John and Jody Banta on Jan 16, 2013 at 4:22:56 am

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John and Jody visited me on both directions of their trip from Chicago to Santa Monica in their Mini (bought me brunch on the way back!). Besides being rare winter visitors, they had the unfortunate distinction of having their car broken into while parked on the MO side of the Chain of Rocks bridge. In the soon to be forthcoming 3rd Edition of the EZ 66 guide, I will recommend that travelers AVOID the MO side of the bridge, as this problem is not getting better (the Bantas are the first I have met personally who suffered this fate).

But, despite being shaken up, they decided to press on regardless, and did not let the actions of some scum ruin their trip.

The city of St Louis may have bigger problems to tackle, but incidents like this are making some people think twice about spending any time (or money) in the city. They better shape up and do something about saftey at the bridge.

Avery on Jan 16, 2013 at 4:17:33 am

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I am spending the cold days ensconced in the studio, working on a detailed drawing of Cyrus Avery's long-gone gas station and Old English Inn in Tulsa, OK. I'll pair this with the portrait of Mr Avery (the father of US 66) I did quite awhile ago for the original Cyrus Avery Award plaque. Then its on to a new big oil painting to replace the Sayre, OK painting I sold last summer to a Japanese collector.

Wonder what i should paint? (update 1-15-14...I started the big oil painting, but had to put it on hold due to the need to work on customer's paintings!)

Gallery Visitors on Nov 14, 2012 at 2:42:24 am

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I finally got around to posting about 60-70 photos of cool vehicles and cooler people who visited my gallery over the last few years on my Facebook page. If I took your photo look for it...I haven't put ALL the visitor pix up yet...got to find the rest on whatever drive or cd-r they are on.

OK events on Nov 13, 2012 at 4:40:12 am

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I attended the dedication of the Cyrus Avery statue in Tulsa on Nov 9th. Located on the east side of the Arkansas river at Avery Plaza, the statue depicts a huge Model T ford, driven by "The Father of Route 66", confronted by the rearing horses of a oilfield wagon. A large crowd attended, including many members of the Avery family.

Also, Bill Fernau has repainted his classic Phillips 66 station here in Chandler in the original colors! I'll try to post some pix on facebook soon. Donations to his ongoing restoration are welcome.

NM page 4 on Aug 31, 2012 at 7:44:19 pm

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Just a reminder that all the Tucumcari phone numbers are now area code 575. (no longer 505)

Wallis Award on Aug 19, 2012 at 10:49:53 pm

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Jim, Shellee and I were astonished and proud to be awarded the 2012 Wallis Award at the Victorville Route 66 Festival for our book "Route 66 Sightings!"

I had a good time at the festival, and on the road coming and going. visiting with old friends and making new ones (and taking way too many photos!)

IL page-16 on Jul 07, 2012 at 11:19:00 pm

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I guess I was too sad to write about it, but while updated pages in the EZ Guide I was reminded that Ernie Edwards (famously of the Pig Hip) passed away earlier this year.

Round Barn on Jun 15, 2012 at 4:05:37 pm

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Can't believe I forgot to mention this, but the ugly, intrusive billboard that was erected just east of the round barn (spoiling the view) has been GONE for a while, thanks to public pressure and private negotiations. I happen to love the classic old route 66 attraction billboards ("See LIVE Buffalo!") but this abomination was out of place.

Chicken Basket artwork on Mar 22, 2012 at 1:20:01 am

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Back in 1996 I did the art for the official 50th anniversary T shirt for the famous Dell Rhea Chicken Basket on old 66 near Chicago.

Now I am working on a painting for their 66th anniversary this year, which will go on shirts and prints!

I can't believe its been 16 years...

Update 8-25-12. I still have a few signed and numbered prints available for $100 each plus shipping. First come first served.(you can also buy them at the Chicken Basket)

Book Award on Mar 22, 2012 at 1:17:08 am

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"Route 66 Sightings" is a finalist in our category for the 23rd Annual Oklahoma Book Awards! We probably won't win (the main competition is killer!) but we do get to go to the awards banquet.

Update: we didn't win, but we were also finalists for the national Independent book awards!