CBC & Schiller Park

Up around 730am, I was a little surprised that both David and Anita were still in bed. That’s unusual. I started coffee and played on the internet before being joined by David about 30 minutes later. The plan was to do brunch at CBC but not until noon or so. I didn’t head off on a run until 930am or possibly even a little later. I was a warm, sultry morning, by the way.

While off on my run, David & Anita made a run up north to visit with his grand kids, Aiden and Gilley. Among other things, he planned to drop off one of those southern pork butts. After my sweaty three mile run, I decided to use the idle time to mow the lawn. Before any of that I had to move the Pilot to the street. No biggie. I had to alter my approach to mowing after the concrete guys dug out the new walk. Spent about 60-70 minutes mowing and blowing. Finished up around 1130am and rushed off for a shower. David and Anita were back shortly thereafter.

Left for brunch at CBC near 1150am. IN the back of my mind I figured we’d stop at Schiller Park after breakfast to look for those Keebler Elf doors. I didn’t say anything, however, not wanting to rouse the kids since I knew they’d complain about the add-on adventure.

CBC opens at 11am, and an hour after opening they still weren’t terribly busy. The six of us were first seated in a booth, but soon moved to the large round table in the back corner which is by far my favorite Mindy & the kids weren’t too excited with the move but I insisted. I don’t like feeling cramped in a booth.

Beth, the former Barleyite, was our server. All along, I had been looking forward to ordering their green bloody Mary but was sad to learn that it has since been removed from the offerings.  It was one of the best I’ve ever had. Went with the Mexican variety instead. And as it turned out, it wasn’t very spicy at all. I added lots of salt and pepper.

Mindy & Anita ordered the chicken and waffles while David and I ordered the Brew house breakfast. Jacob went with the huevos rancheros while Bella went with Belgian waffles. All good stuff. Bella plopped her two giant sausage links on my plate. I was stuffed by the time my plate was clean. David picked up the entire tab. Thanks David.

Once in the car, and much to children’s chagrin, Mindy announced that we were stopping at Schiller Park to seek and find the Keebler elf doors. It’s not even a mile from CBC. There in a jiffy. We parked along the park’s western edge near Deshler Ave. Gorgeous old city park, much like Goodale in the short North and Westgate on the hilltop. Lots going on too. Mindy and the kids set out together to find the two elf doors while I largely walked off on my own while David and Anita strolled just behind. I think it was Bella who found the first one near the western edge in a rather large oak tree. We all took a look and even got some pics. Mindy and the kids continued looking for the second only to learn later that the door has be n removed by vandals. Mindy found a FB link addressing the vandalism.

Gorgeous afternoon – warm too. Most of us needed to use the bathroom thus were eager to head for home. Hard to believe they don’t have functioning facilities on prem. We headed for home arriving around 3pm. Mindy and I scattered off to sneak a nap. Mindy to our bedroom, and me to the livingroom recliner while David & Anita went on a westside (Valleyview) tour.

I woke after an hour or so and then headed to the family room where I tuned into the PGA championship. There was a 1.5 hour rain delay, so they finish was in jeopardy all evening due to impending darkness. David and Anita were gone for a couple hours. Said they went all over – west high school, Valleyview, Westgate, etc.

Lounged all through the late afternoon and early evening watching golf. Dinner would be self-serve, leftover pork butt. I was full from brunch until 730-8pm. Not used to eating like that early in the day. Being a work night, there would be no beers for me. David might’ve enjoyed one or two soda pop beers (Bud Light Lime). David and Anita leaving come morning. Off to bed even before 10pm.