Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This was our first year in the West Bottoms during the Haunted House season. While not a fan or a participant we have enjoyed watching. Lurking I suppose at those who did. There are 4 houses within a few blocks of the loft and our "deck-dock" (not a term you will find in the dictionary) is a great place to watch people. Thanks to one of our neighbors in the building, Paul Morgan, we have chairs, tables and outdoor heaters.

 

We waited with great anticipation for the openings - expecting huge crowds and revelers dressed in all types of costumes.We were told that in years past the lines extended around the block of people waiting to get in. This year, I don't think haunted house goers got their Obama money. Except for the weekend before and on Halloween night the crowds were a bit sparse. Saturday was the last night for this year and The Beast did have a nice long line that night.

  Chainsaw man

But, that doesn't mean we didn't have fun.We have had dry, mild weather here. A jacket most nights made it comfortable. People walking by didn't know if you "lived" in the building and many stopped to talk. It was like having your own private deck, dropped in the middle of entertainment and maintaining all the comforts of home. Well, almost! Bathroom, frig and usually Bailey.

Zombie Girl

Many of the "actors" actually volunteer to do the haunted houses. They run September and October. It is like a big dress up party watching them arrive and the one's we have met really put their all into it. As one put it, "it is just too much fun having a job where you get to dress up and scare people".

Snake Man at the Beast

Zombie Ball at Rag and Bone Last Weekend

We enjoy the West Bottoms. The good, the bad, but most of all the interesting. Life gets so stagnant and beige so easily. We both fear getting beige as much as getting old. Since you probably wouldn't be reading this unless you know me - I know many of the "campers" or what some call homeless. The choices we make in life - turn left or turn right today - get us where we are and make us who we appear to be. Their stories are much more than you might imagine. 

This is Coop and White Eagle - they stopped by and chatted on Halloween. White Eagle went camping 12 years ago and hasn't gone "home". Their head gear flashed bright blue and yellow lights. We discussed the organization of their very socialistic way of living. Their camp, each person has certain responsibilities based on their talents - one picks up aluminum cans, one looks for wood, one looks for blankets - and it all goes in a communal "pot". If you get lost or are passing through, you have a place to stay and a meal. It was like looking at society through a time glass and seeing how we evolved in our society only they stop a certain point. 

The antique dealers down here leave things out on the dock during the first weekend sales. LOTS of stuff. It does not get stolen. If you leave it in the street or next to the dumpster - then they know it is for them. They are an almost invisible society - parallel universe - and holes have been torn between the two but you cannot really cross over. 

Anyway, the highlight of this entire conversation was that we were invited to their camp for bar-b-que. (When the food stamps come in). They haven't figured out how to get us there because these are guarded secrets - but truthfully - being asked was quite a compliment. 

Oh and finding out that raccoon is much better meat than possum. Something that will be good to know when the zombie apocalypse comes!

No apologies for who they are, no sense that they don't live in the right neighborhood, no sense of failure. Interesting the lack of stress when I live in a stressed life daily. 

I will close this rather long dissertation with The Rat Man and his apprentice. They live 2 buildings down from us in the same building as the Edgar Allen Poe Rue Morgue Haunted House. Yes, they are live rats, yes, they are in their mouths. The large one is "Dinna". He works at the Edge of Hell and is quite an attraction. Very nice family - and because of them we have a school bus stop in the West Bottoms industrial district. 

In the months we have been there we have met interesting people, seen sights so many miss, and enjoyed ourselves while getting to photograph this world around us. 

Sometimes, it makes me think that the Victorians had a good idea with the Absinthe - perhaps life through green tinted lens is just enough more interesting to make it worth living. 

A Little bit of Chill

September is over. It has been the most pleasant month for weather. You can actually breath. Not much rain but we did see water fall from the sky. I think it is called rain. We will have to see it again to be sure.

Having our little "deck" to view the world at the loft - we can people watch - usually quiet but right now it is show time for the Haunted Houses. 
The freak parade from the haunted houses is increasing - heading to tonight's full moon and to that all encompassing Halloween when the restrictions between this world and others is at the thinnest.
Last night we indulged in a bit of visual entertainment from the Macabre Cinema.

The street actors really do a great job and by the way - if you visit the Edgar Allen Poe haunted house - it is a charity organization and the proceeds benefit the Dream Factory.
In case you have not been to the West Bottoms - here is a link for the haunted houses
West Bottoms Haunted Houses

Wild West Showdown Lowrider Show & Hop Contest

Today was the Wild West Showdown Lowrider Show & Hop Contest in the West Bottoms sponsored by Zach Lovely of Union Press. We had never been and since it was in the hood - well how could we not go! Urban Adventure at it's finest!
The amount of money, imagination and pride that goes into the creations is admirable and enjoyable. Everyone has a little different take on what makes it "pop". The hydraulics are really hard on the auto. But damn, they are fun to watch. It is showy and a little noisy and makes you think of movies and the coasts.

It was adult and family oriented and the shine made sun glasses a must. Everything from very old classics to very new vehicles. The roar of the engines and occasional burnout did remind me of times gone by. You don't hear it that much anymore. But, loud exhaust, booming music and revving of engines made me know I was in America. All those muscle cars in one place is a little like horsepower on testosterone - and it looked and sounded good!

There were even some bicycles involved and as they were being removed from the car - the polishing rag was applied and they were really just as interesting as the autos. Who knew they made "low rider" bicycle wheels?

These three were of the antique/classic era but were just gorgeous! They certainly made you want one!

Judging and prizes were awarded around 4:30 and after a very warm day it started breaking up and you could hear the rumbles as they faded off into the sunset. This was a well attended event, there was friendly competition and pride was on the line but there was no confrontation. Everyone was there to show off their creations - and the diverse artists kept this a very laid back enjoyable event.
Kudos to Union Press and all the attendees for making this a great day!

Wandering in a 10 mile radius

We have been randomizing our dining delights lately - trying to find something new. We like locally owned and so our new ventures are geared to local owned places. Friday we ate at The Big Grill & More on 6th and Sandusky in Kansas City Kansas. We had lunch -  pork sandwich and potato salad for Ric and Ham sandwich and baked beans for me. It comes with fries and a pickle spear.

The building alone will draw you in. The friendliness at the counter will keep you smiling but the food will make you close your eyes and say YUM!

The sandwiches were triple decker so no shortage of meat on old fashioned white bread and slathered with just enough BBQ to be good. Meat is good quality and smoked to perfection. And while all my major meat eating friends will find that alone to be exquisite - you have not got to the best part - the baked beans. We pride ourselves on making baked beans to die for at home - these were just as good. They were sweet, and smoky and delicious. They were the best I have ever had outside of my own kitchen. And then there is the potato salad - it was made with potatoes! Not lots of onion and eggs. The creamy mustardy base was perfect.

This is not fancy - this is the way BBQ should be. Home cooked and delicious!
If you have not been there - you have not had great BBQ in Kansas City. I know, some of you have your favorites - and we have probably been there too but we were very impressed with The Big Grill and will be back! I think their special on Thursday is slabs!

Lifes Small Adventures

We have survived the heat and lived to tell August to chill. In any other year, this would have sounded silly, this year, I think August might seem mild compared to July! And even though we are not traveling as such, we are still trying to find minor adventures here at home.
Lately, the only thing that has seemed possible to do is eat someplace new. So here is your updates.

 

 We tried the Freebird World Burrito which has just opened in Mission, KS. We had actually driven by and seen tents outside a few days before and had no idea that anyone, would wait for the opening of a restaurant like that. Still think they are crazy but - that is their adventure. So, we went at lunch and waited in a pretty long line. It is small, clean, and serves beer and margaritas. And the food is pretty inexpensive by the usual standard. You get to choose whatever they have to put on your burrito or taco.

We were surprised at the quality and flavor and will eat there again!

Next up - Quicks BBQ. We have told you about this one before - it is a sleeper here in KC. It is what a BBQ should "feel" like. Homey. The food is good, the beer is cold and it is a concealed carry friendly restaurant. Posted on the door. Kudos big time to the owner!

If you have not tried it - be sure and drop by - it will feel like home!

Tonight, we headed out to Gardner, KS to Stricker's Auction. It was "warmish" Sad, that 90+ seems managable because it is not 100+! Anyway, it was packed. They had 2 rings going. One outside and one inside. We didn't see anything worth waiting around for but things were going very reasonable! But we stopped at Blazers Burgers and BBQ right down the street and it made the drive worth it!
It is a restaurant built around what looks like a walk up drive in. Burger was good. Pulled Pork sandwich was good. They have sweet potato fries so you know I was happy! And the people were interesting to watch. This close to KC it felt small town comfortable. Right next to the Johnson County fair and kids were coming in to get ice cream. For some reason, it reminded both of us of how it felt in summer when we were kids. Can't explain it - but the simplicity was remarkably comforting. On the menu it lists Beer Bottle. No type - we didn't ask, but wish we had!

Portia got a good report today and she looks so much better. Another quality day! I have realized I am starting to understand life. Mine anyway. It is about the day to day quality. Not the highs, or the lows, but those defining moments that are just simply good. Heres to many more!

Back in the Saddle

We started out this morning heading back toward the heat of the midwest. Can you tell I would like to keep suffering int he cool dry air of the northwest?

We headed north and drove through Yellowstone from  "West Yellowstone" to the East and into Cody Wyoming.

We grabbed a bite at the cafe in west Yellowstone - pancakes! and then headed into the park. It was an overcast day and crowded. Cool enough that no ac was needed. Except for some buffalo the animals were in hiding. Can't blame them!

 found this in the park

When we reached the East side of the loop in the park the lake was astounding. The park has so many personalities. It is rugged on the West but the lake is almost haunting.

It was cool and dark and deep. And looked like it held too many secrets to give up in one lifetime. The silvered trees that stand watch over the waves - held no birds or animals. They just swayed slightly in the breeze. I call them the Bones of the Forest. They are a graveyard to the trees that once stood so proudly. The lake almost felt like the Northeast US. There were only about 4 boats on it. Quiet by Yellowstone terms.

 Two different falls we came across as we headed toward the East Gate of the park.

We saw the "perfect" truck - at least by my standards - and it was red. It was fixed up with cubby holes and packed to travel a long ways.

 Slowly we wound our way around and exited the park. Within just a few miles we found another new world.  The rock formations were almost alien. Another planet could have formed them. I thought of Edgar Rice Burroughs science fiction when I saw them. Spires reaching into the sky. Rocks that were rubbed and worn away by years of water - the soft washed away the hard stands tall.

 The sand here was almost black like that on Hawaii. It sifted through your hands like silk. The sound of the water and the smell of the sage was intoxicating.

Ok, I fell down on my listing - this is before you reach Cody and I am sure it has a story - a good excuse to come back through and find out!

By the time we reached Cody Wyoming, I felt like I had traveled through worlds.  Cody is quite a little town. The west end is mostly new - keep driving. The old downtown is quaint and active. We ate at Irma's. Bill Cody's youngest daughter's place. Buffalo burgers and Irma potatoes. Good and not overcooked. The decor and atmosphere is worth going in for!

This town is a place we would like to come back to and walk the whole street!

 We said goodbye to Wyoming and headed back towards the midwest. Over the mountains and through the woods and spend our last night in Gillette, Wyoming. Dark rain clouds were hanging in the rear view mirror.

Until we meet again! - Found this old photo today - this family traveled to Yellowstone Park in 1924. I think it was us from a different time!

 And . . . this was the weather today in our backyard. Yep, it hit 109.2 with a heat index of 122.3.

How Far Would You Drive for a Margarita?

I would love to hear just how far you have driven for a margarita. Today, we drove about 375 miles round trip for the makings. Well, for the tequilla. It is a long story. You see, we ran out of tequila and well, it is 4th of July - in Idaho. No liquor sales. None in Montana either. But, Wyoming - now that is a different case. So, we found tequila at Old Faithful store in Yellowstone. Who knew?

Actually, Bill and Vicki have been showing us some of the most beautiful areas of the country. Everyday we have seen another great place that it would be nice to have weeks to explore.

No matter which direction we have driven they are all beautiful.

  Sunday we spent in Jackson Hole, Wyoming enjoying a fantastic lunch of elk burgers. Visiting and spent the day with a great group of pets! And people!

"And then the cowboy said to the rabbi . . . "

 "Come on dogs, just try to take this ball"

 And, Lander - who I short changed with a wiggle in the focus! A beautiful water dog - who does not like water!

This was the view as we ate -

Monday we went to an Army Navy Surplus here in Idaho Falls. We could have spent days there. Each day has lead to another place that we want to go back and visit again.

Tonight we set off a few fireworks in the back yard to celebrate 4th of July!

 Afton guarding his bones

 You woke me for this?

 Shadow with his new hair cut

 Butterfly on Delphinium in B&V backyard - Idaho Falls

Leaving tomorrow in the morning heading for Kansas City!