Eclipse 2024 was so cool, better even than 2017.  It got off to a bad start the day before when the igniter in my pellet grill didn't work.  So there I was with a fully thawed and prepped brisket and no smoker.  After a little panic I decided to do it in the oven overnight.
The day itself was beautiful, nice and warm with only a few cloud very light clouds.
The grandkids had so much fun playing with water balloons, even Dax was squeezing them and having a blast.  Thanks to Mike and Fred who put up the umbrella for me, as the day went on it was needed.  Only almost bad moment came when Greyson "accidentally" hit his mother with a water balloon.  Bailey told me he could play with if he could hit me with a water balloon.  That made his day but the balloon didn't bust until it.  His mother decided that she needed to hit me with on to make up for it.
The eclipse itself lived up and surpassed expectations.  Four plus minutes of darkness.  Just so cool.
I don't know how many out of towners were in Murphysboro but it seemed like a lot.
The highlight was the moment of totality a big cheer came from Riverside Park followed by  other areas of town.  Of course I had to howl at the moon since I don't stay late enough to do it anymore.  Fun was had by all.
Oh and the brisket turned out surprisingly good.

Yesterday started with a trip to Ultimate Gymnastics to watch the grandkids birthday party.  Really nice place with lots for kids to do, even Dax could walk around and climb stuff. Greyson was everywhere and really liked it when big cousin Van played tag with him and a couple others.  Brinley was impressive climbing and especially on this rubber thing hanging from the high bar.
Our plans changed when a warning light came on in the Jeep so instead we went to Draft Days at Walkers Bluff.  Our first trip there and it is an impressive building but not a place that had a lot of character.  We each had a beer and shared a huge pretzel and some fried cheese curds.  Huge might not be big enough for the pretzel and not only is it big it was good as were the curds.  Not really a place I care to go back but will the original location.
Next we went to Honker Hill and Debbie got sangria while the rest of us got warm beer.  We've always had a good time there but this time was different in big part due to the warm beer that I don't think anybody finished.
Next we went to Blue Sky three of us shared a pitcher of sangria while Mike got a beer.  The sangria was okay but very sweet.  Once again the vibe was not really there yesterday so we headed on home.
Not a great day but you can't hit everytime.

As I've stated in the past I'm just not a big Christmas fan.  I guess I'm kind of a combination of Ebenezer Scrooge and The Grinch.  This year was overwhelming more than most.  Too many things in too short a period.
It started with my trip to the store.  I usually get started a couple weeks early but somehow didn't.  When I went to the store on Thursday I got a late start and it was packed.  People everywhere plus a lot of workers pushing carts for pick up orders.  To top it off I had to get a lot of things I don't normally get and didn't know where they were.  First time ever I got so frazzled I ended up forgetting things and had to go back the next day.
Then came the worst part.  We lost our nephew Aaroneous who has had a rough way to go for way too long.  We went out to Mona and Kelly's house hoping a little family time would help console them and I think it did. 
The next day was Packer day which was the highlight of the season, at least for me.  It helped that the Packers manage to win in spite of the defense and it's coordinator.
Mona had said she couldn't do her traditional Christmas Eve thing so Mike and Debbie stepped up.  It was nice to sit around and enjoy but I was running on fumes and we left earlier than normal.  At least I think we did, it's all kind of a blur.
Of course yesterday was Christmas.  Our Christmas breakfast was running into too many conflicts so we decided to get together with my family later in the week and I think Lisa is going with chicken and dumplings in the evening instead of a morning thing.  Anyway she fixed turkey and dressing yesterday along with sweet potatoes, rolls and pumpkin pie.  She also made apple salad that had gone off the menu for way too long.
Almost done with the bah humbug season.

Oh the trials and tribulations of watching our grandson Dax.  Yesterday he was in rare form. Anything that is on a table soon becomes on the floor or in his hands or mouth even when he knows he's not supposed to.  If he doesn't pull it off he'll act like he's going to just so you'll react and then he'll laugh.  He especially likes to grab cell phones and remote controls.  He also likes grabbing mama's glasses which earns him a slap on the hand but that doesn't really stop him.
He's now learned how to open the refrigerator, closing it is another thing.  Yesterday he came into the living room with some salami for me to fix even though he already had some.  He also pulled out some grapes from the frig and was eating them off the vine, such a character.  On the good side he loves grapes, bananas, apples and other fruit.
Yesterday was topped off when he came around the corner with a banana peel he'd grabbed out of the trash.  I'd like to say he only did that once but...... 
When he left we decided to head to Dale's Burger Shack to reward ourselves for making it through the week with him.  But no, he'll be here today and tonight too.  At least the twins will be here to help.

I don't have the same dislike about Thanksgiving that I do about Christmas except when the Packers play.  When that happens it's just too noisy and busy and a lot harder to watch the game.  This year was a little different, maybe since we didn't have as many people as we have in the past when the Packers play.  Lisa missed a lot of it cooking though. 
Lisa's cooking was on point.  The turkey and dressing were really good.  She tried something different and really stressed about it during the cook but as always with her cooking it turned out great.  Apparently other people liked it too since we didn't have a lot of leftovers.
To put the icing on the cake {or maybe the turkey on the dressing since it was Thanksgiving) the Packers surprisingly beat the Lions.  Go Pack Go

The twins had their last soccer game yesterday morning.  For once they both played decent.  Once it was over we went home and got organized before heading to pick them up to go check out the pumpkins at a place in Herrin. In the mean time Bailey and Shad decided to go so Mike and Debbie came over to the house so we could pick up the Durango with it's bigger capability.
We ended up getting there at the same time as Bailey and her gang.  The twins had a blast picking out pumpkins and Dax was all over place.  I think Dax's highlight was he got to sit in the gator they had there.  The Durango was loaded up so we had to offload a few smaller ones in Baileys car.

We went home to get the pumpkins out of the Durango before heading to Broadway Bayou for a late lunch/early supper.  We hadn't been there in quite awhile and needless to say Mike and Debbie hadn't ever been there.  I went up thinking I would get etouffee and stayed with the plan.  I got the large bowl knowing Lisa would take some and also for Mike and Debbie to try.  Mike and Lisa got blackened shrimp and Debbie got fish tacos.  We also got fried mushrooms that were really really good but could have been a little warmer but I would probably have burned my mouth if they were.  The etouffee was great as always but could have been a little hotter.  Debbie and especially Mike  really liked the etouffee, they'd never really had it before.  Lisa's blacken shrimp were good but not very spicy.  Debbie got a sample of gumbo which she'd also never had and seemed to like it.  She liked the fish tacos but thought they had too much cabbage on them,  I thought they were good like they were but maybe less cheese.  Overall a great choice and I think we won't wait as long for our next visit.  Oh and by the way our favorite waitress is back.
We got home and the twins were waiting so they could "arrange" the pumpkins.

I'm not an overly big Apple Festival fan or parade fan in general but I did watch the parade this year.  The kiddie parade is okay but we missed it this year.  Not because we blinked and it was over but because our granddaughter missed it due to throwing fits.
We were going to go to Faye for a beverage and possibly breakfast but when we got there Lisa was informed they couldn't sell alcohol until 9.  The waitress said it was a state or city law so natural I contacted our mayor for clarification and he indicated alcohol could be sold as early as 6am on weekdays.  Oh well.
She also had to miss the big parade but Shad stay home with her and Dax.  We had great seats for the parade, a big shout out to November for allowing us to watch in front of her house.  It was the very beginning of the parade so none of the many candy throwers were out of candy.  This made for a big haul for Greyson.  He got a bag full of candy that he had trouble lifting.
The parade seemed to drag a little more this year than the past few and there were more firetrucks than I remember but it still was a good time.
Afterwards we went to Whiffleboys for pizza and wings.  We'd ordered from there a few days prior and got wings.  Their dry rubbed wings done extra crispy are excellent. 
I had to get home and get a brisket on for todays game so once again I didn't make it to the rides or food stands.  Now the best time at the Apple Festival, it's over and I can get through town without all the traffic.  Also now it's BBQ time.

This past weekend Lisa turned 60 so her brother Mike planned a surprise party for her.  He really worked hard on it and while it wasn't really a surprise to her it worked out great.  There was a big surprise when his third brother Danny from Cali showed up with his wife and his wife's sister and her significant.  Long time friend Valya came down from Champaign and added to the surprise. 
There were some other friends and family and all in all a really nice group of people having a nice time.  There was plenty of food and snacks and two cakes. Lisa had a blast, she got several unexpected gifts and cards.  The party went on until about midnight but I gave it up a couple hours earlier.
Gr

We had the grandkids yesterday morning, we took them up to the Farmers Market and they got to throw a quarter into the fountain.  They had a hard time deciding if they wanted to throw the quarter or keep it. 
Our plan was to take them to the unveiling of the Big Muddy Monster statue but it was too hot so we went to Mike and Debbie's pool.  I went to get snacks and sodas and almost got to see the unveiling from the road.  There was a nice crowd and uptown traffic was Applefest like, meaning it was crowded.  Good to see a lot of people uptown going through the shops.
Saturday afternoon we said goodbye to long time friend and de facto family member Brownie down at Riverside Park.  Several people had some very nice things to say about Tim and there was quite a nice crowd.
So Long Brownie, you will be missed.

Lisa decided yesterday would be a good day to break in Mike and Debbie's pool so she invited herself over and then they invited me, Fred and Cathy and Bailey and family.  I still have trouble believing that the pool was ready to go after seeing it a few days ago.  I had to make a second trip to walmart to pick up a suit.  I hadn't needed one since we sold our boat several years ago.
Greyson was the first person to get in the pool and he was the first person to go off the board.  Mike went off the board but it took a while to get Brinley to go off.  Most people stayed in the shallow end except the twins.  Dax even to in for a while and seemed to enjoy it.  I got in for a while but mainly stayed in the shade on the deck.  They had just got finished filling it in the morning but it wasn't as cold as I expected, once you got in it was nice.
Mike broke out his smoker and made burgers and dogs and Debbie had a build your own salad along with several snacks and side dishes.  I've never rated a persons cooking and I'm not going to start now but:
🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺 for the hospitality and attractions
I'm still tired from the Giant game so I took it home early but so did everyone.
Overall an awesome day

Shad got eight tickets to yesterdays Cards-Giants game so Shad, Bailey, Brinley and Greyson went in one car while me, Lisa, Mike & Debbie went in the other.  We hit a traffic jam and it took us a long time to get over the bridge.  I didn't think we would be able to meet them but they ended up behind us.  We parked in a lot that I think used to be Hraboskys and got a free drink ticket at Patty-O's so that's where we went.  I was pleasantly surprised to find they had Yuenglings so that's what I got.  We ended up having a second round and running into some guys from Murphysboro there.
We met the others and got in the stadium while the first inning was underway so I missed one of the Giants get a hit in his major league debut.  We ended up having really nice seats that were under the second deck so we were shaded the whole game.  Lisa got us a couple 25oz Ultras and by the time I was ready for another it was already the seventh inning.  I did get a pretzel to soak up some of the beer and it was pretty good.
The Giants got a two out two strike homerun to tie the game in the top of the ninth and then won in the 10th.  After seeing a game in person I have to say I'm a fan of the new efforts to speed up the game.  The flow was so much better without as much dead time.  The only rule I'm still undecided on is the ghost runner in extra innings.
After the game we stopped at Skootrs to grab a bite to eat.  I got the rueben with house made chips.  Lisa got chili while Mike got pulled pork and Debbie got nachos.  The chips were nicely cooked but not much seasoning on them, I'd ordered mine with seasoning so they were a lot better.  My rueben was disappointing mainly because of the corned beef being tough and hard to bite through.  Lisa said her chili was good and Mike liked his bbq.  Debbies nachos were big and looked pretty good.
🍺🍺

Friday Ace Hardware delivered our new washer and dryer and they managed to do it with no dents, scratches or bent legs.  On the first try even.  Wow, what's going on Lowes?
Also on Friday I called lowes about picking up the dryer and to tell them we wouldn't be home in the afternoon so naturally I get a call in the afternoon while we were at Ferne Cliff that they were on their way.  They seemed astonished we weren't home and couldn't be home in a short period.  They said they would reschedule the next day and once again I said in the morning.  So yesterday I called to make sure they would be there in the am and they said they had no record of the pickup and would schedule for Monday.  Naturally we get a call yesterday saying they would be there soon.  We both figured it would be in the middle of the grandkids party but finally did something right and got it before the party.  Now if only the charge gets off my card and we'll be done with them.
With 30-40mph wind gusts I figured the bounce house for the grandkids party would be cancelled.  Bailey got some games and stuff and we had a ton of food so everything worked out except the three kids crying.  Naturally each of the grandkids were the ones crying.

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.
🍺🍺🍺🍺

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.
🍺🍺🍺🍺

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Nephew Andrew had told us he wasn't coming to it so I bought a smaller turkey.  On the Sunday before we found out nephew Josh was coming so I went in search of a bigger turkey.  No luck at Kroger or Walmart so I headed over to Schnucks where I finally found a 24 pound one, bigger than we wanted but beggars can't be choosy.
The Glue got the turkey on early Thanksgiving morning figuring 15 minutes per pound method.  When she got ready to add the dressing the turkey was falling apart so I took the internal temp and it was done 2 1/2 hours early.  I did some quick googling and decided to treat it like a brisket.  We wrapped it in butcher paper and put it in a cooler with a towel on top of it. 
That seemed to hold it nicely although one side of the breast seemed a little dry but the other was fine.  The dressing was spectacular as usual but it raised the question of what is the difference between stuffing and dressing.  After some research dressing is cooked in a separate pan while stuffing is stuffed in the turkey's cavity (duh).  We call Glue's dressing but it's more a hybrid between the two methods.
We had a nice gathering and anybody who wanted some took leftovers and there was still a leftovers for us.  A few people stayed late watching football and their wife/girlfriends cleaned the kitchen while the Glue got a chance to relax.

Another Christmas has come and gone, woohoo.  Lisa's sister didn't have her traditional Christmas Eve get together so the Glue decide to have a Christmas Eve Day get together.  I really liked having it in the afternoon instead of evening.  It was really enjoyable and fellow bocce champions Fred and Cathy stayed around after everyone had left which was real nice. 
We had our traditional Christmas breakfast which was also real nice.  Joe didn't show up for the breakfast but dropped in later so we got to see both kids and the grandtwins.
2020 is also drawing to a close.  2021 may not be any better but I'm ready for 2020 to be over.  I started off the year with a weeks work of the hershey squirts which was a harbinger of things to come.  I hurt my back and was down for two months with about a month of it spent practically bedridden.  While this was going on the covid-19 thing hit and changed everyones way of life.  Plus people started hording things such as TP, cleaners and some food products, stupid stupid stupid.  Our son also tested positive for it and while he only felt bad a day or so it was very worrisome.  Our Packer buddy Chuck also got it and he had it bad, he's finally getting somewhat back to normal.  Bocce was shutdown for most of the year and the one season we got to played wasn't as fun as before. 
In spite of the shut down we were able to try out several new places.  A few standouts included: Blue Fish, Feedmill, Riverhouse, Pheasant Hollow, Eagles Nest and Dew Drop Inn.  There were many other really good places we tried out and very few clunkers.  Several places we only had a beer and want to go back and eat there.  We also got to visit several of our long time favorites.
Additional our son found a place like he'd been wanting for a few years.  The twins are walking and talking a lot better. 
Not everything was bad in 2020 but overall it's been a dud.  One week to 2021.

The Glue hit it out of the park on Thanksgiving.  With the exception of the turkey breast being a little dry everything was awesome.  I didn't have any deviled eggs but she always does great with them.  The dressing was probably the best she'd ever done and so were the sweet potatoes.  Until recently I didn't really like pumpkin pie but I'm now a fan and The Glue's were great.  With everything going on we only had Bailey and her family so we cut our several items from our normal menu and still had plenty of leftovers.  Even the twin terrors were relatively well behaved.  Otis on the other hand got in big trouble when he managed to sneak some turkey from the table while we were eating in the living room.

We took a little Jeep ride last Monday down to Alto Pass to show our nephew and his family the Glue's new Jeep.  We had just got there and across the street a couple Jeeps pull up to the store and they happened to be people we knew.  Mike said they were going on short ride on some rock roads and we decided to go with them.   It was a nice little ride and he showed us a really nice back road in the Pine Hills area.
We decided to cut it short and head back to 17th Street to get some wings and pork rinds to bring home.  I got the wings crispy but when we ate them they seemed like their normal wings and were just ok.
We then got a call from our nephew on Wednesday telling us that his wife had tested positive so it was a good thing we didn't have any contact with her on Monday.  Andrew wanted to bring Ethan's homework down there.  It was a nice day out so we loaded up Greyson and headed down.  After we dropped it off we decided to stop at Von Jakobs to get lunch.  Moo Moo wanted fries and a hamburger while the Glue wanted a pretzel.  I got the schnitzel which comes with German potatoes and slaw.  When the food got there I had french fries instead of german potatoes.  I asked why and the waiter said they were out of the german potatoes.  I wish I would have known that ahead so I could order double slaw which I really like.  The schnitzel was a tale of two schnitzels.  The first part was just ok but the last part was excellent.  The Glues pretzel was good and Moo Moo's burger was solid.  His behavior on the other hand was great, as good as can be expected from a three year old.

On Monday we went down to Cape to look at a Jeep.  The Glue has been wanting one for quite a while but I wanted to wait until my Durango was paid off.  Her Mariner has been a very good car for 12 years but with the Durango paid off I've been starting to look around.  We've been in no hurry waiting for the right vehicle. 
The wait is finally over.  I'd been wanting a 2019-20 used Jeep but we got a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport.  It's red with a black top and while it doesn't have every feature it has enough to make it a very nice vehicle. 
It didn't come with the step sides which is important when you're vertically challenged.  Our salesman, Don from Morlans,  sent us to Johnny at Auto Trim Designs to look at them.  Don sends his customers to Johnny in return Johnny gives them a real good price.  When we got there Johnny said they had a barely used set in the back that he would give us a great deal on.  I wasn't real wild about putting used ones on a brand new Jeep but looked anyway.  You couldn't tell they were used, someone must have got a new vehicle and exchanged them for something different.  We decided to get them and they could be put on right away.  We also got Weathertech floor and cargo liners.  They didn't have the cargo liner but they could have one shipped to their store in Marion.
While they were putting everything on they let us use a car and so we went to Katy O'Ferrels for lunch and a drink.  I got the Celtic pot pie with champ and carrots.  The Glue went with soup and salad.  We both ordered their house Irish Red and were really let down when they were out of it.  The waitress said they had a replacement and after a taste of it we both ordered it.  It was a Irish Red Ale with honey from Six Mile Bridge in Maryland Heights Mo..  It was great and I may like it better than their house Irish Red. 
My Celtic pot pie was very good and the carrots were exceptional.  The champ was ok but wasn't very warm and I'd rather have mashed potatoes instead of having it mixed with chives.  The Glue said her soup and salad was good but she would rather have a little more soup and a little less salad, it was a big salad. 
Our vehicle was ready when we went back so we brought it on home with no problems. 
The next day we went to Marion to pick up our cargo liner and on the way back we stopped at Caribbean Hut at Staples.  I'd been wanting a po' boy so I got that with corn and cabbage while the Glue got shrimp with corn and lobster salad.  My po' boy was ok but very messy and hard to eat.  The corn and cabbage were both solid.  The Glue's shrimp were real good but she didn't eat her lobster salad. 
On the way home we got a call that told us we had been in contact with someone who has tested positive for covid-19 so now begins the waiting before we can be tested and get the results.  Yuck

I find it ironic that one of the most powerful hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S. was named after my sister.  The ironic part is that when the remnants of the storm passed through Murphysboro it was on my sisters birthday.

Yesterday was mine and the Glues 36th anniversary.  How did we celebrate?  We, meaning her, watched the grandtwins during the day which is always an experience.  I can hear it now "will the Hicks twins come to the office" echoing down the halls of whatever school they are in at the time. 
After the twins left the Glue decided she wanted to try Joe's Pizza in Herrin.  They have a nice selection of draft beer and we both opted for a tall Octoberfest from Sam Adams which tasted great.  We decided to get a chicago style meatlovers and they allowed us to substitute mushrooms for the hamburger.  They said the chicago style would take longer but it didn't seem like it was any longer.  The pizza was very good and had a different taste than others in the area. 
We'd tried the one in Pinkneyville but I like the Herrin one a lot better.  They have beer and a nicer place on the inside.  I'm sure we'll be back when we want a change from our other standby pizza places (Quatros, Cummares and Downtown Abbey).

On Friday we went to the St. Louis Zoo with our daughter and her family.  It was the first time I'd been in almost 30 years and the first time ever for the grandtwins.
We started by going through the Rivers Edge. We walked in with a couple large groups so it was real crowded there making it hard for the twins to see a lot especially since older kids would just jump in front of them.  Highlights included seeing some elephants and a rhino.  We missed the cheetahs or they were hiding which I'd have like to see.
We then stopped by Lakeside Crossing to get some lunch.  We picked the wrong time and the place was crowded.  I got lucky and found a group just getting up from a shaded patio table.  The meal itself was nothing special.  My hot dog wasn't very good but the Glue's cheeseburger was a lot better.  Twin #1 had a little fit when her mother put her dip (ketchup) in with her meal and apparently she wanted to dip it in the little paper cup.
Then it was time to ride the train and we picked the wrong station to get on.  We had to wait for the third train to stop but it wasn't a horrible wait.  I wish we could have all been together but me and the Glue sat in one spot and the rest sat in another.  On the trip around we got to see a tiger rolling around which was a highlight for me.  We also got a good look at the elephants. 
After the ride it was time to visit The Wild.  It wasn't as crowded as the Rivers Edge and the twins were able to see a lot better.  The gorillas were keeping to themselves and were hard to see.  The orangutans were active and the twins got to see them up close at a couple different windows.  One of the highlights of the visit.  We also got to see a grizzly swimming and playing with a tree branch.  The penguins were a fun place, there were a lot of them inside and out and they were easy to see.
We then went to the Red Rocks part of the zoo.  We got a good look at some giraffes and some antelope types but somehow we missed the lions and the other big cats which I think the twins would have really enjoyed.
By this time everyone was getting tired but we had to visit the Historic Hill section before we left.  We went through the bird house and the monkey house.  Then it was time for the one thing the twins wanted to see:  the snakes.  The twins were really wearing down but they really enjoyed looking at the snakes.  The King Cobra was hiding and you could only catch a little of him.  We got to see a Black Mamba moving around which our friend Valya had some experiences with when she was in Africa.  You hear about the size of pythons but seeing them up close really makes you realize how big they are.
At this point we headed towards the exit but had to make a stop in the gift shop.  I stayed outside with the twins wagon and found a nice shady bench to relax on.  They stayed in a lot longer then I thought they would.  They twins got some shirts and stuffed animals from there.
As headed out the exit twin #1 had another fit because she wanted both stuffed snakes and her brother had the nerve to want one.  It was a long day for me much less both of them and they both walked a lot more than expected especially twin #2.
We decided to forego our normal routes home and just go the fastest and grab something to eat when we got home.  We decided to pick up Cummares on the way home.  We split a spaghetti and meatballs and get an extra side salad.  Boy did it hit the spot.  After we were finished there was still enough for a couple more meals.
If you haven't been to the zoo in a while, go.  It is a very interesting visit and I'm ready to go back especially now that I have a better idea where things are and can have a better plan.

The Glue is retiring after 36 years working in a special education classroom so last night we had a little party for her at Route 51 brewery.  While Route 51 is one of our favorites we chose this venue because her work was having their retirement party there too.  It also has good food to go along with the beer selection.
Her work retirement was upstairs but we really didn't stay very long so we could get a couple tables for her party.  I ordered a brisket sandwich for me with the hope she would share it with me but she went with cicharones and of course once again she didn't eat much.  The brisket was surprisingly good but if I get it again I will order it without cheese.
The also had their Irish Red beer which is our favorite there and we both made sure we got our fill of it.  I also had the Golden Lager and American Ale both of which were good but I still prefer the Irish Red.
There were three long tables filled with people there for her retirement and a great blend of family, co-workers and friends.  Joe and Bailey were there along with Shad and the grandtwins.  Her brother and his wife made as did her sister and her husband.  Our nephews Andrew and Josh made with their families including little Rambo Nerd.  Our niece Mandy and her mother Leanna came too.
For me the best part was seeing my old neighborhood buddy Tom and his wife Debbie.  I don't know how long it's been but it's been at least 15 years.  His mother and sister also made it which was great and I saw his other brother Bill yesterday afternoon.
Bocce champion and occasional Roll'em sub Ted crashed the party as I had forgot to invite him but Joe did.  Neighborhood kid Robin came down from St. Louis with his girlfriend.  These are just a few of the people who came.
Joe's friend and Packer fan Matt Basler was the singer and he wished Lisa a happy retirement then launched into an "impromptu"  song for her and her retirement which was awesome and I wish I would have video'd it.
Since the Glue hadn't eaten we had to stop by Hardee's on our way home which was a good thing but the beer we got when we got home was not. 

It was too cold and windy to golf on Saturday so the Glue mixed together some meat loaf and I put it on the smoker.  I also tried baked potatoes and sweet potatoes on the smoker.   The meatloaf turned out real good but both the potatoes and sweet potatoes are better in the oven.

On Sunday we had our family members and Schmuck over to the house for Easter dinner.  The Glue did the traditional spiral ham but we decided to also do ribs and andouille sausage on the smoker.  There was so much food we could have fed twice as many people and still had leftovers. 

The Glue bought both the grandtwins batting tees.  While twin#1 only took one swing and I didn't get a picture of it, twin#2 took several and I did get it.

The weather was great so the grandtwins got some outside time which they really like and they got to try out their new guns that squirt out bubbles.
A really nice weekend ended last night with the newest episode of Game of Thrones.  Some things I've foreseen happening since reading the books but some I'm still trying to sort out. 

What a weekend.  This past weekend was Murphysboro's annual St. Patrick's day celebration and what a great time.  To start it off we met Bailey, Shad and the grandtwins uptown to watch the parade.  The grandtwins really enjoyed it, especially all the dogs in the parade.  I think twin#2 waved at everything that went by.
Afterwards we all walked up the street to Brews Brothers and set upside in the sun.  The grandtwins were being good and we ended up having a couple more beers than we anticipated.  Lots of people hanging around having a good time and of course the Irish Stew competition was going on. 
When the grandtwins left I wanted to go to Molly's Pint for a beer.  On our way there we checked out the fountain which had been dyed green for the celebration.

Great job by the city of Murphysboro.
We once again set outside at Molly's Pint and ordered their Irish Red which is my favorite beer there.  They had a band playing inside and it was crowded while outside didn't have as many people as I thought there would be.  We talked to Mike and Daisy most of the time we were there plus my nephew and his wife showed up for a while.  We ended up having several more than the one I'd planned on and I ended up with a sunburned face because of it.
At this point it was time to get home for the corned beef and potatoes that the Glue had fixed which turned out awesome.
Sunday was the annual St, Patricks Day bocce tournament and the Grumpy Shillelagh's set out to defend our title.  What a deference a year makes especially in the weather after last year being so cold.  The Glue's Irish Stew once again went over big but not as big as last year with the better weather. 
Our first game was against long time rivals the Eclectics and was on the north court and it was very fast.  Fred and the Glue tried to keep up in the game but me and Ted couldn't find our range and the Eclectics beat us 9-7.
The second game we played PBR on the middle court.  We started out on top but they came back and it was a close game all the way to the end with us winning 9-7.  Ted changed his grip and threw a lot better but I still struggled. 
The third game was against Late Comers, a last minute thrown together team who won their first two games.  We had to win to have any chance of defending our title and we rose to the occasion.  We jumped out to a 6-0 and never let them get much going, winning 9-3.
This put us in a roll off against the Eclectics and Late Comers with only one team advancing.  I had Ted roll first for us with Fred to follow.  Ted was the first thrower and made a good throw, a little more than a foot away.  The other first round throwers couldn't beat it so it went to the second round and none of them beat it either so Fred didn't have to throw.
In the playoffs we played Can't Be Trusted who had our two players who played for the Grumpy Shillelagh's last year.  I decided I need to throw first and Ted second as he was out throwing me.  I also made a minor adjustment to my stance and it really helped.  We got on Can't Be Trusted early and once again didn't let them come back, beating them 9-5 and advancing to the championship.
For the championship we played Big Muddy Monsters.  The started off leading 2-0 and we tied 2-0 but the rest was the Monsters as they walked away with a 9-4 win and the championship.