Dead Bambis, and hello Milwaukee!

This was originally posted on June 6, 2010.





After breakfast at Lynn's Paradise Cafe (where the decor is fantastic, but the food overpriced) the Slugger Museum was up next. Jane, Vi and I signed up for the factory tour. It was interesting to see and hear how those sluggers are made. At the end every visitor got a mini slugger. We then browsed the museum, and I noticed how little there is on women in baseball history. (There's just one display.) The exhibit called "The story of Negro League Baseball" was very interesting. The three of us also took our turns in the batting cage. Funnily enough, the least sporty one got the most hits off the pitches! (It wasn't me, I can tell you that.) I then went to the shop to get my own personalized bat, but unfortunately for me they had run out of the particular one I wanted. I'm not kidding.



We lunched at Zaytun on Bardstown Rd, where I had the (tasty) Classic Gyro. And dinner that evening was at a place called The Irish Rover, where they had trouble with the air conditioning. The young lady who waited on us was very sweaty - and I couldn't help but feel for everybody working in the kitchen.
The next day Jane and I drove down to Shaker Village. I had a very educational day: I learned about their beliefs and philosophies. I like how they did not discriminate on gender or race from the very start. (Did you know, currently, there are 5 Shakers left? I guess multiplying wasn't high on their agendas...) I admired their crafts and handiwork; I really like the clean and simple lines. I bought salad tongs. Clean and simple, yet highly practical in use.



I couldn't help but wonder about the amount of road kill. Lotsa deer, squirrels, opposoms, deer. And did I mention deer? Yea, I don't like the sight of dead bambis...
After Shaker Village we ate at Ramsi's Cafe on the World (I love their ecclectic decor), where I tried their Bison steak. I have to say, despite having no expectations at all, it was rather good (lean, too). Apart from Mary, who was cruising Alaska with her family and some relatives, everybody and their spouses were there. And that's when - finally - the box with (Fair Trade) chocolate and hard candy was opened. It doesn't come as much of a surprise that everybody loved it - yay! I had a vegan chocolate tart with raspberry sauce for dessert. Needless to say it was orgasmicly good!

Friday was the day of the big exchange: Lil' G was the subject of aforementioned exchange. Because Jane and I planned on leaving Louisville on time on Saturday morning, we figured it'd be a good thing to crash at their place. I hadn't done that before because Jane and hubby Rich are kitty parents. And on top of that; they're fostering two new nests, too! I love cats and dogs, but the amount would be too much for my system - despite the Benadryl. Vi and Pam graciously offered me to stay at their wonderful house: two dogs is something my body can handle.

I have to admit that looking back now, the day's a bit of a blur. I remember going to Zen Garden for lunch. Jane and I shared two tasty appetizers: the crispy egg rolls and Zen Garden Roll. I picked the vegetable fried rice as my entree. Yes, it was really, really good. Combine that with fantastic company, and it's perfect!
After lunch, I said goodbye to Pam, and Jane, Vi and I headed over to Frankfort Ave and spent time browsing some nifty shops: Just Creations, Pottery Rowe, Sister Dragonfly and Carmichael's books. All too soon I had to say goodbye, and Vi went home. But not after my baggage was hauled over into Jane's purple truck - which she's named "Argo" (after Xena's horse). So, that last day I had a bit of a "Southern" experience by riding around in a truck. Jane told me she once saw a bumper sticker that said "Trucks are for girls". Ain't that the truth!



Pre Friday night Trolley Hop Jane, Katherine and I have dinner at Mayan Cafe. We then move a couple of blocks down on E Market St to Cake Flour for desserts. They even have some vegan options for me to choose from! Because of the size I share mine with Katherine while we wait for a friend of hers to join us.
We walk in and out of galleries and quirky shops, before hopping on a (free) trolley. We repeat the cycle till the sun goes down and we decide to hitch a trolley back.

Saturday morning rolls around too soon. Jane and I walk to the Farmer's Market before we have breakfast at North End Cafe. Jane's husband, and Katherine and her husband join us. I settle for a (little) breakfast taco and some fake (vegetarian) sausage. Then it's time to say goodbye and commence a trek to the north. ROAD TRIP! First stop (for lunch and a pit stop) is in Indianapolis, IN, to meet Thomas.



He turns out to be a chatterbox, and I like it! Jane and I get to see his house, and meet his cat. Then it's time to motor on to Chicago. Jane had told me she didn't like driving through Chicago, and that it made her nervous, so I was appointed navigator. I was pretty sure that once we hit Chi-town things would come back to me. They did. And the fact that I had been to Hilary's place once before helped. I know where she lives and easily navigated Jane through the city to Albany Park. When we got there we had a little trouble finding a parking spot, but when I called Hilary, she sent Stacey out to help us: apparently, Stacey had arrived shortly before us. Talking about perfect timing, eh.



Hilary's prepared a wonderful dinner (vegetarian for Jane) and we indulge. We catch up, but all too soon Jane has to leave: her mother lives somewhere in the West of Wisconsin, so she had another drive ahead. Stacey and I left a little later (we only needed to go as far as Milwaukee). Once we were on our way it started raining heavier. Past the state lines there were warnings of standing water. Anyhoo, we make it to the house alright.
Stacey's friends Ruth and Kathy invite us over for some drinks, so I meet the infamous long term couple. Their house is great, and they have a bar in the basement. And the drink they served me was delicious!
More to come.

It ain't over till the fat lady sings, and Used Cows

Originally posted on June 2, 2010.


After traveling 24 hours I finally reached Louisville, KY, on Saturday night. Vi and Jane were waiting for me at the airport, and Jane had gotten me beautiful flowers (from her front yard). I had expected to be beat, but sleeping through a storm (or rather snoozing) from Houston to Louisville, was enough for a second wind. Jane had some things to do, but she'd come over soon, so I drove with Vi to her beautiful house. I met her two incredibly sweet dogs Savannah and Wrigley (whom I dubbed "Chewie").

I started Saturday morning before the crack of dawn. And when I checked in at the airport I was told there was an 1-hour delay. Great. I could've gotten one more hour of sleep... We caught up on the delay in the air and reached Houston on time. Nick texted me to know he made it to the airport, and he and G were waiting at a lower level. I had an hour an a half to kill... Nick and G drove me to a nearby Waffle House where they got a meal, and I settled for a diet Coke; I was probably getting dinner during my flight. Nick admitted I was the first person from the Strangers in Paradise forum he met in real life. Hee!



You know they say time flies when you're having fun? That's exactly what happened - and the connecting flight left without me. Nick and G dropped me off at the right terminal, and I made it to the gate, but the lady didn't let me go through anymore: she had another person take my place, so the plane was full. Great. I was put on stand by for the next flight (6:55) which was the last one for the day. Wow. Remember never to travel during Memorial Day weekend! I decided to stay put, and cross my fingers for Lady Luck to be at my side: I didn't like the prospect of possibly having to look for a place to crash and all... I called Jane, and Nick to inform them. Nick felt really bad, and immediately asked if he needed to come and pick me up. Long story short: of the list of people who were on stand by for the 6:55 flight, I was the only one present.

On Sunday Pam and Vi drove me around Dixie Highway. I found it interesting to see how many bikers ride around without protective gear. Don't get me wrong: I totally understand the feel of the wind in your hair, but anything can happen in a split second and there won't be any of that anymore - if you survive. The rest of the afternoon was spent in their pool. I got a terrible farmer's tan (no sunburn) after only a couple of hours of splashing around. We later went over to Jane's house to check on the kittens. Oh my. They were too cute! If I weren't allergic to them... But let's not go there. We continued our way to the ball game. The game was good, and we stayed for the post game fireworks. It was funny to see Vi yawn from the corner of my eye, and a moment later she tells me that if I'm bored (nope!) to let them know and we go home. There were signs during the game it was going to rain, and at one point lightning had a headstart (fireworks came early!) but you know how they say it ain't over till the fat lady sings? Well, the fat lady finished singing and all hell broke loose! (Bwahahahaaa.) It started pouring, and a thunderstorm added special effects to the fireworks. Hey Trevor? This is different from the fog over the Giants stadium, eh?

On Monday, Jane came over, and showed me around Bardstown and Frankfort Avenue. It was a nice walk, and hadn't it been so hot I'm sure we managed to walk several blocks more, right into the downtown area. Jane took me to a little independent store called ear X-tacy for all things music - and funny knickknacks. Later, we got hot dogs at a place called Conez and Coneyz: my Tijuana Dog (no bacon, on whole wheat) was excellent! (Jane, I will try a vegan dog next time!) At one time we took our time cooling off at a little coffee house that also sells tasty looking chocolates:



After all that walking in the sun we cooled off in Vi and Pam's pool, while Pam grilled up burgers and dogs. The food was good! Oh - happy Memorial Day.

The next morning we had breakfast containing of yesterday's left overs (I told you it was good) before taking off to two distilleries (Jim Beam and Heaven Hill) and Mammoth Cave National Park. It was odd tasting bourbon before noon, but hey, it's 5PM somewhere! At Mammoth Cave I picked the "New entrance" tour. Katherine and Jane came along, while Vi took it easy. (We later learned she wasn't feeling well, because the symptoms were indicative to Shingles.) Jane and I got ourselves an adventure tool - to which Katherine initially scoffed at. But, boy, did we have fun!



The tool encompasses LED light, dial compass, safety whistle, safety/signal mirror, magnifying glass, tiny storage area (enough for a few pills) and thermometer (in both Fahrenheit and Celsius). We had dinner at a Cuban restaurant (Havana Rumba) where their cocktails are a couple of dollars off on Mondays. I had a mojito and settled for "Pinchos vegetariano": grilled vegetables on skewers (really good).
With all the driving one particular sign - just off I-65 - stands out: USED COWS. Surely, they're not referring to retired prostitute cattle? ;)