Adventure 44: Manhattan, KS/Post A

Look Folks, No Parking Ticket!

Frac is nestled safely (and now legally, thanks to Virginia Babcock who donated her parking sticker for our stay) in front of Rod and Karen Franz's house in Manhattan, KS. Manhattan is home to Kansas State University (Wildcats). It seems mandatory to wear a purple garment, most of which are adorned with the school's wildcat logo. We entered Manhattan last Saturday along with the stream of 50,000 loyal fans who were on their way to K-State's football game with TCU. Luckily, Frac fit right in because his silver sheen matched one of K-State's complimentary colors. The locals were gratified at church the next day not only because of God's promise, but life is always better after a win. We were treated to a K-State basketball game Sunday afternoon. We were the only humans in the place not wearing some sort of purple (At least we left our Gonzaga sweatshirts at home). K-State handled a pitiful Long Beach State Club, but my guess is they will struggle in conference, since it is arguably the toughest in the land. However, that's why they play the games, and the K-State faithful will cheer their teams on with great zeal. Today, we got a real treat. Dave Redmon, a member of Rod and Karen's church (and an avid cyclist) took us on a forty mile ride to a little town east of Manhattan that owes its existence in part to a Wizard of Oz theme. The ride followed a fairly dense scrub oak forest along the Kansas river. It was a perfect day (65 degrees/no wind/blue sky). We hadn't been on the bike for a few days, so it felt good to "stretch the legs". Dave, no shrinking violet, was the perfect host. He explained landmarks, history, and we shared stories. In addition to cycling, Dave also sails, so we got along famously. In our four hours together, he managed to nudge mine and Judy's life story as well as sharing a bit of his own. Today was truly another example of serendipity. After church yesterday, Dave rode by Rod and Karen's, noticed our bikes, and offered to take us on a ride. We were happy it worked out. On a tournament note, Judy's newest cheating tactic is to avoid playing at all. We played no games in Newton, so it's now known as the Newton Closed. So far, the cards are idle in Manhattan. I know she's a little behind in the contest, but she will never catch up if she doesn't play. Maybe it's like the rope a dope tactic Muhammed Ali used against George Foreman back in the day. Stay tuned. The only sour note I can report is that I'm still suffering from pain in the neck (No, not the Hunny Bunny). I pinched something when we were riding off road in Park City. I'm taking drastic measures tomorrow. The Bunny made an appointment with a chiropractor, which is amazing since I've always considered chiropractor's close to voodoo witch doctors. Hopefully, a realignment will relieve the constant pain in my shoulders and neck. On a cheerful note, Judy is as happy as a farm chick in fresh corn being with her sisters. The next two weeks will certainly go too quickly, but this Thanksgiving will be special. The only real danger is over celebration. Whenever we're with the Franz's our S.O.P. S. (Standard Operating Procedures) is to eat well. Normally, we plan the next meal while we're enjoying the first. We're kind of like Hobbits-second and third breakfasts just before the snack to ready ourselves for lunch so we can decide what to do for dinner. It's a great way to share each other, so obviously life is good, especially today.

 OK, so I can complain a little.

 Judy and Karen were busy trimming plants today, getting ready for winter.

 Karen's years is chock full of interesting items.

 Even the reflections are purple.

 Rod and Karen, circa 1968.

 Dave Redmon, tour guide.

 Me and the Hunny Bunny in front of the spring, which was the reason St. George, KS was started in 1855.

 Wamego-home of the yellow brick road.

 Downtown Wamego, full of shops like The Wicked Stitch and Toto's Tacos.

 They even have a cool park filled with such things as a Dutch windmill.

 And a 2,000 lb. pink granite rock brought in by horse and wagon.

 Three intrepid riders photographed by a passerby (Becky).

 An admitted Ohio State Fan, she gave us a quick cheer.

 Terrier entertainment: "Hey, squirrel, come on down, I know you're a KU fan!"

 A statue from the 1893 World's Fair in New York.

Long Beach spent most of the game dribbling around in circles out front. Notice the post presence. Oh, wait there isn't one. 

 Even Rod's toothbrush, eye cloth, and hair dryer are purple.Get ready: form your legs and arms into a K; twist your body into an S; make your arms look like a goal post. Go Cats!

Selfies taken by the two sisters.