I’m getting used to the grey dreary weather. I guess it’s better than the rain they’re having in Texas or the Nor’easter I’m missing back home (6″ of snow in NYC?). The sun peeked out this afternoon so maybe things will be better tomorrow.

Covered hundreds of miles today combing eastern Kentucky with my list in one hand and stack of maps in the other (steering with my feet). Well, practically.

Highlights: Some great theatres of assorted eras, great signs, great gas stations. I was thrilled to find the Tin Teepee but troubled that no one around it seems to know of its history or care about it. Bondurant’s Pharmacy (the mortar & pestle bldg) is always a thrill to visit but this time I got to see the Drug-triever in action (a unique, motorized revolving drug storage unit) AND I got a free t-shirt with the building on it.

Disappointments: The Somerset Muffler Man is missing (the gas station closed in the fall and the statue was sold to someone). I couldn’t find the Lexington Dixie Cup Water Tower & assume it’s gone. The Lexington Ice Center biblical mini golf was still closed for the season & the figures in storage. The windmill at the Windmill Motel in Nicholsville that was pretty much destroyed in a fire in 2001 is now gone. All that remains is the sign. The rooster in Corbin seems to be gone as well.

Now, on with today’s photos!!

from Maysville, KY:

Started the morning with a sighting of one of those Montgomery Wards buildings. (Sorry about the low lighting — the sun was up but it seemed to stay pretty dark til around noon.)

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from Winchester, KY:

The corner building with these lovely embellishments now houses a…. Subway.

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from London, KY:

This building’s gold full-facade signage must be blinding when it’s lit by the sun.

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1:30am and it’s time to join the (smarter) dogs for some sleep.

The weather has been, well, shitty the last two days. When it hasn’t been dreary and grey, it’s been raining. Nevertheless, I’m still getting a lot of nice photos for the website.

Highlights: The Muffler Man collection in Unger was spectacular and well worth climbing all those mountains for. The Blossom Dairy Co. (soda parlor, now restaurant) was stunning inside & out. An eskimo DQ sign in Grafton that sure looks to be original. A very nice Muffler Man in Richwood that was WAY out of the way but so worth it. I’ve posted a few photos of these things at flickr but the rest will have to wait til I get home & can work on the website.

Disappointments: a diner and an old Woolworth (both in PA) that were too dreary to photo. Camden Park was not open for the season and I really wanted to get photos of the kiddie rides.

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Now on to some blog photos! The things that I upload to this blog will not appear at flickr or the website. They might be “near-misses” (not quite good enough for the website or don’t fit into a category there) or just other things that catch my eye. Also, since the dogs are a big part of my daily activities on this trip, they will sometimes be making guest appearances here as well.

Buckhannon was one of the few places where it wasn’t pouring rain so I took a few additional shots. They have one of those great, huge civic pride murals. Also, a terrific blue & white mid-century building that I found stunning but probably most of the town hates.

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Buckhannon also has a wonderful old pharmacy — Miller’s has a vitrolite facade and an interior with original features, tile floor & dark wood cabinetry.

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The dogs have been getting plenty of exercise. Lots of open space to run in and explore in WV. There have also been lots of long stretches between things which gives them a chance to nap.

Time to get out now, Mom? (Fix & Grip)

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Mind if I drive for awhile?

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Now there’s a scary thought! Nik spends 99% of his waking hours being totally out of control. He gave me a nasty, accidental bite this morning while passing me his ball for another toss. I am doing the best I can typing with nine fingers. And you have been spared the photos since my camera insisted on focusing on the background rather than my finger.