Finally the "JETSONS" era has arrived! (FLOATING CAR)

Finally The "JETSONS" era has arrived!

Not sure if this is really real or not, but if you follow the below posted link you'll find one of the most exciting things I've seen on the market since my 2003 FXDL hit the street.

Talk about right out of the Jetsons cartoon, this car is actually flying right above the ground using materials that are in the ground as a magnetic source, this is way too cool not to share with my readers.

I want one , but can we convert it to a "HARLEY"?

NICE!

http://www.flixxy.com/volkswagen-levitating-car.htm

Make it a Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

TURKEY DAY SURPRISE OF A LIFETIME!

TURKEY DAY SURPRISE OF A LIFETIME!

Thanksgiving this year was very special, as my wife and I had to work it, she, pounding the ground at the mouse house and me prepping dinner for the mad rush.
The very thing I enjoyed most was having "FAMILY" close by to come and enjoy dinner with us.
The surprise I spoke of, is that my daughter who is away at school up in Georgia, was able to make it home for Thanksgiving, and that we were able to keep it from my wife for the whole week without her finding out she was coming home for Thanksgiving.

My daughter Veronika, was able to make it back in town by Wednesday night, late, where she spent the night over her adopted sisters house in order to stay hidden from my wife, so that mom wouldn't find out early that she was home.
Then Thanksgiving morning she and Alyson came by, after I dropped my wife off at the mouse house.
My daughter then helped out with Turkey Day dinner, and I went to pick the wife up from work, when we arrived back to the house, my daughter hid in our bedroom and waited for mom to open the door and when Colleen headed for the bedroom door , Veronika, came walking right out, Several huge hugs and a lot of tears later, Colleen turned to me and said you're such a "BRAT", you got me on this one big time. It went perfectly!
Fact is that whole rest of that night went great, as we were able to have dinner with our Middle boy (PHILIP Jr.)his, wife (MARTHA) and our grand daughter, my Daughter, My Neighbor, and a couple of strays that just wondered in.
It was a great Thanksgiving and we had a blast.

I hope every one's Thanksgiving was as blessed as ours was.

Sunday after church our Daughter and her friends left back for Georgia, and are now back at school, we'll be seeing her again in December just before the Christmas Holiday she'll be home, but this one the wife already knows about, so there's no surprise there, but this round was perfect.
It's been a long time since I was able to surprise the wife, and I've got to say there are many people to thank for making this happen just right, so thank all of you very much for making sure Veronika got home safely. I can't wait to see her again in December, I know it is only going to be 21 days , but the past three months without her laugh and that killer smile of hers, just made me miss her even more.

Below is my Daughter ( VERONIKA) and my Middle son's daughter ( ANNA LYNN) our first born grand baby.



What a pair these two are, someone loves Auntie Vee!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's to hoping that you all had as wonderful of a Thanksgiving  as we had.


Make it A Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Sitting on top an AMERICAN ICON. E-Z RIDER CHOPPER

 

Yep that's me on Date night with the wife, I was offered a seat on the most renowned chopper on the planet. Signs pointing everywhere that all read "Please Do Not Sit on this Chopper".

Colleen and I walked into the Downtown Disney, "Harley Davidson South Store" and bam, I was escorted right over to the bike, asked to pose for a couple of pictures and then they asked me if I would pull my bike up next to the store and take photo's with them, it was a great time.

Right after I got off the chopper, they put the chains back up and wiped the finger prints off  of it, and I was treated to some great conversations with some of the cast and crew of the Iconic Movie

"EASY- RIDER".

 

For a Biker at large , this was a dream come true! I only wish I could of Met Dennis Hopper while he was still living that would of made my night.

 

Live the dream Folk's!

 

Make it a great day Folk's!

 

Philip Dresko SR.

Free lance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"STOP PAYING INTO SOCIAL SECURITY"

STOP PAYING INTO SOCIAL SECURITY

After an 8 year battle with Social Security, they have sent me yet rejection #4.

This too me is a complete sham, as they took out Social Security withholding for 26 years out of my paychecks.
Yet, I fall, get seriously injured 8 years ago, and these complete con -artists, tell me that they are not paying any of that money back to me. Because they feel that I'm not hurt enough.
I think it's more like they are broke and are afraid to tell anyone that they can not take on new claims, because they are having trouble just paying out to the ones they have open now.

So now you tell me just what good paying into a program that obviously I'll never be able to use does?

As far as I'm concerned they are total fakes and they are stealing from the American Public "WORKING MAN".

I'm going to file an injunction against the Federal Government for a complete re-fund of my past 26 years of paying into their "FAKE" program.
Stay tuned for the out come, and I will copy and paste the injunction into this blog once it's filed, so that everyone who has been denied can copy it word for word and they too can receive their past payout amount back as well.

Everyone tells me it's a worthless program and thus far they have not helped me one bit, so why should they be able to keep my money?

I bet I look hard enough and I will catch the right Attorney or law firm that would want to attack this full out as much as I do.

Make it a Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

The Transformation has been completed, "DISNEY PARKS" are now all decorated for Christams!

"DISNEY PARKS" are now ready for Christmas guests.

Being a Florida Resident and an avid park goer, this time of year brings certain joy to the family and I as we truly love "Christmas" and Disney knows how to do Christmas folk's.
If you are even thinking of coming here during this time of year, now is the time, as all the parks at Disney have completed their transformations to the Christmas theme.

Check this direct link to the Disney Blog to watch a great video of Cinderella's Castle and just how much work actually went into making that castle as beautiful as it is.

Enjoy!

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/11/200000-lights-transform-cinderellas-castle-at-walt-disney-world/

Make it a Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Insanity Has "STRUCK", Only crazy folk's ride in this weather.

Insanity Has "STRUCK" only crazy folk's ride in this weather

This morning around 7:10am at the HESS station on World Drive at Disney, I stopped to get refueled because the bike was on Reserve.

While at the pup I had a Gentlemen step around the pump and look at me kinda strange, and he stated with question  "BIKE"?
I then looked past him and towards his side of the pump and noticed he was driving an SUV, so I said back to him in the same questioning tone "SUV"?

He then went on to say man this weather is brutal, how are you even out in 46 degrees riding that thing? and I simply said, well this is the first time in over a week I'm stopping for gas, so I really don't mind it when I'm getting almost 52 miles to the gallon.

He said back to me, do they make those in "Family" size, and I said, why yes they do, it's called an "SUV" and he and I just both got a quick chuckle.

Then I went on to say, I wouldn't be a "Die Hard Biker" if I pick and choose the weather I go out in, and this being my only mode of transport right now, the "HARLEY DAVIDSON", no matter what the weather is the only way I want to ride!

The man said back to me, man I got to give it too you, as I wouldn't be anywhere near a motorcycle this morning , it's Way too cold out there for me.

I then said back to him , ya me too, but ya got to do what ya got to do. They say dressing for success is the rule, when to have a successful ride in cold weather down here refer back to my earlier post what I wear, and you'll see I've got the cold weather operation thing down pat.

I wished he and his family a great time there at "Disney" and went about my way.

I think it's funny sometimes to see just how many people think I'm completely "INSANE" for enjoying my "Harley" , no matter what it's doing outside I'm riding.

So if your have your "HARLEY" sitting in the garage, and you look at it as you go by on the way to the car, well then that's up to you, but for me, I'm RIDING BABY!  The Words:

"LIVE TO RIDE-RIDE TO LIVE" means something to some of us, I'm one of those people. I live for my next burn down the road, the rumble and that throttle are my addiction.


Make It A Great Day!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING", the things I'm thankful most for.

"HAPPY THANKSGIVING", the things I'm most thankful for.

I consider myself very blessed, and very Thankful, that even though my back surgery in 2004, was a complete failure 45 days after the surgery, I found the best Doctors after an 8 year search, that actually want to "FIX" me, and not just keep feeding me tons of meds, slowly but surely I'm getting my life back.

I'm thankful for my Family, and their Health.

I'm thankful to be able to not only feed my Family this year, but be blessed enough to feed a few extra as well.

I'm extremely Happy, Thankful, and Blessed, that my Daughter who was away at college up in Georgia, was able to get home for the holidays, even though she's leaving to go back on Sunday, we get to see her today, and it will be a total surprise to the wife ,as she does not know she's coming home for Thanksgiving. Bestest Surprise ever for the Wifey. I can't believe I was able to keep it from her this long.

I certainly hope that everyone today has a blessed and peaceful day, as well as a full plate of food.

Happy Thanksgiving! "GOD BLESS"

Make it a great day!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

"DEATH TAX" response from Senator MArco Rubio

"DEATH TAX" response from Senator Marco Rubio:

Dear Mr. Dresko,

Thank you for contacting me in regard to the estate tax, also known as the death tax. Congress must address this issue before the end of 2012 in order to stop a massive tax increase.

As you know, the federal estate tax is a tax on the transfer of an estate of a deceased person. The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 repealed the federal estate tax at the end of 2009. However, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 reinstated the tax, and absent Congressional intervention we will see a 55% tax rate on estates worth more than $1 million, come 2013. Currently, estates valued at $5 million or less are exempt from the tax. Estates worth more than $5 million are taxed at a 35% rate. Under current law, the estate tax is scheduled to revert to 55% with a $1 million exemption next year unless Congress acts.

The estate tax is the equivalent of double taxation on a lifetime of earnings and investment. The estate tax particularly hurts family farms and small businesses because these are the types of estates commonly transferred to the next of kin. Furthermore, this tax keeps America on a path toward a diminished future at a time when unemployment remains above 8.7% in Florida and 7.9% nationally.

I have co-sponsored the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012, which was introduced by Senator John Thune (SD) on March 28, 2012. The bill would completely end estate taxes and provide relief to Florida family farms and businesses.

The American people have every reason to be disappointed by Congress' unwillingness to fix a complicated and burdensome tax code. As Florida's junior Senator, I will keep your thoughts in mind as I work to reform our tax code and repeal unnecessary taxes.

Sincerely,

Marco Rubio
United States Senator

"FLORIDA'S" 12 Month Riding Season

"FLORIDA'S" 12 Month Riding Season.

Most of the locals here in Florida, know that when you live here, you have the opportunity to ride almost everyday here, according to weather.

Now, it is as I said, according to the weather, but for some of us absolutely out of our minds folk, we tend to get carried away and ride whenever, "RAIN", "SHINE", "BITTER COLD 50 degrees", and below, such as this mornings run.

It was a breezy cold 55 degree start to the morning, and it reminded me of going on the "D.A.V" ( Disabled Veteran's ) benefit run in mid Nov. Last year. I think that morning we were actually 1 degree higher temp at 56, though, not certain? I'll have to check the photo's, but I know it was most certainly colder this morning as the winds just blew and blew, no letting up some recording winds of 19 knots across the Florida Peninsula, so that makes for even a rougher ride, but I'm not in fear of any winds, now hurricane strength? no way, I stay on the couch, and I expect everyone else with half a brain would do the same, but you never know?

At any rate, we left out in 55 degree's and 19 knot winds, keep in mind this is the type of weather you have to "DRESS" for, as in many "layers", here is just an example of what this mornings gear consisted of in order to pull off a ride in 55 degree weather with 19 knot winds:

Cold Weather Gear list:
1.) Hanes Boxer Briefs.
2.) Under Armor, Tall over the calf socks.
3.) Hanes short ankle socks.
4.) Fruit of the Loom, full set of "LONG JOHNS"( Great thermal barrier).
5.) One Set of Kevlar, ultra sheer, military issued "Long Johns" ( Doubled Thermal Barrier).
6.) One Pair of "BLACK" 5.11 Tactical cargo pants.
7.) One Long Sleeve 5.11 Tactical Shirt.
8.) Kevlar Head scarf, (Military Issued)
9.) One Extra thick, "Turtle Neck Protector", this is not a shirt, but yet it is a piece of material and it pulls over your head and you seal your neck to your coat when your outer coat is zipped and buttoned all the way.
10.) One Neoprene Face Mask.
11.) One "Harley Davidson" Outer upper riding Jacket with fall protection, and zip in liner.
12.) One "SHOTS" leather concealed carry vest with full MC colors.
13.) One pair of "BOBER" sun goggles, Safety Eye protection.
14.) One "HARLEY DAVIDSON" 3/4 Helmet with zip in liner for extra warmth.
15.) One Pair Of "THINSULATE" extended rider Street Gloves ( for cold weather operations).
16.) one pair of Nylon, Mylar rain pants( These help cut the winds from freezing your legs off.

 

17.) One Pair of 10 inch, size 10 riding boots ( Leather) "Thurston's"< Best boot ever!

 

 

Sure, I might look funny while I'm burning down the road, but I'm warm as toast in this set up, and I'm quite Happy being able to ride all year long down here, not only is it a huge savings in gas, but it's quite the blast too, if you're into riding like I am?

 

Make It A Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.

Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

OH Ya, My Third issue of H.O.G. Magazine for this year.

Was a time when I first signed on with the club, that I used to get issues of the H.O.G. magazine almost every month, now not so much, I guess every ones cutting back due to some cost or another, but really when you come down to it, didn't we already pay for this subscription when we signed up for the club?

The Magazine is just one of the many perks of being a H.O.G. member, there is so much more to it then just that, we have group rides, state rallies, planned trips, local functions at local Hog Chapters and the works.

I just love when my new issues get here, as I read them cover to cover on the first read, so you can bet I absorb every word in print, because (HARLEY DAVIDSON) is important to me, and so is the lifestyle.

Make it a Great Day folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Teriyaki, Pineapple, Red Onion, Chicken over Homemade Fried Rice.

Teriyaki, Pineapple, Red Onion Chicken over Homemade Fried Rice.

Today's Menu consists of one of my favorite quick and easy recipes.

You'll need Chicken breasts for each person, for me it's for two, so I use two large chicken breasts, boneless& skinless, one half of a red onion, and four to six good slices of fresh pineapple.

In a large Freezer bag combine the chicken breasts rinsed and seasoned with "Lowery's Seasoning Salt", and fresh crushed pepper (OPTIONAL).
Chop and dice, Red Onion, add to the freezer bag, then cut four to six nice size pieces of fresh pineapple add those to the bag as well, now for the fun part, use what ever type of Teriyaki sauce you like , we use (PUBLIX BRAND), so add about an 1/8 a cup of that to the freezer bag .
Now combine fresh ground Cinnamon and Ginger about 2 TBS and add about 3 TSP. of sugar.
Close bag tight and shake and knead the bag, so that the spice and the chicken combine, then put bag back in Fridge for about 30 minutes for marinade purposes.

While waiting on the chicken to marinate, start your rice by pre- making as many cups of rice that you know you have guests for in my case it's 2.
In a deep skillet, combine 3 TBS of butter add chopped onion and fried eggs , rice, seasoning salt, and soy sauce. Heat but do not over cook rice.

Start chicken by pre-heating oven to 450 degrees.
ON one very large piece of Aluminum Foil, place the chicken breasts, Pineapple, and Red Onion and sauce.< Drippings from bag and all>

Cap with another piece of identical sized aluminum foil. roll all edges closed so it closes the foils pieces together making a capsul of sorts.

Place in Pre-Heated 450 Degree oven for 25 minutes or until foil expands.

Once foil expands, wait another five minutes then remove from oven, and allow to set while you plate the rice.

Cut aluminium foil open,

 and remove contents to plated rice, once combined, serve and enjoy, we know we sure did.

 

 

Make it a great day folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.

Freelance Travel Writer/Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

 

The ONly "SNOW BIRDS" I'll Tolerate (PERIOD THE END).

The Only "SNOW BIRDS" I'll Tolerate (PERIOD THE END).

OK, so don't let the title fool you, as there is "NO" snow birds I'll tolerate period, but anyone who knows me , knows I'm a bit of a nature nut , yep that's me, always was nuts for "GOD'S" critters, from my early childhood of feeding our friendly neighborhood squirrel's to now, enjoying some of the best natural resources "CENTRAL FLORIDA" has to offer.
We've been in this area now for almost 16 years, and we originate from Ohio, you know that place that has the lake that caught on fire, "CLEVELAND" Ohio, but enough about that place (YUCK). Now being here for those years, we've been witness to some of the best (NATURE) that you have to come and see this place for yourselves, this is so beautiful to be down here, the sunsets on the lakes and oceans, as well as being out on the water, both salt, and fresh, and getting in some of the best fishing you've ever had. Along with that, you have a 12 month riding season if your a (HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE) rider, such as the wife and I are, but back to our critters.

I've personally seen more birds, both tropical native to here, and transient (part timers), that come and go here, for instance is our "SAND HILL CRANES" that show up in the back yard about this time every year, so we call them our "SNOW BIRDS", even though we know they live here in Florida all their lives, we only seem to see this small grouping of what used to be 3, assumably , Daddy, Mommy, and the Baby  that they had last year. We got to watch them raise the little one right here and teach it to fly, and everything, it was really quite cool.
Unfortunately this year when they returned they were one shy, and the one that was missing , made my wife and I both very saddened, as it was the "Daddy" who is missing, and to my knowledge those birds mate for life, so to see him gone, made my wife and I wonder what could of happened to him, but both momma and the baby are back now, and they both look very healthy.
Looking at momma, she's no worse for ware, just very cautious of her surroundings, but yet yesterday when they both showed back up, they were a bit away from the house and we went outside and shook the bag of Honey Nut Cheerios that we have for them, and they came flying right over, squawking up a storm.
Just then I went back in the house grabbed our camera, and a couple pieces of bread and stood there and they got the royal treatment. We also keep a very large old feed bucket out back for the critters to get water from. I showed them by splashing my hand in it a couple of times, that I had it filled for them to drink from and they came right over and drank from the bucket like it was nothing, back to the old routines, now that her daddy's gone, I'll do what I can while they are here to support them, as I really hated to not see him here.
It's funny, but neighbor came out and said "BIG BAD BIKER MY ASS", those birds love you bro, and I laughed, and said, I know, softy at heart, but I don't play games on the roads.
At any rate these "SNOW BIRDS", are  going to be spoiled while they stay for this season I know that, as long as I have something to say about it that is for sure.
To think even though these birds the adult males stand as tall as I am, this gives you some perspective of the photos we took of them, Momma is considerably shorter, but when she flares those wings up and starts giving you the business, I suggest you clear out, as it's not just their bite you have to worry about, but they have a real nice set of claws that they have too. Me I didn't even worry about any of that as I know the birds, well the momma bird knew us anyway as she's the one that came flying right over to us yesterday when I shook the bag of cheerios, which by the way is their favorite thing to eat besides Cracked Corn, which now that their here, I'll be picking up a bag of that from the feed store next round.
Enjoy the photo's:                Me feeding Momma right out of my hand!

 

Colleen feeding Momma right out of her hand!

 

 

Yesterdays arrival back at the yard.

 

 

Water Time!

 

 

Momma, Baby, And Colleen a Perfect Tri-fecta!

 

 

It would seem as if these are our pets but their not, they just show up and we take care of them, it's only for the cold months, but it's worth it, because you get to have a blast interacting with nature.

 

Like I said before the whole place is a blast, so far I've personally seen, Eagles, Hawks of all shapes and sizes, as well as Otters, that's right real Otters, Turtles galore, fish of every kind, this place is loaded with all the great things that Ohio just never had, why the very first year I came here, I was in the pool, and a "BALD EAGLE" flew over my head within maybe 20 feet above at best, at that time we lived by a huge lake, and they nested on the other side of that lake, so they flew over head so many times I lost count. Ospreys, fishing right out of our lake, and then comes all of the trails you can ride on down here via horse back, we live right by a state park that offer just such an activity.

 

Too Many things to mention in this Blog posting alone so I'll reserve the right to spread out my bragging on Florida to many others as well.

 

 

Make It A Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.

Free lance Travel Writer / Photographer

"SCENES FORM THE SEAT"

 

 

 

 

 

Dismal start to the day!

Dismal Start to the day!

Got to say this cold crappy weather is bringing me all kinds of torment as both my back and my mood are acting up once again. My back because not only has it been cloudy and dismal looking outside, but "COLD" as well and we all know what "COLD" does to the human condition when you have a "BAD BACK" such as I do. Cold just sucks the life right out of you and you fell like staying in bed all day because of the intense pain it cause to the region that I had operated on. Yesterday my back was so swollen up that it looked as if I had a half a grapefruit sticking out of my back , and when Colleen looked at it she felt it and said wow that thing is burning hot, and I said I know because it was Inflammation from the "COLD", I get it every time the temps drop below 60 degrees.
Now the weather factor I was speaking of occurs with me when I get clouds locked in over my head for days on end my mood goes from bad to worse, I moved to the sunshine state for a reason.
One, because I hate the "Cold", and Two, I love the "SUNSHINE".
The past couple of days have not been like Florida weather at all, I feel sorry for those folk's that traveled here to get out of that crude from up north, only to find out the weather was almost what they left back home.

So far, we woke to clouds and nasty looking sky's at 6:30am, now approaching 9:00am, the sky's are clearing wuith a mixture of clouds and sunshine, my mood is lifting, and the temps believe it or not are starting to climb, and my "BACK" well will just leave that one alone, as I bet you'll know exactly what I'll say about that mess.

I'm thinking that a ride later may be in order, if I can get these meds to battle the swelling in my "Back"  and get that under control , if that happens, then the road is calling my name.

Make it a Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Freelance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

For all you "HORSE" lovers out there.

For all you "Horse" lovers out there.

 

This fine picture of the headless horseman's Horse over at Disney's Fort Wilderness Lodge, marks the end of a wonderful horses life time.

 

"SMOKEY-BOY" With tears in my eyes I bid a fond farewell to a wonderful horse, not only did you give us the pleasure of being  a great show horse, but a great friend as well. We were glad to see you through the rest of your years into your retirement and now into your passing.

 

The Above shot of this horse is of my Wife's Horse "SMOKEY-BOY" so proudly named due to the fact he had a perfect white blaze coming out of his left side nostril that looked like he was puffing smoke out his nose. This Quarter/Thoroughbred Horse gave his all, every show I remember seeing him in Disney got their best from this horse, it was mine and my wife's pleasure to give him a great retirement.

 After his show ended at Disney, we adopted him and let him spend out the rest of his years on 40 wonderful acres located in Clermont Florida, The name of the Stables are :

Silver Wind Farm.

Yes they have a web page and the works, just not here as this is for Smokey not for advertisement.

Last night my wife and I got to feed him one last time and she'll go out again for the day they put him to final rest , but I can not do that , I've go a real problem loosing things I love, so I'm gonna bow out.

 

Say hello to all the others we've ushered on, "SMOKEY-BOY", We'll Miss You.

Philip Dresko Sr.

Free Lance Travel Writer/Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

•  

I've got to say, I've seen better from (HILTON), and I don't mean their daughter and her sex tape.

"I've got to say, I've seen better from (HILTON), and I don't mean their daughters Sex tape either". 

It's gonna take some time to recover from our over night trip to Redington Beach, only due to the fact of choice of stay was last minute and well we kind of got a certain set rule of standards for shelter when we're traveling via bike to our resort style tourism life.
That standard is most certainly including as many stays at as many locations with the brand name and symbol (HILTON) on them, so we know as what to expect from their facilities, our main thing we look for is a hotel with wonderful views, and some luxury items such as a Jacuzzi, so when you burn off 173 miles one way to your destination, you can kick back and relax in the bubble tub, and have those magical bubbles wash the road rash away from the trip.
Yes, I said road rash, but, I meant it in a different context, so as to mean a state of feeling when you cover that kind of mileage on a bike, it's a lot different then doing it in a cage(CAR), kind of like jet lag except road version, and a bubble tub does wonders to cure this condition.

 Much to our dismay we discovered that this particular (HILTON) hotel did not have a Jacuzzi, but offered a wonderful pool parallel to the beach front , but when we checked it, it was freezing, and you'd have to be one, either really drunk and stupid to jump in it, and or two, someone from way up north that thinks 73 degree water is warm to them. Me (Not so much), as my body has more than acclimated to this regions temperatures seeing as I've been here so long.
For us the pool thing was a no, mid summer yes, and mid November, No way, but onto the rest of the place.
We ate at "Mango's bar and grill" they had fantastic, and I mean fantastic, food there.
You don't go the the coast and order chicken, you go to the coast and order up some of the freshest seafood, for us that night the grouper was just caught , meaning they just hauled it off the boats, Snapper was available, Chilled on Ice shaved, that's how that came in, so they classify that as "Previously frozen", but to us, when you see it being off loaded from a fishing boat, it's time to eat snapper, previously frozen in shaved ice or not, Snapper is the BOMB!
We had two small Cesar salads, one with steak, and one with the fresh shrimp, and then we had an order of Coconut Fried shrimp for  the appetizer, we drank sweet teas there, as drinks were more than pricey, wine in the hotel fridge was cheaper, so we opted on sweet teas at the table and drank in the room from (HELL). More on that next!

Oh Yes, when you see these pictures, you'll wonder just how far the standards are falling in an industry leader for hotels?

We stayed in room 205, please, and I mean please, if I were you, if you get stuck with this room ever, just ask for an upgrade, and or opt out of this location all together, as this room was horrible, the ceiling first thing I walked into the room was falling down, cracked from the entryway of the glass doors that lead out to the patio, all the way into the room clear above the setty. The picture below will attest to these very UN acceptable conditions from them, and it only gets worse.

Second shot shows better:

That chipped and cracked ceiling was right above a sitting chair and Ottoman, now just imagine that crack leading right over the bed in the same direction of travel, would you sleep a wink?

 

Here the below picture shows the start of the crack, all the way from the sliding glass doors which lead out to the patio:

Second picture shows the same but from a different angel:

Needless to say, the sheer fear of the ceiling coming down on my head all night kept me crispy wide awake, but that wasn't the only thing the room from hell offered to keep you awake, this room was conveniently located right above the (KITCHEN) of all things, and all night long, I had to listen to the hustle and bustle of the hotel kitchen staff cleaning, dropping, and banging things, but to make matters completely off the chain crazy. I kept telling Colleen, I hear helicopters, she said your hearing things go to bed, and I said,  no they sound constant, like there coming right at us? She once again said, she was tired, and she was going to bed, and that I should try and get some sleep myself, even though she knows I hardly sleep anymore, do to the pain I'm in constantly from my back injury, but the wonderful helicopter sound was followed by wafts of smells from the grill, oh and to mention that when we got back from having dinner at Mango's our room was filled with what looked like a cloud of ventilation smoke, that smelled like (STEAKS) which was a plus, but not needed in a hotel room that is for sure. It was almost like going to bed hungry and waking up starving, because they fired up that grill again first thing before we were ready to get outta bed, which by the way the HELICOPTER NOISE , I was forced to listen to came from these:

Those are two, very large industrial vent fans attached to the side of the building, which are vents for the grill and the frier's which just so happen to line perfectly up with the King size bed that they offered in the room, so now you get the reason why I kept saying to the wife I keep hearing HELICOPTERS, because those darn things were just as loud as them. Keep in mind that picture is off my balcony looking down the wall of our room, towards the front of the hotel, then if you look and or walk back in the room you'll see those bad boys are lined up (PERFECTLY), just enough to keep a guy who barely sleeps wide awake all night, at that point in the morning we were glad to be departing and heading back to Orlando, so I could finish up my article for Redington beach City Travel Council and escape the night in the room from (HELL).

Yet the fun continues with (SHOWER TIME), now I don't know who's in charge of decor, but the shower without an inside liner that isn't plastic, leads to very flooded floors, and to a guy with a bad back, and wet tile, there is so many reason why I could tell you to replace this fabric inner liner to the shower curtain with a plastic one safety wise, but I'd loose count, it leads to scenes like this one after showers are taken:

Pictured above is the mess on the floor of water from the shower being used, with two cloth curtains what did you expect? I don't know what they were thinking, but please correct this , because this very same thing was in room 212 as well, because when we were leaving to check out, we peaked into a room closer to the elevator, which would of suited me just fine, as I walk with a cane and the less walking the better for me in my condition, but ya, we noticed, both the wife and I saw the same thing on the floor in their bathroom. They too piled the towels against the bathtub to stop the flooding. That kind of flooding condition in each of  those tiled bathrooms is only going to lead to more over head cost from water damage and possible slip and fall law suits?

 

Being that part of my past job at Disney was being a safety inspector, this hear next item ought to really catch ones eye, as this lead to my wife cutting her left thumb on this little item here while fumbling for a light switch, part of the lamp on the table next to the bed had an ornamental palm leafs welded to them, to accent the room, well one of those leafs just happened to be broke off, and it was in the front of the lamp on my wife's side of the bed, and when we got back from dinner, the room was dark, and she tried looking at the top of the lamp for the switch, as you normally would, as that is where most of them are found, but yet she cut her finger on this weld hanging off the broken piece of leaf welded to the lamp fixture, and here the dumb switch was located at the base of the lamp, strange I know, but the cut finger got my attention right away, now it was merely a small scrap and we got the bleeding stopped sooner than expected, but that too will ruin a night of romance by the sea in a minute. This is truly unacceptable and you should hire a safety inspector to check all your properties for these types of safety violations that can truly hurt your guests and make their stay at your hotels a real bad experience, such as the wife and I had there. Below is the pictures of the lamp.

 

 

 

Well here it was with all these reasons for being the room from hell: Constant Kitchen noise below us, the ceiling looking as if it could go any minute,strange constant noise sounding like helicopters in the bed while trying to sleep , because of the vent fans on the opposite side of the wall that were perfectly lined up with the bed, flooding in the bathroom, that lead to us using most of the towels to control the flooding from someones brilliant decisison to use cloth shower curtains for a hotel with TILE flooring, that is a big no, no, the safety reasons are off the charts, and I don't even work for you yet. I'd sure be willing too, if you'd foot the bill for my travel and my stays at your properties, I'd be willing to re-inspect each and every room for (GUEST SATISFACTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS ) as a private consultant, But we can discuss this privately, please contact me via this thread. 

 

Double Tree Property or not, the (HILTON) name is branded on this hotel, and should live up to that standard at all times, this room was a complete failure in the (GUEST SATISFACTION CATEGORY) according to both, the wife and I.  We could offer this last suggestion, and that is to make this room a storage room, because really structure wise, it's not habitable, from a safety standpoint.

 

It was hard, but we made the best of the room from hell, I guess we travelers have to have one of these every now and then, and as I said before, thank goodness this was not for a multiple night stay, as I would of had something to say about it then.

 

 

So This location of (DOUBLE TREE RESORT, 17120 Gulf BLVD, North Redington Beach, Fl. 33708) is going to be a (PASS) for  the wife and I next round, unless maybe they can correct these types of errors in their safety and room standards that are sheerly tarnishing the (HILTON) name.

I Look forward to any one else who'd like to chime in with problems with this facility, I'd be interested in finding out how many others had this much trouble at a (HILTON) location, so don't be afraid please chime in.

 

Make It a GREAT Day Folk's !

Philip Dresko Sr.

Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhh Alass "REDINGTON BEACH"

Ahhh ALAS "REDINGTON BEACH"

Did a small overnight trip to "REDDINGTON BEACH" so as to get a feel for how the travel and tourism scene is coming back or not on the "GULF" after the rather large oil spill caused by BP, and their faulty equipment.
Needless to say I'm happy to report while simply staying a one night adventure in Little old Redington Beach there was so much traffic on the beach there I could not believe my eyes.
The hotel where we stayed, "DOUBLE TREE RESORT"by (HILTON)< I'll get back to that a little later on, but needless to say for the fact finding overnight trip that we pulled off , very last minute, Double Tree Resort by Hilton, 17120 Gulf BLVD, North Reddington Beach, Fl, 33708,was very accommodating and just seeing how packed with tourists this place was suited me just fine, as I like to be right in the thick of it when it comes to people watching and tourism.
So just seeing the recovery of the seafood industry, as well as seeing all those folk's who were out traveling actually over enjoying themselves on that coast , that was quite shocking for even me, as I was flown over the ocean after the spill and couldn't believe what I was seeing, so that clean up effort was intense .
It makes me very happy to see how great those folk's over there on that coast are coming along. I wish all of them the very best and the wife and I look forward to our next trip over to that region for maybe a weekend rider event?
Our Hats are off to all of you for pulling together and making the Tampa, ST. Pete Region, a worth while tourist destination once again.

The room with the view like this one right?, well there's plenty of them, so what are you waiting for call now and book your winter get away , Florida coasts are waiting !

 

Sunsets galore and many a fine evenings await you, so why stay in the "SNOW"? come on down!

 

 

Make it a Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr.

Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Colleen's 15th Disney Cast Celebration at Hollywood Studio's!

Colleen's 15th Disney Cast Celebration at Hollywood Studio's!

Even though most of us wouldn't dream of kicking up our heals in the midst of the week, this past Thursday was Colleen's 15th Anniversary over at Disney, now to most that doesn't seem like a big deal, but Disney throws one heck of a celebration for the cast(Employee's).

We Started by Parking at Epcot and then boarded tour buses that then took us over to Disney's Hollywood Studio's, for a red carpet arrival, and I mean that literally, there was a red carpet on the ground and all the higher ups from all departments were there standing on either sides of the red carpet cheering us on to the party. I, even though not working for Disney anymore felt appreciated and I've been out of Disney for 8 years now.

After the red carpet stroll, we were lead into to one of the biggest parties I've ever seen being thrown, People, Food, Drinks you name it it was going on. Star Tours had all the action stars out like Chewy, Darth, La ya, Luke, and Hans, all made appearances, we didn't stick around there too long, as we wanted to try and meet up with folk's Colleen worked with in her department, so moved ahead along the pathways to Sunset BLVD, where we made ourselves quite comfortable in front of the old Caddy, we were feet away from all the fun and all the food and drink anyone in the right mind could ever want.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can say only this about the whole night, I don't get out much on Thursday to party and now I know why, Friday was rough!!!! But man what a blast , I'd do it all over again, fact is in another 5 we get to go to her 20th, and I can't wait to see what Disney throws then.

Make it a Great Day Folk's!
Philip Dresko Sr.
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

So this is Florida? where's the nice weather?

Gosh so I hate to  be a downer on the Florida Riding scene , but this morning was a cagger moment if I ever had one and thank "God" for that , because it was just rounding the corner on 50 degree's right before we left out this morning, so the Minni Van hit the road not the hog, this guy has his limitations, if Colleen wasn't on back to freeze too, then that would be another story, but seeing as both of us would of had to be on the bike , I decided that alternative transportation was needed for this mornings run, so yes I chickened out, but it is as I said , I'm riding to breakfast next ,and it still hasn't gotten much better out, so ya, freeze, you bet, but the sun's out and warming things up nicely and the day is awesome thus far.
Even though for "Typical Florida Weather", this cold crap sucks large!
This and the wind that cuts right through you, I don't know about you folk's but I did not move to Florida to be cold?

Make It A Greta Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr
Free Lance Travel Writer? Photographer

"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"

Bikers Guide to Great Food Continues!

Bikers Guide To Great Food Continues!

Here's one for the book's kids, get a sharp pencil and write this one in,

"DONUT KING"

Way to Go Lance and Abby, Your Little Donut shop in Minneloa , if I must say from a "BIKERS" perspective, "ROCKS". Not only is your place one of the best kept secrets in Minneola, Florida, but for us that boarder Minneola, such as we do here in Clermont, We absolutely love, love , love coming to your place for, yes folk's "REAL FOOD", not just serving you the best donut's on the planet, but yes, they have "REAL FOOD" there, and my wife and I are regulars there, we have breakfast there as often as we can, I personally sneak over there more often then I should ,but every time I go, the food is so fantastic, I just have to keep complimenting them on the great job the staff and the manger as well as the owners Lance and Abby are doing.
Colleen and I leave tons of compliments on (TRIPADVISOR.COM) as well, you can check us out there too, we've mentioned this place all over the net, as we figured that if we love coming to a place that serves great food like they do to people with a smile everyday , that is service, that is hard to beat, and worth coming in for.

Many more happy years of business to you and your family and you're wonderful staff.

Make It a Great Day Folk's!

Philip Dresko Sr
Free Lance Travel Writer/ Photographer
"SCENES FROM THE SEAT"