Wishing I was in Austin TX

It's true. Not often do I wish I was back in Austin but today I do something fierce. Tonight my friends Jenny Parrot and Vaughn Walters better known as the amazing duo LOVES IT! will be playing their album release party. The live music massacre will be held at The White Horse and if I were in Austin tonight I'd have to call into work tomorrow because I would have danced my butt off at this show. If you are anywhere within driving distance and able to make it tonight you should definitely be there. Also Carper Family and Leo Rondeau will be there kicking ass as well. I'll say it again just in case anyone out there is a genie I wish I was in Austin TX tonight!

A Helluva Show

Last night Peter and I trekked up to Evanston to see Brad Mehldau at Space. I really wish that venue weren't an hour and a half away because they have some amazing acts and incredible acoustics. The start of the show was a little rough as we think it was off the cuff. When jazz pianist go improv things can get a tad screwy but as the show went forward he got into a nice rhythm. This is Peter's third time seeing Mr. Mehldau and my first. I was not expecting so much free form synth sound but it was enjoyable. Like jazz music for robots. Here is a photo made with my phone and no flash as is the requirement of the Space.

Another Year Another Marathon

This year Peter's mother, brother, and cousin all ran the marathon. Bernice placed 34th in her age group which I find highly impressive. James (Peter's cousin) was running his first marathon and seemed to enjoy it. Here are some photos of everyone through the race and after the finish.

Peter, John, Claire, Marcy (James' g/f) and I were all diligent spectators. I give major kudos to anyone that can complete such an arduous task. I do not enjoy running and find people who do amazing!

Bear Down Chicago Bears

Peter and I had the amazing pleasure of getting to see the Bears game this past Sunday. It was my first professional football game, although they lost and I had to leave before the 4th quarter, it was still a prodigious occasion. They played the New Orleans Saints and having been to New Orleans so much growing up I consider it kind of a second home from my childhood so it was not a total loss in my book. 

Professional football is so much faster than college and faster still than high school. I must say most of my football watching has been high school and I was very proud to discover recently how much I really do understand the game. I have no idea what plays are what but I get the jist of mostly everything else. Now I just need to bone up on my player knowledge and I can become a full-fledged fan! Please do send your professional football notes to bigtimefan@justkidding.com

Now next on my list is a Blackhawks game but they are so darn expensive I don't know that we will ever be able to afford it. Thank you to Claire for your tickets by the way we had a splendid time! 

COMPLETE!

Our backyard now has three decks! Peter and I have spent the last couple of weeks completing this lovely new addition!

This photo was taken from out upper deck that can be accessed through the office on the second floor of our home.  Peter's parents were redoing their patio out in Naperville and didn't want to waste perfectly good wood so asked if we would like to use it and I thought our fire pit looked a little lonely. Being the first deck Peter and I have ever built I'd say we did a pretty good job. Let me know dear readers if you would like to come over for s'mores!