Kathleen Visits
We had some fun over the weekend. On Friday, Kathleen arrived at 11AM, and I entertained her by sleeping until 6PM. When I woke up, she had had about all the reading she could tolerate. I perfectly timed my stirring to this, deliberately, I submit. We hopped on the 56 down to the Crossroads District, and got off about two blocks from Smokin' Joe's, the deck of which afforded us an excellent chance to enjoy the wonderful weather, and watch all the freakies who were out and about for First Friday.

After some burnt ends, we wandered around the neighborhood, popping from gallery to gallery, making fun of what was most often more a random pile or mess than actual art. Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun, and it was great to be out in it, and to see what is normally a pretty sleepy neighborhood alive and full of activity on a Friday night.

The next day, Brian, Kathleen and I walked down to the Cup and Saucer in the River Market area to get some tasty coffee and enjoy another beautiful day. While we were there, we decided to walk around the bustling City Market open air market, that was still in session. The smells and sights were a lot to take in, as well as Kathleen's continuously exasperated mantra of "I can't believe this stuff is so cheap!" Welcome to Kansas City.

Dad arrived at about noon, after successfully locating the exit into a different neighborhood. We adjourned to the Westport Flea Market, where we ate 10-oz burgers and drank non-translucent beer. Dad has always been interested in Kansas City's history, but I have only ever been able to rouse up his curiosity on the matter, and have never been able to satiate him. So, to prove to him that Westport, despite its relatively rich history, has very little to see or do, in the way of historical markers or museums. Out of sheer luck, there was a crap sale(or "Antique Fair" if crap sale doesn't pin it down for you) in Westport that day, at which the Westport Historical Society had set up a booth. The luxuriating local behind the folding table was happy to answer Dad's questions as I busied myself looking at women and passersby.

With a few minutes to spare, we took Dad and Kathleen on a small car tour of some of the nicest neighborhoods in Midtown, after which we helped ourselves to what have essentially become "our seats" at Boulevard. We encountered another guide who loved the sound of his own voice, and further, was not ashamed in the least to hold up the tour to plug Boulevard merchandise. Nevertheless, Dad and Kathleen both seemed very impressed with the quality of Boulevard's beer.

Because we were spending the next day in Hermann, we decided to go to Mass on Saturday evening. But, due to problems, on Brian's part, in scheduling when and where we would go on Saturday, we wound up going to Holy Family, in KCK, hard to find, and presided by an ancient but expedient priest. We were out of the 6:30 mass by 7PM. We drove down to West 39th, and sat down for dinner at Genghis Khan Mongolian Barbecue. It was ridiculous how tasty the food was, and the atmosphere was very modern and clean. I will go back as soon as I can.

We got up the next day at 7:30, broke fast, and left for Hermann. We arrived in Hermann without incident, except having to drive through the tumultuous traffic for the people going to watch the Broncos lose. When we rolled into the Missouri River valley town, the Amtrak train from KC was just pulling away, and Brian and Kathleen, who rode in Brian's car, were waiting for Dad and me at the Hermannhof winery. Shortly after this, Amy arrived from Peoria, and we all sat down to some of the sweetest, most koolaid-like wine we have ever had, followed fortunately by some delicious dry red wine. We took the winery tour at Stone Hill, which involves about 7 free glasses of wine within a period of about 30 minutes. I walked out of the Stone Hill Winery with numb lips, and a rubbery sense of eqilibrium. It was time for beer

The Hermann Brewery was closed. It was 5PM on a Sunday, during an Oktoberfest weekend, and the brewery was closed. This was particularly eye-popping for us, given the fact that at least two of our number had come to Hermann almost exclusively for this. Dejected, we parked the van in front of the Concert Hall Barrel Bar(the oldest continuously operating tavern west of the Mississippi), and drank some Schlafly before wishing Dad and Amy a good trip to Peoria, and going back to KC.

It was a fun weekend.

thesmartone interrupted with:
Who is kathleen?

Why don't you love me?

2:27 PM, Oct 7, 2003

bahua cut in with:
Kathleen is Brian's special lady.

I don't love you because you never call.

4:09 PM, Oct 7, 2003

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