Too Hot!

I returned last night from spending a few days in Alabama with my family there. For many years, I've avoided going to Alabama during the summer because it's just too hot, but I went this year and, while I had a great time, it was way too hot for me. My glasses would steam up whenever I went from an air conditioned car or an air conditioned building to the outside. I don't know how folks live there in the summer. The heat is oppressive and it doesn't cool off. Even at night, it's still warm outside. Ugh. 

I did have an opportunity to go to a Montgomery Biscuits ballgame last Friday night and had a great time. I've said before that I have a love/hate relationship with Alabama. My father is from there and I've been going there to visit since I was born, but I don't think I could ever live there especially now during the second term of Donny T. (Ugh.) But I do enjoy visiting and I have a time share on the Gulf (of Mexico...suck it, Donny) that's very relaxing. Maybe I could live in Alabama if I lived in or around the Gulf area, but probably not! 

The artwork below was taken from the Alley, a hangout spot in Montgomery near the Biscuits' stadium.

I Thought It Was the Fourth of July

Since the 4th of July is upon us, I keep thinking of the Soundgarden song by the same name. It's such a great song. (Chris Cornell, we miss you!) I've had a lot going on over the past few weeks: a colonoscopy, a visit from my sister, stress from my day job, etc., so I'm looking forward to doing nothing for the holiday weekend (well, nothing that's going to stress me out). I'm taking Monday off too for an extra long weekend. I need a break.

While my sister was here, we went to see a performance of Pagliacci at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. The performance was put on by the Opera Festival of Chicago and it was great. I am not an opera person and I was reluctant to go, but my sister really wanted to see it and I love a clown, so I said, "Okay." I really enjoyed the show. The guy who was Pagliacci was excellent. Everyone in the play was excellent. Maybe I need to reconsider my views on the opera and expand my horizons more often.

Have a safe, happy, relaxing 4th of July holiday!