Chillicothe Bucket List Buddies and the Chili Fest

     I'm sure you already  know yesterday was the Chillicothe Social Societies 9th Annual Chili Fest.  I mean...really...where else would someone living in our area have been after the Farmer's Market finished?  Great food...great friends to visit with...and just an overall great time!  Did I mention there was food?  If that doesn't get your motor running to attend next year, there was beer, too.  Not only that, it was a great way to give money to Rock For Tots, the fantastic organization the Social Society donated proceeds to.
     Over there on the right is my friend, Lora Andersen and her husband, Kris.  Oh come on now, whether you went to the Chili Fest or not you need to give them a big 'ole wave.  They worked hard to provide the masses with Katie's Sunshine Chili, a wonderful chili I wouldn't mind making for my own family (yeah, there's a bit of a hint there, Lora).  Lora is also the mastermind behind a wonderful group I belong to, Chillicothe Bucket List Buddies.  In fact, she made her wonderful chili so our group could participate in the event.  She and Kris were over at the Chili Fest bright and early to set up all the necessities Lora needed to chop, barbecue, and stir her chili into the great chili it was.  Kelli Yeager was also there with them to help with the set-up of it all.  I must say, kudos to Kelli for the great job she did setting up our tables.  They looked wonderful!  Lora had until noon to have her chili cooked and ready for everyone to start taste testing.  When I got there after the Farmer's Market, my friends Felicia Carey (her daughter) and Susan Hardbarger were already there.  Felicia helped Lora and Kris ready the chili for sampling while Susan and I manned the baked sale and drinks table.  We were all busy and having fun!
     Of course, the only other thing to do while there was take turns sampling chili!  I don't know how many groups were there, but I'd say at least a good 20 of them.  There was everything from where's the flavor chili to knock your socks off hot chili.  There was chunky chili and watery chili.  If you wanted chili, that was the place to be.  All in all, it was a sampler's feast!  Now I must say, and you'll think I'm bias, but I really liked Lora's chili.  It was just what I'm looking for in a chili.  There were others there I also liked, but if I could serve up a big 'ole bowl of it for myself instead of a small cup, I'd be filling my bowl with hers.  I didn't get a chance to taste them all, but there was chili for everyone.  I must say, there was one that was so hot I had to go back to the bake sale and take a break until I could feel the lower half of my face again.  There were a few that numbed my lips, but one in particular had my esophagus crying.  It's all good, though.  I made such a nice donation to the Chillicothe Wine Taster's club (all their proceeds went to Rock for Tots) for a glass of wine that they told me to go back for seconds.
     Now you're wondering what the Chillicothe Bucket List Buddies is.  Well, let me explain...it's like that Bucket List movie a few years back.  Everyone has at least something they'd like to do and may not want to do it by themselves, or may just need a little support to do it.  That's what we do.  Join in on an activity someone wants to do...or at least support them as best we can.  For example, if you wanted to skydive out of an airplane or do that base jumping stuff, I'd fully support you...from the ground.  I'm positive there's at least a few in the group that would be right beside you on the jump, but my feet would be on the ground as long distance support.  Some of the CBLBs have gone to an Aerosmith concert and we've had a yard sale to raise some money for our trips.  The group has talked about a trip to Costa Rica, participating in a handgun concealed weapon class, and having a clairvoyant do the woogie-woogie talk at Lora's to see what's up with that ghost that insists on smoking at her house.  I've smelled it.  I want to know, too.  I may live vicariously through others a lot being as we have farm animals that need caring for and I homeschool the kids, but there are lots of things I can also participate in and can't wait to do!  Besides, you'll even get a Rosie the Riveter shirt and you know, if she can do it, We Can Do It!       
     So, there you have it folks.  It's Sunday so I've recovered from my chili tasting experience.  It was a fantastic afternoon for it.  I was full on chili samples, baked goods, and friendship.  If you didn't get a chance to attend the Chili Fest yesterday, give it a go next year...and if you'd like to join in on the activities with the Chillicothe Bucket List Buddies, just give a holler and we'll get you going.  Besides, we come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ready to be there when you need us.  Kind of like the support hose you're always looking for but can't find.  Smiling & Waving, Sharon 

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