Last night at a pro Israel rally. Our numbers are tiny compared to Hamass, but we show up.
Even the dogs are blue and white. It felt so good to be out among our people, and many who simply support us. Am Yisroel Chai
On our way from Bardstown to Paducah we stopped in the area called – Between the lakes. It used to be between the rivers, until the TVA otherwise known as the Tennessee Valley Authority damed the rivers for electricity – that may have been a noble idea – but like all government projects – the corruption was rampant.
About a month before my trip, I saw an article about this new art installation in Paducah – the needle. First place we stopped.
Look how tiny I am next to this needle and thread.
The details are wonderful. From the eye of the needle to the frayed ends of the thread
I made Joel drive by it often, I simply couldn’t get enough.
Of course I stopped in at Hancocks of Paducah. Wow! It is overwhelming. I bought some Chanukkah fabric for my son in law, I filled my basket, then emptied it and ended up with these two fabrics.
Look at those cats!!! I’m planning on making napkins with these fabrics.
Click on the link, this is the wonderful Victor Davis Hanson – I read and listen to him all the time. This is where moral clarity is – not in our mainstream news.
We were supposed to visit the Mammoth cave – the largest limestone cave in the world. There was a problem, so instead, we went and visited the largest cooperage in America. A Cooper is someone who makes barrels. Although I could not take pictures inside the actual factory – they have great displays in the visitor center.
The barrel is made out of staves. Here are just a few of the distilleries they supply to. Also, you can see the burnt interior. What was fascinating is seeing how they use a laser aided lath to cut the stave in the shape they need, which also means giving them that slight curve.
This cooperage only uses American White oak. They feel it is the best strength and quality. It is grown in Missouri and now also in Kentucky. Today the forest in Missouri has more trees than the had 100 years ago because of reforestation. So the log is cut about 5-6″ longer than the barrel length to leave room for mistake. then the bark is removed and the log is cut into quarter blots. This works very well for barrels, because the staves need to be different widths.
They are then left to age and dry. Btw, quarter sawn furniture is gorgeous because one gets a different grain than flat sawn, but because of the small pieces, there is a lot of waste – so you don’t see much of it in modern furniture.
There is no waste of wood at the cooperage, what can’t be used goes into the fires that we will see in a minute.
Actually seeing a Cooper choose and put together the staves was fascinating. The widest stave goes first – that will be the one to get the bung hole and plug – where they will fill the barrel. then it is wide narrow – wide narrow. the Cooper has to be very careful and make it fit as closely as possible. Once made, the barrel is steamed – every step along they way they check for leaks. If a barrel leaks, the Cooper doesn’t get paid for that barrel – and they aren’t paid a flat fee – it’s about how well they work.
The barrels are still being held together with the temporary steel bands. They go through a firing process – very interesting to see that.
Then the hoops are put on, they must have quite a forge.
KY, for Kentucky. Today there is a plant in MO and soon TN, so their bands will have their state initials. Btw, all three plants are in towns called Lebanon… they say its just by chance.
Both ends of the barrel are called heads, so smaller pieces are used with tongue and groove – no nails are used at all. They are shaped with a grove, charred and put on the barrel which then has the 6 bands put on. They go through a final inspection and if all is well -off to the distilleries they go. If not, a Cooper will remove the bands and replace a stave. That far into the process, the original maker will not lose the pay for that barrel.
Of course, a picture with the barrels. They now have a dept. where they buy back the barrels and sell them onto to other spirit distilleries. Makes it much easier for the smaller operations. Makers Mark used to do the selling themselves – but they too now simply let Kentucky Cooperage handle that side of the business.
Of course there is a gift shop. I think a full used barrel was about $150. As you can see, all I did was take picture.s
This is my new reality – one as a Jew, and one as a person who can enjoy life. Btw, a 40 year old Jewish woman – president of a synagogue in Detroit was stabbed to death 16 times! The whole media is saying – don’t jump to conclusions! The same media that spread the lie about the bombing of the Gaza hospital within seconds of getting the report from Hamas – so spare me, I am making many conclusions.
And now back to enjoying life. Maybe this is another reason they hate us – no matter what they do to us – we get back to enjoying life. So in Louisville we visited the Evan Williams Distillery – well their show room. We got a very good tour about the history of Bourbon in KY. and sure enough, the Jews – they stepped in more than once to create the business and to revive it after Prohibition. In the late 19th c. it was the Bernheim bros. who left the garment industry to get into the booze industry. after prohibition, it was the Sharpia family – who still run Heaven Hills – who today own Evan Williams and now have bought Bernheim as well.
The best part of the tour? the tasing of course. I did buy some bourbon here for a friend.
One of their barrels and me in front of this display, a very large glass of fake bourbon.
Next stop, Bardstown. There was more than just bourbon here, but this post is about the bourbon.
On the sidewalk, signs for many of the distilleries, Heaven hills is the one owned by the Shapira family – we didn’t go there. Instead we went to Willett – a small batch distillery – which gives a wonderful tour.
Here it is.
complete with distillery cat.
The different stages of the mash fermenting. 51% percent corn, the rest is either wheat, rye and malted barley – to start the fermenting process. it was very neat to see and smell the open fermenting vats.
So here are the five necessary components of Bourbon. Must be made in the US. Must be 51% corn. Must be aged 4.5 years…. in new charred Oak barrels Cannot be distilled above 160 proof, in the bottle must be 80 proof or higher.
Here is a gorgeous working still, the mash is boiled to very high temperature. the vapors are the alcoholic component, which will then be cooled into a clear liquid. They are very careful with temperature control because if it gets about 160 proof alcohol – it can’t be used for bourbon – it could become either whiskey or plain old vodka.
They get a steady stream of new barrels daily. White American Oak. This one will be filled today – 23, is the year 2023, J – is the symbol for October, easier to have a letter rather than another set of numbers in the middle – then the day. All distilleries use this method.
Waiting to be filled, in the background – the rick house. These are every large structures, with windows that can open and close. The barrels will sit in here for at least 4 years, often more. This is where the barrel imparts wonderful flavor and color to the bourbon.
This is just one level, there are many levels in a rick house, it depends on the distillery. As the bourbon ages two things happen. There is some evaporation – this is called the angels share. Once the barrel is open one can see a red line in the barrel, this is the bourbon that has seeped in the barrel and is called the devils share.
From the bourbon distillery the barrels are sold to Scotch, Whiskey, wine, tequila and other distilleries – they are highly valued for the taste they impart to the new spirits that are aged in them. So the devils share doesn’t go to waste.
The distilleries are taxed for the barrels for the whole period they are in the rick house – and no, they don’t get a reduction for the Angels and Devils share. The government wants its cut. Close to 50% of the cost of bourbon is taxes.
A bourbon can also be a whiskey, but a whiskey is not always a bourbon. Willett has been bottling some of it’s spirits in a bottle shaped like the still.
Here is the bourbon I bought. The Evan Williams went to a friend. The John Dunn is from Willetts and it was my favorite during the tasting. The small stills went to my three sons.
From my friend Andrea, btw, she has been saying this for years.
When you look at Europe’s approach to Israel, you know that Europeans have never forgiven the Jews for Auschwitz. The only way they can assuage their guilt is to try to show that the Jews deserved Auschwitz. Too many Europeans have the moral compass of psychopaths.
I am totally underwhelmed by our meat puppet potus going to Israel. He compares the death of his wife and daughter to the murder and torture and maiming of over 6000, but who cares its mostly Jews. Then he goes on to promise Hamas more of our hard earned tax dollars – mentioning the suffering of the Gazans, not a word about the hostages.
First a balm to my soul, my grandkids, I know, I don’t have a picture of Shira, I see her, but I simply haven’t gotten a picture. But now when I see kids at a park, my heart breaks – thinking of those held hostage in Gaza. The ‘world’ is demanding a cease fire – not that the rockets should stop, but that Israel has no right to respond.
Went over to Indiana to see the Falls of the Ohio, this was an area with rapids. In the old days, boats couldn’t cross it – so unload in Louisville – cart down river. With modern technology – which I for one love – they created two things. A Dam, that also provide electricity and some locks, so boats can go through.
Williams older brother built a cabin here. I guess since Indiana doesn’t have many claims to fame – this is important, and probably true.
A very small concrete replica of what a boat may have looked like. I must say, I enjoy coming across these small markers of history.
Twice we went to Hiezmans’ bakery to find the famous Butter Kuchen – deadly, all butter and sugar.
I had one piece, Joel had the rest….
Interesting colors for a Victorian in Indiana.
Back in Louisville, getting ready for fall, it helps that the house is black.
Beautiful homes.
Big stately trees grow here as well.
Of course there are horses all over town, this one is celebrating Bourbon, which is next stop on the trip.
All over the western world these kind of posters are being put up, poster of innocents kidnapped into Gaza. This is in my neighborhood. I took this a few days ago, so I don’t know if they are ripped down yet. Unfortunately, in most places as soon as they are placed they are ripped down by antisemites. Yes, that is what I am calling them all now.
Looking down at one of the riverboats. In the afternoon, we were on this boat, getting a tour of the Ohio River.
See, same boat at the dock.
Here is the large boat, Belle of Louisville, it was fun floating by this one.
These both are old paddle boats, once again, wonderful engineering.
Leaving the dock and the large city behind and off onto the river we go.
Once the Big Four river bridge was shut down, a new railroad bridge was built.
This is the John F Kennedy memorial bridge, completed in 1963.
And the more modern one is the Abraham Lincoln bridge. Opened in 2015, in honor of native son, Abraham Lincoln.
The two are side by side and of course, it’s fun going under them. At one point we did drive over the Kennedy to see a little more of Indiana.
industry on the KY side, I think this is cement.
The water plant.
they used to build gorgeous buildings!
Look how high the Ohio River was in 1937, we would hear a lot more about this flood as we moved along the river.
I am one of those who haven’t considered the NYT as a ‘newspaper of record’ for a very very long time. Here you see a quick timeline -the second the hospital in Gaza blew up. (btw, one missile couldn’t destroy a whole hospital – they use it as a weapons depot). They immediately quote Hamas that the Israelis are to blame. Then information comes out – and they just call it a strike. finally – a blast. So while videos and photos of the horrible terror are considered ‘fake news’. NYT shows us all how it’s really done.
199 hostages still held in Gaza.
On our way to Louisville – we stopped at the Capitol of KY, Frankfort, good for them, they are repairing their dome. Also, it was homecoming weekend for the local collage, so we were unable to to see the town itself – the parade took over everything.
One of my goals was to walk across the Big Four bridge from KY to Indiana. Here are some facts. built 1889-1895 as a railroad bridge. abandoned in 1969. Converted to a walking bridge and opened in 2013. Free and open 24/7
On both sides of the bridge they built circular walking bridges, the whole bridge is about 1 mile long.
The view, downtown Louisville and a few more bridges.
More views of the newer bridges.
Looking at this beautiful bridge, looking toward Indiana.
You know how much I love this kind of engineering.
On the bridge itself.
me on the bridge
Looks to like that this bridge is not painted but they have allowed for the rust. It is beautiful.
In Indiana, looking back at the bridge.
Whereas on the KY side we have the largest city in the state, on the Indiana side, it’s just small towns and communities. I know many people live on this side and work in Louisville. Similar to Cincinnati, which is the large city – whereas Covington in KY is very small – although they do have the airport.
I love most bridges, unless they are really hideous. These are two new bridges, different styles, and very beautiful.
For very good update on Israel, follow this guy on Twitter. Jonathan Cornices He has daily updates about the situation in Israel and Gaza.
I ordered tickets for a music event at a former train depot. I’m too old for this, it was fun to go and see the place, but the performer only appeared an hour and a half after the event was supposed to start. yes, there was a warm up guy who played techno music – but as I said, I’m just too old.
I did love the huge American flag they have on the wall. Alongside whiskey barrels.
While waiting, I was sent across the street to this area, a distillery, a cantina and an ice cream parlor. Crank and Boom. Yup, it was great, worth running across the street to get.
An old rundown motel on one of the main streets out of town, you know me and arrested decay. The front office is now a bbq joint called Red State BBQ.
Two different types of brisket and yes, it was the best we had on the trip. We tried some other places – not as good.
I really wanted to visit Ashland, the home of Henry Clay. I had just read a very good biography – what an incredible man.
All I could see was the exterior, I could have signed up for a tour, but the only one they had was about slavery. Not about the Missouri compromise – but just slavery. I know, this was before BLM decided that they are all about murdering innocent Jews. (look up what they have been saying since the pogrom in Gaza). I simply am over victimology. Also, they would have stood outside most of the time, so what is the point?
I like the ice houses!
The detail of the rainspout on the side of his house was worthy of a picture. The gardens were lovely, I did take pictures, but there is only so much to share.
McConnell Springs, where Lexington started. And yes, same family as the senator from KY. Also their governor Beshear is also from one of the early families. What is it about nepotism in politics that just goes on and on!
Anyway, today this little park is surrounded by an industrial park.
They rebuilt a log cabin. What is missing is the caulking. The cabin would have been caulked so as to be closed off from the elements.
This is the Yokum-HIte house built in Bardstown in 1792. McConnell Springs as a community was started in 1775. I understand, settlers coming with very little will build a very small cabin, merchants with more money can built a two story house, and yes, they used logs, as well as other materials. What I want yo to see is the caulking between the logs, that would have been present in the small cabin as well.
The nightmare continues, in many ways it gets worse. So many people came out on Saturday and ever since are just attacking Israel and the Jews, in ‘protests’ all over America and the world. I’ve probably said this before, the come for the Jews first but it never ends there. Choose the side you are on – because there is no standing on the sidelines.
A friend asked me if this is real, no its’ photoshopped, but I can see this in my neighborhood, probably even in front of a home of Jews – the world is that crazy. And now, onto horses in Lexington.
We took a van tour of horse farms, and of course the racetrack in Lexington. Keeneland is beautiful. Didn’t go to see Churchill Downs. One horse track was enough.
We were there to see the training jockeys working the horses.
Really beautiful. the setting, the horses, the control the jockeys have.
Many of the jockeys these days are women. good for them!
The lawn jockeys are everywhere. Here at Keeneland they are repainted every year and represent the different horses that have run. I was a little confused, because here in my neighborhood there is a lawn Jockey. He is black. Well, at some point in order to get rid of racism – they are all now white. Why do I feel like that is more racist than either leaving them black, or at least have a few black ones in the mix. Sort of like getting rid of the names of sports teams if they use and Indian name….
This is bluegrass country and it is gorgeous. Didn’t get many pictures from the van, but had to get at least one image of a barn quilt. I saw less barn quilts here than I expected, maybe the fashion is fading away. It is a lot of work to paint and then maintain these.
Visited a farm and patted the fillies, not the yearlings, they bite.
Name of the horse.
A yearling out in the paddock
I forget the name of this farm, but these are the jockey colors. And yes, fall is beginning to happen here.
My posts will now always start with the Israel situation. I created this blog for my creative works, well the world is telling me that isn’t enough. I’ll be starting with my rage and then calm myself with the pretty stuff.
Dead – 1,300, wounded 3,297, missing -which means kidnapped into Gaza.
And now back to Kentucky
Here I am at the farm at Pleasant Hill, The Shaker village.
One of their beautiful houses.
I had taken a lot of pictures inside. but most were blurry, so I only have two pictures of their lovely furniture. The reason it was so plain is because dirt is a sin – so plain furniture and very little of it is easier to clean.
How much do I love this dresser??? We took a tour, it is so alien to me to have a religious sect that is against having children. Of course there was no way they would survive. Most of their leaders were women, clearly woman who did not want traditional roles. Apparently there is one small community up in upstate NY. I guess there are people who want to go live in a monastery without the massive obligations of the Catholic Church. Meanwhile, this place is a living museum.
They don’t oppose electricity or battery operated lights. My pictures of the chair and broom hanging from these pegs were just too blurry! I got a new lens a few months ago – cheaper than a Sony lens – and it doesn’t have stabilizers…. lesson learned.
Side view of what was one of the dormitories – today it is a hotel. There is also a restaurant, all in all, very very beautiful. We walked along a dirt road. Turns out it used to be paved and cars drove on it. After the last resident died in the late 60s it was turned into a living museum. The road was moved, the whole village really has that 19th century feel, rather than the more modern feel with a paved road. It is run by a foundation – not connected to the remaining Shakers.
Fall decorations are up, nothing scary.
All over eastern and central Kentucky one sees these limestone walls. the Irish, or was it Scots Irish brought the technique from the old country. there is no mortar, they simply layered the stones, I love how the top layer is perpendicular , they call this soldiers.
How beautiful, the wall, the walkway, the pond. And the the wonderful lichen that has grown here over the years.
I will be interspersing my trip, with comments about the pogrom and soon to be full out war in Israel. This isn’t a time to be silent. Over 900 dead, at least 260 murdered at a peace-music festival. 150 kidnapped into Gaza. I cannot watch the videos, though I hear what they portray and the barbarism is so primal it is scary. Even scarier is how a whole swath of society is chanting ‘Free Palestine’ when what they really mean is – more of this murder and torture.
If you are inclined to pray – please pray for these hostages – I am, as well as loosing sleep at night over their fates.
And now, onto the Roebling Bridge.
A little bit of history. The bridge was completed in 1866, at the time the longest suspension bridge in the world. Roebling would later design the Brooklyn bridge, which is much bigger and longer – that is a whole different story that David McCullough wrote a whole book about.
Started in 1856, construction went along fine until the Civil war broke out and then only recommenced after the war. Btw, aside from brilliant engineering, Roebling developed a special – very strong stranded steel cable – still used today. For this bridge he used cables made in Manchester England, but soon his plant in Trenton NJ would be suppling cable to bridges everywhere. This bridge has needed repairs through the years, but the likes of the Brooklyn Bridge, or the Golden gate (not his design, but using Roebling cables) really only need paint jobs.
Today the bridge belongs to the state of Kentucky, and is mostly used by pedestrians and people like us in smaller cars. That weird thing you see in the background is a weird apartment building in Covington KY.
I would have loved to walk the bridge, which is what most people do, but Joels’ leg was really bothering him, so we drove.
Also, I wish I could have stopped, but you can see we weren’t the only car. So these pictures were taken from a moving car. I had to set my big camera to automatic, and let it do the work of not being a blurry mess. When the bridge was built it was painted brown. Only in 1996, for the bicentennial was it painted blue, can I tell you how much I love this color!!!
There was a rush to get the bridge operational during the civil war, but costs and inflation mean that the bridge was lower than the two piers on the side could support, by 1896, massive changes were made to raise the deck and allow somewhat heavier traffic. Nothing heavy allowed now, not even buses. At one point in in 2018, the bridge was closed, because of an accident on one of the newer bridges. so trucks and buses started using the Roebling – it was immediately shut down to prevent that.
picture taken from a newer bridge, with another bridge sort of obscuring the view. I am in awe of modern engineering. This bridge is a testament to that. for more info go read this – this is where Wikipedia is good. On anything slightly political I avoid it like the plague, but for history of buildings and bridges – it is a good source. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_A._Roebling_Suspension_Bridge
