Mom Wrap-Up and Disco Hitler

I am knackered. Very excited for today's adventure, but I did a lot at Ma's. And rightly so.

The last day involved more shifting and making certain much of what we shifted was picked up by the charity that my Ma called. It was. By one driver. In the rain. But it got done. I did a little more heavy lifting and a lot of clean up.

Mom's Lemon Meringue ended up soupy, but delicious. Thanks for giving it a go! : D

In addition to all the willing work, we had lots of good talks, good food and good laughs. I'm so thankful to have been able to see (almost) all of my immediate family this summer. And I look forward to seeing more of you in the near future. Extended (close friends) and immediate (Hello Janenne and all!). I am a fortunate fat friar. Thanks to all who made this possible!

After they dropped me off at the Crystal Lake Metra (after too short of a trip!) I just had to get a pic of one of the local businesses. I think it's obvious why.

The last local business of that ilk I encountered was Matt's Big Breakfast in Phoenix (which didn't live up to the hype). I'll have to sink some suds at Matt's one of these days. Looks like my kind of place.

The train ride home was riddled with outside-voiced suburbanites on a Friday and I kept my head down and tried not to hear their nasal hell over my earphones, but the trip was over soon enough. I did realize this morning I left my last volume of Y: The Last Man on the damned train. *shakes fist* What's worse is it had my favorite bookmark in it. It read: "George was a good little monkey and always very curious." *tear*

The walk back to the G's was riddled with my addle-brainedness and it took significantly longer than it should to get back, but I did. A little sweaty, but happy to land . . .

I got a little alone time and drank some beers. When T & S got home we played musics, watched youtubes and they made delicous (very spicy!) dinner. Oh yeah!

Tony got a second wind and agreed to venture out to a Logan Square Karaoke bar he'd been telling me about. Alice's Lounge is a trip. The host has bootsy glasses, guitar necks, drum sticks and fake keys. And he will sing back up for you, whether you like it or not.

Tony sang Ignition (Remix), yeah he did!

We had a super good time and very early in the evening I fixated on a guy who goes by Reno, but I dubbed Disco Hitler. Other people thought he was a Mario. This morning he looks more Magnum P.I. I wish I had gotten a better dead on shot front shot, but I was intent on being surreptitious. So here's the series. Judge for yourselves.

I should mention, he had a bad night. Some girl popped him in the jaw and the cops showed up. I hope my stalking didn't bring on bad luck, but DISCO HITLER Ladles and Jellyspoons. Alice's is worth the trip. uber-hipster, but fun. Check it out.

In other news, I'll be muchly in Naperville and environs today, around Winnemac most of Saturday and probably Uptown on Sunday. Still got flexibility, but let me know when/if you wanna join or derail me!

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   9    

Days Away:          103        

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Today is sponsored by Joey Bates and Ben Hameen Moprhis

Mom Day 3

Yesterday involved some heavy lifting to be sure, but most of it was Mr. Fix-it Stuff for Ma and Fam. The dining room table don't wobble no more. The oven door handle is secure. Some of the mountain of stuff is shifted and the offending tree is cut up.

Doesn't my hatchet look good with my purple bling-bling band-aid?

Yeah it do.

What I learned, however, is I don't do Dryer Vents. Not at all. I'd rather wash dishes or clean bathrooms. Seriously. I hate that more than I hate making my bed. It makes me want to die. (And my lungs don't like it either!)

Oh, and 9000 views!? Nice work cupcakes!

Only 3 (rapidly approaching days) unsponsored if you feel like making an 11th hour contribution (which would be hella appreciated) 8/25, 27 and 28. Get 'em before their gone!

Oh and Sunday. Carol's. 9p. Who's in?

See you tomorrow evening Chicago!

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   8

Days Away:         102     

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Today is sponsored by Christian Duhamel

Mom Day 2

I had my first near asthma attack in years cleaning the crap out of the dryer tube and sweeping the basement. I also moved a bunch of stuff from all over the house. Man I'm pooped. Thankfully Sis and I had a chance to run out for some things and I got me some beer.

This is all the recycle and donation stuff we put together today. More happened but it was mainly shifting type things, so this is what you get to see. Exciting, huh?

I've also been considering how quickly I'll be out of the Land of Drincoln and I'd sure like to see ya if I haven't and if I have, I'd sure like to see ya again. So let me tell what I've got in mind. These are all ideas, unless I've put them in Bold Face. If they're bold then they're happening and I'd love for you to join me for some or for all. Do what ya can.

And if ya don't have my number (it's been the same since 1999!) please message me directly and I'll pass it along!

: D

8/21 - 22:   Finishing up with the fam in L-I-T-H! Then back to the G's!

8/23:           Hanging Out with Mauloff! Learning how to sell BEER! Friday night? Hmmmm . . .

8/24:           Happy #Birthday Dr. Funkywheels! Who am I gonna see, huh? 

8/25:           Today I might Hang Out in Uptown, maybe I'll go to to Strange Cargo and stuff, anybody interested? Carol's, Etc.

8/26:            Happy #Birthday Lil' Sarah!  What shall we do?  Might stop by Dick's Last Resort to see Snidely Bareback, could do this another day . . .

8/27:             7 - 9p    Dinner @ Cesar's!  Come see me!
                     9p - 2a  Costume Karaoke @ Drop.  New Venue! New friends!  Do stop by!

8/28:             6 - 8p     Pete's Barbershop for to gussy up a bit . . . 
                     8 - 10p   Dinner at Chicago Q

8/29:             Perhaps I will visit Evanston? Could do this another day . . . ?
                     I fly out of Midway at 5:15p. Anyone wanna drive me me out mid-afternoon and kiss me goodbye? *bats eyelashes*

This is where I am right now. Things might change. There are so many possibilities. If it ain't bold, make a suggestion. Let's get together or it may be a LONG time before I'm back.

Just sayin' . . .

: D

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   7

Days Away:          101

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Today is sponsored by Christian Duhamel

Deep in the Heart of the Northwest 'Burbs! (L-I-T-H!)

Hey friends!

I saw the G kids off to their jobs yesterday morning and took care of a California call that needed doing before catching the Harvard line to Crystal Lake on the Metra. I love the Metra. Even with stupids playing music too loud or talking to much, it's a comfortable ride. So comfortable I almost feel guilty they didn't remember to charge me for my ride out.

Oops.

And I got this snap just as we landed in Crystal Lake. Yep.

Come at me Voorhees!

After running a few me-related errands (airbed, food, etc.) with my Ma and Lil Sis, I got to Melbourne Place and started working on my Ma's Honey-Do list. I've lifted a lot already, we'll see what else I can accomplish in the next couple of days. Here are the results of Day One, but, to be fair, mostly cause it was trash day.

: D

After a good day's (well afternoon's) work and a good meal we played a few board games and talked a bit.

It feels good to help out. We'll see how I feel after tonight after a full day of doin' stuff.

Wish me luck!

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   6

Days Away:          100

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Today is sponsored by Jack & Lynne Maxim

Singles Mixer

I started yesterday with a mission to satisfy my craving for Jimmy John's. Even though they put onions on the Gargantuan after I asked them not to do so, it was nice to cram that big sandwich in my gob. On the way back I saw this fun little shop. I just liked the artwork.

After Tony and I ate and got prettified we took the Irving bus to California and then didn't find a cab so walked down to Wellington. A slight tactical error, but we did pass Hot Doug's, a Chicago institution (closed on Sundays) and made our way down to the Orbit Room.

We met Brigitte and Brian there (who had been waiting for a bit too long - sorry guys) and had one last little Hang Out before Brian headed back to Ohio. I hope I'll catch Brigitte again before I go. Later Mr. Wizard.

Ain't we cute?

Tony got a Big Kahuna (kind of an alcoholic Arnold Palmer) but he said it wasn't that great. He did like the Hurricane and he does look good with tchotchkes in his drinks I thinks.

We had gone there to meet Pete and Amber as they were hosting a Pete's Barber Shop / Twisted Scissors Singles Mixer. I helped hand out name tags and talked a lot of shit. It was a lot fun. Tony left soon after I was joined by Mr. Morphis.

Ben had hyped me to a show at Quencher's and after a quick walk, bus and stop in at the Bob Inn, we met several of his friends at the bar. I missed the first two acts but I really quite liked the Bomb Sawyers and Old Grand Dad (Ben's friends pictured below).

Fun roots, rockabilly, early rock and bop act. Very talented. Check 'em out if you get the chance.

Ben also decided to throw in for the cause at this late date sponsoring one of the lonely days and bringing up the sponsorship percentage. (Only three blank days left!) So cool!  Thanks brother.

I am imminently headed Northwest to visit my Mom and fam in the deep 'burbs. I'll be back this weekend.

Check ya then squares!

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   5    

Days Away:          99     

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Today is sponsored by Alyssa Larson and Sommer McGuire

Kid Sister and Me!

Not a whole helluva lot happened yesterday, but what did was awesome.

I had a little alone time as the G's went off to do laundries and then it was time to get to the show. We took the buss up to Foster and then we caught a vancab. It was a terrifying break-happy ride, but we got there in style.

Check it.

We let Tony get into call and then Lil Sarah and I got him some liquids so he'd be all good for his final performance which by all accounts went very well! : )

Sarah and I decided to go to La Fonda for dinner. Highly recommended Colombian spot. The weather was still beautiful and we sat outside and caught up. I hadn't had the chance for any one one one time with her so it was a great long dinner and then a walkabout of Andersonville. In fact we walked so much that by the time we were back near Steep, the show had just closed.

We had been invited to hang out, so that's what we did. Sarah's throat was a little scratchy so she headed out early but Tony and I stayed and remained confused about the Steep game "Beer Die," perhaps I was the only one confused, but there wasn't nearly enough drinking involved. Heh.

You'll have to ask them.

We hung out and enjoyed the hospitality of that group and I met even more gracious, talented folks. I really like that company.

Then we made it back to Old Irving and talked a bit more shit on the porch before finally calling it and turning in.

Now I'm going to satisfy my craving for Jimmy John's. One way or another.

Late.

Best,

M

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Funding:                110.3%

Days in Chicago:   4
Days Away:          98

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Today is sponsored by Alyssa Larson

Great. Great. Great. 's

Saturday afternoon is as good a time as any to catch you all up on my first couple of days back in the City.

Dad and I got up early on Thursday and hit the post office before having breakfast at Greasy Bob's by WSU. Then he sewed a sweet little pillow for me (Monkeys!) that I really wish I'd had when I was on tour all these years. Can't wait to try it out on the plane. <3

McKnight and I said goodbye and hit the road mid-Morning, talking equal parts shop and bullshit and really accomplished quite a bit before I got my first glimpse of the skyline in some time. My heart was warm as we rode in on our way to the G house on the West Side.

We stopped by and I dropped off a bunch of my shite and got Tony ready before heading to Rogers Park where Bri was crashing at the Pussy Pad. Yeah!

We ambled over to the Northside Leona's and had a real nice pizza and talked with Lauren for a spell.  Tony had to leave a bit earlier to get to his call for FALLOW at the Steep Theatre Company. Brian and I finished up, got the backdoor key from Lauren and stashed his stuff where I got to meet the lovely and talented Elyse before we headed to the show where we met up with my old friend Laura.

I have to say, soup to nuts, it was one of the best theatrical experiences I've had in years. Great space. Great people. Solid script. Apt directing. Commited, believable cast. Captivating actually. Both Tony and my former Roosevelt pupil, Nick Horst, were awesome, as was the rest of the cast. Just top-notch stuff. Unfortunately it closes today so most of you won't get to see it, but if you've got the time and the inclination, I'd go. Tonight at 8p is your last chance. Just off the Berwyn Redline Stop. So so worth it.

Welcoming group. We stayed and hung out with the company, particularly the uber-hospitable Artistic Director Peter and talked about theatre, music, &tc. We were eventually joined by my old buddy Ben who made the long trek up from the West Side. A great night. Thanks Pete.

Steep After Hours w/ Tony Garcia, Ben Morphis, 

Laura Gouin and Peter Moore.  

We made our goodbyes to Pete and the general consensus was for K-Rock, so we made our way to the Hidden Cove, which was on my list for this visit and the scene of many of my former and I suspect future crimes. We had a good time rocking out with the three or so folks in attendance until the late night rush (as usual) made it largely a douche fest. Regardless, we shut down the bar and then we all went our separate ways to have our own adventures. 

I crashed in Andersonville and then met with Brian, Josh Horvath and his new bride Melissa, who I had never had the pleasure of meeting. What a great lady! So happy for these two. We ate at Lady Gregory's and talked a lot of smack. Great meal. Great conversation. Great time. Again. So happy to be seeing all these friends.

We dropped Melissa off at House for work and then we went to Powell's as Brian's been looking for a used copy of Animal Farm. No dice.

Doesn't he look silly on that ladder? Yes he does! Don't fall down go boom old man! : D

We hit the G's for a bit so I could freshen up, change clothes, etc. then Josh had to get back home so he could work on some tech notes. He dropped us at Pratt and Ashland and we checked out the Armadillo's Pillow. Wacky little store. Still no dice on the Orwell so we decided to start walking south as we had plans to meet Brigitte in Andersonville for dinner at Andies - across the street from Lady Gregory's incidentially.

Birg has been a little under the weather so it was nice that she was able to get out and see us. Turns out she's going through similar upheavals in life, but coming out the other end feeling mostly fine. It's good to see her so happy. : D

We saw the Puppet Bike on the way back to her car which just warmed my heart for so many reasons! : D

Love the Puppet Bike. So Chicago. So apropos for this summer.

Brigitte was kind enough to offer us a lift and we headed back to Brian's crashpad; I took a nap whilst we waited for Lauren to get cut. She soon joined us and we went to Clarke's in Lincoln Park to a live band Karaoke Night for her friend's birthday. After an hour in that proto-douche hell-hole with no sign of her friend, Elyse showed up and Lauren passed off her card.

We attempted the Beercade but the "DJ" was horrible and loud, so we left. (I do want to give that mid-week try if anyone is in the mood . . .) Our fearsome foursome was just not feeling any of that so we went in search of food and struck out here and there and at Cesar's (which I am pleased to report is *not* closed as I had been told! Woohoo! Killer Margaritas Live!) and finally settled, ironically enough, on Clarke's on Belmont which was hosting - get this - Live Band Karaoke!) Oy Gevalt!

It was late enough that the howling ended relatively quickly and we ate our too much food and laughed. I had a nice time, barely missing the G party and being relegated to the familiar El. It was all good til I had to wait for a half hour for the transfer to the Blue Line. Sweating. Sober as a judge.

I may take a nap believe it or not, but we'll see what we can get into later this evening.

I must also ask your patience loyal reader insofar as the consistency of time and content may fluctuate here in the City of Wind as I let the adventures dictate my spinning.

Until next time . . .

Best,

M

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Funding:                110.3%

Days in Chicago:   3
Days Away:          97          

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Today is sponsored by Ken & Geri Huntington