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We’re back. It was good. Some highlights, in list form, to accompany the gallery of pictures (click on any one to see them bigger):

1. A protester here and there. Not too much of a bother. Very useful for the times when you didn’t know where the next event was. You simply ask them, “Where are you protesting next?” Better than any field guide. (Daniel gets credit for that idea. It was brilliant.)
2. Chicago, the city: Impressive. The John Hancock Tower sports a Cheesecake Factory. Many visits were made. All delicious.
3. The weather: All over the map. We escaped the major heat wave, but not the torrential rain, which was so heavy it was enough to make me laugh. I learned how to dry cotton socks in a Wall Street Journal Newspaper. I walked through Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio in bare feet. I meant no disrespect - I wanted to be at one with the hardwoods.
4. Oak Park - up and coming gay. There’s a Frank Lloyd Wright designed house every 20 feet. What a way to enjoy your little suburb.
5. Frank Lloyd Wright - I want one of those Prairie Style (er. organic) homes one day. So buff and masculine. All those clean surfaces. His story, though, says one word: Narcissism. It was everywhere. A very interesting insight into one of the greatest artists of our time. Not that there’s anything wrong with narcissism. Every great person needs a little.



6. The Gay Games: The closing ceremonies were the highlight. Tightly choreographed (I think to make up for the excessive opening ceremonies). The DC Cowboys were right on and a pleasure to see again - nice to see men enjoying dancing. Cyndi Lauper brought the house down in her rainbow outfit and “True Colors”. Kristine W was also a star. There was a kind of sweetness to the whole thing, kind of like when you take your first bite of banana cream cheesecake and realize that life is a gift in a world of of all the challenges faced by diverse cultures.
7. The rest of Chicago: Beautiful and urban, but a different beauty than Seattle. It helped me appreciate Seattle’s beauty. Just a lot of nice people making their way in the world, which is always a lot of fun to experience. That’s what travel is all about.

It all ends with the gentle whirring of the front load washing machine-

That’s all.

Click on any image below to see larger size.

This one comes from the DC Cowboys performance at the Gay Games closing ceremony in Chicago. It’s a sweet song. It followed a mini-Brokeback tribute. They were a highlight of the ceremony along with Cyndi Lauper who brought down the house.

(iTunes: Josh Gracin - Nothin’ to Lose).

Now, on the subject of Nick Lachey, his music was nowhere to be seen or heard all week. He was only audible briefly at the Cheesecake Factory in Seattle (how did I end up there?). In any event, it’s not right. He deserves a little more respect than that. His song may be downloaded here.