I think I need a lifetime supply of pet hair remover: most of my friends have pets. Even though dogs mouths are supposed to be cleaner than human mouth, there is something in their saliva that makes my skin break out badly. Thank goodness for Gold Bond Anti-Itch cream! With cats it's their shedding, that makes me sneeze and my eyes water. Oh, and I haven't even started on my asthmatic cough. Thank goodness for lint removal products! And Anti-histamines - let's not forget that... Having said that, I think I did pretty good on this trip. It also helps that I wasn't in the house with the pets much. (I'm the idiot, who, despite my allergies, can't resist petting dogs and cats.) Anyhoo, enough whining!
Thursday is the day Stacey and I planned to go to Chicago. Initially, I suggested I go alone on Tuesday, as Stacey had to go in to work in the morning. But Stacey insisted on coming along and meeting up and reconnecting with some friends. But seeing how pooped my friend was on Wednesday I came up with a solution that (I hope) would be an overall win. It was!
We drive down to Chicago, and after we get to Hilary's place, Hilary and I set off to Tattoo Factory and Millennium Park while we leave Stacey to catch up on some must needed sleep. (I feel bad for wearing Stacey out.) I'm glad it's not crazy at Tattoo Factory (the Blackhawks won the day before), so after some waiting it is my turn. Hilary's invited to come and watch the magic happen, and she's prepared for a long ride. She takes out her sketching book and settles down... To find out it's done about 5 minutes later. Heh heh. She later shows Stacey a sketch she did of me while I was lying belly down. It looks as of I'm sleeping (I wasn't) and I'm curious as how the end result will be! Needless to say, we never made it to Millennium Park.
Hilary and I browse some kid friendly (or are those adult friendly?) stores on Lincoln Square, and lose track of time. We then walk home... And find Stacey peacefully sleeping. Apparently, Teddy the cat, has kept her company. Since I have planned on meeting up with Lindsay and her wife Val (who moved to Chicago the Summer of the Gay Games in 2006) I suggest meeting up somewhere in Andersonville, which is about halfway between Albany Park and Boys Town. Hilary thinks Hamburger Mary's a good place to meet up. (Their fried green beans are, to our surprise, killer!) I can tell you that place wasn't there when I left Chicago! But then again, a lot of things seem to have changed in the four years in between.
Unable to reach Lindsay or Val, Stacey and I leave messages to meet us at Hamburger Mary's. Our friend Anne has to work till 8PM, but is too tired after that to come over, but she and her friend Meatball are contemplating on driving over to Milwaukee to meet up with us. By the time Lindsay and Val call us back, they admit they already had dinner, but will come over to meet with us. What a delightful couple - with a great sense of humor. Unfortunately, time flies when you're having fun, and so all too soon we have to say goodbye. But not without the promise I will come back to the Windy City. (Lindsay and Val are planning a trip to Europe... So who know, eh?) Oh, their "adult" Cherry Cokes are divine.
On Friday Beth gives me a tour of Alverno College. She and Stacey are recalling many many memories. Seriously, if I had heard of Alverno 15, 17 years ago I would surely consider transferring as a foreign student. If I was able to apply for a scholar ship of some sorts. Back home I make a vegan pizza for lunch using the Daiya cheese I picked up at Outpost. And, even though I forgot to add bell peppers, it turned out pretty tasty. "Tracey" has some leftovers she has for lunch.
The mention of Tracey needs some explanation. I was talking to Stacey in the morning about something and out of nowhere "Tracey" comes out of my mouth instead of Stacey. Stacey looked at me and asked me who this Tracey person was, while my mind slowly grasped what just escaped my mouth. Oops! That was when she started calling me Tara for fun. *snicker*
Stacey and I drive down to Discovery World, only to find out it closes at 4PM - instead of 5PM (which is what my friend thought). That means we only have an hour, instead of two. After we bought out tickets (to which out Pride tickets gave us discounts), one of the things pointed out to us is the Les Paul exhibit. So, guess what we checked out? The S/V Denis Sullivan wasn't docked, so we couldn't check out the ship. Next time!
It was warm and sunny when we left Discovery World, and so we decide to walk along the lake. Stacey's car remains parked downtown till Pridefest opens, where we meet up with Ruth, Beth, Kathy and Anina. We got treated to a free air show. (OK, it was really a rehearsal.)
Stacey's wonderful friend Alan provided us with enough tickets to last us through the entire weekend. (Thank you, Alan!) Too bad my flight leaves midday Sunday. We walked around the festival grounds, checking out where the food is, the merch etc. Despite the forecast it's wonderfully sunny! And it didn't take long for Stacey and me to get into a ride: the Sonic SkyGlider. I neglected to tell my friend one thing: I'm afraid of heights. So, the higher we went, the more I felt myself tense up. (My heart rate went up, and my breathing changed.) When Stacey's done talking to a friend on the phone she finally provides enough distraction, so by the time we glide back I was pretty comfortable.
Earlier that day I checked online if I could bring my backpack and camera onto the grounds. Both were mentioned in the list of things that could be confiscated - the following was stated:
If you have a reason for photographing a specific performer you MUST receive written permission from the artist prior to bringing your equipment on the grounds. You should also obtain an on-site contact for any day-of-show credentials. Artist credentials do NOT include admission to the festival. Professional equipment is NOT permitted on the grounds without prior written permission from artist management.I decided to play it safe and leave my backpack and camera home. Besides, I was having so much fun I even forgot to take pictures with my cell phone. DUH! (Stacey's friends are all wacky in a good way.)
If you are interested in documenting the festival grounds and crowd shots, please contact Summerfest in advance. Photography requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis PRIOR TO opening day. Requests not submitted PRIOR TO opening day of the festival CANNOT be guaranteed.
We have some food, and some drinkies (you get carded once, receive a bracelet, and you're good to go for the rest of the evening). We watch people, enjoy the performances... And then finally, Otep time! Stacey and I were two of very few people who are into this genre of music. It doesn't really come as a surprise to me, but truth to be told, I am glad Otep played PrideFest; not everybody is into bubblegum pop music most gays are known to like. I remember they kick off their short setlist with "Smash the control machine" and end it with their cover of Nirvana of "Breed". It's over all too soon. Needless to say it's definitely my highlight of the weekend.
Kathy Griffin closes the night. She's good. She's funny. A lot of the jokes she makes are inspired by reality shows - something I find dumbs you down, and therefore I don't watch it. Anyhoo, I have fun watching Beth laugh so hard at times, I can't help but briefly wonder if she's wetting herself a little.
The next morning Stacey and I brunch at Palomino, where I have a deliciously good VLT. The vegan bacon reminds me of the stuff Satisfaction Feast uses on theirs. Then we drive to the little train station directly across from Mitchell International Airport to pick up Hilary. When she gets off I immediately notice she's underdressed. It turns out weather in Chicago is better... When it comes to clothes I don't have much to share with Hilary, Stacey's gracious enough to lend her some of her stuff. Don Juan lives up to his name is loving on Hilary. While I'm hosting Hilary (beverage and home made vegan pizza) Stacey catches up on sleep. Later, Hilary and I kill time at Discovery World, while Stacey's at home waiting for our friend Anne to arrive with her friend Meatball (who took the picture posted below).
We meet up and head to the Henry Maier Festival Park along the lakefront in Milwaukee, where the second day of PrideFest takes place. Despite the cooler weather, we hope it's not going to rain, and our spirits are - naturally - high. We catch up over festival food (I have to say that the chicken fried rice is actually pretty good) and drinks. I mentioned it before: it's been four years! And I finally get to meet Meatball, who I've heard so much about, too. Knowing there will be fireworks later that evening, we make sure we save ourselves a good spot: a picnic table at the lake.
Like prudent adults we call it a night right after the fireworks (even though I wanted to dance); Anne and Meatball have to drive back to Chicago (Anne has to work the next day) and take Hilary home, and I need to pack a bag.
Sunday morning comes too soon, and I have to say goodbye to Don Juan and Spider. Stacey drives me to the airport - a few blocks away...
Thank you: Nick & G, Thomas, Hilary, Ruth & Kathy Beth, Alan, Anina, Shemagne, Lindsay & Val, Anne, and Meatball for a great time. My apologies to those I didn't mention here. Blame a major brain fart on my part.
A special thanks goes out to: Vi & Pam, Wrigley and Savannah, Jane & Rich, their cats and kittens, Stacey, Don Juan & Spider for having me. I had an absolutely wonderful time! I will be back :D
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