! I always mute them.
Glad to have you over here. Hope you have a great vacation. |
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Marsha
Cav. CD 22
Choice Vend 168 - Use daily.
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halehouse
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« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2005, 09:03:40 pm » |
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The weather is blistering
Thus the iced tea! |
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Vendo 63 Stylestar (Restored)
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halehouse
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« Reply #6 on: September 23, 2005, 09:10:55 pm » |
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I think the price of gas...er, uh...petrol...er, uh...fuel gets to people because many people in the US drive greater distances between home and destinations. Correct me if I am wrong, but for the most part, Europeans live in closer proximity to stores, entertainment, and work whereas our metro areas much more spread out. We are spoiled with the car. We have any number of ice-cream places within 10 minutes of home, but will drive 25 miles one way to go to a particular custard stand and will go by 3 supermarkets to get to the newest one.
What would be preferrable over "Have a nice day" ?
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Vendo 63 Stylestar (Restored)
Glascock Standard
Cornelius 50 Slider (Restored)
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Pat Pixley
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« Reply #7 on: September 23, 2005, 11:19:25 pm » |
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WOW!!!! Sound like your having a real good vacation Dave.
Really I hope you and your family have a great time ,next time your here you will have to hit Michigan in July and hang at Lake Michigan. Ice tea you have to try it, Myself I like
the Lipton Green Tea with citrus .
Anyways have a good time.
Pat
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sodaworks
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« Reply #8 on: September 24, 2005, 12:57:35 am » |
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Dave, Enjoy your stay in the U.S. Try Ice tea with a couple of slices of lemon, you'll be hooked in no time. Are you planning on visiting the west coast?  '>
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TERRY@SODAWORKS RESTORATIONS
Lots of Round Top machines
Buy-Sell-Trade-Restorations
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #9 on: September 24, 2005, 06:45:45 am » |
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Hello Everyone.
Right I'm going to take your advice. I'm off out to Dennys (I love Dennys ) and the first thing on the menu is going to be a glass of Iced Tea. If I'm really brave I might even order some biscuits with gravy. Come on, biscuits with gravy. Biscuits are for dunking in your HOT tea and Gravy is what you pour over your Sunday dinner. But, in the interests of maintaining International friendships I'm prepared to let my taste buds take the flack.
Bryan - You Canadians can be a bit wierd too. After all anyone who smothers Maple Syrup on absolutely everything must be at least one sandwich short of a picnic. But at least when I was in BC I could get a cup of hot tea.
Jamine - You are so right about hotle rooms. We only spent one night there. We did a home exchange so have all the comforts of home. Hence the Internet connection.
Johnie - Thanks for the offer of the soda. Going out today to the largest Wallmart on the East Coast so hopefully will be able to find them there. If not I'll keep you posted.
Doctor - Took your advice and waited up to watch the late night adverts. what the #### is the "male Itch."
Dan - You are right about the distance you travel. Everything over here is huge in comparision to Europe. I do 60 miles a day back and forward to work and spend over $500.00 a month on gas.
Pat - In my quest to stay at least one night in every state. Michagan is definately on the "to do " list.
Terry - would love to visit the West Coast again. Think I might have difficulty convincing "er indoors" that the US is on the agenda again next year. Will probably have to go to Spain and spend time with my so called European brothers. ... Great.
Well today is well under way. Our normal wake up call of 4am. Taking the kids to a local kids museum. That should keep them busy for at least twenty minutes.
On the plus side my Gum vendor I bought off Ebay last month Turned up and after getting the lock off (no key) it looks in remarkable condition with all bits present. Wifes not too happy weighs about 30 pound and she's carrying it home.
Take care everyone. Thank God Rita seems to be less harmful than first anticipated.
Dave..
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halehouse
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« Reply #10 on: September 24, 2005, 07:51:07 am » |
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I've been to that kids' museum with my son last spring. We weren't too impressed. Too bad the Pelicans aren't playing ball. They have a very nice minor league park across from Broadway at the Beach. The aquarium is nice. Brookgreen Gardens is a nice place for a stroll.
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Vendo 63 Stylestar (Restored)
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sodaworks
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« Reply #12 on: September 24, 2005, 09:25:47 am » |
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Gotta try the "biscuits with sausage gravy" for breakfast. Here on the west coast we call it "Okie Chow". Sure is good eaten!!  '>
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TERRY@SODAWORKS RESTORATIONS
Lots of Round Top machines
Buy-Sell-Trade-Restorations
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glassbottlesrule
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« Reply #13 on: September 24, 2005, 11:30:32 am » |
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Dave, if you ever get up in Michigan I will take you to my favorite place in the world, The Henry Ford. It's Henry's attempt to cram as much history into the smallest footprint possible. It has Edison's building's the Wright brother's cycle shop, Heinz's first building, The Firestone family farm and many other attractions. My family and I go there just about every weekend.A must see for everyone that hits this area.www.hfmgv.org
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« Reply #14 on: September 24, 2005, 12:04:29 pm » |
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As someone who grew up in Dearborn, Michigan. Yes, Greenfield Village, and the Henry Ford Museum, both great places to visit. Even the children should enjoy it. Lots of early Americana, Automobiles, Trains, a few Planes, take a ride on a side wheel riverboat. Great place.
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« Reply #15 on: September 25, 2005, 10:36:38 pm » |
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Dave, I have to say that it is so much fun and refreshing to har your take on all things "Yank".
Please keep those observations coming. I really love it.
You have a great sense of humor and a great view on life.
Thanks for taking the time to share your adventure with us.
But um... I don't think I have ever wanted to step into a Denny's while sober.
Be safe and continue to have a lot of fun.
All the best to your family.
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #16 on: September 26, 2005, 07:52:06 pm » |
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Tried Ice Tea......Yuck. You can keep it. Thankfully the person we are swapping houses with is an ex-pat married to a local. We raided her cupboards the other night and found this pack of tea bags that looked like they'd been there since Noah raised the drawbridge on his arc. But the taste it was like nectar.
Have managed to negociate this driving on the WRONG side of the road very well. Just keep the wife close to the kerb and all is well. Have only had one mishap. The reaction I got from the other road users was, in my opinion, well over the top. Okay so I was going from a minor road into a major and I was, I must confess edging out and looking the wrong way, but there was no need for the "finger" and the abuse well it just was not right coming from a senior citizen and a woman at that.
Wow, had a trip to Home Depot today. Only popped out for two minutes spent well over an hour and that was just in the garden section. Those BBQ's you could feed and army with them. I know you guys have lots of friends and do that whole backyard thing but really is there any need for a BBQ that can grill (sorry broil) 200 hamburgers in one sitting. What they should do is put one of those Home Depots at every Factory Outlet Mall. That way I could entertain myself for a couple of hours whilst the wife saves a couple of cents on a T shirt she didn't really need but had to have.
Everywhere we go we are approached by people who want to sign us up to Loyalty cards. They just sneak up on you. They just won't take no for an answer. "There's nothing wrong with the layout of the store. Yes I was very happy with the customer service. Your choice was second to none... But its not good enough to fly 5,000 miles a week just to do my grocery shopping."
Then they'll say " Oh, your from outta town." Yep may be the pale white legs in a pair of shorts and the beetroot red face would tell you that.
In the 200 or so years since we relinquished the Colonies our language seems to have drifted further apart. Now, I don't have any difficulty understanding the locals but for some reason it would appear that they have difficulty understanding me. I was in Mcdonalds the other day and went through the whole order. Kids meal the wife's burger without the relish all that sort of malarkey and at the end of it after a gap of about 5 seconds the server turned around and said "Whhhat.." In the end I had to point to the board for what I wanted.
Don't have that problem with the kids. One came up to me and asked whether I was Harry Potter's dad.
Hey, it hasn't all been bad. Those boneless chicken wings they sell in Wallmart are just fantastic and the cashier packs your bags for you too. She got the right hump when I tried putting my own groceries away.
Tried Root Beer today. Not bad. Still looking for RC Cola. Found my first Vendo in a meseum at a zoo just outside Myrtle Beach. Pretty beaten up but I know a few of you out there could breathe new life into it. Did take a picture but will have to wait till I get home to load it.
Trying to convince the wife that we need to stop of at Antiquevending.com on the way back to Charlotte but she won't have any of it. Still, can't moan. Managed to get the high bid on a 1950's phone. Just hope it arrives before I go home.
Dave
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« Reply #17 on: September 26, 2005, 08:09:36 pm » |
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Great stuff Dave. Keep it coming.
Thanks mate.
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dr galaga
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« Reply #18 on: September 26, 2005, 08:50:11 pm » |
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| Quote (davethebirdman @ Sep. 26 2005,8:52) | | ...the wife's burger without the relish... |
On your side of the pond McDonalds puts pickle relish on hamburgers? Here it's the yucky pickle slices.
Why is it that something that is so important to have done correctly (cooking to the right temp, proper handling, etc.) that we have the cheapest labor for food workers? |
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Pat Pixley
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« Reply #19 on: September 26, 2005, 10:01:13 pm » |
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Dave sorry about the ice tea or should I call you Mr Potter
(Sorry I just read your deal and just about fell out of my chair laughing) You eather Like ice tea or you don't .
Well If you Make Michigan Henry Ford is a great place but
A football game like MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS VS
University of MICHIGAN Now that is fun, But not for the young one's. Well If you make it Michigan let us know.
Pat '>
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Creighton
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« Reply #20 on: September 26, 2005, 10:43:13 pm » |
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Great commentary Dave! Gotta watch those seniors, they learn several things while they are driving 35 in a 70 with the blinker on. Have yet to figure out what language is spoken at Micky D's :-)
Thanks!
Creighton
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petey64
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« Reply #21 on: September 27, 2005, 12:14:37 am » |
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well Dave you are settling in, you got your first taste of road rage and the experiance of working with our very own food service industry workers, now since you are in florida go to miami lose the wife for a couple of hours and go to south beach make sure to wear sunglasses and try not to pull an eye muscle staring at the Cuban girls. 
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BrianB
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« Reply #22 on: September 27, 2005, 06:58:07 am » |
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Yeah, I was gonna say. We get the same reception at most eating establishments here in my town too....How peculiar.
Customer service as a whole in the US has taken a dive in the past few years.
It's great to hear that you're having a good time though, Dave.
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Brian
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« Reply #23 on: September 27, 2005, 03:47:18 pm » |
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If you come to Miami, be sure to bring your passport. You will be entering a foreign country. Think you have experienced culture shock, think again.
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #24 on: September 27, 2005, 04:02:57 pm » |
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I think I'll give Miami a wide berth this time around.
How did the Keys hold off during Rita. Saw some on the news but not a lot.
Dave
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firemun
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« Reply #25 on: September 27, 2005, 07:22:26 pm » |
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| Quote | | Still looking for RC Cola |
| Quote | | on the way back to Charlotte |
Dave,
I am in Charlotte. How much RC Cola you want and where would you like to meet at?
I do not have many machines compared to some, but you are welcome to look at mine:
VMC27, VMC27A, Cav 51 Cav96, Westinghouse WD 20 Ideal 55 Generic and an Embossed Ideal 55 Coca Cola. Those I have here, VMC 139, CAV 64, WD22 in storage.
jeff |
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« Reply #26 on: September 27, 2005, 10:35:38 pm » |
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The Keys had some damage, but not that bad. Also the Keys bounce back quickly. And Miami is not really bad, just different.
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #27 on: September 29, 2005, 07:23:02 am » |
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Hi Jeff
Thanks very much for the offer. We are on vactation in Myrtle Beach and will be flying home from Charlotte. Next Tuesday. We have made arrangements to drop the car off at the airport 2 hrs before our flight leaves. Because the kids don't travel well we'll be leaving Myrtle Beach to travel direct to the airport.
If we exchange again in Myrtle Beach I'd love to take you up on your offer of looking at your machines. What you have would be considered a museum here in the UK.
Take Care
Dave
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #28 on: August 02, 2016, 10:34:32 pm » |
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Wow 11 years ago. First trip to the US with the kids. Here we are, seasoned travellers. Both of them teenagers and eight trips under our belts.
Somethings never change though. Still having trouble with your bacon and iced Tea. Oh and your driving. All this overtaking and undertaking is driving (literally) me mad. Everyone is texting too.
Still wouldn't choose to holiday anywhere else.
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Creighton
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« Reply #29 on: August 03, 2016, 02:29:23 am » |
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Howdy Dave,
I'm glad of all of the places you could go, You picked the USA.
Just tell them how you want your bacon and iced tea.
Most of the drivers here are just not very good In FL. really bad :-).
Need anything just holler and have a great time !!
Creighton
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Jim
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« Reply #30 on: August 03, 2016, 06:26:33 am » |
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Hello Dave,
Where in the US are you vacationing?
Drive safe and have Gr-8 time with the family ! ! !
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My six cents, Jim  |
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davethebirdman
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« Reply #31 on: August 13, 2016, 12:27:17 pm » |
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Sorry Jim. Just seen your post. East coast this year. We flew into Orlando via Toronto. Then went down to Miami and Ft Lauderdale for a couple of days. Onto the keys and then back in Orlando for eleven nights. Hem again via Toronto. Been back a few days and still on US time.
Very poor exchange rate this year so no real goodies to bring back.
Dave
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