Our Electronic Coffee Table

2009-10-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

OK - 10 months in the making, but here we go. This was posted last, but this is our Shields family Christmas and below you will find the Burkhart and then the Shields of Seymour posting. I hope you enjoy.

Christmas at our house always starts with subterfuge (we sneak back home at some point when the boys aren't paying attention and mysteriously the presents all appear. Sometimes we have friends (thanks Andi) do it, sometimes family (thanks John, Deanna, Rick & Suzanne and countless others). It used to work -but alas, the boys have finally figured it out. I would venture a guess that they would be disappointed if we didn't at least try.

Next up, we have the picture session preceding the "opening of the gifts". As you can tell, Josh really enjoys this part of the festivities.
I on the other hand was quite enjoying myself. This, I am sure, had nothing to do with the cocktails and fine dinner at Joey at Betty's before we came home. Or for that matter, the Maker's Mark and tinkling ice in the glass you can't see in this shot.

Since it is always about the kids, we let the child among us open first.

Ahh yes, two 5-lb weights. I am sure to score real points with this gift.

Kathy came upon a really neat idea for the boys. We removed from their drawers all the t-shirts from days gone by (she had been doing this since June). Each shirt was cut/sized and then quilted together to make a keep sake. Along with Josh and Jake's shirts were several of Joey's to add a particularly special touch.

Jacob and his styling hat with ears.

Another tradition is the clue gift. Each year, someone gets the brilliant idea to have a series of cluse and make the recipient chase around the house trying to figure out where the next clue, what and where the next clue and eventual present is. I have to admit starting this and this year I got a good dose of my own medicine.

Jacob was particularly proud of himself at this point.

I, on the otherhand was a bit confused (Marker's Mark?)

What?

No, they didn't get me a Jeep. But I can see the present!

Now we're talkin! Blue Ray!

And movies too! I am such a kid!

Finally, after what will be known as the Dumbell Incident of 2008, I had to pull one out of my @$$ to save the day. There was only one option remaining........

ELVIS!

Thge 2-disc comeback special, remastered and in living color with unseen footage!

Touchdown! Life is good.
If you look close up, you can see the crinkle in the left eye area.

Ahh, and now the Kleenex.

Merry Christmas at the altar of Elvis! Santa would have been proud. Whew.

Merry Christmas to all! (Happy Halloween for you date purests).

Back with Key West next! Thanks for visiting.

2009-10-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

THIS POST HAS BEEN DELETED

by request

2009-10-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

DON'T LOOK UP!

Hello all - it's Christmas time 2008 (yes, I can see the date above and this is about 10 months old - but - what the heck, I gotta start sometime. Christmas for us each year includes our own Christmas here at home, then the Burkhart family and finally the Shields'. I am starting this post with the Shields' trip to Seymour, which occurred 3rd, but which will appear right once I get the other two in - did that make sense.

Seymour 2008 was at Mike & Katie's house. It's always an adventure in food, drink and a good time. This year was no exception. A lot smaller than the Burkhart party, we make up for it in food and fun. Here are our hosts.

Josh and Grandma spend some time together. Grandma sharing wisdom, Josh smiling and trying to act like he is buying what she's selling.

No matter how far away they get, the cousins (Brent & Josh) can always communicate by email.

Here we see technology at it's finest. Grandpa has his listening device turned up, Josh emails Brent who in turn sends a text to Jacob who can download an ITune to put on Mitch's new sunglasses with MP3 player. And to think we had cassettes until a few years ago ("Dad, what are cassettes?")

Mitch shows Aunt Kathy how he makes creme brulee. He is very good at it. Check out Mike's blog on how to easily make creme brulee (http://pinesponderings.com/?p=799).

Finally it's time for presents. Mom always wants to be the first opened - wait - the first to open.

The Grandparents and their grandsons.

Finally, two guys who really don't need to eat and drink any more, prepare to - yes - eat and drink more. First, it's time to prepare to cook (likker up the cooks). Mike has decided we will take on Gorden Ramsey's (Hell's Kitchen) Beef Wellington recipe.

John volunteers to supervise (time to likker up the supervisor).

It was a great Christmas with family. Hope you enjoy the shots. And, since I can, here is a late present to Sara and Danielle. You'll know why when you see this picture. By the way, they are now appearing at a college campus north of you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL!

Lands End & the 9 month project

2009-10-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

SO, after 9 months trying to finish my Cabo report, it is done with this entry. We took a water taxi to Lands End, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Arco_de_Cabo_San_Lucas), the southern most tip of Baja California.

This is the view from our condo. Awesome. The water taxi was $15 or so. Where you are headed is LOVER'S BEACH. Getting on and off the high bowed boat was not something done gracefully, Kathy did not fare so well - but the water was cool on her landing. Once aboard, Capt Jimi watched our progress and even took an underwater shot - lots of fish.

There is nothing out there but sand, some tourists, locals, a vendor or two and lots of sea lions and gulls. Take a cooler with food and fruity adult beverages. The sand is course but no different than the other beaches in Cabo. The Pacific side is beach only - the ocean waves and undertow current are killers - DO NOT SWIM unless you want to take a ride to Acapulco the hard way (how long can you tread water?). But the waves are awesome to look at and listen to. The water on the bay side are mellow, lots of fish and make a great place to go to the bathroom once you have had a few beverages.

The scenery here is awesome. I really liked the Pacific side since it was not crowded and I was saving my swimming for the pool bar at the condo. You can also pay your water taxi driver a nice tip and get a tour around Lands End as well.

And then, to finish off the trip, we headed to a sports bar in downtown Cabo to watch the COlts vs. the Steelers. The bartender was nice, the cook a Steeler's fan - he poisoned me. Just kidding. I had a hamburger from room service - it was kinda medium rare - I ate it - oooopppps, big mistake (5-6 days worth). But - the Colts pulled it out and I didn't start getting sick until about Phoenix - so - life is good and lesson learned - there are no cows in Cabo - don't each beef unless it's been cremated.

Next post - family holidays! Type at you soon - pics to follow - thanks for being patient -and if you ever get teh chance - GO TO CABO - IT IS VERY NICE, VERY SPECIAL!!!

Ooops - Kinda forgot

2009-10-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello all. So much to tell and so little time to type. So, here it is. I will finsih Cabo with a report on Land's End 11.5 months after visitng there and 1 days before Hurricane Rick hammers it. We have also been to Key West FL, Naples FL, Pelican Hill near Newport Beach CA and Beer, Blues and BBQ II with Denny and Michelle to Memphis.
So, I will get on with Cabo and then the other trips. I also will give you updates on family and such. Christmas, new niece and stuff. So, hang on to your hats - there might actually be some updates here soon. Thanks for being patient - Monty

Tweener

2009-07-09T16:26:00.000-07:00

09JUL. Sorry. Between work projects and trying to pressure wash and seal the back addition - kinda left you hanging somewhere between shots and Lands End. Off to IU to register Jacob and get us "oriented", so - back with you soon. In the meantime, will try to get you a review of Upland Brewery in Bloomington (how convenient) and pictures of all the pretty babes out on campus on a 92F day at IU. OK - maybe Kathy won't see the humor - so - here you go, the picture everyone wants to see (ha ha ha).

26JUN09 - Three in a week?

2009-06-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Good morning sunshine!!!

Does this look like aspirin to you?

So, after much enjoyment at our fine dining experience the night before, it seemed only logical to fire up some Bloody Mary's, Screwdrivers and adventure out. I have to wonder if anyone is actually able to expense or write their trip off, based on a day at "The Office". Today's adventure begins with a half mile walk in the sand to a favorite watering hole for tourists, the one and only "Office". ( http://www.theofficeonthebeach.com/ ). Fun place, nice hang out, great scenery and even those big rocks out there in the ocean. Like any place in Mexico, you choose your food carefully, drink from bottles (did you know beer comes in bottles?), use caution on drinks with ICE in them - or just let it go and deal with the pain later. We chose bottled beer and french fries, the breakfast of champions. At the condo (and the top end hotels) - the water is purified and generally not a problem for ice. I would still do bottled water for drinking.

The Office has a restaurant inside, a t-shirt/gift shop, and a really fun out on the beach under the umbrella dining (drinking) area. From time to time, the "mariachi singers" stop by. For as little as $5 American you can get them to stand by your table, play and sing traditional tunes (I assume - I couldn't understand them).

There is, of course one issue with this - it costs $10 to get rid of them.

Several hotels are around the Office (the Melia) for example. I thought it funny that people from the Riu (all-inclusive, drinks etc.) were at the Office buying food and drink - did I miss something?. Anyway, from here, you are a short walk to shops at the Marina, several street shops and a shopping mall with several stores and shops - including a huge liquor store (noticing a trend here?). We, on the other hand, elected to walk back down the beach, less than a mile (seemed like 3) to our condo for some quality beach time. Next post, a trip to Lands End - not the store.

22JUN09 Let the Fun Begin

2009-06-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those moments when you asked yourself "How did I get back to the hotel?" (or in this case condo?) If you want one of those moments, go to Cabo Wabo, meet the manager (an old business aquaintance of Kathy's) and join him in a sampling of their tequilla. I can verify this works - I've now experienced this twice. If you don't want this to occur - I recommend approaching this fun bar with EXTREME CAUTION.

Jorge is from South America and was running a restaurant in Cabo when he met Sammy Hagar. Sammy was impressed and the next thing you know, he's got a new restaurant and tequilla business to run. http://www.cabowabocantina.com/ The food is really good - I would not know this, but two of Kathy's groups loved the place, the Coconut Shrimp was popular. I, on the other hand, experienced what 8 or 9 tequilla shots and beer with dinner can do for someone...it's called waking up clothes on face down in bed. So the story about how tequilla makes your clothing fall off is apparently a fabrication.

Now - DO NOT GET THE WRONG IDEA. There are really good places to enjoy awesome meals and not get totally trashed. Nor is Cabo just a place to abuse your liver. One of the best restaurants I have enjoyed is "Pitahayas" at the Sheraton on the tourist corridor, maybe 15min from downtown. ( http://www.pitahayas.com/ ). It is absolutely stunning. Dining is gourmet, the view at sunset spectacular. Seating is outside either under the palapa or along the cliff looking out over the water.

The prices are high - but this is one of those one time events - so enjoy.

Signing off for now - more on Cabo and other places to see and things to do around the world. Trying to keep more posts and stuff - enjoy.

09JUN09 - Cabo

2009-06-16T16:06:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this....I am finally posting again. Kathy has moved into Joey's room (her new office) and I now have my own space (almost). SO - last time, I promised you several items and I will start with Cabo.

Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo are on the bottom (southernmost) tip of Baja California. It's a 'fer piece from Indiana 5.5 hours flying - usually 8-10 hours enroute. AND IT IS WORTH EVERY SECOND OF THE JOURNEY. Our adventure took place the day after election, November 5th, 2008. Kathy's sister Trish had earned her Masters Degree (whoo hoo) and was celebrating and she and Jimi (hubby aka Big Daddy) invited us to join them in their 2 bedroom condo.

The condo is/was awesome. The particular unit is owned and sub leased by the same folks who brought the two houses for the BBB (Burkhart Beach Bash) a few years back ( http://www.vacationsofsplendor.com/ ). This is the link to both.

This is the view from our balcony overlooking Lands End (not the clothing store). From what you are looking at, Cabo San Lucas is to the right about a mile and San Jose Del Cabo is about 20 miles the other way. San Jose Del Cabo is the old fishing village that was the original draw here. Each year there are still huge fishing tournaments, kinda like the sports fishing Superbowl with prizes in the 10s of thousands. When I first visited Cabo, there still wasn't much there, but times are changing and new resorts are sprawling in the "old towns" direction, even up the coast north On the Bay of Campeche (other side from the Pacific).

Cabo San Lucas has been a tourist hot spot for 15 years and continues to grow. First Californians, Arizonans and now there are flights from all over. Beautiful resorts, nice marina, lots of activities, beaches - GREAT CLIMATE, really good restaurants and, did I mention, really fun bars and TEQUILA.

Villa la Estancia is located about a mile from Cabo San Lucas, probably 15 miles from the airport. It is one of three properties in a set of three within this gated community. Villa la Estancia is the upscale property and by far and away the best choice here. I have also stayed at the Hilton Los Cabos ( http://www.hiltonloscabos.com/ ) out on the tourist corridor between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo (also a very nice property).

I toss out two important thoughts for you. One, this is an adult destination. Yes you will see kids, but because of point two, I just don't see this as a kiddie kinda place - take them to DisneyWorld or something. Two - do not do this on the cheap. There are some low end hotels and after a 10 hour trip in - YOU WILL BE PISSED OFF AT YOURSELF if you do this - like for a whole week and 6 months after that.

Melia has a very good property in town (Cabo San Lucas) on the beach. For those spring breakers at heart, Riu offers a better than fair all inclusive (party on Garth). I cannot say enough good about the Villa la Estancia or the Hilton. There are a ton of great hotels from $150 out of season to $1200 in season per night. Hilton will be $225-500 depending on season and room type - suites $500+.

Villa la Estancia is a condo/time share and you will get the short pitch to join them for the breakfast, ya-da ya-da. You can take this or leave it - you get a 10% discount on the restaurant food if you take it. We did not, stopped at Costco and Sam's Club and stocked up. There was a full kitchen and even a grill on the deck. Did I mention a BAR in the room - sweet.

The Villa is within close walking distance to shops, fair distance to the "Office" (beach bar) and otherwise a short taxi ride to Cabo Wabo, etc. The beach area is very nice and roped off to avoid the vendors that are in a continual stream up and down the beach with "hey lady, good deal for you, best price" for anything including his Seester.

SO - this will have to do for now - Kathy needs me in the kitchen. More on Cabo, Cabo Wabo, Lands End and whatever else comes to mind.

2009-05-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

Sorry fans. Once again very slow to update. Promise to do better soon.

Since last we touched base, we've done Cabo, Key West, celebrated Christmas with family, year two after the loss of our Joey and now our 25th Anniversary. Our nephew and his wife will be launching another Fox generation, our Jacob going to IU, Kathy and I walk 13.1 miles with Trish and Jimi (they were much faster) and our friend Kurt (and those other 35,000 people).
I have learned this is a busy life and if anything, a blog this can be a great way to keep up with all.

So - I pledge to do better and hopefully keep you entertained. Guess we'll see.
BBB Tour II - the Sequel on the books for Memphis.

Ooops 05FEB09

2009-02-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

Back again after a hiatus - hope to be more punctual on updates in the future. Sitting at home, vehicle (truck) in shop, can't get to work until ride arrives, so I will begin my blogging once again and try to make it a habit.

I owe you a report on Cabo, update on the Holiday Season, plans for BBB2 The Sequel and whatever else comes to mind. First, I would like to make a plug for my sister and brother-in-law, Katie and Mike Hall. They have been keeping up a blog that is a combination of restaurant promotion (The Pines in Seymour IN) and fun observations on life. There is also a tab for some really easy to follow recipes which I enjoy and hope you do to, so here it is:

http://thepinesonline.com/whatiscookin/

Now that is done - so - hold my fingers to the fire and I will get you some good stuff on Cabo. We were there the day after election day for 5 nights. This is a great destination for adults with some possibilities (limited) for parents with kiddies. Super fishing, very good golf, beautiful resorts and condo, lots of nightlife - or in my caase - why wait for night time, it's noon somewhere.

Look for post coming your way this week.

Day 4 BBB08 (posted 21NOV08)

2008-11-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Going home from a trip always sucks. Waking up with a bit of a hangover doesn't help. It's Sunday in Memphis, Beale Street is calm and quiet, probably smells like last nights beer, well, because the stains on the ground are last night's beer. Anyway, up at at em', time to check out. But first, breakfast. We rode the trolley from the Marriott down to the Majestic Grille(http://www.majesticgrille.com/). What a pleasant restaurant. During the warmer months, there is an outside cafe located along the trolley line. Service was very good, food very good, prices reasonable - did I mention they served Sunday morning medicine (Bloody Marys & Mimosas?). I recommend this establishment for your non BBQ dining pleasure.

Dropped Denny and Michelle off at the airport and it was off to Bradley & Suzanne's for a day of pool and beer - evening of Colts and whoever it was they lost to. We had chicken wings, foregoing the opportunity for my 4th rack of ribs. Except for the Dolts losing - we had a great time.

So - that pretty much cooks this trip. I was supposed to stop by Loretto KY and Maker's Mark to get my two bottles from my Ambassador Cask - but - I screwed up the time change and they were closing before I got there, Ahhhh - but - the opportunity for anotehr trip and another blog post.

I wish you well, Cabo and Maker's Mark posts are just waiting fo the right combination of beer and BBQ - until then - cheers!

2008-11-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

Day Three (entry 18NOV08)

So, I wake up in a hotel and can't figure out where I am. Eeeuuuwww, forgot to brush teeth last night. Stale beer, smell of smoke...what's that between my teeth...ahh BBQ. Now I know, I must be in Memphis. It's Saturday morning and time to go to Graceland (http://www.elvis.com/).

Go get the Jeep and Denny & Michelle, Kathy and I are off to Graceland. If you are not an Elvis fan ( I wasn't), let me tell you this - it is worth the trip. Kinda pricey since the new owners took over, and still a tourist trap, but it is just something you gotta do. I mean really, this guy did do the Blues and sold more records than most record companies. Actually, when you dig around, he does have music for just about any type of fan - 'cept for the long hair classic fans.

The tour comes with an MP3 player, so you get a guided tour on your own (for the most part). The house is/was left just about how it looked the day he died. The information and displays are like a huge flash back to a different time and different place. I recommend the tour that includes the house and grounds and the car museum. You usually get the two planes and other museums (?) included. I liked the planes because I am into aviation. The other museums are pretty hokey unless you are a die-hard Elvis fan.

Gracelend is located south of central Memphis, 20min drive from the Marriott and/or Beale Street. the drive is easy and highway. I was slightly handicapped (hungover) and still made it there. Parking is at the visitor center across the street and shuttle busses take you over to the home of the King of Rock and Roll. We did not do this next stop on this trip, but once done with Graceland- I really recommend Sun Records (http://www.sunstudio.com/index.aspx?bhcp=1). It's a real throw back studio, left pretty much intact. I think it was like $10 and very much worth the effort. Sun Records was the epi-center of where the Memphis part of Rock and Roll started (Elvss, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lewis). Quite the fun flashback.

Next up, back to Beale Street for luncheon. OK, that sounds a bit hoidy toidy for Beale....how about lunch at Alfred's? (http://www.alfredsonbeale.com/) Alfred's Bar & Grill on Beale was really kool. We ate on the patio (upstairs). From here the music from the bandstand about a half block away was blowing clear. The food and beer was good and - upon closer inspection of the toilets, I found the downstairs looked to be a happening place at night. (We discovered this true later - though were to late and buzzed to get into the joint.) I had to be a good boy at Alfred's, though they had my favorite beer (cold in a glass at a fair price an large selection to choose from). After 2 beers, I drove southeast of Memphis to pick up Berkley (Bradley) and head back to town for the evenings festivities.

For Saturday night we were joined by Suzanne, President of the Fox Chapter of the Outlaws Club #47240. Our target was Silky O'Sullivans (http://www.silkyosullivans.com/). Kathy and I had had ribs at Silky's a few years back and it was some of the best we had ever had. Dry rubbed, juicy, etc. So, that being said, let me tell it to you straight. Silky's is a great place to party, dueling pianos, great drinks, fair prices. Come here for bar food because, they've dropped off my list for ribs. My rack was a dry rubbed boiled rib, greasy (odd for having been boiled) and then grilled for a bit with a dry rub. THIS WAS NOT THE SAME. We still had a great time, drank just enough and maybe a little more. I think we were there for about 4 hours (whoo hoo).

As the night wound down, Suzanne and Bradley had to head home (SE Memphis) and we decided - always a good choice - to hit more bars and drink more. Did I mention I really like this town.

So, the night was late, couple more beers and Kathy and I had to crash and burn, one of us was falling off the bar stool and we had 10min to make the last trolley. Denny and Michelle held up the tradition and pressed on, we managed to catch the last train out of town (well, Trolley to the Marriott anyway). I was able to maintain my dental hygene this time and off to la la land. Next up, day four, the Colts and the long drive home - oopps - time change.

2008-11-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

BBB 08, Day Two, Rack Two (15NOV08)

Denny, Michelle and Bradley in tow (maybe it was Kathy and I in tow) and off to the Famous Rendevous, Charles Vergo's Rendevous restaurant (http://www.hogsfly.com/) in an alley across the street from the historic Peabody Hotel, a Memphis landmark with it's famous Duck Walk (a real hoot). We arrived into the alley leading to Rendevous around 730pm, a bit late. The wait was 2 MSDT (Monty Shields Drinking Time), beer in this case.

There is a large hall upstairs where they serve groups and have parties. It is open, airy - wasn't heated when we were there and smells of smoked meat and beer (oh dern). The restaurant is in the basement on the right and left of the stairwell. When we were finally taken to our table, it was crowded, it was noisy, chaotic, smelled great and what fun. There was so much to take in, old photos, memorabilia, waiters and servers hustling about - so much eye candy. And the smell - close to Heaven.

Our waiter, Robert Sr. (Junior works there too) had been serving slabs here for 45 or 46 years.
Here is Kathy and Michelle (yes, eyes open) with Senior. (http://www.hogsfly.com/Staff.php)
A couple of random notes before I get to the rack. First, Bradley was really watching this group next to us, 12 guys at 3 tables shoved together. The apparently had had almost everything on the menu and a load of beer. I had noticed them getting ready to go, saw cash dropping on the table like bets in a 7-card stud game. What I didn't catch on to was this...when these guys got up to leave, Senior thanked them and then he and 3 servers descended on the tables. Bradley clocked them. In just over 3 minutes, the tables were cleared, cleaned, separated, new table clothes and within 3-4 more minutes were full with new clientele. IMPRESSIVE!

Bradley asked for french fries. "Say what? Didn't you read the sign boy? This ain't McDonald's? This is a rib joint." Kathy asked for Coors Light...in seeming disgust, Senior yells to the bar "Need one of them Silver Bullets over here!" Be prepared to be treated joint style - very friendly joint style. It's a tourist trap, a very famous and busy tourist trip, and I wouldn't miss it...in fact...I will be back. Now, on to the food.

We had a meat and cheese tray to start with, Rack of Ribs and Slaw. Nothing fancy about any of this, it ain't McDonald's you know. I have no complaints about any of the food. I won't brag on it nor cut it down. The ribs had a fantastic taste, served dry with the famous rub. We got there late on a Friday night, so I will give them a break on the fact that the ribs were over done. The slaw and meat tray were OK (no like I came there to eat them anyway). I will go back, again and again for this reason. I felt comfortable, I was awed by the service and the history of it all. The taste was good, the smells were good and all my senses were very happy. 'Nuf said.

Dinner done - the night was a pup. So, it's 10pm, you're in Memphis...what's a boy (and girl) to do? DUH - Beale Street. Beer, Blues, BBQ - 1 down and 2 to go. For those who have not been, I am no expert, but after 5 or 6 runs down/up this street, if you want to party and have a good time, Blues, Rock, R&B, soul, dancin' and jammin', drinking and talking - THIS IS DA PLACE.

The happenin' part of Beale is about 5-6 blocks long. When I have been there on Friday and Saturday nights, they close it off on both ends of the party - no traffic. You just walk down the middle of the street and have at it. Now, at this point, I do have a bit of a memory loss issue, but it seems like on Friday they sell a bracelet for $xx (memloss) and it is good for the cover charge at most of the joints. It does not seem (memloss) that this was offered Saturday night.

Anyway, top of the Beale (west end) sits BB Kings (http://memphis.bbkingclubs.com/). Needless to say, we needed no bracelet, paid one cover ($5) each and in we went. We had a table on the first floor (there are two) on the other side of the stage. I have been seated here before and like it. Close to the head (turlet), gets good waiter service, easy access to the dance floor when duty calls. The band here is always excellent. Not always old Blues, often R&B - but always good. The artists really rock, they play good tunes and are all excellent in what they play. Oddly enough, this Friday night had BB King's niece playing, a fine singing young lady who had just sang for a Batesville Casket meeting and Kathy had arranged the whole thing - small planet.

Needless to say, we danced, drank adult beverages, met a nice man from Chicago and his lady from Phoenix. Drank some shots and said good bye.

From Beale it was a 3 block walk to the trolley, $1 and 6 stops and we were dropped off right at the front/back door of our hotel. Now if I could just remember my room number.

Update on Graceland, Alfred's, Silky O'Sullivans and instructions on how to pass out on a trolley in the next edition.

2008-11-02T14:57:00.000-08:00

So, we were thinking up excuses to have beer and BBQ and found one. Nephew and wife in Memphis, friends from Dallas with free tickets, a restaurant in southern Illinois. The stars had aligned and the Beer, Blues and BBQ Tour of 2008 became a reality.

So right after Labor Day, we hit the road to Marion Illinois. The original plan was to go to the 17th Street Bar & Grill in Murphysboro, IL (http://www.17thstreetbarbecue.com/), but the rain and my bad estimate of forward motion meant we would be getting there pretty late on the first night of our adventure. Well, lo and behold, there was a back up plan - the 17th Street had also opened up a location in Marion Illinois about 4 years ago and was conveniently located next to the hotel where Kathy had a free room - Beer, BBQ and hotel across the parking lot - doesn't get better than that - at least by much.

I had picked up a book called Peace, Love and Barbeque (http://www.peaceloveandbarbecue.com/) by Mike Mills, the owner and creator of this chain of BBQ restaurants, real live smoked food. The Marion edition was new, open, smelled wonderfully smoked and had a bar that was up there with the best stocked I had seen in a restaurant. The waitress was surly and nice (BBQ joint requirement). She was helpful and Kathy ended up with a sampler platter. The beer for me was Schafly (http://www.schlafly.com/beers.shtml#regulars) and we were off on a taste adventure. Sour cream potato salad - what a wonderful invention.

BBQ came to us from my brother-in-law Mike who spent years perfecting his craft. His pulled pork, ribs and brisket are to die for - best around these parts and served in their restaurant, The Pines (http://thepinesonline.com/) and at their various catering adventures. I have always tried to learn from Mike and that led me to the book above and now we're all caught up.

The 17th Street pulled pork was very good, the ribs were close to as good as Mike's, served dry with a squeeze of sauce - the brisket was the best I've had (sorry Mike). An hour and a clean platter later (and maybe a few beers, too), well fed and in need of a bigger belt, we headed back to the hotel and prepared for day two of our road trip.

Day two - off to Memphis, land of the Delta Blues. We stayed at the Memphis Marriott (I really like this discount thing Kathy has going). Nice hotel (convention hotel) at the top of the Trolley Car line. Trolley drops us off 2 blocks from Beale Street - another great invention (trolley & Beale St). We meet Denny and Michelle at the hotel (she's on the discount program too) and then Bradley drives in to join us and we head for Beale Street.

First stop - a better bar, the Flying Saucer. Yes a great invention and YES - a great bar. They have this program, you drink 200 different beers and you get a platter on the wall with your name on it and anything smart (or stupid) you care to share. And get this - you can only count 2 beers per day. Lot of beer you say - the place had over 50 different beers ON TAP and a 4 page menu of the bottled beer - I HAD FOUND THE RIGHT PLACE.

Here is Bradley and I enjoying a cold one - with the platters and part of the bar in the background. (http://www.beerknurd.com/) And get this, they are willing to franchise - so I have the choice - move to Memphis or bring one to Greensburg...hmmmm.

Well - enough for this post. Time for a beer and Colts vs New England. Next post, the famous Rendevouz and rack two of three in 3 days.

Opening Day - Fall 2008

2008-09-23T20:07:00.001-07:00

Good evening (day - morning - whatever). After reading blogs for years, a very good friend of ours started his family blog, my brother-in-law has his (mostly business related) and, well, we just felt left out.

So, we've gotten this far - Kathy is bored and wants to go to bed - so for now, the blog takes a break. I will leave you this - my uncle wrote the world's longest diary - at least up to recent history - so I think I may be up to the task. Little coffee (maybe lots), a little beer (maybe lots) and some creative (not too burnt) brain cells - and we hope to entertain.

Random thoughts sure to come - have a great day!