Up, down and all around town

I went on a major, fest-fueled biking binge yesterday -- 20 miles, two fests and one very far away bar.

An awesome day. First to the Renegade Craft Fair over in Wicker Park, where I quickly tired of looking at stuff that, while often beautiful and creative, I had no intention of buying. I don't need anything more on my walls and certainly no more delightful knickknacks and conversation pieces. So I sat at a sidewalk cafe, drank some beer and read my book.

Then on to a fest in Old Town, where the Gin Blossoms played. Sure, they're frothy and insubstantial, but for a couple of years there in the early '90s they contributed the soundtrack to what was a very fun life.

I love that I finally know enough people in Chicago that I can go alone to a fest and run into people I know. I ran into four groups of friends there and, based on Facebook status updates, just missed a couple of others.

Then a nice dinner of Mexican food with friends and back on my bike to the northernmost reaches of Andersonville to hang out with some fun Factory folks. And then the long trek home at 2 am down dark back streets, with my iPhone playing Gin Blossoms tracks old-school style (no earphones).

Summer is definitely not over. I don't care what the fat lady says.