Counting Rabbits

After Crete we had a couple more days to kill before rendezvousing in Peoria, IL with Conner's folks.  It had been more than a week since either of us had had a proper shower and we were in dire need of a campsite.  For the most part, we manage to keep relatively clean by sponge bathing in coffee shop restrooms; washing face and hair in the sink, washrag swabbing our armpits, daily teeth brushing.  But there is only so much one can do without a proper shower.  We stopped at the Chillicothe Recreational Area (pronounced Chili-cathy) for $25 a night.  $25!  Doesn't that seem high to anyone else?  We can't afford to stay at campgrounds very often, but when we do this seems to be the going rate for a spot of dirt upon which to rest one's head for the night.

I can't remember the ground manager's name but he and his wife were awesome.  Classic car buffs themselves, they came to share a couple beers with us and talk cars.  Then another long-term resident who reminded me of Flanders from The Simpsons, came to chat as well and lent us his go-cart for the night.  Every Saturday at the campground, a group of 4 go-cart owners go on a "Rabbit Counting Mission" right around dusk.  We were rounded up, Bloody Mary mix in hand, and were recruited to join in the rabbit counting.  The premise is pretty simple: guess how many rabbits you'll spot along the ride and whoever gets closest wins.  No prize, just gloating rights for that week.  The men drove, the women spotted, beer koosies at the ready, and country music blaring.  And it was a blast; bouncing around the uneven trails, taking a break to watch the train rush by, and spotting-get this-absolutely no rabbits.  The Chillicothe campground was great.  Hands down, great people.  Stop by if you're ever in the area.

Art installation from Cracking Art Group

Being Drunk Under The Table In Crete, IL

I do apologize for jumping back and forth between reporting on where we've been and where we are now.  I'm sure it's terribly confusing and I need to catch up stat.  Going back in time once again...

After we had stayed with Mary and Pat for a couple nights, we decided it was time to get out of their hair.  We had spent a great deal of time outside their house as to not be a total nuisance; by going to Chicago or down to one of the few local bars in Crete, IL.  As a result of our bar hopping we ended up befriending the bartender Paul at Chucks' Place and his buddy, the Other Paul, the buttercream icing maestro.  If we all couldn't be found at Chuck's then we were right across the street at Jason's Pub...or more like Jason's parking lot.  Conner and I camped out in the bar parking lot for a couple nights, then over to the public library parking lot, and then back to Jason's for one more night before we mosied on. 

I'm always surprised when we go into a small town and there are young people, or moreover, attractive young people.  I always assume they would have all run to the big city the first chance they got.  But in Crete this wasn't the case.  We met a lot of great folks here and I'd go back to visit in a heartbeat.  Although I must confess that Crete kids can drink Conner and I under the table every single time.  Coming from Austin, I drink more than average.  But Crete, man, they sure can put it away.

We even got to check out the weekly car cruise; every Monday night from 5 to 7.  If you have a semi-old car, then bring it along, sign it up and receive a free pizza buffet for the whole family at Aurelio's.  They had some purdy cool cars.

This is Gupie, it's the cutest car ever and one day I would like to make it mine.  It has an impromptu convertible top so that Conner's head can stick out when he rides with me since Gupie's so small and Conner's so tall.

Causing A Ruckus

Last night the doorbell rang around 8pm, as we were all unwinding from the hectic birthday party for Dad's youngest son.  The mass of 8 year old boys had worn us all out with the shear amount of energy they all had.  Conner answered the door as I jumped in the shower.  When I came out of the house, my hair all wet and clutching my PJ's, I saw a bunch of police cars and Conner in the middle.  Not a sight one wants to see outside of their house at night.

Apparently one of the neighbors had complained about our trailer parked by the curb.  One cop came to check it out and had no clue what to do.  So he called a second cop.  Who had no idea what to do.  So they called another...until 4 police cars were out front.  And each one was either on their laptops searching for city ordinances prohibiting our trailer from staying right where it was, or one the phone with a superior trying to figure out the same thing.  And they came up with nothing.  They said to not worry about it for the time being. 

My step-mother Anita, was all upset and has decided that we're going to have a "Griswald Christmas" at the trailer; fully decked out with twinkle lights, fake snow, tinsel, an inflatable Grinch, and a small Christmas tree on top.  Tackiness is to rule this holiday season.