A Good Hallmark Holiday

After work today, I'll take the Amtrak to visit my parents. Really, it's just an excuse to go see my nephew, Sammy, who turns two the day after my birthday. He's so CUTE. Oh and, good things? My parents have central air and a pool and it's 9 bajizillion degrees today. HATE SUMMER.



There are couple of things going on in Chicago this weekend.




This week has been Fiestas Puertorriquenas, essentially a Puerto Rican Pride festival. On the west side of the city, there's a gigantic, flourescent Puerto Rican flag that spans the street. It looks pretty cool and all, but it's kind of a sketchy neighborhood.



Also, in the West Loop, an area that used to be meat packing plants and warehouses, there's the Taste of Randolph Street. Now peppered with trendy lofts and fabulous restaurants, the West Loop is one of the "it" neighborhoods. The newspaper says it's a $10 "suggested donation," but they won't let you in unless you pay. I think it's a bargain though because you'll get to hear a lot of good local music. And OMG the food. The Targo and I went a couple of years ago and there was some amazing barbecue, southern cooking and some other pretentious dishes. I don't remember those; I'm a little low-brow.


Go here for more info.


Anyway, have a great weekend and Happy Father's Day to you, your spouses, or your dads... wherever applicable.