Fighting Illini Basketball Game

University of Illinois basketball has struggled over the last few years. Last year their record was 12-21. They’ve not played in an NCAA tournament game since 2013. But starting in January this year they won 7 in a row. Things were looking up, and people were becoming interested. Patrick obtained two tickets for the Indiana game on March 1. Then in February the Fighting Illini lost 4 in a row. Since then they have bounced back and now have a 4-game winning streak. Their next game is tonight against Ohio State.

Before Patrick departed Chicago on Saturday I reminded him, “Don’t forget to bring the tickets.” “Not a problem,” he replied. “They’re digital, they’re on my phone.”

P. arrived home Saturday afternoon. I treated him to hambingers for supper. I'd made him a treat to take home with him,Cinnamon Pecan Bars. I made them without the cinnamon chips because I did not have any. They ended up tasting like butterscotch bars. Yum.

We planned Sunday lunch at a restaurant before the game. I suggested Everyday Kitchen which is fairly new, and their menu looked a little atypical. They’re also located within walking distance (albeit not close) to the basketball arena. We drove two cars so that I could return back home while P. and J. went over to the game. Turns out two cars was not necessary. P. had left his phone plugged in back at the house, and the digital tickets were on the phone!

We enjoyed our lunches. P. chose the Dixie Benedict which was basically sausage gravy over biscuits. I liked the Shrimp & Grits. I did think the tomato-okra stew made the whole thing look more like a soup. J. stayed safe with a Breakfast Burger. It was really "tall" topped with a fried egg, and he ate it with a knife and fork. I don't think he could have eaten it in the traditional burger fashion.

Then we went our separate ways. A couple minutes before 1:00, P. texted me “Dad brought a f---ing knife to the game.” His frustrated language was because he thought J. wanted to take the knife back to the car, and they’d already been delayed with having to drive home to retrieve his phone. As it turned out, J. walked outside and put his knife down in an obscure place. The knife was still there when they left, and all was o.k.

I saw the last 6 seconds of the game. Things could have gone either way, but Illinois beat Indiana 67-66.

Patrick was a senior in high school when these t-shirts were purchased

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Cinnamon Pecan Bars Prep time:             10 minutes Bake time:            25 minutes Makes:                  2 dozen 1 box butter pecan cake mix (regular size) 1/2 C. packed dark brown sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1/2 C. butter, melted 1/2 C. chopped pecans 1/2 C. cinnamon baking chips Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine cake mix and brown sugar. Add eggs and melted butter; mix well. Stir in pecans and baking chips. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake until golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Affordable Eats / Taste of Home, c2019