Our first trip through Joplin, MO, saw us making a quick stop for Carrie's first Hardee's dinner.  On our way back through we thought we'd try the jewel of Joplin, Fred & Red Chili.  Folks rave about their "Spaghetti Red," but we wanted to get back on the road -- I (driving) got a cheeseburger and fries.  Carrie figured she'd better try the chili and ordered a chili cheeseburger.  We figured it'd be garnished with chili, but Fred & Red does not skimp.

It was pretty good, extremely-meat chili.  The burger was pretty good too.

Growing up in nearby (-ish) Columbia, MO, I'd spent a fair amount of time visiting Lee Ann and her husband Bob and their three sons, Bobby, Logan, and Lucas, at their home outside of St. Louis.  Lee Ann and Bob went to school with both of my parents at Rockhurst University (then College) in Kansas City, MO, and they've been great family friends since.

Lee Ann graciously offered to put us up, but Chicago's travel restrictions meant we'd have to stay at a no-contact bed and breakfast in order to ward off a fourteen day quarantine once we returned home.  Instead, Lee Ann and Bob hosted us for a lovely dinner of St. Louis BBQ outside on their front drive.  They were incredibly kind to have us; we had a great time and it was wonderful to see them and talk.  I hadn't been back to their house since probably before high-school -- but I have memories of their swimming lake nearby, of lighting what must have been a 50' roll of firecrackers for the Fourth of July one year, of driving a go-kart around their subdivision, and of taking turns playing computer games with Bobby, Logan, and Lucas.  Lee Ann also had some pictures of tiny-baby Truman.  It's nice to be reminded just how cute I once was.

Carrie and I stayed at a well-appointed vacation rental via SF Shannon.  We were mostly in-and-out since the next day would bring us home to Chicago.