A Weekend With Cheryl.

 Cheryl came to Kenosha this weekend!   And.... unlike last weekend,   it was filled with more activity!   Which it funny... Because it did not seem like we did much.   But after going through the few pics that I took,  I realized we actually did more than I normally do on a weekend.    

So let's get started. 

I had to work Saturday night,  so Cheryl had to let herself into the house and wait for me.   During that time... The "Ghost Cat" welcomed her and made her feel at home.  

Oh!  I apparently have a cat.  I  have been told her name is "Moo Moo."  But I see her so infrequently, (And by infrequently, I mean twice over the last 2 months!)  I have decided to call her "Shadow."   On account of her black fur and avoidance of the light.  And she only comes out when Cheryl is visiting....   Witchcraft!   

Anyway,   I got home later than expected, but still managed to get up early for Cheryl's morning run.   I did not run with her this time,  since I am still trying to solve my sore foot issue.    But it was ok...  since I could ride around in the warm car and take her pic along the shoreline.   (Did I mention it was cold?  32 degrees!) Well, cold weather is fine for runners.   But not so much for those who have to stand around.  I should know.   I was a spectator for a 10 years while Cheryl raced across the three states.  

Getting up in the morning did allow me to capture some really great  sunrise shots over the beach.   They had predicted rain for the weekend, but it looked like the sun would come out and warm the day.    

But that all changed when we went to the Farmer's market.   This was the last weekend for the outdoor market in Kenosha,   and We managed to score some soap and cheese from our favorite vendors.  The few vendors who braved the cold were soon confronted with a light drizzle of rain.   I'm not sure how long they put up with those conditions, but it certainly made our visit brief.  

Soon after,  Dave called and needed a ride from the mechanic.   The Dodge sprung a leak in the brake line and he found stopping rather difficult with no brake fluid in the system.   (Um...  Kind of lucky things did not spin out of control!)   We stopped by and picked him up with the Silver Eagle Subaru and drove him home...  Where he was able to show off his cottage dwellings and entertain a bit.   We exchanged stories and enjoyed a beverage before heading off to the Trunk or Treat event happening at New Life. 

I happened to have a bunch of Halloween candy from the Haribo and wanted to share the joy.   Not to mention there was no way I was going to eat all of that candy myself.  (Even if I was thinking about trying!)   I met up with a few of the Shoreland Faculty and we were able to briefly catch up.   Ultimately I gave the box of goodies to the Hinzs  since Mrs. Hinz had mentioned that she enjoyed the Gummies last time I gave some away.   Also,  any that would be left over could me used as collateral when trying to bribe children into behaving....    Hey!  I did it with Donuts and cookies while at Shoreland! And sometimes it sort of worked!

So then... Off to the Pumpkin patch!   

Cheryl had mentioned that she wanted to get some pics of the "Jones" with some colorful, Autumn pumpkins.  Last time she was here, we visited the Apple Orchard, so this time I wanted to show her the Pumpkin Patch.   Slightly smaller, but similarly busy...  We dragged "The Jones" around and took his picture where ever we found color.   (Which was everywhere!)   

Luckily, we avoided the touristy events that called for an admission fee. And since the rain continues, we decided to head to someplace where it was a little more sheltered and warm.  

I don't know what it is about Tennudas, but Cheryl loves the place.   Probably because of the fancy cookies that they offer.   It is true that sometimes they have some very good treats and offerings....  But I find it a little claustrophobic or my taste.  She purchased her cookies while I stayed outside and enjoyed the fresh air....  and Space. 

By now, we were getting hungry.   And we noted the Kenosha Brewery that was fairly close to the house.   So we headed there next for a brewsky and a VERY Large pretzel!   The beer was good and we never finished the pretzel (Quitters!  I know, I know....)  But the place was warm and dry and I was ale to fold a couple dollar bill tips for the waiter.  

We checked out the Museum! 

Funny,  After racing the Turkey Trot and the Kenosha Marathon,  you would think that we had been inside the Museum before... But  we had not!   So we took this opportunity to check it out for real.   And there was no entrance fee!   We could walk through free of charge!  A great way to spend a couple hours looking at nature stuff. 

Cheryl also took this opportunity to pose the Jones with some of the displays.  

I forgot to mention that Haribo had advertised a  "Scarry Prarrie" 5K run yesterday.   You would think I would have been excited about such a thing... and I was!   The only problem was that it was at night. ( 5 PM.) and there was a threat of working on Saturday.  ( Second Shift!)  And I would have had to register at the last second.   

In addition,  I have the sore foot issue,   Cheryl had already run in the morning,  and it was... Raining and Cold!    As much as I enjoy being miserable,  that seemed like a few too many reasons in the "You should not do this one" camp.  So we drove by and cheered the people who were crazy enough to run that race.  And I got to show off the Rec Plex beer garden and fishing lake.   

By then, it was getting dark.   And we were feeling the drain of being on the go all day.   So we headed back home and curled up with a movie.    We watched the Documentary: "I Like Me." about John Candy.   A Great man who has been dead nearly 30 years now!   An entire generation has grown up possibly never seeing one of his movies, or even knowing who he was.  

I'm sure everyone has their favorites, but I believe "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" was his best picture.  It is one of the movies where I  remember laughing  so hard and could not stop. And every time I remember that scene. ( there were actually so many...but one in particular)  I still smile and laugh.  

He died way too young.    A Combination of bad habits, high stress, and a genetic defect with his heart.  (His heart was just too big!)  But he left a legacy that had touched a lot of people... Myself included.   It was a great way to end the day. 

And now it is over.   Ah, how quickly time flies by when you are with someone who's company you truly enjoy.   It was like catching up with an old friend.   Which is a cliche, I know.   But there is something wonderful about being able to be yourself with someone who gets you and understands the little quirks that others miss or that may annoy people.  It is also kind of cool to have someone who knows your thoughts and can share the same experiences.  A unique trait...

So now I have to catch up on things... like laundry.   And possibly a little shopping for the upcoming week.  I plan on relaxing for the rest of the day and see if I can make every second count.  

Also... Has anyone seen Jones?