It's going to be a Frozen Halloween.

What a wonderful month this as been. The weather has been perfect the fall colors unbelievable. Here is a look back at some of the things we did to celebrate the season. First up a few things that I found at the Burgoo in downtown Utica.

I just love this wish it was for sale.

So the artist that made this carried it into a theatre just to have Robert Engled sign it. It's very cool this picture does it no justice. 

I was shocked when my wife said I could take this home! Kind of wish I did. Next up our first Trick or Treating came in the form of a private block party.

Then this past weekend was the Pumpkin Patch and Trick or Treating downtown LaSalle. What a great day, perfect weather at 70 degrees.

And nothing like a surprise treat in your lunch bag all week

So tomorrow brings Trunk or Treat at school. A Halloween Party and of course bundling up for the coldest Halloween my kids have witnessed so far for trick or treating.

Count Down To Halloween Day 17

Do you believe in Fairies, Sprites, Elves or Gnomes?

Just because we cannot see them doesn’t mean they don’t exist...Welcome to The World of Traegonia where mystical things really do happen.

Close your eyes, hold out your hand and allow the spirit of the Sunbow Prophecy to draw you into a place you have never been before. Meet a community of unknown beings who are the protectors of the Earth. See how they bring hope to a seemingly hopeless situation, a home to those who are at risk of losing theirs and a voice to creatures who cannot speak for themselves. Watch as three young friends work together to bring about change. No matter how big or how small one is, belief and passion can change the world. Choose to see the beauty in that which is different. Put aside the fear of what you do not understand and you just may find something truly special in the gifts that others hold. What they have to share could just be the thing to change our lives, or maybe even our world.

Earlier this month at Utica's Burgoo festival  we ran into these little creature's and found them really cool. I wish I would have picked up the first book Traegonia The Sunbow Prophecy.


Dino, an average boy from the Midwest, has a fateful encounter with two young Traegons, in a local forest. Traegons are two-foot tall forest dwelling creatures who resemble a cross between a troll and a dragon. Looking beyond outward appearances, Dino chooses to find out more about them and finds friendship in this most unlikely meeting. When the home of the Traegons, becomes threatened by an unscrupulous developer, Dino and his new friends Karia and Juna, must work together to stop the destruction that looms. An ancient Traegon Prophecy is revealed and these three friends find that their friendship is the key that sets the prophecy in motion. Follow them as the adventure unfolds and the World of Traegonia is unveiled. Learn of this incredible world within our own and you decide… is it real?

See more at www.worldoftraegonia.com 


Here are a few more photos from that day.

80 degree's, Jazz in the streets, and Burgoo Too!

This has easily become one of my favorite weekends of the year. On Saturday night, LaSalle closes the downtown streets for the Jazz and Wine Festival. For the past two years, we have had some to the best weather for this event. Nothing beats listing to some fine jazz while sipping locally made wine and micro brews with the family. There are local restaurants showcasing their trade as well.
This year I went with an Oktoberfest Ale by the name of Bob's 42. It had a nice amber color and was full of flavor. The night capped off with a nice little firework show.

But the main event comes on Sunday with the 42nd Annual Burgoo Festival. The event is  held in the little town of Utica,IL Population 977. This is the biggest event in this area and organized by LaSalle County Historical Society. More than 1,000 people will travel in and out of town today. They event will not start until 9am but my wife and I find it best to leave at 8. There is no parking in town its just not big enough and you need to get crafty finding a place to park (AKA inventing your own.).

Cooking the Burg

Many people just come here to walk around and visit the more than two hundred food and vendor stands. All though this year I feel that number was much bigger. Of course, the biggest of all attractions is the Burgoo stew, which is cooked specially for this event. It is cooked slowly over a wood fire. Each batch normally has hundreds of pounds of beef and one froth the amount of pork.


If you want to see just one festival here in Northern Illinois, Burgoo festival is the one. No other festival in the history of Utica is as large or running as long as Burgoo festival.

My Nan had these. My Sister
and I have wanted to buy them
Just not a good price.

Black Smith Shop

My Mom had these I wanted it
but not at $40

Hair Bows everywhere

Homemade Kettle Corn

Only $3

It's Not Burgoo but it is not road kill

I was sick of seeing these.

This was also the first time in a few years we spent

a few dollars. Outside of the hair bows for the kids

, we picked up some Pumpkin Pound Cake, Scents for the fall

and Root Beer Flavored Baked Beans. And a few 

Halloween decorations here and there. This year was a good time a little hot but still allot of fun.

Burgoo is a term used for many types of stew or porridge made from a mixture of ingredients.

FYI I have never had Burgoo and never will. My grandmother

was one of the many people that would help make it. She

always said she would never eat it. There for I will not touch

it. I'm amazed though at how long they cook this. They start on 

Friday and will have it ready for Sunday. They need volunteers

to stir it all day and all night.

Part of the Countdown to Halloween 2011 Day 9.