Saturday was one of those days you never look forward to, but once it's over you're glad you were there to experience it. The morning started early, with a drive to drop off Shirley at the hospital, where she works in outpatient registration, followed by Bryan's basketball game back here in Elgin. We won the game 22-14 but only had six kids that were able to make it, so it was a little tough to keep five fresh sets of legs on the floor. Nonetheless we have two wins in two games so we'll take it. After basketball we went out for breakfast with my mom and step dad, who came out to watch Bryan, then headed home for a quick stop to let out Scruffy.
After taking care of our jack russell terrier we got back in the car and headed to Cabela's to exchange a few shirts I had bought the night before. I think Cappy's mid section is filling in a bit, watching an endless supply of football and hockey, while probably not fishing as many hours as I should. With a little bit of luck I will be able to sell that excuse to Shirley and free up more time to be out wading the river.
On the road again, we headed in to Chicago to help my aunt Rita trim her dwarf (not if you seen it) apple tree. My brothers met us there and within about four and a half hours we had trimmed the tree back from the power and phone lines, and cleaned up all the debris. As my family and I always do, we made the most of the time together, with good conversation, some great laughs, and a few tasty beers to wash it all down.
Aunt Rita asked if we would stay for dinner, and we all agreed that after some hard work and calorie burning it was a good idea to refuel before heading home. Hagen's Fish Market is just down the street from my aunt's house, and one of our favorite places for fried shrimp and perch. I took the short ride with aunt Rita to pick up the food, looking around the store at the fresh fillets, smoked fish, and special sauces and seasonings that make Hagen's a special place in Chicagoland. The business opened in 1946 and is still owned and operated by the same family, now third generation. Hagen's Fish Market has the only remaining indoor hardwood smokehouse left in Chicago. If you are going to pay a visit to Chicago you have got to experience a few pounds of fried shrimp and perch the Hagen's way.
We enjoyed our dinner, said good night to aunt Rita, and rolled out the door. On the way home I thought to myself, I might be going back to Cabela's to exchange those shirts for the second time.
Please join our Facebook group at Cappy's Pond and remember that you can't catch any fish if your line isn't in the water.
That sure was a full day of work with family time and fun and food to boot! Had to laugh at your comments about the shirts. I think I might have the same problem, but, mine is more in the size of the waist for my jeans. Yea, I think it is too much football and not enough fishing!
ReplyDeleteHagen's looks like my kind of place!
ReplyDeleteYummy