We started Sunday with some of the best weather we've seen this summer - Sunny, with a nice cool breeze to start out the day.
Off we headed to the Taste of Chicago, where Michael was playing with the Jeannie Tanner Quartet.
Joe, Annie, Alan and Page were able to make the trip down to watch Michael perform, and the band sounded GREAT!
Sorry about the seasick inducing camera work...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27v6ZJ18VOQ
Afterward, we took the El home to get ready to host a BBQ for both of our families. It was a smashing success! We were so happy to have everyone be able to join us and see the Happy Bungalow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4hbd1X9Mng
It was simply the perfect day.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
BBQ Fever
Our guests have left, headed on the road to traverse America, but before they did, we had several more BBQs and a few more jam sessions. It's pretty insane how well brick and glass-block windows insulate the sound of live music being played at 1am.
Cathy helped by unpacking a ton of boxes, (remember this sight), and organized the basement so we can now actually walk in each of the rooms down there! I didn't think it could be done, but she really gave us the jump start we (Mike) needed. Now, next week I get to make calls to get quotes to insulate the attic. Then we can move all the basement crap to the attic... of course, a big yard sale, or huge donation to charity may not be a bad idea either. Only problem is that forces us to actually look in all the boxes, I don't see that happening any time soon.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Bungalow vs. The Mean Man
Today’s tale involves the mystery of the driven over garden. After Michael and I had spent 8 hours planting the corner garden full of day lilies and lily of the valley, we had noticed that someone had been driving over the curb, thus driving over our plants.
W.T.F.
So, yesterday I’m out watering the lawn, and I witness a van turn the corner, realize there’s no parking, then it proceeds to backup right over the corner garden and park.
I’m literally in shock, I walk over, and see tire marks over my poor little crushed plants.
He exits his van, and here’s what ensues:
Me: “Dude, can you be careful when you backup, you just drove over my plants.”
Mean Man: “No I didn’t.”
Me: “All I’m saying is be careful when you back up around that corner. You just drove over these plants” (as I point to my crushed plants with his obvious tire marks).
MM: “Why don’t you move out of this neighborhood you racist. You hate Hispanics and I’ve lived here for twenty years, so get out of here.”
Me: I stared at him for a bit unable to respond. “But YOU drove over my plants, I just watched you do it. And how does you driving over my plants make me a racist?!”
MM: “I DID NOT. You hate Hispanics so move out of my neighborhood”.
Apparently, there's no reasoning with a jerky freakshow. As he walks away, he calls me a racist again and walks down the alley.
I go in to tell Mike what happened, and he comes out to look at the plants. Back comes MM with another guy. Again, he says he’s lived here for 20 years and to move away. Now Mike has the WTF look on his face. We kind of shake our heads and walk back in the house.
I’m almost positive we will have no plants left after this encounter, but I’m still scratching my head.
W.T.F.
So, yesterday I’m out watering the lawn, and I witness a van turn the corner, realize there’s no parking, then it proceeds to backup right over the corner garden and park.
I’m literally in shock, I walk over, and see tire marks over my poor little crushed plants.
He exits his van, and here’s what ensues:
Me: “Dude, can you be careful when you backup, you just drove over my plants.”
Mean Man: “No I didn’t.”
Me: “All I’m saying is be careful when you back up around that corner. You just drove over these plants” (as I point to my crushed plants with his obvious tire marks).
MM: “Why don’t you move out of this neighborhood you racist. You hate Hispanics and I’ve lived here for twenty years, so get out of here.”
Me: I stared at him for a bit unable to respond. “But YOU drove over my plants, I just watched you do it. And how does you driving over my plants make me a racist?!”
MM: “I DID NOT. You hate Hispanics so move out of my neighborhood”.
Apparently, there's no reasoning with a jerky freakshow. As he walks away, he calls me a racist again and walks down the alley.
I go in to tell Mike what happened, and he comes out to look at the plants. Back comes MM with another guy. Again, he says he’s lived here for 20 years and to move away. Now Mike has the WTF look on his face. We kind of shake our heads and walk back in the house.
I’m almost positive we will have no plants left after this encounter, but I’m still scratching my head.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Time for more Bungalow guests
This time around, we have Tom and Cathy chilling at the Happy Bungalow. They'll be leaving on a road trip shortly to head over to Pacifica, CA, where Cathy will be starting on her new adventure to see how life treats her on the West Coast.
In the meanwhile, that leaves plenty of time for some "Goodbye Chicago" jam sessions and yummy barbeque's before they go. We've all been soaking up some much needed R&R in the backyard, and here's our latest relaxing addition, the hammock.
And here, The Wichmann's make an appearance as we make our long past due phone call to China...
Also, I'm happy to report our front lawn is growing like crazy. Although, we seem to have lots of holes from all the squirrels who like to dig up the lawn searching for some food... I'm sure Sid would like to resolve that problem for me...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Damn you Lolla...
A quick glance at the evil schedule has me shaking my head in sadness.
Lou Reed vs Snoop Dogg
Vampire Weekend vs Neko Case
Jane's Addiction vs The Killers
Beastie Boys vs Tool
Kings of Leon vs Depeche Mode
decisions... decisions...
Lou Reed vs Snoop Dogg
Vampire Weekend vs Neko Case
Jane's Addiction vs The Killers
Beastie Boys vs Tool
Kings of Leon vs Depeche Mode
decisions... decisions...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Going Postal
I have had it with the USPS. The Ravenswood post office is quite possibly the biggest bunch of lazy idiots, and here's proof I'm not the only one who thinks so... http://www.yelp.com/biz/united-states-post-office--ravenswood-chicago
(First 5 reviewers' sentences...
1. Slothful, indolent...just a few adjectives that cross my mind when I think of the employees the USPS has serve us at the Lawrence Avenue location.
2. rude rude rude.
3. This is the worst post office in the history of post officedom.
4. Worst service in my life.
5. (And personally my favorite) You know, I've lived in a few really poor third-world countries, where the post offices are about as well-funded and well-run as a garage sale on Skid Row, where queuing is a foreign concept and mail is tied up with twine and takes about five months to arrive . . . and I can recall getting better customer service there. )
It's unbelievable they can get away with this. When your job is to deliver mail to an address, how can you twist that to... I'm lazy, I'll just return all mail to sender stating the address is unoccupied?
Since we moved into the bungalow, we've experienced this a couple of times in the past. Most noticeably in December when my birthday cards were returned to senders!
Now it's happening again. Our neighbor's next door hand delivered some mail from Friday which was delivered to them instead, and we never received anything Sat, Mon, or Tues. I saw the postman walking by and asked what the deal was. He looked down and grabbed some mail to hand to me. What the hell?!!? He had no answer for me by the way.
Of course, early last week we ordered the new $116 city stickers plus permits (grrr on the increase). Michael's was in this batch of mail, but mine wasn't. I have a dreadful feeling that will be the next battle... the lost sticker I'll have to fight about with the city. But first, back to this battle...
On Monday I tried calling the branch only to be met with a busy signal on about 5 tries within an hour. Giving up, I decided to call the Toll Free number, and gave my complaint to Rick, a seemingly nice fellow. He told me they would find out what was going on, and get back to me no later than 24 hours (Tuesday afternoon).
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. After no call, I decided to call back. I didn't get to speak with nice Rick, I spoke to someone else who told me their computer system is down, and they can't help me. I'll have to call back later. What? Are you kidding me? OK. 3 hours later, I call back and get the same answer. They can't help me. Now I call back my local useless branch... they tell me they'll speak with the mail carrier and call me by 11am. Nothing.
Oh, how I hate the United States Postal Service.
(First 5 reviewers' sentences...
1. Slothful, indolent...just a few adjectives that cross my mind when I think of the employees the USPS has serve us at the Lawrence Avenue location.
2. rude rude rude.
3. This is the worst post office in the history of post officedom.
4. Worst service in my life.
5. (And personally my favorite) You know, I've lived in a few really poor third-world countries, where the post offices are about as well-funded and well-run as a garage sale on Skid Row, where queuing is a foreign concept and mail is tied up with twine and takes about five months to arrive . . . and I can recall getting better customer service there. )
It's unbelievable they can get away with this. When your job is to deliver mail to an address, how can you twist that to... I'm lazy, I'll just return all mail to sender stating the address is unoccupied?
Since we moved into the bungalow, we've experienced this a couple of times in the past. Most noticeably in December when my birthday cards were returned to senders!
Now it's happening again. Our neighbor's next door hand delivered some mail from Friday which was delivered to them instead, and we never received anything Sat, Mon, or Tues. I saw the postman walking by and asked what the deal was. He looked down and grabbed some mail to hand to me. What the hell?!!? He had no answer for me by the way.
Of course, early last week we ordered the new $116 city stickers plus permits (grrr on the increase). Michael's was in this batch of mail, but mine wasn't. I have a dreadful feeling that will be the next battle... the lost sticker I'll have to fight about with the city. But first, back to this battle...
On Monday I tried calling the branch only to be met with a busy signal on about 5 tries within an hour. Giving up, I decided to call the Toll Free number, and gave my complaint to Rick, a seemingly nice fellow. He told me they would find out what was going on, and get back to me no later than 24 hours (Tuesday afternoon).
Fast forward to Tuesday afternoon. After no call, I decided to call back. I didn't get to speak with nice Rick, I spoke to someone else who told me their computer system is down, and they can't help me. I'll have to call back later. What? Are you kidding me? OK. 3 hours later, I call back and get the same answer. They can't help me. Now I call back my local useless branch... they tell me they'll speak with the mail carrier and call me by 11am. Nothing.
Oh, how I hate the United States Postal Service.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Kermit was right!
It's not easy being green... but, we're getting closer!
Here's the latest pics. It's getting better, but we're still having a heck of a time with the patchy spots. I seeded again today since more storms are on the way, but my fear is if we get too heavy of a rain, it will just wash all the seed away. We'll just have to see.
I must add, I NEVER EVER thought I'd have fears over grass. Geesh...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Soon, the grass won't be greener on the other side...
Today, I walked over to the front windows to look outside. I must admit, I was left speechless... there are sprouts of grass starting to grow on the mud outside! Whoohoo!
Now, we're talking little patches of sprouts, but I'm beyond happy, I'm thrilled! So, now I have to run to crafty beaver after work to buy more grass seed, as I can see where we already have patches of no seed. The only thing I'm concerned about, all the Maple tree helicopters are all over the mud, everywhere. Not sure if that will be an issue, but I'm hesitant to rake it and disturb the grass seed. Anyone have any advice??
Will keep updating with hopefully greener pics!
And, check out what just popped open in the backyard~
Now, we're talking little patches of sprouts, but I'm beyond happy, I'm thrilled! So, now I have to run to crafty beaver after work to buy more grass seed, as I can see where we already have patches of no seed. The only thing I'm concerned about, all the Maple tree helicopters are all over the mud, everywhere. Not sure if that will be an issue, but I'm hesitant to rake it and disturb the grass seed. Anyone have any advice??
Will keep updating with hopefully greener pics!
And, check out what just popped open in the backyard~
Monday, June 1, 2009
The new addition to the family
Yes, it's been less than a month since we've officially tied the knot, but we're ready to introduce you to our wonderful new addition: Meet Mr. Weber!
The Weber Performer:
This Weber grill is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor cooking equipment ever invented. This 22 1/2 inch diameter charcoal grill gives you all that with the addition of a large cart, loads of workspace and a gas powered charcoal lighter. This added convenience makes this a very easy to use, almost mess free charcoal grill. Pour in the charcoal, turn a knob, push a button and you are grilling in ten minutes. No lighter fluid, charcoal chimneys or electric charcoal starters. All that is taken away by a single gas burner powered by 14 or 16 ounce disposable propane bottles.
When I first met Michael, I believe he had 4 or 5 grills in his possession. When he moved into the condo with me last year, I believe many tears were shed that he could only bring Mr. Smokey Joe, as the others wouldn't fit on the deck (plus, it was way easier hiding the smokey vs. the 22 inch mammajamma that was the "official" Weber BBQ with my condo rules stating NO charcoal grilling on the wood decks).
Since moving to the house, we've been using the smokey joe, plus another little 14 inch knock-off to grill on. This has made Michael very sad, and the constant whines of missing his old Weber's, and yearning for the days of old made me finally declare over Memorial Day weekend.... dear, get your butt in the car, for we are going to Home Depot to return with a "real" BBQ.
Ok, so 3 hours later, after having to rent a Home Depot truck to bring home our new baby, plus our new patio set, solar lit umbrella, and 8 tiki torches, (yes, this is why I try to order things online... damn impulse buys...) we were ready to set up this bad boy.
The boys got to work on putting it together (ok, so The Rock didn't help too much) and I setup the umbrella. (Sad but true). We worked together to get the patio set done, and voila, we had a new kick butt backyard oasis!
(notice the cool lights working by solar power on umbrella!)
We've had 3 yummy BBQ's since, and now I have a very happy husband :)
This Weber grill is one of the most versatile pieces of outdoor cooking equipment ever invented. This 22 1/2 inch diameter charcoal grill gives you all that with the addition of a large cart, loads of workspace and a gas powered charcoal lighter. This added convenience makes this a very easy to use, almost mess free charcoal grill. Pour in the charcoal, turn a knob, push a button and you are grilling in ten minutes. No lighter fluid, charcoal chimneys or electric charcoal starters. All that is taken away by a single gas burner powered by 14 or 16 ounce disposable propane bottles.
The Weber Performer comes with a great ash catcher system that makes clean up easy. The second you take the last burger off this grill close down the vents and let the lack of oxygen kill the fire. This will stop the remaining coals from burning any further. Once the grill is cool give it a shake and pull off the ash catcher and you ready to go again. The coals left behind can be re-lit for the next cookout.
Hell yes! Sold!When I first met Michael, I believe he had 4 or 5 grills in his possession. When he moved into the condo with me last year, I believe many tears were shed that he could only bring Mr. Smokey Joe, as the others wouldn't fit on the deck (plus, it was way easier hiding the smokey vs. the 22 inch mammajamma that was the "official" Weber BBQ with my condo rules stating NO charcoal grilling on the wood decks).
Since moving to the house, we've been using the smokey joe, plus another little 14 inch knock-off to grill on. This has made Michael very sad, and the constant whines of missing his old Weber's, and yearning for the days of old made me finally declare over Memorial Day weekend.... dear, get your butt in the car, for we are going to Home Depot to return with a "real" BBQ.
Ok, so 3 hours later, after having to rent a Home Depot truck to bring home our new baby, plus our new patio set, solar lit umbrella, and 8 tiki torches, (yes, this is why I try to order things online... damn impulse buys...) we were ready to set up this bad boy.
The boys got to work on putting it together (ok, so The Rock didn't help too much) and I setup the umbrella. (Sad but true). We worked together to get the patio set done, and voila, we had a new kick butt backyard oasis!
(notice the cool lights working by solar power on umbrella!)
We've had 3 yummy BBQ's since, and now I have a very happy husband :)
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