A Chili Halloween

On Friday, after moving Howhee in the park, I headed for Virginia to enjoy the Sedalia Chili Cook off and Halloween with Barbara and her family.  It was different driving the truck without Howhee behind, but I did have the Burg and a new spare helmet, hoping the weather would permit some good rides. 

Grandson Patrick

After washing the Burg, I invited Patrick to climb on and pose for a pic.  He hadn't ridden the Vespa and I was hoping he was ready to ride now.  I told him I was ready whenever he was and he said "okay", meaning he would let me know.  Houston was ready, so he road with me to the chili cookoff and loved it!  It was a little on the cool side, but a clear and sunny day.

Patrick, again

Patrick looked so cool in his do-rag and shades, I just couldn't resist this shot!

The cookoff was a blast, as always.  There weren't as many contestants as last year, but the chili was hot, the weather was cool and the beer was cold.  Trey's church sponsored them again and the team did a fine job of making the best batch there.  It was delicious!  I tried each of the other 26 and the Mountain Men had the best, hands down. 

Trey and Barbara

Barbara decided to be in costume for the occasion and surprised Trey.  What a great looking couple!

We're not quite sure what happened in the voting or the judging, but the Mountain Men won second place from the judges and missed out on the People's Choice award this time.  Still, the big, tall trophy looks great next to the other ones Trey had already won.  They had a very fine time and that's what matters most. 

The Mountain Men, a winning team!

As I was getting ready to leave the cookoff, Patrick came running over saying he wanted to ride.  I was thrilled and surprised!  So we loaded him up and took off.  He loved it!  Wish I had a picture of his grin when we got home. 

Sunday afternoon provided time for everyone to do their own thing for a while.  Patrick and I shot some hoops, which I hadn't done in many years.  Then while he and Houston went to play with friends and Barb and Trey went for a ride in the Mustang, I hopped on the Burg and headed for one of my favorite stretches of the Parkway, Peaks of Otter to Otter Creek.  It's where I had my inspiration for traveling full time, as well as my first shakedown trip in Howhee last year.  Highway 501 from the parkway to Lynchburg is smooth, wide, curvy and fast.  It's one of the best rides I've had on the Burg so far.  I laid it over further than ever and had a ball zipping around the curves!

After a trip to Linda and Houston's (Trey's parents) for tacos, it was time for serious trick-or-treating.  Moments after this picture was taken, the masks came off and they ran from house to house collecting goodies.  It's a great neighborhood for T or T'ing, with lots of decorations and very good candy.  I went along for a while, then got tired and came back to the house, only to find that Trey had taken a short cut and beat me back.  He was in the big easy chair watching the World Series when I arrived.

Houston and Patrick

Overall it was a very busy and fun-filled weekend.  No major mishaps, lots of good food' fun, laughter and sunshine.  And, of course, being with people I love so much.  On the down side, I wish I could have seen Derick and his family, too, but still haven't figured out how to be in 2 places at once.  I hope his Halloween Party went well.  It's always a good time, too. 

On a sad note, Zoe's little panther-cat, Cinder, passed away over the weekend and I know she will miss him.  He was a good friend for a long time, and the last pet survivor from the Briarpatch days.  I'm sure he's aggravating Roscoe and Pancho, as the three of them had quite a fine time together.  I guess if a black cat has gotta go, Halloween is as good a time as any and better than most.  RIP, Cinder. 

Trey

Is this a hint from Trey for next year?  If so, I gotta see it!  Thanks for stopping by!