We needed tough lessons as children. An occasional playground fight was expected as the norm, and if we complained to our mother that we were being teased, we were treated to this glorious aphorism: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” My mom used to say that all the time, one of the seemingly endless adages she had at her disposal to deal with any of life’s problems. To this day I think long and hard about the practical application that dogma had on my life.
The idea that you could actually choose whether or not to be hurt by words: that was huge for me. Even though it has been repeated ad nauseam for generations, “sticks and stones” really is a powerful bit of philosophy to a kid. That’s one of the great things about being a parent: you can spout nothing but clichés, and yet, to your child, you come off as one of the great thinkers in Western culture.
–from MEAN DADS FOR A BETTER AMERICA, by Tom Shillue
“Making like”
A baby, and heading out.
The most excellent @KevinProudTexan and his ever lovely wife Kim have been the most gracious hosts. The short hiatus from the ride they gifted us, recharged our batteries for the next two days.
We’ve swapped enough ‘stories’, that it seems as if we’ve known each other for years.
We then went to supper last night at a little local ‘hole in the wall’ that had excellent barbecue.
It’s now time for the final push to The Big Blue Beast, in GA.
I’ve consulted GROK and the weather will be in the ‘70s with no rain expected today or tomorrow.
We’ve almost 13 hours of seat time over the next two days to get there. We will do the longest segment today, 391 miles. Our longest segment of the entire ride.
While 6 hour rides in a ‘cage’ (automobile) isn’t too taxing, on a scooter, it can be exhausting. Especially at our ages. Your ass in general and hips in particular take a beating. I usually start popping Advil Dual (Acetaminophen and ...
“GROK”
Is my co-pilot…
I’ve used SI several times on this Cavalcade.
Once for a detailed weather report between to locations and along our root. GROK suggested we wait until the next day.
Which we did.
I’ve also given it Two points and the route between, asked it to find a hotel at roughly the halfway point.
Works like a charm.
Here’s the latest.
“I’m riding a motorcycle from Corsicana TX to Acworth GA, find a hotel close to the halfway point.”
GROK;
Jackson / Pearl, Mississippi is the practical halfway point on the drive from Corsicana, TX to Acworth, GA.
The full route is roughly 760–770 miles (mostly via I-20), so the midpoint falls right around Jackson, MS—about 390–400 miles from Corsicana (roughly 6–6.5 hours of riding).
Pearl (just east of Jackson, right on I-20) is especially convenient for an overnight motorcycle stop: easy interstate access, plenty of surface parking, and hotel clusters near exits.
Here are solid nearby options with free parking and good interstate ...