GEORGE DAWSON - Sent This Picture of a Scamp from Montana

Scamp Fiberglass Travel Trailer

My friends George and Joel are on the camping trail. They sent this picture of a Scamp trailer to me. Every time I see one I have to tell my story of the one we had. 

In 1977 - when Lulu and I sold our newspaper - we were flush with cash. We bought a trailer like this and a 1977 Chevy Chevette - a very tiny car. We decided to make a tour around the USA in our Chevrolet.

The 1977 Chevy Chevette was red and had a 1600cc engine. It also had automatic transmission and no air conditioner. The Scamp was made of fiberglass. It weighed 900 pounds. We towed it with a 1000 pound rated bumper hitch - just three bolts into the bumper.

ROMNEY TAX RETURNS

Heathrow Airport - 9 Hours Home

Lulu met Mnazakan Iskandaryan. He won a gold medal in 1992 in Greco-Roman Wrestling. Note the Russian teammates behind him. I was surprised when she posed with him - he really liked it.

These frames are stupid - but we are a sucker for them.

We took the Piccadilly Line (blue line) directly from our apartment to Heathrow Airport. It took about one hour and made 15 stops. The train was packed for the first 3 stops - then it thinned out. We were able to get seats and ride sitting down the whole trip with our 6 bags stacked up. We took along a stroller for the kids and we used it to haul our big bags.

At the airport we had an hour to kill - and plenty of left over pounds to spend. Soon we were winging to Atlanta - the ride was smooth most of the way. Seats were full and they served two nice meals. 

Then we had one more flight from Atlanta to Tallahassee - our bags were booked right through. When we got to Tallahassee - the bags were already waiting for us. As we got off the plane - the warm/humid air of Tallahassee hit us - there was no mistaking where we were. Just like snowbirds fly to Florida in the winter - many folks leave Tallahassee for the cooler mountains up north in July and August.

Our friends Joel and George are camping in the Rockies. We have wan other neighbor that spends the whole summer in Miane. Before long we will all be together cheering for the Seminoles.

We are back to laundry - vacuuming - mowing the lawn - raking leaves - and soaking up the AC. Lulu's pool looks good - the pool guy did his job - the grass is cut - JC did his. It will take a few days for jet lag to go away - but we are home.

THE DAWSONS - Are Following Lewis and Clark's Trail West In Montana

George Dawson wrote -

We are now at the beginning of our third week of our trip and are getting into the routine of setting and breaking camp on the road.  Now that we are in the Northern Rockies and finally out of searing heat, we are enjoying being outside considerable more.   In the past couple of days we have not been driving all day long but taking time to raft, hike a bit and really relax.  Here are some short notes from the past two days of my journal which I have attempted sporadically.  

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Today we are taking on the Bitteroot Mts which we can cross in four hours or so but which took Lewis and Clark five weeks.  We will be driving and walking today and tomorrow on top of the footprints of Lewis and Clark where they experienced some of their toughest days on there great exploratory adventure.  They crossed these mountains in September and October, 1805 and returned headed east in May and June 1806.  There are roadside markers and place names related to that expedition all along our route (US 12).  

Tuesday August 7th - Last Day in London - Now They Know How Many Holes It Takes To Fill The Albert Hall.

 Across the street in the background is the Royal Albert Concert Hall.

On Sunday - Monday - and Tuesday - all our guests left London for home. Lulu and I were lonely and homesick so we just decided to tour the city by foot - bus - and subway - just the two of us.

We walked to Hyde Park where the Triathlon was going on. They also had giant screens set up so people could watch Olympic events if they did not have tickets. 

Then we went to see the Royal Albert Hall and the Prince Albert Memorial. Queen Victoria pined over Albert for 50 years after he died. 

Next we walked south to the Victoria and Albert Museum - an impressive collection of buildings similar to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington - no admission fee. Portions of the paintings - jewelry - and statuary reminded me of the Louvre in Paris. 

After all that walking - we had a dinner at home on leftovers from our frig. 

We were tempted to make one more try to get Olympic tickets - but watched the events from home instead. 

The next morning we had to leave the apartment at 8 AM - take the blue line subway to the airport - then we had a 9 hour flight to Atlanta. We ended up spending the night in Atlanta - and then flew into Tallahassee at 9 AM this morning.

We have been away from home for 40 days - almost 6 weeks. I will be posting a review with a picture form each day.

This is the Prince Albert Memorial in Hyde Park

 Lulu is dwarfed by the giant statue and hall.

In Hyde Park is the Princess Diana Memorial Pool. It is a granite circle with water flowing through it. Kids can play in it - some strip down to their underwear and wade in the water.

At the Victoria and Albert Museum you can see damage left over from the World War II Battle of Britain. I have my hand in a hole made by a big piece of shrapnel from a bomb. Brits will never repair these holes - they are badges of honor.

BURLESQUE SHOW - Harry Burlesque Virgin Last Night

In order to become more well-rounded - Harry along with his escort Lulu - saw their first burlesque "art" show.

The Duchess Theatre is within walking distance of our apartment. Yesterday - while walking by - Lulu suggested that we get tickets. At the box office - tickets ranged from 20 pounds in the rafters to 60 pounds in the prime stalls. We were lucky to get the "producer's seats" according to the ticket seller for 40 pounds each. They were third row from the stage - exactly in the middle. 

The 8 PM show filled up quickly. The agent reminded us that there is no plot to follow. It is just comedy - dancing - singing - and "entertaining." To my surprise - I would say 90% of the crowd were women - mainly small groups of ladies out for a night of drinks and fun. It is not the kind of crowd I expected to watch a burlesque show.

The entire cast was 8 women between the ages of 25 and 29. They appeared in many states of dress and undress - imitating singers like Madonna and Lady Gaga. There were plenty of suggestive routines and dialog. The women at all times appeared in some sort of garments - even if they were only pasties and a g-string. There was no total nudity. 

I was surprised at what talented singers and dancers they were. They were all in excellent shape and coniditon - not an ounce of cellulite anywhere - not in any way bovine.

After 2 hours of getting the audience to participate in clapping - singing - dancing - just like that it was over. Lulu was a good sport - she seemed just as interested as I was. After the show - we walked home.

DR KATY TRAN - Celebrates Her FSU Graduation Watching Her Sister Amy Play in the Olympics

Harry - Lulu - Katy Tran - Jarrad Turner - Susan Tran - Phap Tran. The picture was taken in our London backyard today - where we had the big party a few days ago. We were having so much fun celebrating - we forgot to take a picture.

About 3 years ago - our family was introduced to Katy Tran by our old Pennsylvania friend Sally Bair. Sally emailed that her friend had a very special daughter who was coming to Tallahassee to work on a PhD in Sports Psychology. Katy flew to town alone - and it seems like yesterday that she used our guest house as a base to get organized in town. Then when we got the brick house Katy stayed there.

Katy lived in Tallahassee to complete all of her coursework in 2 years. When she left to take a job in North Carolina - we were sad and worried that she would be another ABD (All But Dissertation) that had come and gone from Tallahassee - never to be seem again - no degree.

But Katy got a job that allowed her to do her research while she was working with the sports teams at Campbell University - the Camels. She returned to Tallahassee to defend her dissertation and complete the program in a near record 3 years.

As graduation neared - Katy's sister Amy was selected to the USA Field Hockey Team. Katy chose to see her sister play in London. Through some good luck - we were able to help Amy get an apartment at the FSU London Study Centre. She became our neighbor one more time.

Although the USA Field Hockey is out of the medal round - we were able to have a graduation party for Katy on Florida State soil. Katy's Mom Susan and Dad Phap came to the party along with her fiancee Jarrad Turner - also working at Campbell University in North Carolina.

Jarrad and Katy plan to marry in October.

The Biggest Difference Between Brits and Americans Is We Share A Common Language

It is 10 AM our time - 5 AM back in Florida. Lulu and I are sitting around the breakfast table - enjoying a little afterglow of the 5 weeks we spent in London.

All of a sudden - an unexpected knock comes on the door. Since everyone else has gone back to the States already  - we wondered who it could be. The manager was at the door - reminding us that it was checkout time at 10 AM. Lulu and I expected to leave tomorrow morning early.  We asked the manager to go back to the office to check the books - meanwhile Lulu and I got on the computer feverishly looking for a place to spend our last night. I wanted to go west of town - and stay somewhere we never visited - Lulu said let's just stay at the airport.

In a few minutes - the manager came back apologizing for his mistake. We were booked until tomorrow at 10AM. He did say - "a man was coming in - would 11 be okay?"

I thought - wow - we are taking on a roomer. I thought maybe it was a custom over here. I quickly figured we could live with that - I could negotiate a lower price - since they were opening up the deal. It turns out the guy was only coming in to lay down an alarm cable - not stay with us. We all had a good laugh.

Sometimes - even English to English - things get lost in the translation.

We will be leaving here at 8 AM tomorrow - taking the blue line subway west from Russell Square Station to Heathrow Airport - then flying to Tallahassee via Atlanta. We will spend Wednesday night in our own bed on Seminole Drive.

LONDON OLYMPICS - Big Jack and Kobe Bryant

Jack Robinson and Kobe Bryant

1948 Olympic gold medalist Jack Robinson shows Kobe Bryant the Olympic gold medal that he earned in London 64 years ago. Robinson visited with the entire 2012 USA Team Thursday. He spoke to the team about the differences between this Olympics and the 1948 games. The team then went out to beat Nigeria by scoring 160 points and winning by 80 points - both Olympic records.

Tickets Are Tough At the Olympics - And Other Monday Morning Blues

Here is Harry getting hauled away by the cops. Tickets were impossible at the Olympics today. They are sold out - even tickets to just get into the Park. Harry got rousted by the cops to put his sign down. This big bear at Harrod's finally put the cuffs on him.

 This is Oxford Street - the main shopping street in London. Traffic was non-existant. Bus - cabs - bikes. Cars are allowed but people leave them at home.

 Another undoctored photo of Oxford Street.

 This is an old reminder for my Geology students. They have one of these in each of the urinals at Olympic Park. It says - "P Wave"

In the mall by the Olympic Park - they have these neat free charging machines. You plug in your cellphone in the little hatch - close the door - take the key with you. In 30 minutes - your phone is fully charged for no-charge. they also have free wifi.

It is Monday morning - our kids and the kids of the kids are all gone. The apartment is very lonely - with lots of wonderful memories bouncing around it. We had no luck at the Olympic today to get tickets. Wednesday we fly home. There are so many good things about our 5 weeks over here - but watching our family get into the bus or subway to go home is not one of them. 

Tonight - Lulu and I have tickets to The Hurly Burly Show. We got third row - center seats. You can google it :-)

BURLESQUE SHOW - The Hurly Burly Show Theatre - We have Tickets For This Tonight - Third Row Center

The Hurly Burly girls are back in town with a bigger, bolder, sexier new show for a summer season of deliciously bawdy fun.

Starring Miss Polly Rae, The Hurly Burly Show is an all-singing, all-dancing revue with a contemporary twist. Fusing fashion, music and popular culture it is the first major burlesque inspired musical spectacular to be staged in a West End Theatre.
Featuring steamy covers and twisted mash ups from artists including Kylie, Britney, Prince, Beyonce, Madonna, Lady Gaga and many more. With a bevy of beautiful burlesque stars, speciality variety artists and fabulous costumes, sets and music, The Hurly Burly Show opens at the Duchess Theatre on 2 July for a strictly limited 12 week season.

Jack Robinson Story - Going To London

This is an email from (ABP News) sent by Harry (harry@everhart.com). You may also find the following link interesting: http://www.abpnews.com/ministry/people/item/7643-retired-pastor-returns-to-site-of-1948-olympic-glory

Peter Pan - Tinkerbell - and Lulu

Lulu with the statue of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell in front of the Children's Hospital in London. Proceeds from the book - movie - and play help fund the hospital.

It is hard for anyone to think of London without first thinking of Peter Pan - the famous character of the book - movie - play. Peter Pan is famous for being able to fly and for taking his friends to Neverland. But to me the best part of his character is that he never would grow up.

J M Barrie wrote the book about his brother - who died at 14 - so in his mother's eyes he would never grow up.

The Peter Pan theme is found throughout London. This statue is in front of the Children's Hospital by Coram Field. Lulu's London FSU course reminds me a bit of Peter Pan. Lulu is Peter Pan leading her group of librarians through London for 3 weeks. The students come here all full of adventure and the class quickly becomes a group of inquisitive kids enjoying their time in Neverland. Every day is a joyful prance through another storybook place or author from the streets of London. Like in the movie - it is very sad to see them leave for home and the rest of  their lives growing up. Lulu - like Peter in the movie - waves goodbye getting ready to return to London for another 3 week adventure next year - same time - same place. She is already taking notes and planning things to improve the adventure.

Students receive 6 graduate credits during the 3 week course in England. The course has a prequel online before they get here - and they also have projects to finish when they get home as a sequel. Lulu has been teaching a long time - and the word retirement had brushed across her lips a few times. But whenever that is mentioned - it is quickly followed by "but I'll never give up London." We love Tallahassee - but is there a better time to leave town than July and August to enjoy the mild weather of London town?

Like Peter Pan - Lulu will never grow up. Signed - Tinkerbell.

COACH K - Drew and Robin Meet Him - Big Jack Addresses the USA Basketball Team

Robin Everhart - Olympian Jack Robinson - Charlotte Robinson - Coach Mike Krzyzewski - my son Drew Everhart. This picture was taken after Jack addressed the USA Olympic Team at Coach K's request - before the historic game with Nigeria.

Jack Robinson - Baylor University - All-American - Olympic Gold Medalist 1948. Photo taken from a sale on eBay today.

Wednesday was a big day for our family. It started out with all of us gathering in the lobby of the hotel where the USA Basketball Team was staying. Coach Mike Krzyzewski wanted Big Jack to address the team and tell them what it was like to travel to London for the Olympics in 1948.

Since Robin and Drew both graduated from Duke - they were hopeful to see their idol - Coach K.

Jenna Bush was there - the president's daughter - she is a news person for the NBC Today Show. She is doing a piece to be played this week on the Today Show all about Jack.

Finally 2 PM arrived and Big Jack Robinson - Olympic gold medalist - and great grandfather to Jack Everhart - my grandson - addressed the team.

The team was glued to Jack's face as he told them how in 1948 - the team went to London on an 11-day steamship ride. He explained how they were housed in an old army barracks at Uxbridge Airbase - about 10 miles west of town. He talked about how the London kids were still living in rubble and did not know what candy bars were. Many of the meals were horsemeat - and they lived on an 1100 calorie a day diet - even the athletes. They were impressed when he said he was invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the king and Princess Elizabeth. He was impress how pretty she was. Finally - he explained how he roomed with the only black player on the team. He said the team went to the University of Kentucky to play an exhibition game and 45,000 tickets were sold for the game. UK did not want to allow a black player to play. The Olympic team was adamant and said they would not play without the black player. UK relented.

Drew and Robin got their wish - about 20 minutes of conversation with Coach K - he insisted on being called Mike. Pictures were taken and will probably be made into family posters. Coach Mike gave them 6 tickets for that night's game.

After meeting the basketball team - we all went to Princess Diana's playground - a truly fantastic place for kids. A guy asked Drew to take a picture of his family. It turned out to be heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. What a day!

We took a cab home so Drew and Robin could prepare for the big game.

On Wednesday night - a highly motivated USA Team beat Nigeria - 156 - 73. It is the highest amount of points an Olympic team ever scored and the highest margin of victory ever. The team shot 72% from the floor. And Drew and Robin watched from the good seats.

Jenna Bush - yeah the president's daughter - interviewed Jack Robinson for the Today Show.

Jenna Bush and crew took some footage of Big Jack and Little Jack Everhart to be shown on the Today Show - tomorrow - Monday morning.

More of Jack and Jack.

Little Jack in the foreground and Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis playing together at the Princess Dianna Playground.

Father and Son - Drew and Jack - enjoying a Black London Cab ride home. Father and grandfather - me - took the picture.

Lennox Lewis at the playground in Kensington Park.

Tropical Storm Ernesto Is South of Cuba

TROPICAL STORM - Ernesto is near the Windward Islands - moving west at 22 miles per hour and packing 50 mile per hour winds. It is projected to hit the Yucatan in Mexico in a couple days - staying well away from Florida. A B C D E - Ernesto is the 5th tropical storm of the year. The city of Cozumel is in its sights.

The hurricane season is from June to December.

BEATLES - Street Art From London

We stumbled on this street art near our apartment.

OLYMPIC UPDATE - Weightlifting - Lulu And I Got Shutout

Last night at the supper table - Lulu and I decided we would try to get into the Weightlifting Event. 


We left our apartment at 5:45 PM. We took the black subway line south - then the silver subway line east. Finally we had to take the DLR train two stops to get to the Excell Arena. The event was not being held at Olympic Park.


We got off the train at 6:30 - we still had a half hour to find tickets for the 7 PM show. I figured this would be easy. I held up two fingers - did not even get a nibble. Lulu went to the ticket booth - and nothing was being sold. While she was there - two separate guys offered me single tickets - but I was sure I would get a pair. Lulu even started holding up two fingers - but nothing. People did not even understand what two fingers meant - maybe it means something obscene over here.