I've Been Up to (Some) Good

 So much has happened since the last time I provided an update. 

First, I took a trip with my college roommates. This time, we met in the middle. The Wisconsin Dells. I haven't been to the Dells in at least 15 years! I'd say not much has changed, except that the attractions seemed to have "aged."

I also stopped by my old stomping grounds, Madison, Wisconsin. I drove by the old house, which doesn't appear to have had any major work done to it since before my parents sold the house years ago (and since they put new siding on it when I was still a teenager). 

Kristin and Eugene were finally able to take their 2020 anniversary trip to Japan (cancelled due to COVID). The flight Kristin and I took to Texas to see our parents was a trial run for her since she hadn't been on a plane before COVID began. 

The girls and I celebrated Flag Day (since most were going to be out of town for July 4).

I attended a Cubs game and roasted in the bleachers!

I returned to the Chicago Street Race NASCAR event for a second year. Day 1 was perfect. Day 2 would have been if it did not rain.  However, I was better prepared this year than last and I stayed dry. I did not come home soaking wet or have to "trash" my shoes. The only disappointing thing is that the race once again was cut short. I still have not seen a "complete" NASCAR race (meaning running all of the advertised laps). 

 

I also got to enjoy the concerts this year (an improvement from last year). The Black Keys were awesome (and the only date on their 2024 tour they did not cancel) and Keith Urban was great (I've seen him before and he does not disappoint). 

Keeping with the music theme, I made a last minute decision to go to the George Strait concert. Growing up in Texas, George Strait was (and still remains) a big deal. He did not disappoint, and neither did Little Big Town and Chris Stapleton who opened for him. Scratch off hearing Amarillo by Morning live from. my bucket list.

I celebrated my birthday in my happy place (The Chicago Art Institute) and on the Architecture Boat Tour on the Chicago River.

I made a detour through Millennium Park, where the Bean had just been "cleaned" and "restored".

I continued to meet up with the family, and even made a trip up to the Lake to see Rachel.

Assumed the best seat in the house for the annual Air and Water Show.

I started a new morning waking routine, marveling at the sights and still not believing it has been a decade since I moved to Chicago.

(This was me 10 years ago, during my transition to Chicago. And yes, I was making a statement all the way back then). 

I got out of town for the Democratic National Convention and headed to my sister's. I spent a week with her "in the shop" making Christmas Trees, designing wreaths, shopping for supplies, and all around fun. The efforts - which her and her volunteer design team spend 6 months of the year working on - lead up to a Festival of Trees charity event that supports a crisis nursery where she lives.

I liked it so much, I went back in October for more fun (and will join them for the event in November).

We even took time out to see the Aurora Borealis.

And play with Finn. 

We attended Riot Fest (again) and saw everyone from Cypress Hill to Public Enemy (Flavor Flav fresh off the Olympics), and Beck.

Don't fear, I haven't stopped making statements. Here are just a few.

Let's not forget the reason for this Blog. Cosmo would have celebrated his 17th birthday this year. I miss him dearly.