It was another very hot and humid day yesterday as we played in the league tournament, at least we didn't have canadian smoke to worry about.
In the first game we played on our normal third court against the Tuesday night league champion Rolling Rejects.  We came out on fire and never let off the gas as we cruised to a 9-0 win.
In the second game we stayed on the third court and played Big Muddy Monsters.  Once again we played very well and cruised to a 9-2 win.  This guaranteed that we would make the finals.
In the third game we moved to the first court and played Whiffleboys, a team we always struggle with on a court we always struggle with.  We got out to an early lead but they came back with a four point frame to tie the score at 4-4.  They moved ahead again before we finally got another point but they closed it out with a 9-5 loss for Roll'em.
In the first game of the playoffs we faced Pomona Winery on the first court.  We played much better and adjusted to the court while they struggled a little with it and we cruised to a 9-4 win.
In the semi finals we played Can't Be Trusted on the second court that they'd just played on.  By this time the heat had taken it's toll on our team and we couldn't really get anything going.  Key play was Ted making a nice hit on the pallino sending to the back wall and we couldn't do anything with it.  Final score was 9-3.
We played pretty good but just couldn't keep it going in the heat.

After a 30 minute rainstorm dumped on Murphysboro we played the towel tournament.  As the number three seed we had to wait until another game finished to see who we played.  That game took close to an hour to finish so we immediately played Usual Suspects on the same third court they'd just played on.
We started the scoring with a pair of one point frames then they got hot.  We gave up the next seven points until we scored again making it 7-3.  They closed out the game on the next frame sending us home for the night.  
None of us played particularly well and they were around the pallino all the time.

While if was hot for our week 6 games it was no where close to last Wednesdays scorcher.  Good thing since we played the 6&7:30 games.
In the first game we played Usual Suspects on the 3rd court.  We started off by exchanging 2 point frames then we jumped ahead with a four point frame.  They chipped back and tied the game at 6-6,  With us showing a point but them having a close ball our last ball hit their close ball just enough to move us to a three point frame and a win.
In the second game we moved to the first court and played Mission Imbocceball.  We got a small lead then blew the game open with a 4 point frame and a 6-1 lead.  We moved it to 7-1 and then we ended it with a two point frame and a 9-1 win.  There were a lot of really good throws and it felt like this game was much closer.  In fact I looked at the score board and was shocked they'd only scored once.

I've been wanting to give the 1860 Public House in Red Bud a try since I noticed that it was no longer the Opera House.  Well we finally made the drive yesterday after debating several other places (of course).
Red Bud has a population of just less than 4000 but has a lot of traffic go through there.  The Public House changed a lot from the previous spot and has really updated it nicely.  We decided on a booth and there were two other tables filled when we got there.  Our waitress came over and boy was she a hoot.  Very energetic and personable.  I finally decided on the fish and chips while Lisa got a taco salad and chili.  Mike got a burger and Debbie got a steak wrap.  We also got rolls for the table and some pub chips for good measure.  
The rolls were just okay, nothing special but the butter was real good.  I only had a couple chips but they were well cooked but not much seasoning so salt was added.  My fish was cod and really good.  It was cut long ways and was similar to a frozen fish stick that we ate back in the day.  They had both spicy and regular tartar sauce, I thought the regular was very plain but I did like the spicy.  Lisa really like her chili and said the taco salad was good.  Debbies wrap looked real good and Mike liked his burger.  
A great new addition that I'm sure we'll go back to.
Afterwards we went next door to Leiferbrau for a quick drink.  We found out you can order from next door and get food delivered.  As fate would have it as we were leaving our waitress from the Public House delivered food and once again was very energetic and fun,.

On a brutally hot and muggy night Roll'em played the 6&6:30 games.  Did I mention it was hot?
We played Holy Ballz on the first court to start the night.  We ran off three straight single point frames to take a 3-0 lead but they got two point frame,  We scored a couple but a four point frame left us down 7-5.  We answered with two more points to tie the game.  Then them showing one point a really good throw by us somehow left them still showing a point and they made another good throw to win the game 9-7.
We immediately played Bertha's Ball Handlers on the same court.  We started out hot building a 7-0 when Lisa started getting overheated,  I started the car so she could sit in it when not throwing.  This seemed to really rattle us as they kept chipping away and finally getting a four point frame to tie the game at 7s.  They finished us off with two more single points losing 9-7.
Overall a well played night derailed in the last few frames.

Saturday pizza was on my mind but wanted something a little different so we decided to go to Alongi's.  It's been quite a few years since we went there.  I like that you can add ingredients without paying extra.
We went with pepperoni, italian sausage and mushrooms while Mike got chicken parm and Debbie got lasagna.  They have very unique shaped beer glasses, tall and thin.  Each of us got a bread stick that was very good but I wish it had dipping oil or something to dip it in.  The pizza was good and different than our usual pizza places so that was nice,  It was thin crust but wasn't a thin pizza, the cheese and toppings built it up.  Mike really like his chicken parm which is his go to for italian places and Debbie loved her lasagna.
Nice change of pace for us.

Thursday we both had appointments in the morning so we decided to try out a new place in DuQuoin called Traditions.  It's in the building that used to be Taco Bell/KFC just past the old coke bottling place.
The waitress was very helpful and nice but a little naive when it came to the beer selection.  We both ordered Yuengling and finally decided on splitting a chef salad with house dressing and spaghetti.  We were both nervous about the formaggio cheese since it was a blend of mozzarella and provolone with a little provel added.  Neither of us car for provel but it was fine.
The salad was humongous and they brought two bowels so we could get out what we wanted.  The dressing was really good too, overall a really good salad.  The spaghetti was solid but nothing special.  Same with the meatballs but the sauce was really good.  It came with two small slices of garlic bread that were tasty.
Overall a good trip and we'll make it back soon to try the pizza and burgers.
It just so happens that there was an 89th birthday party for the legendary Batman at the Da-Nite so we stopped in for a beer or two.  He was both our teachers in high school and has been a friend for a lot of years.  We missed a couple people I would have liked to see but there was still plenty there and we stayed a lot longer than anticipated.
Great day

We played the 6:30 and 7:30 games last night.  It was rather warm and without the wind from the previous week.
We played our first game against the Militant Gammarians on the first court.  We started the game with three consecutive two point frames to take a 6-0 lead.  They managed to cut it in half in the next frame but we closed it out with another two point frame and then the game winning point.
In the second game we played Boccelism on the third court.  They were using a couple subs including one who hadn't played before.  We jumped on them and didn't let off for a 9-0 win.

We started out for Frenchman's Widow yesterday but decided on Joe's Pizza on the ride over.  This time we wanted pasta instead of pizza plus I wanted salad.  When we got there we ordered an italian salad with no olives.  I got balsamic vinaigrette while Lisa got creamy italian.  We finally decided to split an order of pasta pomodoro.
The salad was good but the balsamic vinaigrette didn't really hit the spot.  Lisa said the creamy italian was good.  The salad was more than enough for the two of us and enough left to bring some home.  The past pomodoro was ok but needed more of olive oil.  For some reason they couldn't put extra on but brought some garlic butter for me and some red sauce for Lisa.  This really helped along with some parm and pepper.  The red sauce was very good and the pasta we order the next time we get pasta there.

On a very windy and warm evening Roll'em played the 6:30 and 7 games with David subbing for Debbie.  The first games were winding down and no Mike I gave him a call.  Good thing, he'd forgot.  He arrived just in time.
Our first game took place on the third court against Dark Side of the Pallino.  While we were warming up the wind knocked my beer off the wall and it broke on the concrete so the first part of the game was getting all the glass swept up and getting another one.  The game started out close with us getting the two points and them getting three.  We did something you can't do an left it wide open and they took advantage with four points making the score 7-2 and we were done losing 9-2.
We moved to the second court for our second game against Blue Collar Ballers.  Once again we started off with a point or two but once again we gave up a big frame.  This time it was three points and was because they made great throws not us leaving it wide open.  This time we answered back with a series of one and two point frames winning 9-3.

We went to Marion to try Seasoning Bistro.  Lisa had been there and we'd gone there when they were in Benton but this was my first time going there.  I think it was my first time seeing Marions "square" since it's been redone, really nicely done.  Seasoning Bistro is really nice also with a lot more room than they had in Benton.
We got there about 1:30 not realizing that they closed from 2-4 but they said no problem.  I ordered a black garlic burger with house chips.  Lisa ordered meatballs with a spinach salad.  The burger was solid until I started hitting the black garlic topping and that really elevated the sandwich.  The chips were all nice and crisp but not much seasoning so I probably won't get that again.  Lisa's meatballs were really good but I wasn't wild about the goat cheese in it.  The salad was okay but I didn't think there was enough dressing.
After we went to check out Little Nashville.  We didn't realize they had food or at least anything more than appetizers but they have a nice menu.  A really nice lunch spot that probably gets turned up at night when there's music.
On the way back we stopped at Buckwater for a quick beer.  We ordered the niner niner beer that is brewed there.  After a few drinks I went up and got a Yuengling, the niner niner wasn't what either of us like.

Last night was hot and humid but at least there was a nice breeze as Roll'em played it's week 2 game.
In the first game we played Muddy Rollers on the third court.  Both teams scored two points to start the game but then they ripped off 5 in a row before we answered with a three point frame.  Too little too late as they closed out a 9-5 victory over Roll'em.
In the second game also played on the third court we played Mag 4.  Everything that went wrong the first game went right in this one.  We got off to a fast start and never let up winning 9-0.

We ordered from El Jalisco yesterday since Lisa didn't want to fix me anything.  I ordered steak el tapatio and she ordered barria tacos. I had trouble understanding the man on the phone and he couldn't understand me so I didn't have much hope for the order to be right.  It was closer than I expected but not quit right.  I didn't expect much from the steak since the last time I got it the steak wasn't great.  This time it was even worse, very tough and not good.  Never again.  The shrimp was good and the corn was very good,  The rice and veggies were okay.  Lisa liked her tacos.

Yesterday we made a last minute decision to go to Bottoms Up.  We hadn't been there in a while and we both decided to go off our norm with what we got.  I went down thinking catfish while Lisa was thinking wings.  
The catfish is hand breaded there so that sealed the choice especially when the cook said she would cut it in strips since they weren't busy.  Lisa went with wings.  We both got side salads that were plain but tasty.  The catfish had a different coating, maybe cornmeal based, but it was very good.  Not up there with the best in the area but worth getting again.  Lisa's wings were on point as they always are there.
It's always nice talking with the staff there, very nice and outgoing.
We stopped at Slips Hideaway, aka Kinkaid Marina, on the way home for a drink and to check out the place.  They've redone almost the whole place and it looks really nice.  They did keep the bar made out of a boat though.  I had a beer and Lisa started a beer but noticed the slushy machine and got one of those after trying all three.  I have to say all three were really good.

Roll'em made their delayed appearance of 2026.  The weather was a tad warm but there was a nice breeze and just a great night.  A great night for us to get back at it.
In the first game we played No Beer, No Bocce a team we've struggled with in the past.  We started the year right with one, one and two point frames.  Then in typical Roll'em fashion we gave up a three then a one point frame to tie the game.  They kind of pulled ahead of us 8-6 but then Lisa got a ball in and they left it pretty wide open and we took advantage with three points winning 9-8.
In the second game we played Roll Away the Dew, a team we'd never played before.  Oddly we talked to one of their players at the Farmers Market just that afternoon.  Anyway we started off by having them hit themselves out a point and us into two.  We kept going building a 5-0 lead but once again we squandered that by giving up a four point frame,  This time instead of folding we righted the ship and won 9-4.
It was a lot of fun getting back on the court and also seeing a lot of new faces down there.  Of course winning two is always nice.

After taking the spring season off to deal with some health issues Roll'em If Ya Got'em will be back playing tonight.  We've played in a tournament but myself, Lisa and Debbie haven't played much this year.  Mike subbed on a Tuesday team and has been going to old fart bocce so he should be ready.
Anyway it will be good to get back.

An expected stay at home day turned into going out after we saw Game On's special was filet mignon soup.  That sounded too interesting to turn down so we loaded up Greyson and Dax and went there.  Of course the kids didn't get that they went with kids meals, one with chicken tenders the other boneless chicken wings.  Me and Lisa went with the soup.  
It was very good and it was a decent size.  The filet pieces were very small but otherwise no complaints.

We took advantage of a kid free day to go to a new place that's been on our radar for a while, the Mule Barn in DuBois.  The place is an older building that has seen it's better days but still functional with a mule statue outside,  Fried chicken was the special and it came with mashed potatoes and corn or green beans.  I tried to change sides but couldn't find them listed so we both went with corn,
The food arrived too fast to be freshly fried chicken but the chicken was really good.  The sides could have been hotter but was okay, what can you say about corn and mashed potatoes.  The gravy was really good, once again I wish it would have been hotter.  Interesting place that we'll go to again before long.   Of course Lisa had to get on the mule and have her picture taken.
On the way up Lisa had seen a sign for Black Sheep saloon in Tamoroa so we stopped in there.  They didn't have food until four on Wednesdays but earlier the rest of the week.  They have pizza all the time.  I asked if it was frozen pizza but it is handmade.  
We tried to find a place in DuQuoin but never saw it so we came on back to Murphysboro and stopped at the Da Nite where we ran into Ozzie, Jodie and Clint.  We had a couple there and ordered pizza to go.  The pizza was good but not as good as having it at IV"s.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones you don't take.  I've been tired and not 100% lately so after discussing it we decided to stay home yesterday.  Lisa mentioned gumbo and thats all it took.  I had to got to the milk store for milk and eggs so we could also have cornbread but overall didn't do anything except watch tv.
She made a giant batch of chicken and crawdad gumbo so that there would be enough left over for cards on Monday and it was great.  The crawdads really added to it instead of shrimp or andouille sausage.  The cornbread was good and offset the gumbo well.  
I feel a lot better today than I have but the days early.

After we went to the farmers market yesterday we stopped in 17th St to grab a bite to eat and use a gift card Ted had gotten us.  Neither of us really have a go to there but after an extended amount of time to decide I went with turkey chef salad when the subbed romaine instead of something called field greens.  Lisa got wings and chili.
The salad was really good and nice sized, the smokey vinegarette was really good too.  The wings were also really good and Lisa likes their chili.
thanks Ted.

After a fun afternoon of cards yesterday we decided to order Dominos mainly because their commercials look so good.  I have to say the delivery was fast and the pizza was hot but otherwise mediocre.  The crust was good and the pepperoni and mushrooms were good also but the sauce and cheese just weren't that good.
I know better than to go by what food looks like in commercials and learned that lesson once again.

Yesterday we went to the Cardinal game against the Brewers with tickets Lisa won at the Relay for Life bocce tournament courtesy of Scott and Paula.  The seats were in the shade which was a mixed blessing, my head didn't get burned but it was a chilly day.  The Brewers put up a 4 spot in the first inning and the game really wasn't in doubt after that.  
Afterwards we stopped at Patty O's for a couple beers to let the traffic thin out which turned out to be a very good move at least until we hit construction after leaving St Louis.   I hate driving in those conditions so Mike drove with his past experience in California traffic.
We stopped at Skootrs in Mascoutah to grab some much needed food.  We discovered it several years ago coming back from the airport and it was one of the few places open on Mondays (not anymore).  I ordered a pork tenderloin, Lisa got a farmers salad, Debbie got reuben which she says is the best ever and Mike got pulled pork.  We all got house chips.
My sandwich was good and thicker than I expected and bigger than I thought.  The house chips weren't seasoned very well and I'll get something else next time we stop there.  Lisa's salad was the star of the meal.  It was BIG and very good, a full chicken breast sliced on top of it and the bacon vinegar dressing was great.  Mike and Debbie both liked their sandwiches.  

We've had a lot going on lately so when we've been able to go out it's been someplace local that we've been to a lot.  Yesterday was no exception but Lisa wanted El Jalisco for Cinco de Mayo so I said I'd pick it up.
Lisa ordered birria tacos and I ordered pollo yucateco, I saw a picture of it and it looked good.  They said 10 minutes so I rushed there and to my surprise it wasn't very crowded.  I got there around 4:40 so maybe it would fill up later.
Anyway my dish was a flattened chicken breast with shrimp and some other things on top.  It came with rice and lettuce with sour cream on top and some more stuff on it.  The dish was delicious especially the shrimp and other stuff.  Even the lettuce with sour cream worked and I'm not a big sour cream fan.  This may be my new go to there.  Lisa said her tacos were real good, I was planning on having one of them but I was stuffed.

Yesterday was a long overdue trip to Cape.  First we checked out Academy Sports.  I like looking at the grills and smokers along with the BBQ sauces and rubs.  They had several that I would have gotten if Lisa had found anything she wanted to get but didn't want to stand in line for just that.
Afterwards we went to Port Cape for a drink.  The service was not good, we sat for quite a while waiting to be waited on.  We finally got someone and the service was better but not enough to make up for the initial wait.  We also got some chips to snack on and they were very good, whatever seasoning they put on it is really good.
Next we stopped at Broussards to eat.  Me and Lisa decided to split a pick three platter and we chose two crawdad etouffees and shrimp creole.  They've changed it where you only get one side instead of red beans and rice and a salad.  We got fried corn as our side.  Mike and Debbie got the same thing except with gumbo instead of shrimp creole.  
I'm really glad we got the creole, it was really good and we hadn't got it in a long time.  The etouffee was great as always and the fried corn was good and interesting.  It was battered and deep fried.  Mike liked the gumbo best while Debbie like the etouffee.
On the way home we stopped at the Duck Inn so Mike could go to the bathroom.  Of course we had a drink while we were there, it was pretty dead so we headed on home.

Roll'em If Ya Got'em made their 2026 debut yesterday, at least kind of,  We played as Rolling For A Cure in this tournament.  After a lot of really nice days yesterday was crappy, cool, windy and rainy.  Anyway we were back on the courts.  Our pool played all of it's game on the third court which gave us a big disadvantage in the playoffs since they were on the two other courts.
We played our first game against a team of some players from Tuesday night and my cousins son Josh.  We jumped out to a big 7-2 lead before they came storming back and we had an 8-5 lead but we were unable to get that final point and lost 9-8.
Up next was a team led by Ian.  This time we jumped out to a big lead and kept going winning 9-2.
We played each team in our bracket 2 times so it was time for Josh's team again.  This time we once again jumped out to a big lead and kept going winning 9-3.
Finally it was Ian's team again.  Win and get in but also if we scored over 3 points we would be the pool champion.  This game was more competitive but we won 9-5 so we would be advancing.
In the semi's we played Can't Be Trusted/Brickdust Blues playing as Survivors, an apt name.  This is where the disadvantage happened, we switched to the middle court and they had just finished a game there.  They were also on fire and we lost 9-0 in three frames.  They would also go on to win the tournament.
In the third place game we played Wops on the first court and still could not adjust losing 9-3 for a fourth place finish.  Not too bad considering that three of us hadn't played this season.  We are planning on being back for summer.
Afterwards we went to Middies for Fred, Cathy and Clints birthday get together.  Appetizers galore were bought and drinks were flowing.  Very enjoyable time.