Rock'N on the River

When the hubby and I got to Eau Claire, the local tournament director had plans for us. He told the hubby he was going to take us down by the river where there was music and food trucks.

Every Wednesday night in summer, there is a local rock band playing at the Altoona River Prairie Park. In addition to the music, there are food trucks.

There is an amphitheater where the band is set up and plenty of grassy areas to sit to enjoy the music. There is even a small area by the stage where you can dance if you want. Our host kept walking to find a spot big enough for us all and gave us a good view of the stage. He wanted us to fully experience the evening.

We heard 40 Fingers which is a 4 person band. They were really good.

The food trucks weren't quite what I was expecting. When the hubby told me we were going where all the food trucks are I'm thinking at least 6 to 10. There were 4 food trucks. Our choices for dinner was limited to fish tacos, BBQ, or Gyros. We ended up going with the gyros which were amazing.

It was a nice summer night to enjoy the music and the company of our host. If we are ever in Eau Claire on Wednesday night in summer again, we might actually check it out again. If you find yourself in the area on a summer Wednesday night, check it out.

Up and Close with a Big Boy

The hubby loves trains and train history. When I saw that the Big Boy Steam Engine was going to be in Adams as part of the Union Pacific's The Great Race Across the Midwest, I knew the hubby would want to see it. Adams was the closest stop and it is about 2 hours away.

The initial plan was for me to get out of work early, drive to Adams, see the train, and drive back to Appleton. However our plans changed and we stopped in Adams on our way to Eau Claire. It was slightly out of the way but it was worth it.

We rolled into town and found parking at by McDonald's. There was a lot of people... way more than I expected. It was a bit crazy because there was a flea market going on as well. 

The Big Boy Steam Engine was sitting on the track idling. We could get as close as 25 feet. They had it roped off so we couldn't get any closer. You kind of hard to force your way to the front or wait your turn. 

It was awe-inspiring to see the enormity of this train engine. It looked like it was backwards to me because the "nose" of the engine was so long. The engineer actually sat the rear of the engine. 

The Big Boy Steam Engine is the only remaining working big boy steam engine in the country. It does require a lot of maintenance. They were train personnel working on the axles while we were there.

I am glad the Union Pacific decided to have the Big Boy Tour the Midwest this summer. I am also glad there was a stop close enough for the hubby and I could go see it and one that actually worked in our schedule.

971. Have a watermelon seed spitting contest

This is quite hard to do since most watermelons are now seedless.

While at our toga party, I challenged Gavin to a watermelon seed spitting contest using the white seeds in the watermelon.

We each grabbed a piece of watermelon that seemed to have a few white seeds in them and headed to the front of the house.

One...

Two...

Three...

Spit.

We aimed for the sidewalk so we could see where the seeds landed and it was a futile attempt. They both landed on the grass but my seed did go father.

Gavin and I tried several times to spit them on the front walk and didn't do so well. Overall we had about 5-10 chances and my seeds probably went farther but it wasn't easy. The white seeds really don't spit well

Oh well it was fun trying.

722. Go to a Toga Party

When Danielle and I were figuring out the Ultimate Bucket List year, I jokingly said you go have a toga party and I can come. She was like okay which is how I ended up going to a toga party.

Unlike a college toga party where everyone got drunk and made out in corners, or that's the perception, this was a more relaxed, adult toga party. We dressed up in togas, sat around sipping wine, nibbled off a charcuterie platter, and enjoyed each other's company. What 20+ years will do to people.

Honestly since I'm not one to chug beer at a frat house, this was more my kind of toga party. A few good friends getting together and catching up.... we just happened to be wearing togas. Sometimes it's good to have a ladies' night in.

How to Throw an Adult Toga Party
1. Invite a few close friends over for dinner. Instruct them to wear togas and bring a dish to pass
2. Open a few bottles of wine and/or other alcoholic beverages of choice
3. Sit around talking while eating appetizers and dinner.
4. Pose for a group picture
5. Enjoy everyone's company.

Our menu
Watermelon
Fresh Veggies
Charcuterie platter with a Creamy Feta Dip
Grilled Chicken
Grilled Vegetables
Mint Brownies

The creamy feta dip was amazing on the toast along with some cucumbers, kohlrabi, and cheese. Or even as a dip for the veggies. The kohlrabi made an excellent base to spread the feta dip on and add other veggies and cheese.

If you want to spice things up you can add lawn games, board games, or even a bonfire on to your evening. We opted to roast marshmallows.

Everyone is much more relaxed and there is probably no horrible hangover in the morning.