This post covers our third, and final month, at our house in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Week 1
On Thursday, we went to the Kansas City International Airport to pick up Corrianne, who was flying in for the long weekend. This was exciting mostly because Corrianne was coming in, but it was also fun for us because the new airport had just opened 3 days prior. It was mostly high tech. The parking lot had red lights to indicate an occupied parking spot and green to let you know a spot was available.
In case you were wondering, the box pictured above was not trash. And yes, that box was on the floor in the terminal, unattended, with the writing on it. So much for security.
On Friday evening, Corrinne got her haircut in the downtown area, followed by Cindy, Corrianne, Heather, and I getting dinner and drinks at Club 108. There was also some live music there.
Scott was not with us because he was off watching a basketball game. We had a blast, as usual.
On Saturday, we went on our Second Annual Birthday Pub Crawl in the downtown area. This year, the crawlers were Cindy, Corrianne, Scott, and Heather. We added Machelle and Bobby at Norty’s, a new bar to us, and added John and Janaha at the Angry Swede. For this year’s crawl, we decided to try a few new places, so we started at the Hi Ho Bar and Grill. Not only were the drinks pretty good, but they also had food that looked really good. We have decided to return some time just to try the food. There is a link at the end of this post.
We walked about a 1/2 of a mile down the road to Norty’s Bar and Grill, another new location to us. There, we met up with Machelle and Bobby. Like the Hi Ho, they had good drinks, and had food that looked really good. We had some homemade chips and dip that were really good. We have decided to return some time to try more of their food as well. There would be a link at the end of this post, but their website is not working.
Our next stop was the Angry Swede, another half mile walk. This is a nice place with a small speakeasy in the basement. They are next door to RC’s Lunchcar, who will deliver food if they are open. John and Janaha joined us at this stop. They are friends of Bobby and Machelle and were fun to hang out with. The Angry Swede is always a fun stop and of course there is a link at the end of this post.
Stop four was two blocks away at the Den, formally known as the Tiger’s Den. This is always a fun stop and this time was no different. Since they do not have a website, there is no link.
After four stops, it was dinner time, so we walked a few blocks to Geneo’s Pizza. The pizza was delicious and link worthy. It is located at the end of this post.
Our last stop was another new place to us and a newer place overall, Club Geek. It is a bar that has vintage video games you can play at each table. We played Mario Cart on a Nintendo NES console. The drinks were very good and the place was a blast. We will definitely return. There is a link at the end of this post.
The pub crawl was once again successful, and a very good time was had by all. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Sunday was the big UCP Chili Cook Off. We used Scott’s chili and Cindy designed our booth with our theme being the Office TV show, since both Scott and I have the same first and middle name of Michael Scott, like the lead character in the show. I know this is confusing since Scott goes by his middle name, but what can I say. Here is an overview picture of the event.
Here is Scott starting to cook the chili before the girls set up the booth. He is holding a Dundee Award from the show. Hopefully it would bring us luck so we could hold more trophies.
And here are the girls setting up our booth.
Clearly, the girls did a great job with the booth. When you added the “eye candy” (Scott and I), we felt pretty good we had a chance of winning an award for our booth.
Drum roll please…………First place in the booth category went to……………..
OUR BOOTH! Our hats are off to Cindy, the booth designer, and her two assistants, Corrianne and Heather. Next was the chili judging. Unfortunately, we finished 42nd out of 54 teams. Here is a picture of Scott and I after hearing the chili results.
We are determined to repeat as booth champions next year and have a better chili showing. We already have a great theme picked out (which you will hear about next year), and will experiment on some new chili recipes, using my chili as a base. And the cook off was an incredible success, raising over $100,000, their highest total to date. It must have been because of our participation. What else could it possibly be?
On Monday, we went to Jamesport, the Amish town near us, with Corrianne, the Culvers, and Scott’s parents Denby and Nancy. We had a delicious fried chicken lunch that Nancy and Denby insisted on paying for. I love fried chicken, and nothing can beat free fried chicken! After the delicious meal we walked around the downtown area and did some shopping. It was an enjoyable time. If you want to learn more about Jamesport, there is a link at the end of this post.
On Tuesday, Corrianne had to return to Texas. On the way to the airport, we stopped at Joe’s BBQ, one of our favorite BBQ joints in the area. It is now time for a commercial break so I can explain regional food. Every region has their unique food. Back in southern California, it’s such a melting pot, there are many great restaurants in a variety of ethnic types. Mexican food is outstanding, Vietnamese, Thai, Sushi, and the list goes on. The number of varied and outstanding restaurants in the Los Angeles area are mind boggling. That being said, great BBQ places are few and far between. Not the case in the Kansas City area. There are some many really good to great BBQ places you can throw a rock in any direction and hit two great places. An average BBQ restaurant in Kansas City would be a must eat at place in Los Angeles.
Now back to this post. We went to Joe’s BBQ because the last time we went there it was off the chart delicious. It was so good the last time, we were a little nervous it would not measure up to our memory. Only time would tell. Here is the front of the store, and a few pictures from the inside.
They are so confident in how good their sauces are, they not only sell their sauces, but their competitors as well.
Corrianne ordered the Rocket Pig, Joe’s pulled pork tossed in a sweet-hot competition BBQ glaze, bacon, pepper jack cheese, and a BBQ mayo, topped with fried jalapeños;
Cindy had the Pulled Pork sandwich;
And I had the Hog Heaven, pulled pork and sliced sausage on a bun.
On a scale of 1 to 10, our food was an eleven. It was even better than we remembered. This is a do not pass go, just go to Joe’s!! Yes, there is a link at the end of this post. Now follow it to Joe’s!
Week 2
On Wednesday, I mounted the Dunder Mifflin sign from the chili cook off in my garage. It looks pretty good.
On Thursday, we went to the town of Agency, population less than 700. It is a six-minute drive to downtown Agency, which turned out to be three buildings, the Post Office, Jay’s General Store, and Granny’s Guns and Ammo. We stopped at the latter first, then went into the general store for a sandwich. We had been told they had really good deli sandwiches. We were told wrong. What they really had was a lot of fried food. And the menu also included an enchilada. Mexican food tends to be bad here, so this is the last place you would want to order it. I ordered the spicy boneless wings and fries. They were not spicy, but they were edible. Barely. Cindy ordered the enchilada. Since it would have been rude to question that choice in front of the clerk, I kept my comments to myself. The enchilada came and it was a burnt tortilla that had been heated on a flat top filled with ground beef. Who could have guessed it would taste that bad? Most of America. The moral of the story was we will not be eating there again. And there is no link. But I will return to Granny’s, so there is a link at the end of this post. We ended the day at Prestyn’s with the Culvers.
On Saturday, we went to dinner in the downtown St. Joseph area at Boudreaux’s with the Culvers and Bobby and Machelle. We had an outstanding meal, complete with alligator bite appetizers and jambalaya. This is a must visit in the downtown area, so there is a link at the end of this post. After dinner, we all had tickets to a musical show at the Missouri Theatre. It was a tribute band to the Highwaymen.
There was a Waylon Jennings, who looked a little like him, but sounded amazing.
A Johnny Cash, who looked like Johnny Cash and was an average singer.
And a Willie Nelson that looked nothing like Willie and only sort of sounded like him.
It was still a really good show and we had a blast.
After the show, we all went next door to Mokaska Coffee Company, a coffee shop/bar. There was a live band that was pretty good and the drinks were good as well. If you’re interested, there is a link at the end of this post.
We met Mark Zinn, the lead meteorologist from Newspressnow. Newspressnow is the local TV news station. It is two blocks from Mokaska.
Mark had a few drinks and his hair was a bit disheveled. He was talking to the people at the table next to us when he looked at his watch and said something to the effect of, “I’m on in eight minutes, I gotta go!” And with that, he ran out. I put the live broadcast on my phone and when it was time for the weather, Mark was there on TV, hair still disheveled. After the newscast, he returned to Mokaska and hung out with us for a bit longer. Nice guy, just a little different. Now that is what I call a night out on the town!
Monday was my birthday, so we relaxed most of the day and finished the day with a delicious dinner at the nearby Texas Roadhouse. Quite the enjoyable day.
On Tuesday, we went to the Hoof and Horn for a birthday dinner with the Culvers. Famous Aunt Barbara ended up paying for most of the dinner since she had sent us a gift card as a Christmas gift. Thanks!!! We had a great meal. There is a link at the end of this post.
Week 3
On Wednesday, Scott and I golfed at Copper Hill Golf Club near our houses. This is a 9-hole course that we have golfed at before. Overall, it was nice, but toward the end of the round the wind picked up and was blowing over 25 mph. You can see how far the flags are being bent in the wind.
So, on Wednesday the weather was good enough for golfing. The very next day, Thursday, it was snowing when we went to dinner at Felix’s Club 108 with the Culvers. Madness.
Even though the weather was not good, the meal was. And there is a link at the end of this post.
On Friday, Cindy and I went to our local Menard’s to get some supplies for our newly arrived mantel. When we bought our house, there was no mantal, only a brown painted piece of plywood. We finally found something we like, it arrived, and we are in the process of installing it. Once installed, I’ll include before and after pictures. Back to our Menard’s visit. We were surprised to see the spray paint out in the open, and not locked away like it is in California. If you live somewhere that allows the spray paint out in the open, this probably doesn’t make sense to you. Because the graffiti is so bad in California, they have a law requiring spray paint and permanent markers be locked away and you have to get someone to unlock the case so you can buy your items. It has done very little to curb the graffiti, but has made it difficult for law abiding citizens to buy these items. Again, back to our Menard’s visit. While visiting the crazy section with unlocked spray paint, we found this huge can of spray paint. I can only imagine what some California graffiti turd could do with one of those giant cans.
On Saturday, we joined the Culvers on a wine tasting trip to Ladoga Ridge Winery in Smithville.
If you are a regular reader of this fine blog, you are aware we have yet to find a Missouri or Kansas winery that makes decent wine with the local grapes. It is nothing personal, we are just spoiled wine snobs and do not enjoy wine that tastes like Concord grape jelly. Unless it is mixed with Skrewball PeanutButter Whiskey. We actually did that and it was surprisingly delicious. So now it was Ladoga Ridge’s time to either shine, or join the list of failures. He is a picture of the Culvers after trying some wine.
That’s right, they’re surprised because the wine wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great, but it was hands down the best we have tasted in the area. It was good enough that I bought a whole glass of wine and drank it there. That being said, we didn’t buy any bottles. Even though we didn’t buy any bottles, we will definitely return and they earned a link that is cleverly placed at the end of this post. After wine, we had dinner at Humphry’s Sports Bar and Grill, in historic downtown Smithville. We ate here in January after the show on Eagles near Smithville Lake, and enjoyed it. This trip was just as good. Here is the inside.
As you can read, Smithville was founded in 1822. The building where Humphry’s is located was built in the late 1800. After a delicious meal, we all returned home.
On Monday, Scott got us tickets for the NCAA Division II women’s basketball tournament Elite 8, which was played at the downtown civic center.
The game we went to see had third ranked Cal State Dominquez Hills of Southern California playing sixth ranked Catawba College of central North Carolina. We wanted to see this game so we could root for the team from California. But then this happened during the playing of the National Anthem before the game.
Cal State Dominquez Hills refused to come out of the locker room and stand for the National Anthem. Scott and I were now rooting for Catawba. And so was most of the arena. Here are all of the California fans as the game started.
And here are the Catawba rooting sections.
The very loud chant for the entire game was, “Go Cat U, Go!” Here are a few pictures from the game.
At the end of the first quarter, Catawba had the lead by 6, 24-18. At the half, they led by12, 47-35.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Cal State had closed the gap to one point, 56-55.
It was really close and the crowd was very loud for Catawba. Finally at the end, Catawba pulled away and won 77-70. “Go Cat U, Go!” It was a very exciting game and we were glad we went.
On Tuesday, we took a neighbor to the airport and headed down to another great BBQ restaurant in Kansas City, Q39. We have eaten here several times before and it is always outstanding. I would call this place equal to Joe’s BBQ, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
I ordered the Triple Threat sandwich, which contained chipotle sausage, pulled pork, pork belly, zesty BBQ sauce, and apple slaw on a toasted bun.
Cindy ordered the Mr.Burns sandwich which had cubed burnt ends, chipotle bbq sauce, pepper jack cheese, and onion straws also on a toasted bun.
Both of these sandwiches were off the chart great. This is definitely another must visit BBQ joint, and yes, there is a link at the end of this post.
Week 4
On Wednesday, I finally finished the fireplace mantel. The mantel we had was missing the side boards and had a small brown piece of wood across the top. See for yourself.
Here is what the new mantel looks like.
Now I can replace doors and mantels. If I’m not careful, I may end up with a construction job. Now that’s scary.
On Wednesday night, Cindy, Scott, and I went to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four at the downtown civic center. Heather was in California visiting friends, so clearly she could not be with us. We went to cheer on Catawba College who was playing the second ranked University of Minnesota Duluth. Here are a few shots from the game.
This was another exciting game. Catawba was slightly overmatched, but kept it close in the first half. At the end of the first quarter, they were only down by 1, 19-18. At the half, they were down by 5, 38-33.
In the third period, Catawba missed several lay ups and short shots and Minnesota Duluth really took over. They led by 9 at the end of the third quarter, and eventually won by 11, 70-59. Catawba has nothing to be ashamed of. They played a great tournament and represented themselves and their school well.
We stayed and watched the first quarter of the second game between the first ranked and undefeated Ashland University from Ohio and the fifth ranked Glenville State from West Virginia. When we left, Ashland led 17-14. The next day we learned they won 76-67. That means Ashland and Minnesota Duluth will play each other for the championship in Dallas, Texas on April 1. Best of luck to both teams. Post script: Ashland won the national championship 78-67. Congratulations to them.
On Friday, Cindy and I visited a local Antique Mall we had not visited yet. It had hundreds of booths with untold treasures for sale. We ended up with a recorder, the plastic flute like instrument us older folks remember from school. We got it as a Christmas gift for Garrett. If you’re looking for any number of antiques, they could possibly be here, so there is a link at the end of this post.
Later that evening, we went to Prestyn’s and had our usual good time.
On Sunday, Cindy and I toured the Patee House Museum, located inside the Patee House.
The Patee House was built in 1858 by John Patee (hence the name) as a 140-room luxury hotel, where Oscar Wilde and the Jesse James family stayed.
It also served as the headquarters for the Pony Express, where the riders rode directly into the building to pick up the mail;
as well as the Provost Marshal’s office for the Union Army during the Civil War.
Then from 1885 to 1957 it was the R.L. McDonald Shirt factory that made shirts for the US Army during World War II.
The museum had a plethora of interesting exhibits. Here is one about how in 1863 local banks were allowed to legally print their own money.
This is probably one of the creepiest displays I have ever seen. If it causes you nightmares, I apologize. The biggest question I have is, “Why?”
Notice when the Bailey name is involved, only “Fancy” dry goods can be sold, not your average run of the mill dry goods.
Here is a display about law enforcement and crime.
There was a display on trains and train toilets. I learned things I not only did not know, but didn’t really need to know.
Here is a really old fire truck.
And lastly, some general pictures from the museum.
This is a must visit museum so of course there is a link at the end of this post.
On Monday, Cindy and I went downtown and had dinner at Jake’s Steakhouse.
We have eaten here several times in the past and the food is usually pretty good. The service is usually pretty good as well, but sometimes the food can be slow to come out of the kitchen. This time the food came out in a reasonable amount of time, was delicious and the service was great. Their link is at the end of this post. After dinner, we headed over to the Den where we had tickets to participate in their monthly “new drink” tasting.
Every month the Den changes some of their signature drinks and has an event where you go and taste the new drinks and provide feedback for them. This was our first time attending and we had a blast.
Of course our favorite weatherman, Mark Zinn, made an appearance.
One of the drinks was made with an alcohol that is made by mixing alcohol with whipped cream and seeping the alcohol back out of the whipped cream into a jar. It is a long process but the end result tastes delicious.
The Den is always a fun place and this event was really fun. We will attend again. If you want to check it out, there is a link at the end of this post.
On Wednesday night, we had our farewell dinner with the Culvers and Broyles at Adams Bar and Grill. This was our first time eating there and it was very good.
We will be back and we recommend you try it as well. There is a link at the end of this post.
On Friday, we started our journey home. After driving all day, we made it to Albuquerque safely and spent the night. The next day we drove all day again and made it home safely.
Our next trip will be in April. Cindy and I are going to Palm Springs for several days to see the Desert X art display. This will be our third time seeing this unique art display. Then in May, we will be heading back to the Big Island of Hawaii with our friends the Webers. Stay tuned.
LINKS