Gateway to Bonsai Collinsville, IL April 19-22, 2018

[Rusty Davis]

World's largest ketchup bottle... Need I say more!

 

[sparklemotion]

I could probably suggest something, what would you be interested in?

Craft beer, good food, rock hounding (ideally near water so Mr. Motion can fish), garage/estate sales, laid back but good music. I like big city stuff like museums and architecture too, but this seems like more of a suburban kind of place (if you want to avoid St. Louis).

 

[Carol 83]

Craft beer, good food, rock hounding (ideally near water so Mr. Motion can fish), garage/estate sales, laid back but good music. I like big city stuff like museums and architecture too, but this seems like more of a suburban kind of place (if you want to avoid St. Louis).

Main Street brewing Co in Belleville has craft beer, and decent food. Not sure about the rock hounding. My son is a big fisherman, but mostly fishes in local, private ponds. Not sure the fishing would be too good around here in April. Not into garage sales, but lots around here. Music scene sucks. I would offer you a decent meal at my house, but I'll be at the convention Saturday, so wouldn't have time to prepare. I don't think St. Louis is ominous as it seems, if you're worried about crime, although I'll admit it's getting worse than it was. If you decide to come, would be a pleasure to meet you.

 

[sorce]

Is there a lot to do on the Illinois side of the border? Missouri is a No Go Zone (#7) for me.

I soooooooo dig your commitment!

I don't think anyone realizes that there is actually RYTHYM to the Sparkling Motion!

I appreciate that link!

Kinda makes me wish I didn't have to go there for baseball this year.

Kinda freaking scary!

.......

Saturday eh?
Hmmmmmmmmm.

Sorce

 

[sorce]

LED technology. Last

I need to get back to you on the Sorchid Pot...

For now...

I got this "AeroGarden" with LEDS and have had my little ROR freshly Iker potted Ficus under it for a week or so....
And even with the SOB turning off at random times cuz MY timer fucks up its timer...
I'm getting backbuds I been waiting for since BVF said, "on with the secondaries"!
(Tag soon)



I knew at the beginning of Indoor season I needed to replace my year old Fluorescents..but even new ones, nor 3-4 summers outdoors, have got me these backbuds!

Sure I have been daily fish ferting....
But in the past I have daily chem ferted.
Never witnessed such deep activity.

Glad I didn't replace them fluorescents, or buy a $200 HPS joint I was looking at....

That $ is going into LED's!

(Hopefully we can get that $ slanging Sorchid Pots!)

Sorce

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Is there a lot to do on the Illinois side of the border? Missouri is a No Go Zone (#7) for me.

East Saint Louis, on the Illinois side, has a number of hetero strip clubs, bars, a Casino and a gay strip club. (Not saying I frequent those places, just read about them on the internet )

Pere Marquette State Park is along the Mississippi, north of Collinsville.

 

[Carol 83]

East Saint Louis, on the Illinois side, has a number of hetero strip clubs, bars, a Casino and a gay strip club. (Not saying I frequent those places, just read about them on the internet )

Pere Marquette State Park is along the Mississippi, north of Collinsville.

I've been to the Casino, and Pere Marquette, couldn't tell you about the other stuff... There are a few wineries in Grafton, with a view of the river, if the weather is nice enough to sit outside. If you are concerned about your safety in St. Louis, which I understand, East St. Louis is NO WAY GO ZONE. Just sayin'.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Actually East Saint Louis has gotten a little safer, it is now safe enough that hookers and whores are willing to walk the streets. In the 1990s it was so dangerous nobody was out, not even the street walkers. But I do agree with Carol, East St. Louis is pretty rough, not a place to wander around with out awareness of the surroundings. I was usually with and armed escort (nephew, the cop)

 

[sparklemotion]

My concerns about St. Louis have less to do with crime as much as a political situation that makes it particularly unsafe for people who look like me. I think it might be the best for me to skip this show entirely this year.

 

[Carol 83]

My concerns about St. Louis have less to do with crime as much as a political situation that makes it particularly unsafe for people who look like me. I think it might be the best for me to skip this show entirely this year.

Well, that is really a shame. There are plenty of hotels on my side of the river, and it's not a complete cultural wasteland, there are things to do and see.

 

[CasAH]

I was in East St. Louis and Bellevue in August with my 13 year old daughter with no issue. Granted it was during the day, but we were checking out places my father lived back in the 1930’s.

Stayed in Fairview Heights, IL, had a nice time with a mix of friendly people. Not saying things are perfect, but Illinois’ St. Clair County, where all of these towns being discussed are located is pretty progressive. This juries there hand out huge awards against corporations.

 

[BillsBayou]

I'm going, but I need to know if it is still okay to run over protestors who riot. Not sure which vehicle to bring.

 

[Carol 83]

I'm going, but I need to know if it is still okay to run over protestors who riot. Not sure which vehicle to bring.

Lol, no worries. My side of the river is considerably calmer. Well, Collinsville anyway. I wouldn't venture to E. St. Louis, unless you're looking for a strip club.

 

[Carol 83]

If anyone going, has some spare time, there is a decent nursery in Collinsville. Creekside Nursery. Not sure if they will have everything out yet, considering how cold it's been here.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Well, the set up for the show is tomorrow, Thursday. I will head down sometime Thursday, be in the neighborhood thru Sunday. Haven't registered for anything yet, but will be in and out. @Carol 83 - lets plan on meeting up on Saturday. - Leo

 

[Carol 83]

Well, the set up for the show is tomorrow, Thursday. I will head down sometime Thursday, be in the neighborhood thru Sunday. Haven't registered for anything yet, but will be in and out. @Carol 83 - lets plan on meeting up on Saturday. - Leo

Sounds like a plan, I can't talk anybody into going with me, so I'll be there probably in the morning sometime.

 

[CasAH]

Going to be in Champaign this weekend. Daughter has the state finals for Sceince Olympiad. This is the third year in a row for her and her school to make it. This is the first year I do not have conflict, so this will be my first trip. My sister in law and her husband have taken her in the past. They are both U of I grads.

Hope you guys have good weather and a good show. I will make it there yet.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

While in Champaign-Urbana - I recommend the ''Black Dog BBQ and Tavern" - good Kansas City style BBQ, Probably best BBQ within 100 miles of Urbana. Google Maps for the address.

Have fun, the kids are only young once.

 

[Carol 83]

Got to meet and hang out with @Leo in N E Illinois and do a little shopping too. I thought I would share a few pictures .

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Thanks Carol, I really enjoyed hanging out with you too.

White Cedar, Thuja occidentalis by John Wall

Weeping willow, Salix sp. by Jack Douthitt

Winged elm by Jack Douthitt

White cedar, Thuja occidentalis by Pam W.