URNotAlone

July 09: Chicago GLBT, Vacation & Jackie's FFS

July 26th, 2009 3:55 pm MDT

My friend Jackie and I went on summer holiday to northern New York State, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. We got out of New England just before the floods in Connecticut (7 inches of rain fell in just 4 hours!). I got water in the basement of my house for the first time since I have owned it. Thank God I had friends in the area to check up on the home (they had to wet vac the basement however). It was not much rainwater inside but even an inch can cause a huge problem when it sits around for a few weeks. My neighbors down the hill were not so lucky and had huge problems. There was massive flooding in the town where I live!

We went to Fort Stanwix in Rome, NY and then on to Seneca Falls. There was a lovely canal which Jackie and I spent some time sitting along and having a drink (2^nd photo #1). It is ironic that we had picture perfect weather the whole time we were gone. There were sunny, cool days and cool nights.

We made it to Buffalo and Teddy Roosevelt Inaugural Nat. Historic Site (2^nd photo #2). This is where Teddy became President after President McKinley was assassinated. President Karen Reeves (what a scary thought!!!) had her picture taken behind the President's desk (2^nd photo #3). Notice how I take charge!

The two of us then headed into Ohio to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A National Park in Northern Ohio? It's not exactly Yellowstone or Yosemite for sure! Jackie took a pic of me (2^nd photo #4) on the boardwalk by Brandywine Falls. It was very nice there.

We then headed west to the town of Put-In-Bay, which sits on an island in the middle of Lake Erie reachable only by ferry boat. It was a spectacular day. The boat trip out was nice and the views from the tower in Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial were breath taking (2^nd photo #5). There were too many tourists and I almost took some out with my car. I'm not sure if it was accidental or not!

Nest stop was the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Jackie and I waded into the waters of Lake Michigan (2^nd photo #6). The Great Lakes are like the Atlantic Ocean but without the salty smell or feel of saltwater on your bod. We wish we had more time to spend here but we had to make some miles on this day.

We then made it to our hotel in Glenview, Illinois. My friend Jackie T. got ready to have her FFS performed on her by Dr. Mark Zukowski. She was, of course, quite nervous, but she faced the situation with great calm and determination. That's Jackie! You go girl J !!!

On Sunday, June 28^th , a couple of days before her surgery, Jackie and I participated in the Chicago GLBT Pride Parade (See the Main Photo). We were on a float sponsored by Dr. Z along with a live rock band. I thought the crowds would be a few thousand. They estimated that the crowds along the route might have reached a million people! As we waved and danced we saw people lined up 20, 30, even 40 deep along the route. There were even people hanging out of apartment windows and on balconies. It was a little overwhelming for a girl from the coast of Maine but it was great fun. What an adrenaline rush! Thanks Dr. Z for the invite and for dinner!

In the next photo (2^nd photo #7) I am admiring some interesting sculpture.

The nicest part of this parade was that these huge throngs of diverse people, from every background that you can imagine, were all smiles, respectful, and having a fantastic time. Smiles were the order of the day.

Jackie came through the surgery with flying colors. The next few days did not allow for much sleep for her and for me.I was her care giver and I set a new record of staying awake in hours playing nurse & maid. (I hope she does not sue me for malpractice!!! YIKES!!!). I figure I was awake for two days straight.

Jackie was doing well enough after just four days that we went out to see the fireworks on July 4^th in Glenview at the golf course. It was kind of weird to be allowed to sit on the greens with chairs and blankets when normally you would be chased away. The show was great.

The next day I went back to the golf course to take some day time photos of the gold course. Two guys offered to be "male models" for my pics. I didn't know that golfing made guys soooooo HORNY!!!!

We also were lucky enough to be able to visit Brenda Sue in her new condo on the north shore. Jackie was not up for doing much but a few hours out was good for her. Brenda's pad was beautiful. She lives in a nice area along Lake Michigan It is very rural. Hey Annette! This area that you are from is NICE!!!

My only complaint is that Brenda cooked us hamburgers that must have been two pounds each. They were delicious but after all this time I AM STILL FULL! Thanks Brenda, Anne, and Colin!

It was finally time to head back east. We spent an extra day in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania coming back since this return trip was hard on Jackie who was still recuperating from her surgery. By the way she is looking even more beautiful with every passing day! Drop her a line!

The last new pic of me on my page (2^nd photo #8) was taken by Jackie at Pocono Downs NASCAR Raceway. This place is massive! We love NASCAR!

We arrived home safe and sound. It was time to crash!

 *Kisses*

~Karen~