After Columbus - Heading home

Well doing a blog is kinda like reading the Bible in that if you skip a day then it is easier to skip the next day.  O and if you skip that day it is very easy to skip the next day - SOOO - I certainly apologize to those that have been following me for not sticking to my daily schedule. 

Well we drove a few hours after Columbus and stopped just west of Indianapolis for the night.  Trying to lessen the drive the next day to bring us on home. 

Of course the "I want to get home" syndrome was being felt by all three of us but moreso by Betsey and Josh.  I am not normally a gotta get home kinda guy - maybe it is the wanderlust left in me from my Navy travels.  However, I was itchin to get out of the car.  By the end of the trip it will have ended up being more than 3500 miles in 9 days.  That is an average of 388 miles per day and one day we didn't drive the car. 

We were going to go to Highway 61 Roadhouse in St Louis that serves up Louisiana fare (bbq spaghetti, andouille sausage, gumbo, etc).  But it was a little early for lunch and I took the north bypass across the Mississippi (first time for that - you don't see the arch at all) and Highway 61 is southwest of St Louis - looks like that might be another trip. 

Oh - Speaking of another trip - Betsey and I have decided that we will be doing some weekend jaunts to some places and continue this glutinous fried food excursions on a smaller scale.  So if anybody would like to join us on a day or overnight trip to some wonderful (hopefully) eating establishments please let me know. 

OK - back to the trip and where did we go for lunch.  Well - if you are a Mizzou Alumni then you are probably familiar with Shakespeare's Pizza.  The first time that we experienced Shakespeare's Pizza we were on our way to Caveman Zipline with Daniel and Tanner.  That was a fun weekend - I was a bit scared to do that but it was fun and I would do it again.

Back to the FOOD - Shakespeare's Pizza is great pizza and they have 3 locations around Columbia, MO.  So the next time you are traveling through Missouri and need a pit stop - venture downtown to Shakespeare's Pizza.  We ordered up a large meat lover's and their menu states that they will charge up the defibrillator just in case.  Complete with Pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, Italian Sausage, Lean Ground Beef (glad it was lean), and Breakfast Bacon (again as my friend +Wally Roberts says if it is bacon it is good.  Oh and there is a picture on the wall in the back room that looks like my brother Allen.
 
Back on the road - I had planned on stopping at Ozarkland on the way by but if you reference paragraph 3 above - you will know why we didn't.  Ozarkland is where you can buy the moccasins for yourself or for your granddaughter.  I think she liked them.   =====================>>>>>>>>>

Made it home on Sunday afternoon - +Joshua Litscher was able to watch a little bit of the Bronco game on the way home thanks to the spotty Team Mobile Hot Spot that I got for +Betsey Litscher before the trip.  The hot spot worked pretty good as long as we had phone reception - duh - I guess I expected it to be just a little bit better than my phone hot spot. 

Thank you to +Justin Gilstrap for holding down the homestead whilst we were away. 

After the trip will be on the next post.  Keep your eyes out for the picture of me in sunglasses for your free Pampered Chef gift certificate.  First one to spy me with my sunglasses on gets a GC. 

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Chow and Chow Down
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Kevin


PS - Seriously we will be making some day/weekend trips to continue this; so if you are interested in tagging along let me know.  OR if you would like to provide me some input on my blog please

Graduation Day + one

Newport, RI - Naval Station Newport Marine Corps Detachment

 

Well - what an impressive group of Marines.  It was a graduation of 7 Marines in training to Fleet Marines (probably don't have the terminology right but...)  Josh received a Meritorious Mast because he was picked by his peers as a leader.  Unfortunately I got him on a blink (am sure he isn't sleeping).

 

 After graduation we and Hannum went to Providence (as if we hadn't planned enough driving - about 45 minutes away) to try out Olneyville New York System - RI's Best Hot Wieners.  It was an experience.  They were not Betsey's favorite on the trip - Josh and I thought they were good - and Hannum had a steak sandwich.  The character of the restaurant and the characters of the servers was quite enjoyable and the most memorable highlight of the trip to Providence. 

 

 

 Stopped at an IKEA along the way and Betsey and I had to get pretty low to the ground on this picture.  O and thank you Rosalinda for having our photographer (Josh) get down as well (she hollered at him to get down lower and then as we were leaving she said to Betsey and I that we embarrassed him)

 

What about this stogie in the ashtray by the bottom left corner of this man's window.

 Columbus, OH

These were quite the burgers that we had at Thurman's in Columbus.  Oh and the wings and the jalapeno bottle caps that we had for appetizers were GREAT.  The wings were the same size wings that we were used to from Cal'z in Norfolk, VA when we lived there.  Until now I would have put Cal'z number one in my book for restaurant/bar/carryout wings.  But Thurman's wings have risen to the top.  Of course I really like the ones that I smoked for Thanksgiving meal appetizers. 



The people that we met at Lynn's Paradise Cafe in Louisville (see post entitled 2nd Day) recommended Thurmans and I noticed that it was on Foodie Pie a website to help find restaurants that were on The Food Network and The Travel Channel. 











Josh's last bite of burger and

wait for it
wait for it
wait for it



 

He cleaned his plate - quite the feat considering the size of burger.  He did eat a lot of bottle caps but I will share that he didn't eat any wings (did I say that they were JUMBO wings?). 

 

Victor said that the big wings just come from big chickens when I asked him who supplied the big wings.  They would be the size that i would like to get and smoke. 

 

Victor did want me to tell you he was a good looking Peruvian that was available (he is married) but come to the restaurant and say HI.

 

HOME TOMORROW - bedding down tonight in Indianapolis.

 

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Kevin

 

 

 

 

 

Movin on up to Rhode Island

Newport, RI was our destination on Wednesday and +Betsey Litscher and I were going to go as far as we could to make our Thursday not so long.  About a 10 hour drive from Arrington to Newport.  Made it to Baltimore (about a 4 hour drive - thought we could get up a little early on Thursday and drift on in to Newport about 4ish) where we grabbed a couple crab cakes from Jimmy's Famous Seafood.  Oh and I noticed cannoli and carrot cake while I was waiting.  Cannoli for me and a carrott cake for Betz.  Betsey found a Rodeway Inn down the road a short distance so we headed there.  It was in an interesting neighborhood and no cars in the lot so I asked to see the room.  Showed it to me and I said "ya got anything with a hot tub"  and he said "yes - I will take care of you".  So he showed me the hot tub room and there was a hot tub shaped like a heart so I couldn't resist. 

Pretty nice tub - room was good but the breakfast was a downer!!!!  Three types of cereal and that was "breakfast". 

And to top it off I went out to the car to start it up before we left and nothing.  So called the rental car company and they said 60 minutes....then the dispatch called and said ...20 minutes....  then the dispatch called and said 15 minutes....  then the jump start guy said 15.... 25 minutes later he called again and said 10.  FINALLY two and a half hours later we hit the road.  A bit frustrating.  O and another thing I brought home a souvenir.  I wonder if the New Jersey Turnpike will send me a letter requesting their toll ticket back?  I got in the wrong lane by the Meadowlands and got whoosed through the EZ Pass lane.  Traveling up interstate 95 we paid more in tolls than we did in gas. 

Got to Newport and met +Joshua Litscher  where he was getting his hair cut.  Then we got checked into the Navy Lodge and went out to the Red Parrott in downtown Newport.  Good food - GREAT COMPANY - service was ok.  Did I tell you that the company was GREAT! 

We had some Shark Bites and I had some Bluepoint Oysters, Betsey had Coconut Shrimp, and Josh had Blackened Swordfish.  Josh had the best meal of the bunch.  Fivebucks for dessert.


Betsey was happy we needed a photographer - she was afraid that the parrot would bite.

We will be attending Josh's graduation at 8 in the morning - hang around here until lunch time and eat some pizza at Via Via Pizzeria.  And if the weather permits walk around downtown Newport.  Maybe buy Betsey one of these:

 

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Kevin

2ND day

Boy I know what you are thinking.  I can see the clouds above your heads.  "

Wednesday Lunch - Meatball Soup

Hearty Meatball Soup

Ingredients

• 12 Frozen Meatballs
• 2 Links (approx 1/2 lb.) Sweet Italian Sausage
• 1 Can Tomatoes (Diced)
• 1 Medium Onion (Diced)
• 4 Cups Beef Stock
• 5 oz Fresh Spinach
• 1 tsp Oregano
• Generous sprinkling Garlic Powder
• To taste Salt & Pepper

Directions

1. Slip skins & crumble sausage
2. Brown sausage & onions in large pot
3. Add all ingredients except meatballs
4. Bring to boil
5. Reduce to simmer
6. Add meatballs
7. Cook 20-30 minutes until meatballs are hot
8. Serve with crackers or bread

 

The picture doesn't do it justice.

 

 

 

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Kevin

 

 

The Bacon Explosion

I showed this to Jon and he asked me to send him the link.  I thought that I would just share the link with ya'll.

Bacon Explosion Recipe

Ok so Tuesday didn't make it on the previous post as planned

Continuing our stay at the Freivald Mountain Escape. 

What a beautiful property.  We will be on the road this afternoon heading north towards Newport, RI.  We have had a wonderful stay with Jon, Kandy and Gracie and what a surprise to see Dana and Renee while we were there. 

Got to eat at Chick-Fil-A yesterday in Charlottesville and go to a Stein Mart.  As some of you know when we are on vacation we RARELY eat at a place that we have at home.  We don't have a "stand alone" Chick-Fil-A so we break the rules on this one.  The Chick-Fil-A in Topeka is in the mall.  Of course after I got the privilege of visiting the Charlottesville Police Department with Jon as he got fitted for a new vest. 

Came back to the Homestead and played outside with Gracie a little bit with a balloon helicopter but it was awfully windy.  Jon went out to attempt to bag another coyote.  Came back without one but it was terribly cold and windy.  Here is a picture of last Monday's kill.

We have been just lounging around - reading with Gracie and Betsey is doing some crafty stuff with Gracie as well to leave with Jon and Kandy.

Kandy fixed some wonderful beef and venison chili for dinner and we had some layer dip after someone's bedtime as we rolled some bones (dominoes - for those that

I hope to make Baltimore, MD this evening and find a motel.  Maybe some crab cakes before we hit the hay.


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Kevin

Sunday and Monday - well Tuesday too (might as well catch up)

Louisville, KY for Breakfast at Lynn's Paradise Cafe.  This must be one of the most delicious restaurants for both my eyes and my mouth.  An eclectic design of stuff.  From the tea bag pants hanging from the ceiling to the brick size biscuits to the bacon soap.  Yes ladies Bacon Soap - do you have troubles with your man - just wash up in some bacon soap and put on the bacon candle. 



I tried to talk her into spooning

Patty (Lynn's Seester) -
A wonderful woman that gave us some goodies and you could tell that she really cared whether we were happy or not




I had a scramble with fried green tomatoes and of course
a side of bacon and Betsey had bacon, eggs, and fruit.
ALL GREAT




We are still eating on this biscuit two days later.




A tree growing out of our table - well almost.





Maybe I could make this musical instrument
for Betsey.  She could serenade me to sleep.
Or she could have them at her daycare/preschool.

 

 

 

In the last picture bacon candles, a bacon wallet, bacon effervescents, bacon floss, bacon bandaids, bacon toothpicks, a bacon game.  Whew - I got the meat sweats just looking at all the bacon stuff.  I was going to bring some home to my bacon loving friends and realized that I wouldn't be able to afford the next tank of gas (maybe two tanks).

 

 

Versailles, KY for a stop at a candy store and a distillery.  What a bonus Guy Fieri has been to the Woodward Reserve before me.  That was really part of the plan for the stops on the trip so I got a bonus.  Beautiful drive to the distillery between two horse farms - Of course Betsey said a couple times - are you sure we took the right turn.  And we were on our way to the next stop and meeting a friend there so we needed to keep an eye on the GPS and the arrival time at the next destination.  We didn't get a chance to do the to candy factory or the distillery tour.  We met a very nice tour guide there and ironically we are remembering her name to be Patty as well.

 

 

 



 Lesage, WV was our next scheduled stop and we met with another one of my good friends from Pampered Chef, Bobbi.  Bobbi drove over from Charlotte (about 40 minutes).  Hillbilly Hot Dogs is a very unique collection of collectibles as I call it or junk as my darling wife calls it.  What a treat to meet Sonny and Sharie on our way in.  Sonny had just arrived with a Darth Vadar collectible that played the Imperial Death March - so of course Darth had to be in our picture as well. 

I was told that a West Virginia Weenie was the best kind of Weenie and it was GREAT!  Ya'll know that it is a weenie till it hits a bun then it becomes a Hot Dog.  And an assortment of Hot Dogs they have there.  Check out the website here.

And we find out that Sonny and Sharie will be coming to Kansas for a relative's graduation from Leavenworth.  I think from the high school and not the prison.  Looking forward to meeting them at Grinders in Kansas City and meeting Stretch.









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Chow and Chow Down
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Kevin 

Posting of the trip

Wow.  I thought this would be an easy thing.  I was planning on blogging things as they happened but didn't anticipate the work and the learning curve involved when you blog.  So this would be an apology for not getting things out there quick enough.  I really want to give justice to the places  we've stopped at.  So yesterday's information will be forthcoming.  This evening I am planning.  We are currently headed to Citizen's Burger Bar in Charlottesville, VA for my birthday celebration.

First day

Well this is really the second day but those of

1st Day of trip - reported on the 2nd day

Well the second day (technically is when I am typing this but this would actually be the first day post – WHEW).  It is going well on our trek.  I only threatened to let Betsey ride on a bottle rocket once (haha).  Was a conversation with Annette that prompted that statement and we were next to a fireworks stand. 

Hey Nate – there is a Zoo in the middle of Missouri like the one on 70 in Abilene by Russell Stover.  I wonder if they have Friends of the Zoo discount???

Well at mile marker 66 on 70 in Missouri there is an exit for a cheese place.  Don’t have any signs once you get off to tell you where it is but set your budget before you go in cause they have some good cheese.  We picked up some Habenero/Ghost cheese.  Will let you know how it is once I have the courage to open it.

Gracie's New Boots
 

We stopped at the Ozarkland in Kingdom City – What a neat name for a town – I think I want to live there one day – OH – I guess I will when Jesus comes back for me.  It will be a Kingdom City like nowhere else.  Picked up an authentic pair of moccassians for Gracie and looked around at the souvenir junk and cute sayings.  There were some neat sayings on welcome mats some of them I won’t share here but one of them was “Nice Underwear”.  Betsey wouldn’t let me get it – Well I should say she wouldn’t let me put it at our house.



 

St Louis about 4:30pm and met a friend of mine from Pampered Chef, Richard at Pappy's Smokehouse.  A great place – I lost a dollar.  We were met by one of the owners, Skip Steele, and he said that Pappys would change our life.  I asked how it compared to Oklahoma Joes in Kansas City.  And he asked if I was a betting man; I said not normally.  He asked if I wanted to wager a dollar on whether they were better or not.  I lost. While we were in line he brought Betsey a sample of the burnt ends (it could have been her meal).  The juiciest dry rub rib served to us that was truly mouth watering.  I normally recommend a place in St Louis called *** south of the Arch but will have to recommend Pappy’s from now on.  The ribs and the burnt ends were magnificient without any sauce but there were three sauces at the table to choose from and each were a wonderful addition.   The potato salad was a good mayonnaise base potato salad, the cole slaw was a vinegar based slaw with a German twist.  Betsey had the deep fried corn and it was very good as well but gummy stick to the roof of your mouth kinda stuff. 

 It was nice meeting my friend Richard and his wife Marie.  Richard still sells Pampered Chef but he has a newer business helping people get healthier.  He has lost 130 pounds and appears to be healthier than I have ever seen him.  Check his business out at www.GetThinNow.com/richard and tell him you learned about him on my blog.

Arrived in Louisville, KY around 11:30ish and had my eye on a motel downtown that boasted hot tub rooms and I thought maybe I could get one cheaper since it was late at night.  Didn’t work though 99 bucks plus 10 dollars to park the car for a regular room; so we drove out a ways towards the airport and stayed at the Quality Inn Airport.  A great place for $69 and there was already a hot tub in the room.  Weirdly I realized that it was the same motel I stayed in 12 years ago when I was working for Logos software.  Great room – had the normal “musty hot tub room smell” but it was a good sleep.  Free Wifi and when he realized that I was military he gave me an additional 5 dollars off.

OK second day will be coming soon.  There is a picture issue as Cox webmail is down - but a couple people have been waiting for me to get some travel notes done so I will have to edit later with pictures.  So this post will be sans pictures for now.

Tomorrow - Bacon Soap

 

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Easy appetizer/potluck recipe

Bacon wrapped smokies are a great mixture where sweet meets meat.  Very easy.  Preheat oven to 325.  Cut bacon into thirds and wrap around a dry smokie (I patted dry with paper towel).  Place in foil lined sheet pan (I Pam the foil a little).  Place wrapped smokie on foil, seam down.  You can put toothpicks in them now or put the toothpicks in as you take them of sheet later.  I wait till later so I don't burn my precious fingers.

I sprinkle with some cayenne pepper cause I like a little spice but not to much cause Betsey likes to eat them too.  And then sprinkle about 3/4 cup brown sugar across top.
Place in oven for approximately 30 minutes or until sugar is bubbling.  Then I slip them under a broiler for about 3-4 minutes to get a final crisp on sugar and bacon.  Hmmm  maybe I need one if those flame throwers for the kitchen.

Enjoy from sheet pan but save some for your friends by placing them in a slow cooker on low. 
For those of you coming to Christmas potluck tonight I am bringing these.

SIDE NOTE - the picture is sans brown sugar (sans means without I think)

 

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Kevin


 

This is the beginning

Well after some additional encouragement today from my dental hygenist Barb and some previous encouragement from my great friend Roy here it goes; the start of my "foodie" blog. 

I have no clue what I am doing but we are going on a trip the day after tomorrow and I will be blogging about our eating encounters as well as our experiences along the way.  The putpose of the trip will be to see our granddaughter and pick up our son.  I did do some research the other night looking for places to eat along the way going to Virginia, Rhode Island, and back to Kansas.

This will be a blog primarily targeted towards restaurants, travel, and food. 

Let me introduce myself.  I am an Independent Director with the Pampered Chef and of course I am ALWAYS encouraging people to start their own businesses with The Pampered Chef, ALWAYS looking for someone to have a party with, and ALWAYS taking orders.  I have been with The Pampered Chef for almost 19 years and have travelled the world and sold over a half a million dollars of Pampered Chef items. 

I am a conservative Christian and have been married to a wonderful woman over 30 wonderful years.  We have a daughter and a son.  Hobbies include grilling and smoking (I have six cooking apparatuses in my outdoor kitchen), I like to canoe, read my Bible, and to veg in  front of the TV with my wife.  Some favorite shows are 24 (watching via Netflix), Elementary, Hawaii Five-O, Person of Interest, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives among a few. 

Thanks for reading - Please come back.

Chow and Chow Down
Blessings to Ya'll 
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Kevin