It was a nice day yesterday so we gathered up Lisa's brother Mike and went to show him Ferne Cliff.  We went down Big Rocky Hollow trail to the waterfall.  It wasn't coming over much, so disappointing but it was still a nice walk.
We then went on Hawks Cave trail but this time we went to the left and I think that way is a little easier but that may because last time some of the rocks were a little wet.  There was some water coming down over the cave.  To me it's more of an overhang than a cave but who cares, it's a really nice area.  Only drawback is that when we were a short distance from the end of the trail my foot caught on something, probably a sapling stump, and I kicked myself in the other leg opening up a nice little skin tear.  Luckily I keep supplies in the Durango and patched it up.
We finished off with the Rebman trail.  Both waterfalls were coming over rather nicely and it was a good way to finish off the hiking.  I was a little sore from the day before and Mike and Lisa are both much faster walkers than I am so I went a little faster too.
After leaving we tried to find Bork Falls but stopped too soon and went to Pookies to get something to eat.  The special was chicken fried chicken but I resisted and got a creole burger with mozzerella and  jalapenos on the side, Lisa got an italian sub and Mike got a regular cheese burger.  The now have house made chips instead of bagged so we all got a side of the chips.  My burger was good but the jalapenos were on it, no big deal.  The cheese was shredded and I think it's better with the pepper cheese.  The chips looked like Ruffles but were a good solid chip except the ones that were soggy, not sure if this was from the sandwiches or the way they turned out.  Lisa and Mike both like their sandwich and Mike went to town on his and Lisa's chips. 
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I didn't take many pictures but here they are:

Week 2 was another chilly night at least by the time we played our second game.  Lisa said she's tired of the cold games and I think that sentiment is shared by everyone in the league.
We got off to another typical Roll'em fashion against Bertha's Ball Handlers falling behind 4-0.  We got back in the game with a three point frame.  They kept just ahead of us for the whole game until we finally moved ahead 8-7 but they tied it 8-8.  With the game on the line they made the throw and we couldn't losing 9-8.
In the second game we played No Beer, No Bocce.  As the night cooled down our game heated up a little.  They stayed with us early but we moved ahead 6-4 then Debbie and Lisa got three and we won 9-4.

Yesterday on what ironically was National Joe day, Daxton Joseph turned one year old.  Hard to believe.  Anyway we got him a push trike thing and I spent a few hours putting it together, not the worst one I've done but some words with the pictures would help.  We were going to do leftovers but when I got done I mentioned pizza and that was all it took.
We ended up ordering from Martels and got a chicago style pepperoni and mushroom.  The order got there pretty fast and it was nice and hot.  It seemed like there was more sauce than the last time we ordered it and Lisa is all about the sauce.  It really hit the spot and overall a really good pizza.
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Lisa wanted to go to Blue Sky yesterday to see a classmate she hadn't seen in quite a while.  The plan was in jeopardy when I didn't sleep well and woke up with a bad belly.  I managed to rally enough to make the trip so Mike and Debbie came over.  We detoured through Giant City to check out the water in the creek then headed there.
The place was packed.  So many people you couldn't hear the band unless you were close by the stage.  Blue Sky is such a nice place though and the weather was good enough we could have sat outside.  Everyone had one beer and we left. 
We decided to show them Pomona Winery mainly because the Winery is paying for some lighting additions to the bocce courts.  Mike's even less of a wine drinker than I am but we managed to finish off a bottle and head home.
A side benefit to our trip is the amount of scenery that Southern Illinois has and both Mike and Debbie really enjoy.

Yesterday was Mike's D day, he finally a free man so they came over for a while until the grandkids were gone.  No one had eaten lunch so we all were hungry so we had to decide where to go.  It can down to three places.  One of the places Lisa would punch me in my nose if I mentioned it again and it was number 3 on the list.  I can't mention the name but it is on Thomas Street in Christopher.  The others were Crazy Joes and Midland Inn.  Finally Mike said &*^&^%^ Debbie, Midland is my favorite so we went there.  It was closing in on the dinner crowd and the place was almost full but we sat at an island and lo and behold there was Fred and Cathy next to us. 
Anyway since it was Friday I ordered catfish cut in strips only to find out they only do that at lunch now.  I went ahead and ordered it along with beans and slaw.  Debbie had never had catfish so she ordered it too.  I was surprised how fast the food got there with that big a crowd.  Midlands has long been one of my favorite fish places but once again the catfish wasn't very good.  Debbie said hers wasn't good either.  So sad to see them going downhill like this at least on their catfish.  The baked beans were very good and still my favorite anywhere.  The slaw was also good. 
I got up to go to the bathroom and had the wobbles so we went home pretty quick.  I'm not 100% sure it was the catfish but I woke up this morning with a bad belly.  Overall a very disappointing visit.
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A revamped Roll'em If Ya Got'em took the courts last night to kick off the Spring 2023 season.  It was a bittersweet feeling knowing original members Herb and Lissa wouldn't be playing.  Hopefully Mike and Debbie can keep the legacy going.  The weather was a lot better than Sunday, I played the first game in long sleeves but opted for a hoody for the second.
In the first game we played Corner Bocce Ballers.  We played them back and forth for a while but they gradually pulled away and won 9-4.  Better throwing from the team captain and we had a good chance at beating them.
In the second game we played Boobs, Booze and Bocce.  We got a little better throwing and routed them 9-0. 
I was hoping we could start 2-0 but ultimately if we finish close to .500 I'll be happy.

Yesterday Lowe's called and wanted to know what I wanted to do about the washer situation.  We'd talked about it and decided four tries was enough, time to move on.  The lady was confused at first saying we'd used a gift card but I think when they reordered a replacement they considered it a gift card.  We finally got it straightened out and the canceled the washer order. 
Now it's on to Ace and see if they can do better.

Yesterday was the latest in the Lowe's washer delivery saga.  I asked lisa if this one would be okay and her response was 👎.  Once again she was correct and not only was the leg bent but the bottom corner was dented.  So much for them supposedly checking the unit out before they delivered it.  Only good thing was they did bring it in the morning.
I've about had it with Lowe's and after talking to my appliance consultant Joe we headed over to Ace True Value.  I wasn't aware they had appliances but in the 15 minutes we were there we got 15 minutes more help than we ever got at Lowe's.  The washer we'd ordered from Lowe's was on backorder unil late April.  We looked at some others so I'm not sure what I'll do but most likely it won't be from Lowe's.
After we left there we decided to try out Culver's.  We don't do many chains but on Mondays there isn't much local and for the first time in a long long time we ate inside at a fast food restaurant.  I got a double butter burger with fries and Lisa got a single with fries.  I was very surprised when they gave us a number and then brought it to our table.  We both agree the burgers were probably our favorite fast food burgers and the fries were good.  Only bad thing is it's on the far side of carbondale, too far to bring home.  If this was in Murphysboro it would be a good thing after bocce games or the like.
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Yesterday was the annual St. Patricks day bocce tournament so once again the Grumpy Shillelaghs took the courts.  And of course Lisa made her famous Irish Stew and 'boro beer bread.  This year the stew was closer to a soup but may have been my favorite so far.  This years she also made the 'boro beer bread from scratch and used Big Muddy's Saluki Dunkeldog in it.  This years version of the Grumpy shillelaghs featured myself, Lisa, Fred and their borther Mike.
The tournament started on an ominous note when the stew spilled in the back of my Durango, thankfully it wasn't the Jeep or Lisa would have been done.  We got the back cleaned out enough and got everything going so it was time for bocce.  Our first game was against long time rival Squatchy Bocce on the first court. In typical Shillelagh fashion we jumped out to a 5-0 deficit before finally scoring a point.  That was the only point we scored, losing 9-1.
The second game was against the Eclectics on the second court.  They're another team we've played a lot over the years and always a fun team to play.  Once again we started the game in typical Shillelagh fashion as they scored early and often.  Once again we lost but this time we couldn't manage a point losing 9-0.
At this point we knew we couldn't advance which with temp in low 30's was a win in itself.  Our last game was against Three Men and their little Peter on they third court.  Such an awesome name, in league play they are known as the Punishers and we've played them a lot too.  Something finally clicked and we started making throws and started scoring point after point before winning 9-0.
Three games, three different courts with the losing team scoring one point combined.  Such a strange day.  The ominous day finished when Lisa decided to fix chili and while doing she knocked over a beer she'd just poured.

Yesterday was Murphysboro St Patricks day celebration.  Once again it was plagued by cold weather and this time it was also accompanied by a cold north wind.  This really hurt the outside crowd and the activities going on outside.
Lisa had enjoyed the day before a little too much and when I got up the crock pot with four brisket flats in it needed help so I turned it up.  A little while later she got up and "walked" in to check on it but went back to bed.  Shortly after she was back out because she was worried about the corn beef so we put them into two different crock pots and back to sleep she went.
Mike and Debbie came over and Lisa managed to get out of bed.  Around 10:30 we headed up to the parade but first we had to stop at Schwebels for some stuff Lisa bought.  We met Bailey and the twins but it was too cold for Dax.  The parade may have been the shortest ever but the twins enjoyed it and they got way too much candy. 
We checked out some stores downtown and went to Brews Brothers for a couple that turned into three.  They still had the Big Muddy Red Devil, good stuff.  We'd got one at Molly's Pint during the parade so I figured four was enough.
We hurried home to get the corned beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes ready for our Sunday get together that was moved to Saturday for a week.  Joe was already there so we had to hustle to get everything done since he had to get away early.  I have to say it all turned out great.  My contribution was a couple burgers for Shad who doesn't like corned beef and the cabbage.  I can't believe how much everyone like the cabbage.  I don't do anything special, just olive oil and seasonings then put it on my flattop.
Today is the St Patricks day bocce tournament where the Grumpy Shillelaghs will take the courts.  Once again it's expected to be cold. ☹️

Yesterday was St Patricks day so we decided to have a beer at Molly's Pint.  They have their Irish Red on draft and last year they were all out before we got there.  We were only going to have one but a couple old Middies bartenders, Dave and Bird,  walked in so we had two. 
After we left Lisa wanted to have one at Brews Brothers so we drove over there, too cold to walk.  We both had a Killians and a couple who had been at Molly's walked in.  While we drinking our beers Chuck from Big Muddy came in with a couple kegs and when he was hooking one up I noticed it had a Red Devil on top so I mentioned how I like the handle.  He said it was his new Red Devil Red which is an Irish Red so of course we had to try it.  It was great and I hope he keeps brewing it, it surpasses Dunkeldog as my favorite at Big Muddy.
Four beers was enough so we headed home and Lisa fixed some much needed food.  She did bangers in a blanket and some seasoned pretzels but the pretzels seemed to spicy for my delicate belly.  I had a couple beers with them but then I had to take it to bed so I'd be ready for Day 2 of St. Patricks day.
Today is also the 98th anniversary of the tri-state tornado that devastated Murphysboro. 

Lowe's third attempt to deliver a washer without bent legs was a failure yesterday.  Once again one of the legs was bent and watching how the delivery men get it out of the truck I'm wondering if they aren't causing the damage.  The legs on Maytag are now made of plastic and the delivery people are tipping them where on one leg is on the ground.  That doesn't sound real smart to me.  I wasn't aware there is an appliance store in Carbondale but I'm to the point if the washer isn't right on Monday I'll be on my way to check them out.
I really miss Gillenbergs.
Today is St Patricks day, my fathers and mine favorite holiday of the year.  We don't have any big plans today, the celebration tomorrow and the bocce tournament on Sunday have taken over for the real St. Patricks day.

My cousin Iris is in town with her husband Steve so I met them and another cousins husband Patrick at 17th Street yesterday.  We had the twins and Dax so they got to come along.  All three of them were on their best behavior and of course a big to-do was made over Dax looking like me when I was that age but he looks most like Greyson when he was that age.
We sat at a table and at the table beside us was long time friend Cheryl.  Iris was interested in how she knew us and Cheryl was going telling her some of our background together.  I finally said "it's a small town, you know a lot of people".  She said she didn't really realize how small until this visit.  A little while later Ted walked out from in back and talked for a minute.  He's retiring Friday and his boss took him out for lunch.  Finally Chris from Squachy Bocce came out while we were eating and talked for a minute.  It's a small town and I love it.
Anyway I ordered a rueben, Lisa ordered pimento and sausage, Brinley get chicken strips,  Greyson had bbq pork and Dax had some mac and cheese.  It probably wasn't a good idea to order corned beef two days before the St Patricks day weekend but what can I say, I like corned beef.  Iris wanted ribs but Steve is a veggietarian which makes it hard in a BBQ restaurant.  He ended up ordering sweet potato and slaw.  Patrick went with pimento and sausage.
The rueben is one of my favorite things there and this one didn't disappoint.  I told Iris their ribs are hit and miss but she loved them, the look too fall off the bone for me.  Everyone else seem satisfied but there was so many conversations going on to really know.
They were meeting the Herrin cousins later at Aban's so we all headed home after a really nice visit.
Thanks to Lisa for setting it all up.
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That is the question.  Aaron Rodgers goes on his buddy Pat McAfee's show today.  Speculation is high that he will announce his plans for the future.  Speculation is also high he will finish his career with the Jets.  The Jets just are signing Allen Lazard to help facilitate the trade and supposedly there are a few other players Rodgers wants if he goes there. 
One thing that appears obvious is the Packers are ready to move on.  Jordon Love was drafted for a reason and has now watched for three years, it's time to see what he's got or trade him.
My thought is that on today's show Rodgers will tease viewers for a while then announce that he needs more time to gain clarity on what to do.
Rodgers is just a different cat so no telling what will happen.  I don't think money will be a big factor in his decision.  Whatever his decision just do it, I'm not worn out like I was when the previous qb left and I hope it doesn't get to that point.
If Rodgers leaves, thanks for the memories. 

The curmudgeon in me as several words that just piss me off and cause me to stop listening or reading.
Literally is one of the most over used and incorrectly used words today.  Literally literally means actually, they're synonyms.
Amazing is another especially when talking about food.  Amazing means astonishment, surprise or wonder.  So unless you are surprised or astonished use something different.
I'm sure there are others but I can't think of them right now.  Don't even get me started on spelling and the difference in there, there and they're.  Or two, too, to.  And the others like this.

Once again we got our washer and dryer delivered today.  I never got a call about delivery time or a warning call they were on their way.  Having been burned previously I didn't unhook anything until the units were unboxed and we could look at them.  This strategy paid off when once again the washer had a bent leg.  At least this time the dryer was okay.  The delivery guys got it down stairs and one of them hooked it up even though he probably wasn't supposed to since it has the old style 3 prong outlet.
This makes me wonder how many people just accept it without inspecting it. 
All this is making me rethink buying appliances from Lowe's, I really miss Gillenberg's.

Yesterday we went for our "ride" in quite a while.  By ride I mean getting out and checking out some of the backroads and just relaxing.  My plan was to get on the Big Muddy levee near Sand Ridge and check out Rattlesnake Ferry then get back on the levee until it meets back up to route 3.  My plan was aborted when a good we hit a road closed barrier so I turned towards the river and we ended up in Turkey Bayou and Oakwood Bottoms.  I was going to go up on Fountain Bluff but Lisa was afraid of scratching her jeep so we went to Grand Tower where we saw a barge that had stop a few feet away from the boat ramp parking lot.
After we left there we went to Bottom's Up to grab a late lunch.  Mike and Debbie decided to split some fried chicken and chips and Lisa also got the fried chicken but went with a salad and chips.  I'd been wanting catfish so I ordered catfish with steamed veggies and slaw.
Their fried chicken is always stellar and their chips are normally good but Lisa's didn't seem to have much seasoning.  My catfish was decent but really didn't solve my catfish hankering.  The veggies were good but had a lot of broccoli stems.  I'm sure the veggies are straight from a frozen bag but they taste really good.  Their slaw is one of my more favorites.
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After we left there we went by the spillway and then Lisa checked up Mike and Debbie's furniture.  We went by Molly's Pint but they were having a private party so we went to Brews Brothers and had one.  After that we finished off the night with a couple at the Elks but didn't realize it was Luck of the Lodge and the place was packed.  We were only going to have one but I went down the bar got some beer meanwhile Lisa had already ordered one too.  I didn't finish either one before heading home to the comfort of my recliner.

Pepperoni is must on a pizza.
Occasionally pineapple is great on pizza.
If it doesn't have red sauce it's not pizza, it's just flat pasta.
Dessert "pizza" is really a pie but not a pizza pie.
Fish does not belong on a pizza.
Pizza tastes better with a beer.
Quatros is still the best pizza.
Taco "pizza" is just a taco salad on a flat shell
Olives do not belong a pizza, don't care what color keep them off
Provel cheese does not belong on a pizza or anywhere except the trash
Delivery pizza is better than frozen not matter what Digiorno's says
BBQ pizza is just BBQ on a flat bun.
Veggies are best left off a pizza
Chain pizza places are blah, local places are better
Chicago pizza is one of the few things good about that cIity.
Murphysboro is lucky to have three good local places and a bunch of other good places in a 25 mile radius.

Last fall we bought a refrigerator from Lowe's.  It took three times to get one that wasn't dented and each time we had to unload and unhook the frig.  Not to mention each time we had to wait around until it was delivered.
Yesterday we had a washer and dryer delivered from Lowe's.   I'd learned my lesson with the refrigerators so I checked them out when they were still on the truck.  Both units had bent legs which caused them to wobble.  Not having learned the full lesson with the frig I'd already unhooked the old washer and dryer so now they have to be set back up.
Of course they can't ensure the delivery time until the day before and then it's a four hour window which always seems to be afternoon/evening.
There's not a lot of places to buy appliances around here since Gillenberg closed so box stores are about it.
Moral of the story:  don't unhook anything until the new stuff has been inspected

I'm retired, I'm not supposed to have days like this.  To start I didn't sleep very well last night.  In addition to being tired when I woke up this morning I had a mild case of vertigo for the second day in a row.  I've had enough so I sent a message to my doctor who in turned sent in a prescription.  Of course my pharmacy won't have it until tomorrow morning.
Our washing machine quit over the weekend so we went to Lowes and bought a washer and dryer which is another story in itself.  They are scheduled to be delivered between 2:30 and 6:30 today which means making a path in the basement and cleaning off the dryer.  Not that big a deal but not feeling well makes it worse.  We were in dire need of having cloths washed when it quit so I've been trying it each morning.  Of course out of the blue it started working this morning.  So there's a bunch of laundry to do.
Then I got a call from my dentist and I'd missed an appointment this morning.  I put my appointments on my calendar but apparently forgot.
On top of all of it today is Lisa's long time friend Tina's funeral so she will be gone most of the day. 
BTW it's not even 10am.  Sorry for the pity pity me post but just needed to write something.

It's been an exhausting last several days but on Saturday we went to IV's after the twins "basketball" game.  Debbie was wanting to try since Lisa's brother in Cali Danny loves it.  Lisa had also promise the twins a roll of quarters each to play the machines that nobody seems to win.
We ordered our standard pepperoni and mushroom and while it tasted really good I don't want pizza for a while after having it two out of three days.  Debbie like the pizza but liked Quatros better.  As Lisa predicted one of the twins actually managed to "win" a ball in the claw machines and of course this left the other jealous,
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After what has become a weekly Sunday dinner we were both exhausted plus our 15 year old  washer shot craps so Monday morning we went to Lowe's and ordered a new washer and dryer.  We turned down a 70 degree day in early March to just lounge around the house.  We finally decided a fast food burger type meal sounded good so after some thing we decided on Wendy's.  It's been a long time since I've been to Wendy's, probably before I retired.  I decided on a double Dave's burger and large fries.  Lisa decided on chili and a jr. burger.
Of course it's impossible to not have some fries on the ride home and they were great.  Nice and hot and salty and they rivaled the golden arches ones.  By the time we got home the fries had cooled but were still warm but not as good.  The double was good and very messy but I need to get away from the half pound burgers.  Lisa said her chili was Wendy's chili so I'm guessing that she didn't expect much and that's what she got.  She said her jr burger was disappointing. 
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I had to go to have a laser treatment on my eye in Evansville yesterday.  When I have an eyeball shot the rest of the day is shot so I made my appointment for 2:15 instead of my normal morning preference.  The laser treatment isn't anywhere as bad as the eyeball shots so I wish I'd made it earlier.
This is the first time in a while we'd gone anywhere out of the area in quite some time.  I think I'd been to Evansville before but I can't recall when or why.  We wanted to get there in time to eat and have a beer after the 2+ hour drive and we wanted something we can't get around here.  After looking at a lot of places it came down to Gerst Haus, a german place, and Hickory Pit Stop that is owned by people we know from BBQ competitions.
I'd just cooked a pork butt and had done a brisket a couple weeks ago so we opted for Gerst Haus.  There were a lot of rain and storms yesterday but we managed to stay out of them.  I stopped in Mt Vernon In. to pick up some Yuengling and when I  went in the tornado siren was going off, oh boy.  It stopped when I left but in the 20 minutes it took to get to Evansville my phone's tornado warning went off twice.  Not much we could do so I told Lisa to keep an eye out kept going.
We found Gerst Haus pretty easily and found a parking spot around the corner from it.  It was at this point it started raining.  We went in the back door and I heard a worker saying there was a tornado on the ground where we had just been.  I haven't seen anything about it so I don't think it's accurate.
Lisa got a Gerst Amber andI got a beer that I thought the bartender said was an amberweizen but I'm really not sure.  After I drank a little of mine I didn't really care for it so  I ordered a Yuengling.  I ordered the sausage platter with a bratwurst, Berlin mett and smoked mett.  For sides I got beans and cucumbers and onions, Lisa ordered gumbo and sauerkraut rolls.
The cucumbers and onion wasn't worth eating and neither was the sauerkraut rolls.  The gumbo was very good.  I liked the brat and the smoked mett ring a lot better than the berlin mett but all three were good.  I probably should have got knockwurst or kielbase instead of the brat just to try something different.  I almost forgot the beans were surprisingly very good.
🍺🍺🍺🍺 ( really hurt by the cucumbers and onion and the sauerkraut balls).
The ride home featured 30 mph winds that made me glad we had my Durango instead of Lisa's Jeep.  Durango has a wider base and lower profile.  It also featured a nice little traffic jam at an intersection where the stoplights were out.  I was able to drive again by the time we reach Mt Vernon In and by the time we got to Marion the wind had subsided to a more normal range.

Lisa's brother Mike wanted to take Debbie's son Jared to Quatros before he leaves today so yesterday we met them at Quatros.  We got one of the bigger tables in the downstairs area but it isn't as nice as it was before they rearranged the area during covid shutdown.
I'm not sure if there was some confusion or what but they ordered two medium pepperoni pizza and we ordered a large meateaters.  It seemed like a lot for 5 people and we weren't counting on Dax having any, he was content with cheese and his snacks.
The Cali bunch was talking about there wasn't any good pizza in their area which seemed odd for such a large area.  Jared seemed to really like Quatros especially the meateaters and said it was a lot better than anything in their area. 
We ended up with a whole pepperoni and a couple slices left. 
Hope the new owners keep up the good work.
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The last couple days Mike, Debbie and Debbies son Jared have come over and Lisa has fixed breakfast feast.  They're still on California time and unpacking boxes so we didn't have breakfast until 10am.
Day one was B&G, bacon, chunky hash browns and eggs.  I had to leave shortly after eating to make it to the golf course.  A fat boy with a full belly didn't help my golf game at all.
Day two was sausage links, scrambled eggs, chunky has browns and pancakes or french toast.  I felt really beat up and hurting from the previous two days I didn't do much of anything.
I really like breakfast but I normally eat a much smaller breakfast and not always traditional breakfast food.  In fact this morning.  In fact this morning I had a salad mainly because I felt the need for some roughage.