Things To Do
Blain's Farm & Fleet - Ottawa, Illinois
Take a lap through Blain’s Farm and Fleet, our preferred direction is counter clockwise - be sure to stop at the tools section to check on the latest DeWalt deals, stare longingly at hammers and count how many of them that we already have. Up next in the outside loop is the electrical tools - this is a good time to reflect about the good ol’ days - before the decline of Klein. As you continue, the back corner of the store has bee-keeping stuff, it’s always good to go look, and dream of your apiary. Nearby in the spring time, you will hear the peeping of little baby chicks - it’s always good to go and whisper sweetly and stare longingly, no touching! Lastly, hunker in that amazing candy aisle, pick your favorite bulk candy, and carry on with your errands for the day.
Target
It always starts the same — one of us says, “We just need toilet paper,” and twenty minutes later, Nate and I are walking into Target with Starbucks in hand, fully accepting our fate. We start off strong, heading clockwise like we have a plan, but then the LEGO aisle appears. Nate spots a massive Star Wars set, I find the floral bouquet one, and suddenly we’re “just getting two small ones — they’re on sale.” We wander the aisles pretending to be practical, laughing at another moose decoration we joke about buying for Ryan and Kaitlan. On the way to checkout, we detour for “a few groceries,” which turns into snacks, frozen pizzas, milk, coffee, and three kinds of chewy candy. The total flashes $248.79, and we share that silent we didn’t need all this look before paying anyway. Back in the car, sipping what’s left of our Starbucks, we laugh about how Target always turns into date night — and still forget the toilet paper.
Home Depot
One of our favorite “date spots” might surprise you — Home Depot! It’s where our project adventures begin. Usually, I (the visionary) show up with big ideas, no plan, and absolutely no clue how to make them happen. Luckily, Nate comes prepared with the patience, know-how, and a lot of laughs. He has a soft spot for Dewalt tools and Milwaukee bits, of course we spend some time staring longingly at them, and walking away with a bit or two. Whether we’re picking paint, debating wood stains, or wandering the aisles for inspiration, Home Depot is where our teamwork — and our DIY dreams — take shape.