Cracker Barrel Fix

Posted on November 26, 2017 by vanbraman

Today I got my Cracker Barrel fix.

I was with my parents in St. Joseph, Missouri and we went to lunch at Cracker Barrel with some of our friends whom I have not seen for many years.

Cracker Barrel, Old Country Store, St. Joseph, Missouri, Food Fix

It has been some time since I last ate at a Cracker Barrel. I don’t do a lot of domestic travel, so am not often near one. However, that will soon change as they will be opening the first location in California in about two months. See: First California Cracker Barrel Location

Cracker Barrel, Front Porch, Rockers, Checkers, rocking chairs

Cracker Barrel is known for the rocking chairs on the porch in front of the store. They are all available for purchase. You can even sit down for a game of checkers while waiting to be seated.

Cracker Barrel, Retail section, Old Country Store, Waiting for SeatingCracker Barrel has two sections at each location. While waiting to be seated in the restaurant section you can browse through the retail section. Of course, you can also go back after you have eaten and had time to convince yourself that you need a nostalgic toy or some candy or drink that brings back memories of your childhood.

Cracker Barrel Menus, Cracker Barrel, Breakfast all day, Comfort Food

We had a group of eight so there was a small wait for a table, but we were soon seated and ready to browse the menus. You usually get a menu with specials, the regular menu and the all day breakfast menu. I could have done without a menu as I knew what I was going to order.

Chicken Fried Chicken, Cracker Barrel, Old Country Store, Food Fix

I ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken that came with three sides. With a dozen sides to pick from it was a bit more complicated. I chose green beans, corn and hash brown casserole. There were a couple more that I would have liked to have as well.

My dad got his usual pancakes and my mom had a grilled chicken dish. I was soon enjoying fresh biscuits along with my lunch and enjoyed every bite. It was a nice comforting meal and brought back many memories of eating at Cracker Barrel through the years.

Cracker Barrel Fire Place, Old Country Store, St. Joseph, Missouri

Cracker Barrel stores also have big old fireplaces and during cold weather there is usually a fire going. I am wondering if they will have fires going in the new locations in California? In some areas new fireplaces are banned, and there are major restrictions on fireplaces in all of California.

I had to take a long walk tonight to help burn off some of my lunch 🙂

Steven

 

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Thanksgiving Eve Walk

Posted on November 25, 2017 by vanbraman

I am a bit late in posting this, but thought I would share some pictures from a walk I took on Thanksgiving Eve.

Last leaves, fall, Platte City, Hiking Trail

Near my sister’s house there are a series of hiking trails that run along a creek bed. They run in and out of trees and meadows and it is very scenic. As I entered the trail I noticed a few remaining leaves on one of the trees. Most of the leaves have fallen here as the trees get ready for winter.

Long legs, walking, hiking, short days, evening sun

As the days get shorter and shorter as we approach the winter solstice the sun is lower in the sky and the shadows are lengthening.

Here we also have a hill effect which makes my legs very long in this shadow picture.

The weather was really nice and it was a warm day. However, by the time I finished the walk the temperatures were rapidly falling.

Sunset let trees, illumination, hiking, Missouri

Here the tops of the trees were in sunshine and the bottoms were in shadows. I really like this effect. It was also enhanced by the light colored bark on the branches of the tree.

Milk Weed, weeds, walk, hike, steam, prairie

Here are some beautiful milkweed pods. There are many areas along the trail where they are letting native grasses and plants take over to restore prairie and wetland areas. Therefore there is not weed abatement to remove plants like milkweed.

I have an interesting story about milkweed, but will save it for another time. I am thinking about it now as it involve both my sister and I 🙂

Silhouette, trees, shadows, contrast, fall sky

I have many more pictures from the walk that I could share, but will keep to my usual five pictures. I like this one to end the post as it is a beautiful silhouette of a tree as the day is ending.

One thing that I really like about fall/winter in Missouri is the wonderful silhouettes of the trees once leaves have fallen.

Look for more pictures from the walk in the future.

Steven

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