And in the Life Goes On Category....
I was sad to miss Saturday's marches, both here and in Chicago. I've been struggling more than normal with my back so unfortunately it just wasn't an option. However, I had a wonderful weekend despite that and I loved seeing all the pictures of so many friends! It was inspiring.
Ernie and Owen and I spent the weekend at the Rogers Park Spa, otherwise known as Van and Karin's place. Lord but I love those two. The weekend was in honor of Owen's January 4 birthday. We left midday on Friday and got up there pretty quickly. We drove around a bit, showed Owen our old apartment on Chase Street and even stopped in at our beloved Lighthouse Tavern. Oh man....it seemed EXACTLY the same.
the lake was just beyond the building, but it was too foggy to see...
We headed down to Van and Karin's and got settled. Owen was anxious to take the L so out the guys headed. They ended up going downtown and walking around and ended bringing home Popeye's Chicken. Yes, the gustatory delights of Chicago all around us and we ate Popeye's. I didn't mind. Popeyes with a side of chardonnay can be delightful. We curled up and watched the news....and Trump's first dance at the inaugural ball. Mindboggling.
On Saturday Ernie and Owen headed down to the Art Institute and sucked up some of the energy of the march all around them. I stayed 'home' and read and enjoyed the peace and pleasure of being at the spa. The highlight of the weekend was Owen's first time seeing the Romantics and the first time seeing the inimitable Brad Elvis play as well.
Man, I tell you, I just couldn't adore Brad more. I'd gotten in touch a few months ago with Brad and he followed up with me when it got close, had tickets waiting for us, texted to make sure we were there, came out to say hi, got Owen's Romantics record signed by all the guys and accompanied it with a Brad Elvis drumstick that said "to Owen" and a pick as well. Could he be more wonderful? Watching Owen watch Brad play was...well, I can't even think of an analogy. It was just so joyful. Owen had mouth slightly open in amazement the whole time as well as a big grin. It is, of course, the only appropriate expression when you watch Brad. Brad will always be one of my favorite people and it was lovely to talk to him and Chloe afterward. Chloe even admired my fringe so I felt cool. ha! A million thanks Brad...you are the best. Oh, except that now Owen wants to play drums. Thanks Brad.
the boys doing their Jack Benny...
We made the decision not to stay for Air Supply (I know) and headed out into the Waukegan night. We started to cross the street and Owen stopped dead in his tracks and yelled, "THAT'S RAY BRADBURY!" Ahead of us was a mural with the theater, Jack Benny, Ray Bradbury, and other Waukegan highlights painted on it. Owen loves Ray Bradbury. So it seemed like the icing on the cake. My sweet pea. We headed home, stopping at Superdawg for a late dinner. It was a truly lovely evening.
Sunday we went to Ann Sather for breakfast with Van and Karin, and then hit a few record stores before leaving town. No luck at Reckless Records, but they found a few things at Dave's Records, where Ernie ran into Chris Ligon working there. What a treat. I remember Ernie actually hired Chris at Second Hand Tunes and then all the Second Hand Tunes fought over Chris because everybody liked him so much. Ha. So long ago. Ernie was so happy to see him and be able to introduce Owen to him. The guys found a few things at Dave's but Reckless said their Loop store had the album Owen was looking for so we trundled off and doubleparked while they ran into get it. By this time Ernie had been felled by a wretched cold (which Owen has today) so he crawled into the back seat and I drove home in the fog and drizzle while Owen played dj.
It felt good to be home despite not wanting to leave and Leo was happy to see us. I yelled my favorite saying from the Dinosaur Bob books, which I do whenever I'm happy to be home, "HOME SHOUTED THE CHILDREN" and promptly collapsed.
Thanks Van. Thanks Karin. Thanks Brad. Thanks Chicago. Love you all.
oh, and forgive my fuzzy pictures....