If you’re a fan of the website roadsideamerica.com like I am, then you know what a muffler man is. For everyone else, they are fiberglass statues made to advertise mufflers originally. Over the years they have been modified to sell any number of things.

I crossed paths with one while driving through Crystal Lake, Illinois, holding a couple of hanging flower baskets to advertise the garden nursery. What first caught my eye was the giant Indian. I took the usual photos and headed home. After checking the Roadside America website, I had found two previously unknown roadside attractions! Here’s to Bessie’s contribution to America’s oddities! View at RoadsideAmerica.com.

Ah, Winter! It’s finally here and it can leave any time, please. Adventures are few and far between when you’re just trying to stay warm. Ice cream is no longer a good excuse to get out of the house. The holidays and snow shoveling keeps companions busy. The sudden change in weather conditions keeps journeys short. Oh for Spring! Happy Holidays, and here’s a picture of Bessie suffering the torments of another snowy night.

Put aside your rampant political talk. Instead, turn your decision making to a few photos collected from the latest Drive the Mile event.

The reason. North American Motoring has a monthly photo contest. I’m not sure what is won, perhaps just respect, but that is enough for me. This month’s contest theme is “Generations.” I’ve narrowed it down to five choices. Which do you feel is my strongest photo? View images…

And while you’re at it, become my Facebook friend! Just for fun!