The weekend started on Thursday owing to the fact that I decided to take two days off to get to work on some of the outdoor projects that were piling up. The women folk were off on Friday and in those 2 days we got the bench repainted and sealed, mowed the lawn, picked up brush, raked leaves, pulled weeds from flower/plant beds, trimmed trees, cut down voluntary trees, etc. We also managed to squeeze in some reading on the deck.

Friday (and again on Sunday) we were able to see the three of the four Percolations girls (scroll down on Jules’ site for pix of the kids from yesterday) perform in an Easter music program. I have to admit that one of the sweetest and funniest things in the world is to watch preschool age children sing. Good laughs on both days!

Saturday we decided to take a day trip with Abby and Mike to a little town about an hour and a half away called Rocheport (pronounced ‘roach port’…this was a topic of discussion on the way there, answered by one of the locals). Rocheport is home to the Les Bourgeois Vineyard and Winery, makers of some very delicious wines. In addition they have a wonderful blufftop restaurant, Les Bourgeios Bistro overlooking the Missouri River.

(photo by Abby M.)

Mary and I had dined there last year on our bed and breakfast trip and knew it would be a relaxing place to go on a day trip. Speaking only for myself I have to say that my meal was fantastic! Sonoma Steak Sandwich with tender chunks of steak, gorgonzola cheese, baby arugula, and a homemade horseradish sauce on delicious ciabatta bread with garlic roasted new potatoes and a glass of Les Bourgeois’ River Boat Red wine. Mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Afterwards we went to Rocheport proper, 208 people strong! One of Rocheport’s interesting spots is that it features the only tunnel on the Katy Trail, a 225 mile walking/biking “rail to trail” that covers at least half of Lewis and Clark’s journey along the Missouri River.

(photo by Mike M.)

(side view of the bridge shown in Mike’s photo above)

(Click on picture for tunnel to people scale shot)

It is a really nice, unassuming piece of land that has such a great historic feel to it.

(Mike’s failed attempt to gain the entrance to the mystery cave)

(Abby pointed out the smiling frog face outside the cave entrance)

(tunnel opening, you can see some of the black soot marks on the ceiling)

(Tori does her part to hold up the ancient structure)

The other end of the tunnel has both brick and stone work on the walls/ceiling.

The back side of the tunnel, in relation to the town of Rocheport, is more ornate.

(looking up near the back entrance of the tunnel)

It is interesting to feel the temperature drop as you enter the tunnel in comparison to the temperatures outside the structure.

We assumed this cute little weiner dog was the pet of a group who had passed us and went back to the opening of the tunnel. It seemed to have its own agenda and couldn’t decide whether to go back down the tunnel or keep heading up the trail. We entertained him until one of the guys came back and got him. Turns out he was an escapee from one of the local antique stores which we discovered when we ran into him a little later in the afternoon.

Rocheport is a cute little town with Bed and Breakfast accommodations and antique/craft stores. We parked on the street next to this incredibly scented lilac bush.

(photo by Mike M.)

I appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the buildings in these old towns.

(click on picture to see the old schoolhouse)

(click on picture to see the building to which this doorway belongs)

(barn in back of above house)

(photo by Mike M.)

(photo by Mike M.)

(TP holder in bathroom of antique store; photo by Mike M.)

(every old town needs a hound dog on the porch; photo by Mike M.)

We ended our day trip by stopping briefly in the neighboring town of Boonville to take pictures of the Katy Railroad Bridge.

(photo by Mike M.)

(photo by Mike M.)

The bridge is a center of controversy due to recent plans by Union Pacific Railroad to remove it and use it elsewhere. The bridge was built in 1932 and ceased being used in 1986, its middle span in the upper position to allow barges to pass underneath. It is a neat old bridge and I empathize with the town’s desire to see it preserved.

We ended our Saturday over at Mike and Abby’s playing darts, watching the dogs chase each other and wear each other out, and watching Dreamer, which was a very sweet albiet predictable movie.

Yesterday Razz slept off his excitement with Motley and Moses and we lounged around in the back yard reading, napping, and enjoying the beautiful weather. Last night we capped our Easter celebration with a viewing of Chocolat.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and Happy Monday!