Sunday, July 31, 2016

Brady Street Festival

Another successful Brady Street Festival and it's never rained on it the 13 or 14 years that I've attended. We saw the Carpetbaggers and they put on an excellent show. My friend Matt Tyner held strong as the lead vocalist.

The crowds were enormous once again and the Drag Show is attended by thousands. It's jammed shoulder to shoulder and people from all over the country participate.

The carnage is usually cleaned up by morning but this year it was still a little messy. It's no easy task to clean up after a crowd like that. The Standard Tavern had 60 people outside at 1am still and I noticed only the second fight that I've ever seen there.

Trump wants to change the debate schedule because they fall on two televised NFL games. One, the debate schedule was made in September of 2015. The NFL schedule was released in April. Trump says the NFL sent him a letter stating their concerns. The NFL says they sent no such letter. The man is a cowardly liar who is just grasping at straws to get out of these debates. What a shame!

Ended the night with some yardbird and shrimp grilling. Shrimp is tricky as you can't let them stay on the grill too long. My were perfect!

Later

Friday, July 29, 2016

The New Battery

Getting a new battery and grocery shopping were the only productive things we did today. I never realized that Johnson Controls makes about 99% of the car batteries out there. No wonder their stock is always steady but you would think they would have some competition in that market.

The Cubs won big today behind great pitching by Jon Lester. It looks like they are heating up again.

It rained quite a bit today but the weather looks good for the Brady Street Festival. We'll wake up to our street closed off and it starts at 11am. I'm so looking forward to it. The beer is getting cold as we speak and we never know who will stop by but it's always interesting!

Stay Safe!

Later

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Mopey Weather

People don't seem too upset that we hung around 70 degrees under cloudy skies with occasional rain drops. It was so hot last week so a little reprieve was in order.

I read that the DNC convention has been a ratings success outdoing the RNC by about 15%. Trump seems a bit upset about this. More so than his complete lack of issues. What did he expect? All those stars he promised but couldn't deliver. Well, except the legendary Scott Baio but he isn't exactly Meryl Streep now is he.

The Cubs play the Sox in the final game of the Crosstown Classic. Chris Sale is pitching for the Sox but I'll give John Lackey a decent chance as he's overdue for a great pitched game.

My big project today was washing my top shelf t-shirts. I have the world's greatest t-shirt collection and these are about a dozen of the prime shirts. They get washed on a gentle cycle turned inside out then laid over an assortment of objects to dry. No hangers allowed!

Later

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Obama Nails It

President Obama made a passionate and honest speech tonight that knocked it out of the park. I think Comrade Trump shouldn't have ticked him off with all the name calling today. Obama surely shows that you can have reasonable differences without name calling and having dignity and respect to others. Trump will never understand that premise.

The Cubs won big today with a big home run by my man Javier Baez!

Still nursing a cold but I managed to do some yardbird grilling along with a few burgers tonight.

Brady Street Festival countdown begins!

Later

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Goodbye Miss Cleo

The famed Jamaican psychic Miss Cleo died from cancer this week. No word if she saw that coming as she was really an actress hired to promote the hotline!

Krissy and I are suffering from Summer colds or just worn out from the rainy camping weekend. Coco is all bruised up from the bike accident but otherwise feeling good.

The Brady Street Festival is this Saturday and I can't wait. I'm going to make it a relaxing and fun day even if I have to work at it!

The Cubs lost to the White Sox again today. It's hard to take. Most people don't understand the Chicago baseball rivalry. Either you're a Cubs fan or a Sox fan but you can't be both. That's just the way it is, always was and always will be!

Later

Monday, July 25, 2016

Tough Camping

The camping trip started out from the get go a bit tough. As I was loading up the Jeep the battery died. Luckily, John was around to give us a jump.

We left two hours late and that was actually in hindsight a good thing. We arrived at Mirror Lake around 6:30 pm and it was over 90 degrees with high humidity. After walking about 50 yards we were all soaked. Amy actually booked a hotel room for Friday night after setting up her tent.

Our fairly new pop up tent wouldn't stay set so we had to tied it off to a tree to work properly. It never cooled down much that night.

Saturday brought rain at 10am until about 8pm. It wasn't a light rain neither but we all stayed under a small party tent for the day. Coco and the other boys went bike riding and all wiped out on slick pavement. Coco looks like he was involved in a car crash actually and is lucky he didn't break anything!

The weather was hot on Sunday and we packed up and spent the day at Devil's Lake State Park Beach. Then we headed back to Milwaukee and arrived back at 7pm to even more humidity which I didn't think was possible. Unpacking was more misery.

At least the beer went down good!

Later

Friday, July 22, 2016

Gone Camping

Boy, is it hot and humid today. I was soaked by the time I was done packing the Jeep. We'll be back Sunday so probably no blog until Monday as I don't believe we will have wi-fi service.

Good luck to Andy and Joe competing in the Mackinaw sailboat race this weekend. Also good luck to my sister Mary having a surgery on Tuesday. Hope you have a quick recovery.

The Cubs will be playing the Brewers while I'm out of town. Just my luck.

Anyways, have a great weekend everyone!

Later

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Packing Day

Tomorrow morning we leave for camping but Krissy has everything pulled together. All I have to do is throw some clothes together and hit a liquor store. I do both of those well I assure you!

It was hot and humid today. Then it rained and cooled off. Then an hour later the heat and humidity was back on. I was on my way for an oil change and my emissions light went on. The shop said it was the extremes and checked it out good so we shall monitor it.

The Cubs are off today and come to Milwaukee tomorrow night. We'll be out of town and missing both the Cubs and Festa Italiano. It's a great fest but we can't fit everything into one summer!

Off to bed. I've got a beer run in the morning!

Later

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Hemingway Days 2016

It's Hemingway Days in Key West this weekend. It's a huge celebration to honor the author who called Key West his home for ten years. There is a look-a-like contest Saturday at Sloppy Joe's. There's also a running race and paddleboard competition along with other fun events. About 115 Hemingway contestants will be hanging around Duval Street and that has to be a site!

Congrats to Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza being enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame tonight. If it wasn't for a few injuries Griffey might have been the best player ever. Ironically, he is the first number one overall draft pick to ever make the Hall of Fame!

The Cubs beat the Mets again and traded for a relief pitcher that I know nothing about. In Theo Epstein we trust!

Gary Marshall passed away yesterday. He was the creator of such comedy shows as Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley amongst others. Ironically, both of those shows we set in Milwaukee. We live just a mile away from the breweries and that;s how I grew up knowing anything about Milwaukee. A great guy by all accounts and he will be missed. Thanks on behalf of all the people of Milwaukee for the great publicity and positive representation. You did it right!

Later

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Here Comes The Heat

A heat wave is coming our way through the rest of the week. We'll be at Lake Mirror camping with our posse. I'll bring a lot of clothes in case I sweat through them all!

The Cubs lost a tough one run game tonight. They had the bases loaded in the final inning but couldn't score. A day game tomorrow.

Coco and I back at crossfit training this morning. We have two days left.

Tiger Woods won't play golf this season. Probably a wise decision to see if his back can fully recover before giving it another try!

Trump is officially the Republican nominee. Last night his wife borrowed a few paragraphs from Michelle Obama's speech a few years ago. It's obvious to anybody but yet there's a few people defending it as a mere coincidence. Or better yet, just a few phrases or key words. Well Mrs. Trump, I give you permission to use any of the words that I've used to describe your husband this  past year. You can immediately use ass-clown, idiot, fraud, piece of crap with feet or poor excuse for a human being at your convenience to describe your candidate! Carry on and you are welcome!!

Later

Monday, July 18, 2016

Chachi Is Back

Yep after 30 years of doing nothing, Scott Baio from Happy Days is speaking at the RNC circus tonight. He was one of the big entertainment stars that Trump promised along with one of the Duck Dynasty guys. Downright sad.

Another night of great grilling as Coco came back tonight after being in the Dells. The yardbird is great!

The Cubs beat the Mets on National TV tonight. They play again tomorrow.

Former Chicago Bear great Charles 'Peanut' Tillman retired after 13 seasons in the NFL. He had 39 interceptions and 44 forced fumbles. The man knew how to tackle and he was a first class act. Take care Peanut!

Later

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Sweet Corn Time

Sweet corn for dinner tonight and it wasn't bad for the early season. Still recovering from Bastille Days last night. What a wonderful time watching 5 Card Stud with a bunch of friends!

The Cubs lost today in a well pitched game by both sides. Maybe we'll see the Rangers again in October!

Coco is up in the Dells at a waterpark having fun. He'll be back tomorrow.

The Cleveland Police Department is asking for some type of ban on the open carry gun laws there. Way to plan ahead guys, nothing like waiting until the night before the convention. You had plenty of time and chances to speak out. Now you'll be facing a bunch of people from the Klan and other organizations who are just plain nuts. Good luck!

Later

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Bloodline Is Coming Back

The Florida Keys series Bloodline is coming back for a third season as it's been officially announced after it received some Emmy nominations. I haven't seen it yet but people who've seen it give it rave reviews. It's on my fall list to do as my summer list is too full.

The Cubs beat the Rangers again today to remain perfect after the mid-season break. Still two weeks left for the trade deadline to improve the bullpen!

Coco back at his soccer camp today. It's his last one unless we find one that fits his needs in August.

It's off to Bastille Days with Jen, John, Angela and Krissy. 5 Card Stud are favorite local band is playing. The weather is great, wish you were here!

Later

Friday, July 15, 2016

Steal The Cheese

Every month the local news reports a semi-truck of cheese getting stolen overnight and sold on the black market. This is the Cheese Capital. I moved her 15 years ago and I ate more cheese in the first two years here than I ate in my entire life. The average grocery store has a cheese section with hundreds of cheeses. You eventually get used to it but it was the first thing I noticed upon moving here. Apparently, cheese theft is a profitable crime!

The Cubs beat the Rangers today to start the second half of the season off right!

Coco made a youtube video for the St. Marcus cross-fit camp. The kid is in awesome shape and I can't wait for soccer.

Big trouble in Turkey as a military coup is currently under way and martial law has been declared. It's about a 50/50 split on the democratically elected government in Turkey much as it is here. You either like your guy or you don't. Coco and I are watching it on tv. I told him to put down the IPAD when history is happening right before your eyes!

A cold 60's today which seems bitter in July. We'll be going back to Bastille Days tomorrow night and it's supposed to be much warmer.

Stay safe out there!

Later

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Bastille Days Milwaukee

Cathedral Square looks ready for Bastille Days starting tomorrow. The big race is tomorrow and Angela is running in it. It's one of my favorite festivals and we'll be there a couple of times for sure.

The Running of the Bulls is going on in Pamplona. One American gored already. I can't wait run this ultimate race someday!

It was 93 and very humid today. Ass dragging hot in fact!

The RNC convention starts Monday in Cleveland and a lot of people aren't too happy about the open carry laws there. The CIA and local police are bringing in extra staff because some organizations are getting the permits to protect themselves. Apparently some people think the second amendment only applies to white people.

The FBI has officially closed the 45 year old D.B. Cooper skyjacking case. Looks like old Dan Cooper can finally rest easy!

Later

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

All-Star Game MLB

Well, I watched the Summer Classic for the first time in a long time and it was a very good game. I watched it basically for the Cubs players and Kris Bryant hit a homer in the first inning. The American League won the contest 4-2. I generally stay away from games of this nature in any sport as the level of play is seldom good.

Tim Duncan retired from the San Antonio Spurs this week after 19 great years. A class act the entire time.

A hot and humid day today. Coco made it through both cross-fit training in the morning and basketball camp in the afternoon.

Grilled out steak, chicken and pork this evening before the game. A lot of leftovers!

Later

Monday, July 11, 2016

Recovery Time

Summerfest is gone and it's just as well. I need the rest. I just can't keep going on like that! Friday, Saturday and Sunday night was a blast! We spent most of Sunday at the Tiki stage by the lagoon. Dan Rodriguez and Nora Collins will be on a big stage someday. Collins is impressive at such a young age and has already sold a song and made a video with a unique country voice!

On Friday we saw Elle King and she is outstanding. I bought her  CD. Yes, I still buy CD's!

For some reason we were on a burger kick at Summerfest. Except when we were eating tacos at Vagabonds.

On the way in they gave us tickets for next year's Summerfest which will be the 50th anniversary. I heard rumors of some stage shifting for next year.

Well, I have cross fit in the morning so I need to get some sleep. Plus Bastille Days starts Thursday!

Later

Friday, July 8, 2016

McCartney In Town

We'll be at Summerfest shortly but no McCartney tickets for us. That's ok, I still can't get over how good that Hollywood Vampire show was on Tuesday. Tonight we'll see 5 Card Stud and others. Even better, it's John Wilson's Birthday!!!! Whoa!!!

I'll be getting down there a bit late tonight as Coco has soccer until 6pm.

Sadness in Dallas today. I've only been there once and had a terrific time with a bunch of great locals there!

The jobs report today was really good. So much panic from last month's report you would have thought the world was ending. Hardly anybody mentioned the good news today. People pick and choose the news they want to give us and most of it is negative.

Jumping in the shower. Be safe tonight my friends!

Later

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Humid Day

Such a humid day until earlier this evening. Looks like the rain storm will miss us but we're taking the day off of Summerfest. We'll finish the final 3 days of it no worries though.

I still can't believe Dwyane Wade is coming home to be a Chicago Bull. He grew up in one tough suburb as a Bulls fan and he still has something left in the tank!

Coco and I did our cross-fit training class this morning. It's a lot of fun to do it with him actually and I can still keep up. He's a hard worker and he gotto play basketball with some high school kids after our workout. A bit overmatched physically because he's only 12 but he got after it. Fun to watch!

Going to bed now. The next 3 days are going to be a blast!

Later

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Hollywood Vampires

Oh what a show last night. The best one that I've seen in a long time. Right up there with the Stones last year. The big three for the Hollywood Vampires are Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. My guy Alice is the ultimate frontman for these guys and Depp blends in just being one of the band members and not an international movie star. Joe Perry just flat out plays. I'd pay to see these guys again sometime. The show itself is a tribute to great musicians who died and the Vampires honor them with a great rendition of their songs. The complete band was terrific!

Seven Cubs made the All-Star game for next Tuesday. The whole infield was selected to start the game. I usually don't watch these type of games for any sport but I'll make an exception this time!

We had lunch with John and Angela at the new Harry's then cocktails at the Nomad. I'm still beat from a very late night after the concert and we have cross-fit training tomorrow and I have to be up at 6am.

Later

Monday, July 4, 2016

Happy 4th

On January 4th every year I always think of how it will be 6 months from now to get me through the winter. I'm never disappointed as the 4th always turns out great.

Summerfest last night was magnificent. We saw the Wailers who put on a great show. None of the original members were in the band but Bob Marley would have been proud.

The earlier act that I wish we would have caught from the beginning was Tal Wilkenfeld. She's played with Jeff Beck and has an outstanding solo career. I definitely look forward to seeing her again someday.

Tomorrow is Stephen Marley and the Hollywood Vampires as my two favorites for Summerfest. After looking at the schedule this is the night I've been looking forward to.

Tomorrow morning at 6:30 am is Coco's crossfit training program. It's going to be fun once we wake up!

Later

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Olivia de Haviland 100

It was a great day yesterday. First of all, it was screen legend Olivia de Haviland's 100th birthday. She has lived in Paris for almost half her life after retiring from major films. She's probably my all time favorite actress. I'm a huge old film buff and she appeared in Gone With The Wind, Robin Hood and my favorite Errol Flynn movie They Died With Their Boots On. Altogether, she appeared in 49 movies and her pairing with Errol Flynn was absolutely legendary. She's in great health for 100 years old and thanks for all the great films that will last forever!

On the way to Summerfest we stopped at Jack's Pub to catch the shuttle. We talked to a Brit on vacation named Dave. Such a great guy and we were a bit disappointed the shuttle left so quick because we certainly enjoyed talking to him about Brexit and American baseball which he knew quite a bit about. He was a Yankee's fan because of Hall of Famer Thurman Munson who visited England and who's brother coached there for 4 years. I quickly pointed him towards Thurman's Bar less than 100 yards away which is a tribute to the late Yankee. Dave travels every year in the States picking a different region. A man who truly knows how to live life. In his own words, "one can always drink through a time zone!" An absolute pleasure for Krissy and I to meet you my friend.

Onward to Summerfest with John and Angela to see Sammy Llanas formerly of the BoDeans. I got to catch up for a bit with my good friend Jamie Benz who moved to Orlando but was back for Summerfest with his goods. Great to see you again!

On a closing note, Elie Wiesel a Holocaust survivor and human rights activist passed away yesterday at 87 years of age. He lost his parents and his sister in the Holocaust and I imagine he thought about that everyday of his life. I can only hope he finally found a bit of peace.

Later

Shrimp At Barnacle Bud's
At Summerfest With Krissy