Falling Water

Everyone in my family likes to make fun of tour guides. On Sunday, we were all at Falling Water (the Frank Lloyd Wright one!) in the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania. We arrived at the visitor center, checked in for our party of nine, and then walked down the path to the actual house. We were all so excited---my parents were holding hands, we admired the blooming mountain laurel (it's like rhodendendrums, but they're wild and grow on the hillsides) and arrived at the actual house.

Unfortunately, we were greeted by a lady who was I'm sure well-informed, but a bit of a drip. Around us were other groups who seemed to have more fun, brighter and lighter guides and people were laughing and skipping their way through the most significant home of American Architecture while we were with a dour, sour, lady with a dripping nose and who seemed put out by our group.

Included in our group was my mom, dad, sister-in-law Amy, sister Beth, nephews: Casey, Ben and Tad, niece Jayna and me. A jolly multi-generational family lot!

During the actual tour, each member of my family shrugged at each other behind Ms. Drip's back as if to say "Ay yah yii!". Amy came up, elbowed me, rolled her eyes at me. I nodded agreement as subtly as I could, and then shifted to listen more closely to how the Kauffman family would expand the dining room out into the main living area via leaves, accomodating up to 18 diners.

Recently, my parents were in town and we went on the Culture and Commerce tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and our guide was a drip, too. We had receivers that had a few channels. My dad, after shuffling and purposely ignoring the guide and falling behind the main group, figured out that he could change channels to hear another guide he deemed better. So, while we were facing the Carson-Pirie Scott building, hearing about the unique exterior ornamentation on the main entrance, my dad was facing the other direction, in direct defiance of our guide's guidance, listening to another guide's guidance on the Reliance Building.

Back at Falling Water, my dad asked a question of the guide and was clearly disappointed by the answer, and mumbled "Well, okay, oh, never mind" and put his hands into his khakis and looked away from the features the guide was pointing out.

Even the kids got into the act, making faces at me with their eyes rolling and tongue lolling.

I mean, I agreed, but I don't think we just indicate privately in a public area our displeasure with someone we've been assigned to show us Falling Water for the next hour. But, they did, and so I stuck to the front of the back, and when I was cornered by each kid mumbling "She's kind of weird looking" I'd encourage them to notice the flagstone floors or Wright's use of his trademark Cherokee red to distract them from the drip.

I didn't want to be accused of being a snobby stick-in-the-mud who won't join in on the anti-tour guide antics, but I was worried we'd get caught. Subtlety is not really in the Eldridge blood-line. We are vocal people who like to indicate their pleasure or displeasure in a clear and boisterous manner. It made me nervous that we'd get in trouble and I got stressed out a little bit.

Outside of the snarky comments and gestures from my family, we really all enjoyed the house and the wonderful grounds so much. The coolest thing to me was the guest pool---fed by the natural spring waters. Also, I always thought the waterfall flowed directly through the house--not true! It's built right next to the house---but you can access the stream via a clever set of stairs that lead down to the water. Can you imagine? "Honey, it sure is hot today in our architecturally significant home, with our floors quarried from our own property." "Yes honey, let's take go down these stairs, not to the basement, but to our abundantly flowing and cooling natural spring." "Don't forget to grab your towels, that are available at all Kaufmann's in the greater Pittsburg area."

They actually left the artifacts of the Kaufmann family, so it would seem as though they had just stepped out to lunch. So the above dialogue is not completely unrealistic.

And you can see the waterfall from the cantilevered balconies. And the flagstones are waxxed with Johnson's wax to a bright sheen so one gets the ALLUSION of water flowing out from the main fireplace.

Anyway, it was really wonderful and we had such a fun time.

We also went whitewater rafting on the "Yough" river in the Ohio-Pyle state park. The younger kids and moms went to Storybook Forest, but we hit the rapids. Yeah, I'm pretty bad-ass.

This week, I finally got my taxxes done and turned in, I took the train out to Hainseville to visit a friend and her family (2 hours each way--YIKES), went for a long long bike ride along the river, worked downtown for a bit, saw "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (my favorite part was the Dracula musical---so funny and wonderful) and went for a long long walk along the lake.

Today is laundry and clean-up day, then meeting friends downtown for a cocktail and then heading back up here for a BBQ.

Enjoy your weekend!

Catching up

I've been pretty busy the past few weeks and definitely starting to feel more engaged with the world then when I first got back to Chicago.

First off, I want to recommend a show---"Campaign Supernova or something blah blah blah secondary title" at the Second City etc.  I saw this show on Thursday, with good old Homer, and it was amazing.  Everyone in it was really strongly represented, the solo bits were great, the group stuff, the lady stuff, the guy scenes, the thoughtful two-person relationship scenes, the blackouts, the giant puppets, the scene with Whist---it was all there. But, it was so WONDERFULLY well-executed and directed.  I mean, go see this show. I don't want to oversell it--but it's really great.

What else--I returned from Ohio, and had a full plate the last two weeks. I taught sketch comedy in the afternoon to teenagers at Second City. The first two days that I taught, I wore myself out! I came home at 4 or so, and then literally napped from 6 to 8.  I haven't exerted myself in such a significant manner in a long time, so I needed to get some zzzs, apparently.

I also saw the Swell Season at the Chicago theatre--what a treat!  It's the couple from the movie Once, and they sing all their songs, and then the Frames played some songs.  They invited a little boy who's version of the Hoover song from the movie is on YouTube, and he came down and sang for us, too.

I gathered a group of people to go see Andy's solo show, Sybil, at the SC Skybox.  Along with the etc, I highly HIGHLY recommend this show, too. Andy is really doing wonderful, unique, amazing improvisation in this show--he sings, he plays multiple characters, he does monologues and it's just wonderful. Andy doesn't live in any one theatre--he's never trained at IO, and has always done his own thing.  A lot of people don't know him, but then once they do, they adore him.  His Sybil show is like that, too.  It has a certain amount of people who know it, but then a lot more should be seeing it.

Oh my gosh! I totally forgot about the opening of LaughOutLoud theatre at the Streets of Woodfield!  Lillie Frances, a very funny lady and astute business owner, has re-branded, re-done and grand opened this theatre, and it's wonderful.  The opening night included a ribbon cutting with the leader of Schaumburg!  (He's not called the mayor, maybe the president of the village?) Anyway, he came, cut some ribbons, and was very nice.  Then Lillie and crew had food, three shows, and a champagne toast at the end of it all!  It was so much fun, and a pleasure to see so many familiar faces.  Go improv power!

And finally, I saw Liz Phair at the Vic, playing Exile in Guyville. I love love loved Liz Phair for many years.  I agree with most---her self-titled album kind of sucked, compared to her other stuff.  But, what I get such a big kick out of is that she will not apologize for it!!!  And why should she?  She probably spent an assload of time and energy and really likes/liked the album.  So, she says f-you to anyone who tries to call her on that shit, and won't be bullied by critics/interviewers/fans into saying that it was a sell-out.  In one interview in TimeOut, she turned the tables and told the reporter she doesn't even know what the word "Sell-out" means!  Ha-ha!  I love it---and I'm back into her again.  Lot of Exile in Guyville playing in the Eninger/Eldridge household.  

Today is all about reading in the sun, doing laundry and then an early dinner somewhere outside with Dori.

I hope you all are doing well....

The Rockin' Roller Coaster

Just like the Gemini is a rarity---two roller coaster trains racing each other in exact mirror images across their wooden tracks, so is this entry a rarity---two blog posts in one day.

Today, was amazing. My mom ended up leaving dear old Dad at home, and came out to the "Point", too. My sisters, man, they put together quite a visit to Cedar Point. Kitty, my badass sister, is running a scam with her youngest, Simon "Sunshine"---who's quite the biggest cutest smile and tiny little afro-able curls ever. So, her and Brian, her husband, put little 5-year old Simon in flip flops so he doesn't have to pay full fare at the ticket office, but then, when it comes to riding rides, they put him in his thickest-soled shoes and pad them with newspaper and toilet paper, and pick out his hair, so he can ride the big kid rides. It works---and that kid is completely non-plussed by the scariest of rides. He also HATES it if you mess with his hair, but loves pointing out directions to you, if you are heading in the wrong way. He's got big paws and he uses them to gesture and indicate the proper path. Anyway, we Eldridges don't pay full price if we can figure out a scam (I mean, we learned this at our father's knee, I was always shrinking down at national parks and various industrial tour sites to pass as younger, and cheaper then I am). So, my sisters carted in lunch meats, cans of pop and chips and fruit---and the funny thing, I thought the kids would be bummed to not be eating the park junk food---and they could not have given less of a shit. In fact, they know the whole drill---and really just continue to amaze me. My whole family---they just don't allow their kids to convince them that they need everything to be the latest and greatest and even today, Jayna said how much she loves garage sales. She's 10. I guess it could all change---but growing up, my mom never really wore make-up, and never cared about fashion or labels and I'm proud of all that. As TVs grow bigger, and cars get more expensive, and house prices rise--I just don't want to spend money trying to get things I don't need, or want. So, in their own simple way, when our family day at Cedar Point involves coolers, and brought-in food, I feel like cheering and yelling for joy--well-done family!

I'm pretty high on my family over the last few years. I mean, I've always been pro-Eldridge, but they just really delight and make me so happy in my 30s. I think I struggled more in my 20s as I tried to figure out my own identity and they just were all getting married and having babies. Now, we're all a bit more tuned into one another, and it's simply wonderful. I'm so very grateful.

I guess I'm just high on the food consumed (yogurt this morning, a delicious iced "Americano" from Arabica on North Abbe, right by Lorain County Community College, a turkey and provolone sandwich on wheat at the Cedar Point picnic pavillion, a small handful of cheddar and sour cream potato chips, another small serving on salt and vinegar chips, and another bit of cheddar rice cakes, 3 bottles of water---all good so far.) And then, after passing the umpteenth potatoes and fries place--I gave in to fancy fries. These were homemade, delicious, crispy Cedar Point fries---but I made the mistake of getting them with cheese and chili. It was too much---and my sister Beth, always wise and always all-knowing, warned me--they will disappoint. I think I ordered them just to prove her wrong, but she was definitely correct.

Then, after leaving the park super-late with a handful of kids (my sister exchange children like I exchange sweatshirts with my friends in transitional weather), we stopped at McDonald's. I "resisted" and only had a vanilla soft serve cone. It tasted so good---and as we drove along the highway, with the bright half-moon shining down on my sister's giant conversion van (Tan Van One), I felt so full, and so happy.

Oh!

About Cedar Point---all the rides are named with an M, especially the big roller coasters--so all day long I kept getting confused on what I had riden. The Millenium Mantus Maverick Power Raptor Gemini?

I think I like the Magnum the best. Or the Millenium.

Everyone should go to Cedar Point, by the way. Imagine your favorite amusement park. For many of you , it may be the chain, six flags. Now, take your beloved park, and take it off of the highway it overlooks, and plop it smack down in the middle of Lake Erie with water on 3 sides, beaches, marina, beautiful trees and olde-tyme rides, along with literally, the best roller coasters in the US. Mix with a light summer lake breeze and nice Ohio white trash people-watching. Best served with no irony and complete embracement of fun. Enjoy!

Don't forget to ride the paddleboat ride!

Hang on sloopy, sloopy hang on--O H I O

I'm sitting in my parent's house in Elyria, waiting to get picked up for Cedar Point!!

Last night, Kitty came by after work and we had one of our late-night figure out the world nights, so I'm a bit tired today. But thankfully, we got everything worked out, so the world is straightened out, or at least our small corner of it.

My dad is doing well--his surgery had complications, but he's home, resting, and feeling better each day. We'll know more in the next few days about the long-term prognosis---so thanks for everyone's well wishes and concerns.

My mom is really strong. I guess I always knew that, but I didn't see her break down or show any tears at all during the day of the surgery or that night when we crashed at the clinic. I'm really amazed at her strength.

She's at church right now and my dad is making jello, his favorite post-surgery treat.

And I'm off to ride all the non-bumpy rides at Cedar Point with 11 nephews and nieces. I hope we get a group discount.

Sunday, coffee Sundays

At home again, half-listening to a poet on NPR, while Homer finishes packing, Andy runs around from project to project, and John reads over something Andy's written, and I am savoring a cup of Costa Rican coffee.

Dori's coming by in 15 minutes and we're going to walk over to the Lincoln Square Mayfest, and then I'm going to see a play with Andy.

I've been to see a lot of shows since I've been back---I forgot about this routine of going to see friend's show, because they've been to see yours. It inevitably ends up being interesting and pretty good, but I also feel like I'd like the life of a muggle every now and then. These are holy shows of obligation (get it Catholics? Have I used that term before?)...I feel like I'm required, but once I get there and spend my $5 or $25, I'm glad to have gone.

This weekend (which right now, for me, is no different then my week, except more people are free during the day and the streets are more crowded) has been just peachy. Chicago continues to welcome me back with open, green-leafed arms and sunny strolls through nice neighborhoods. I went to see Sex and the City with Sniffen on Friday in Evanston. The theatre was packed and their were collective gasps at all the right places---show a baby--the audience would say..."Awww"....a man makes a gesture of love...."Ohhhhh!!!! Smith!!!"...or another man screws up..."Arrgghhhh"....I took copious notes for when I write my own romantic comedy.

There's been a lot of talk about whether or not a lady movie can have the impact at the box office that a gentlemen movie can. I frankly, don't give a shit. I don't even know why I started to write about it. Anywho, I really liked the movie. It probably won't stand under critical scrutiny by dude reviewers, but I don't like a lot of movies that are supposed to be awesome but are really just about men killing men for honor (The Godfather, Terminator, blah blah blah). Anyway, I've tumbled into another area where I can ramble and not really be justified and my argument will fall apart, so I'm moving on.

Yesterday was fun with helping Mark P (from the Star!) move and watching Twin Peaks and napping. Last night, Tre Kronor and play discussion with Amy (yes, it's still in discussion mode) and then Mandy's going-away Karaoke party (Beast of Burden and Dancing with Myself, thank you).

And you?

Good morning Sunshine!

Well, it's Sunday morning, and I'm back in Chicago. Sunshine is pouring into our condo, and NPR is telling me all about things "on the media". I'm so so so happy. My niece Isabelle, when she was 3, would spin in a circle with her head held back and proclaim "Happy happy happy happy"--that's how I feel today. And oh my god, it just smells so good here. And everyone is really normal-looking.

I've been home since Tuesday--and it's wonderful to be back. I've gone to a midnight movie of the new Indiana Jones (a fun romp! Nothing more), had brunch, had lots of Medittarenean food, I've roasted a chicken (herbs de provence and garlic rubbed under the skin, salt and pepper to taste), I've sat out on the deck at Lis and Jarrad's (miller lites and white wine from the kosher winery in Napa--yum), I've walked through Andersonville (bought some cheese from a new fancy foods place), I pumped up my tires (in my bike) and rode to Lincoln Square to meet Amy for Potbelly's (skinny turkey on wheat with provolone and mushrooms, no hot stuff, no mayo) and I've walked down to Boystown with Dori and had drinks at an Irish Pub.

In other words, all is right in the world.

And, last night, sweet lovely Homer who is staying in my room found a different place to crash so that I could sleep in my own bed. My own, wonderful, cushy, big, roomy, sweet bed. I rubbed my face in the pillows and turned and thrashed in my big purple comforter. Sweetness!

I laid on the bed just staring at the view into the hall and out the window onto Winnemac. I love my room, and my condo. I just love being back.

Today, Andy's hosting a big gay brunch for all the leather daddies in town for IML, and then I'm going to do Yoga with Lis and then write with Amy. IML, by the way, is "International Male Leather", and I've heard quite a few stories about it this weekend. Apparently, it's not for the faint of heart---with rows and rows of booths with gay dude stuff---dildoes shaped from molds of porn stars, lots of leather accroutment, and I think, eventually, a beauty contest but for Mr. Leather instead of Miss America. I'm not planning to attend, but I hope to see Andy's pics.

So, I'm going to go put on my pleather bag and join in on the brunch for a bit and then leave the boys to be boys.


I love Chicago!

Coming to an end

I'm heading back home to Chicago after my little trip out west.  I'll be in San Francisco for 2 days, and then flying on my old favorite airline, Southwest to sweet home, Chicago.

Here are things I've LOVED about the road trip:

• I saw a Coyote in Griffith Park.
  
• Mount Constitution on Orcas Island.  The flora, the moss, the cedars and the color---I felt like I was in Lothlorian from Lord of the Rings.
• I spent 5 days in Seattle with the Buchthals and AP, introducing that end of the world to beergaritas and drinking a ton of delicious coffee.
• Portland. Everything about it. Since I left, I realized I know a lot more people there then I even knew.  Including Ramona, Beezus, Ribsy and Henry.  Plus, Stacey and Bob are going to open an amazing space with way-cool stuff going on in it. 
• Vegas.  I spent an afternoon sipping champagne and gnawing on delicious buffet food that kicked the ass of the buffet on the Star.  Plus, a really decadent few hours on the pool deck chatting with double Liz(s)es--two friends named Lis(z), who have different spellings to their names but are equally dear to me.
• Driving to Joshua Tree, and then hiking that dirty Ryan Mountain.  I cheered the wildflowers on to encourage them to keep spirits strong, even in the dry sand of the desert.  Keep GROWING little flowers!
• My favorite moment on that hike was seeing a partridge momma and her little feather as she ran from a tree, across a little rise in the trail.  She stopped me in my tracks.
• In Big Bear, I ate the best turkey burger ever invented---the meat was so yummy and subtly spicy, and the toppings were sharp cheddar, fresh fresh avocado and two strips of bacon on a wheat bread, with tomatoes and onions. Heaven.
• In LA, LA, LA land, in one short drive, I went past the Capitol Records building, Mann's, Chateau Marmot, the Scientology Celebrity Center and saw the Hollywood sign.
• Also there, I had de-lightful brunch in Hollywood with Meggers and D-town and they pointed out Patton Oswald to me.  Celebrity spotting!  I didn't know who it was, but it was exciting, nonetheless!
• That night, I had a small gathering at Cat and Fiddle, and all the dudes I used to hang out with in Chicago are now in LA. I kinda forgot, I used to have guy friends my age who I did shows with back in the 90s.  Having them there makes me want to move, at least for a few weeks out there.  Pretty coolio.
• I then drove up PCH, stopping in Santa Cruz (more of a crash pad then actual visit) and then drove the last hour or so along 1, which was beautiful, especially in the early morning, with surfers out on the waters.
• Yesterday in SF Chinatown was pretty fun with dori and then today in Napa was really lovely.

Oh! I have so much more to write....so I'm not going to write about things I didn't love (like how sometimes driving and being alone was amazing, but sometimes just kind of boring, and how much I read, and how my camera pooped out on me right after Seattle, so I don't have any pictures past Seattle) because I am loving this trip and that I got to do it.

Thanks to all my lovely hosts and friends along the way---you all have a place to say in Chicago.

Off to bed....

B