Spontaneous New Years Weekend

The week before that holiday which was all the rage not too long ago with the lights and the trees and the manger babies everywhere, I was having one of those practically daily phone conversations with my dearest friend Julie. She was unloading her plans for New Years Eve and I was lamenting about not having any.

Perched beside one of those aforementioned trees smothered in lights inside her parent's living room in a distant Chicago suburb, she said something to the effect of: "I'm thinking about driving up to Spring Green to have hot chocolate at the General Store (our favorite little hub of all things wonderfully Wisconsin-esque) and mosey about our old stomping grounds." - Ofcourse she meant Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin.

She continued, "Box Elder (our favorite local SG band) is playing in Madison on new year's eve. How great would it be if all of our friends from SG were there with me and how much better it would be if Fred could come too since he also lives in Chicago and if Kevin could come because Minneapolis isn't that far away either."

My heart sunk as the words passed through her lips. It did sound like a fantastic little plan. I too, had been longing for the rolling hills of SW Wisco where the scenery is inspiring, the company is delightful, and Spotted Cow Brew (local beer) flows endlessly. Then Julie suggested optimistically, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could come too?"

Oh! It would. "But Julie," I said in a piercing tone that forged a good plummet from the clouds and back down to earth, "I believe that its likely outside the realm of possibility to find a cheap ticket from San Antonio to Chicago a WEEK before New Years."

I am so happy that I was completely wrong about that! If you read this blog often (thanks Dad) then I'm sure you know how much I enjoy pointing out that The Universe works in strange and mysterious ways. And sometimes when you least expect it to, it grants your requests...

The next morning as I fell into my normal iPod/computer drafting haze, one of my co-workers busted through the door of Lake|Flato office's third floor and exclaimed, "Hey! I just bought two really cheap tickets to Chicago on the Internet. I still have a voucher to use up. Does anyone else want to go?"

Ofcourse my natural reaction was to wave my hands in the air and shriek, "Pick me! Pick me!"

With JoeBen's voucher, the DIRECT FLIGHT ticket only cost me the meager sum of $24. It might mean karmically, that I owe JoeBen (or Satan) some combination of my first born child and my soul, but who's counting, really? I was going to Chicago and to Wisconsin and I was going to see my severely missed friends and drink beer and ring in the new year with much cheer.

During the week that followed, Julie and I solidified all our plans. We needed to make contacts, hotel reservations, and convince God to thwart any bad weather approaching. As soon as I called Kevin, he was ready to sign on. I suggested that we go sledding at Taliesin because it would be a grand hill for a first timer (me, from FL). This excited Kevin immensely, and he went out and bought some sleds because this past summer his mother had gotten rid of the ones his family used to have in the garage. Fred already had New Years plans in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, they would not be in Madison with us but in Green Bay with his family. The good news was that he and his boyfriend would be back in time on New Years Day to meet up in Chicago where they live. Our many friends from Spring Green were eager to see us and made the arrangements to stay in Madison.

On Friday - 2 days and counting 'til 2006 - JoeBen picked me up to go to the airport.

Here he is seen with Faith, his girlfriend. They had plans to party in downtown Chicago all weekend.

Faith and I - excited to be on a plane going somewhere North.

Julie picked me up at Midway and we began our action packed weekend. She wanted to visit the historic suburb of Riverside - famous for its gas-lit street lights still in use and that the supposed "Father of Landscape Architecture," Frederick Law Olmstead laid out the neighborhood based on the contours of the land, as opposed to a straight and meaningless grid like in several other more famous historic Chicago suburbs. (Take that Oak Park!)

Julie now being a student of landscape architecture is really excited about being in Riverside. Or possibly excited to be in my presence. Or maybe just bloody cold because it certainly was scarf weather what with all the rain and all. But likely, I'd say Julie was all of the above.

The historic tower of downtown Riverside.

One of the benefits of meandering about a historic Chicago suburb, is the heightened possibility of bumping into a Frank Lloyd Wright house and Riverside is known for several:

Here is the Coonley House - a stunning and sprawling example of FLLW's Prairie Style - even though its enshrouded by winter gloom.

The Coonleys were an ostentatious lot, and privy to the historic Chicago suburb socialite scene. They certainly could not be bothered by their children and so they bought the acre next door and built the Coonley Playhouse for their undoubtedly bratty children to exist in. Lucky for them land was cheap and far more easy to come by at the turn of the century. The photo above neglects to show off the stunning light screen triptych that nestles into the three vertical windows in the facade. Here is what it looks like, it's been one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most famous stained glass windows:

 

The Tomkin House - a bit more typical in size for the Prairie Style Houses.

Julie and I drove up to Glendale Heights (not historic, but still) a Chicago suburb to visit with my Aunt Gail and Uncle Jim. Jim was feeling a bit under the weather, so he decided to rest while Aunt Gail treated Julie and I to Yu's Mandarin. This fine Chinese restaurant actually makes noodles right at the table. It was delicious, but I was disturbed when the fortune in my cookie indicated that I will find three lost socks in the next five months. What the HELL kind of a fortune is that? Especially since I do my best to never wear socks...

From the Western 'Burbs we continued NW and through the border to Lake Geneva, where Julie's family owns a condo. It was there that we spent the night, enjoying the splendid pleasure of eachother's company. We did some of what we do best which is to take pictures.

Mmmmm, Julie.

In the morning, we arose itching to get to Spring Green where delectable breakfast scrambles topped with fresh Wisconsin cheeses and refreshing organic coffee awaited us at the General Store. I know that Julie would feel shorted if I neglected to mention that she doesn't drink coffee. Instead, she is rather partial to hot chocolate. A connoisseur of the chocolaty-sweet nectar, she says that the General Store makes the best hot chocolate she has ever tasted.

Lake Geneva - if you look closely you can see some ice fishermen.

Beuford - Julie's Oldsmobile prepares for the 2+ hour journey to Spring Green - 45 minutes west of Madison, a town of approx. 1,500 residents.  Its a remarkable example of a small town where everyone knows everyone. On the way, we rattled off about 50 names of local folks that we might run into while walking about town. Upon being at Spring Green's General Store for an hour, we encountered at least half of the names on that list. Good thing we were prepared...

Sitting at the big table - Madalena Maestri and her mom, Maggie. Madalena used to be "the cook" at Taliesin in Wisconsin when I was an apprentice there. Not only did her meals provide us with nutritious sustenance, but her positive energy helped us get through dark times. Lucky for all the current apprenti, she now serves as Asst. Director of Assessment for the school.

Here is Adrienne Cole (making an acerbic face), Nicky Schwartz, and our friend Melinda's sister Valerie - Melinda was sadly out of town. Kevin, Adrienne's partner was with us too. Like I said, all these friends just showed up without expecting anyone else to be there. It was all rather auspicious!

Julie with Adrienne (making a more delightful face). Adrienne is the 1/4th of our favorite local band Box Elder. She is very talented and engaging. Julie and I were especially excited to buy one of the recently released Box Elder CD's, which we were told would be available at the General Store.

But what's this? To our amazement, the GS was out of Box Elder CD's! This was good news for Adrienne, it meant that they had sold all the copies. Fortunately, there were a few in her car to sell us, but only after she signed them.

After brunch, we went to go hang out with Madalena who was moving some things around her house on the other side of town just a few blocks away. It was there that Kevin finally joined us!

We were particularly amused by the fact that in one of the bedrooms in Madalena's house, there was also a random shower. We really had a good time at the shower's expense.

Kevin and Madalena - moving shit around.

When we were through helping out with the moving, we took a break to sit outside and enjoy the snow melting - which was not part of the plan since we were going to spend the afternoon sledding. Madalena was divulging her secret plans to dupe favorable men into marrying her.

Here is Kevin - I can't help but point out just how much Kevin has grown up since I met him over two years ago. I remember when he first started growing his hair out and then he once decided not to shave one day. No one knew at the time that it would turn into this stunning specimen standing before us. I think I might have to be obnoxious and prove how much he's grown by displaying a photo from circa October 2003...

See look at how little he is (on the left)... kinda makes you wonder about that guy with the crazy afro on the right.

Er, tangent. So then Rhiannon arrived from visiting her Dad. We were delighted to she her.

Here she is in all her adorableness showing off her skate-shoes and the Furby she got for that holiday.

Like I said, it was clear that the snow was melting and it was about time to cross the river from town and make our way up to Taliesin. I was excited by the prospect of my first attempt at sledding, but also eager to walk around and snap some "Taliesin in Winter" photos.

For those of you that don't know, Taliesin was originally built in 1911 (and subsequently rebuilt in 1914 and 1925 after two fires in the living quarters - seen directly ahead) by the prolific architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. It was here that in 1932 he created the Taliesin Fellowship and launched the FLLW School of Architecture. Its a sprawling complex of buildings that are entwined and bound to a hillside on a property of about 860 acres of breath-taking countryside. Julie, Kevin, and I spent a gloriously wonderful and tumultuous summer here back in 2004 when we were members of that fellowship and apprentices of the school. I believe this was the first time any of us had seen it covered in snow. Maybe Kevin has.

First things first, we realized it would be appropriate to make our presence known. This required a long and drawn out tea with Minerva and Charles Montooth, two fellows from the olden days who still live at the house. Minerva was very surprised to see us, especially me since she told me I was the last person she ever expected to walk through her door ever again. Charles was a little uncertain who we were, I think, but eager and good spirited none the less.

Julie and Kevin enjoying tea. In the background you can see one of Mr. Wright's Japanese print panels lining the wall.

I was certainly getting antsy with light dwindling as well as prime picture taking time and sledding to be done! I ducked out for a moment when Charles was showing off his latest fairytale project for downtown Chicago. Even though my camera was acting up, I managed to snag a few decent shots.

The tower and the tea-ringing bell.

Looking toward Mr. Wrights bedroom.

And the other direction toward the bridge room above the upper court.

The treacherous frozen steps (I learned the hard way) outside the Metal Sculpture studio, originally the canning rooms.

This is the roof that we rebuilt the summer we were apprentices. Its nice to see that its holding up well even covered in snow. In the distance is the West Wing which are remodeled apprentice rooms in what was at one time the chicken coupe.

In Mr. Wright's studio, with Sherpa - the best cat ever! She literally jumped into my arms.

The upper court facing from the entry drive.

What was once the stables is now the Education Office but also happens to be Charles's office in the winter when Hillside Studio is closed.

Here he is showing off to Kevin and Julie his latest designs. You gotta hand it to him - 86 and still rattling off ideas however unrealistic they are.

Me and my favorite building in the world. So far.

Tower wing from the hilltop.

Buddha with tower.

Valley from the hilltop with Buddha. Tan-y-deri and Romeo & Juliet Windmill in the distance.

 

Wright living quarters from the hilltop.

Kevin got distracted and decided to visit with the Hamblin family - Floyd, Carolina, and their three young sons. Though it was nice to see them, I watched our sledding light disappear from inside.

Julie plays with the Arc that Daddy Floyd built for son, Noah.

Ofcourse darkness would not deter us from sledding... I don't know what I was thinking.

See, Kevin is ready to go - even though there is BARELY ANY SNOW!

But just enough it would seem.

 

Julie with Sled. She's pretty excited about it.

I should also note that the sleds pictured were not the ones Kevin went out and bought for the occasion. These were sleds that Floyd insisted we borrow, instead.

After sledding, we took a long walk around the property.

Kevin and I at the Hillside assembly hall entry steps.

Just before six, we disembarked from our former home and made way to the Maestri (Madalena's family) Farm for dinner. On the way, we were to stop by the Spring Green liquor store to pick up some burgundy wine. We were completely clueless as to where the burgundy was in the wine section and apparently looked it. When asked if we needed help by the owner - in pure small town bliss, her response to "where is the burgundy?" was, "Are you folks going to the Maestris?" Indeed we were and she knew by which wine we were looking to bring. The everyone knows everyone factor strikes again.

Gia - Madalena's sister with Julie.

Brother Peter Alex, friend Karissa, and ofcourse Madalena who is in mid-dance groove.

Friend Clinton, Rhiannon with her aunt Gia.

Gia - also dancing. And cooking.

Madalena and Kev enjoying their burgundy wine.

Dinner was beef stroganoff with a specially prepared veggie version just for me. By 9:30 we realized we still had New Years plans, so we left the house for our hour drive to Madison. We took the long way because we still needed to check into the hotel before arriving at the tiny Mickey's Bar just in time to catch the beginning of Box Elder's first set.

The pitchers of spotted cow began to flow as seen by the shimmering glow of drunkies Ben & Jules.

Julie, Kevin, Madalena - who kept the shots coming.

Adrienne and Tara, members of Box Elder undoubtedly performing one of their great songs.

Julie and Maddy.

Maddy and Me.

Dan, Adrienne, and Tara - Box Elder I suppose can be categorized as a folk pop band. They have many exceptional songs of this genre, but where they truly excel is with their bar hymnals.

Dan and the drummer, Tyler.

They do great covers too! My favorite is Ace of Base's Don't Turn Around, which is devilishly savory.

Rockin' out.

Me and Gia - having just rung in the new year. I barely remember having alot of silly string in my hair.

Julie and Kev.

It was late when Box Elder finished their third set. We chartered an escort service to take Julie safely back to the hotel while the rest of us hopped out at IHOP. Chocolate pancakes really hit the spot. We walked back to the hotel which was farther then anyone recalled, having resumed sobriety. It was so cold. Kevin bolted back to the hotel, while Madalena and I just huddled together and giggled.

In the morning we had bagels and bid farewell to our Wisconsin friends. Though it was hard to say goodbye, we still had much to look forward to. It was time to make our way back south towards Chicago and see Fred.

Like I mentioned previously, Fred and his boyfriend Will were on their way back from Green Bay. To kill time, we ditched the cars in front of Will's place and took the L downtown for dinner.

Oh glorious subway!

Kevin and I show off our ridiculous winter hats.

Here comes the blue line train!

The Clark Street bridge over the river. We wondered the north bank looking for a particular pizza establishment. Chicago is known for its thick deep dish pizza.

The famous restaurant where you can write on the walls. Mmmm, deep dish.

The Wrigley building on Michigan Ave.

Julie and Kevin - overlooking the river and Mies's IBM building soon to be blocked by a Trump Tower.

These are the Marina Towers.

These are the Marina Towers on drugs...

As the legend goes, Mies Van Der Rohe had all the construction documents completed for the IBM building when he heard that the residential Marina Towers would be built beside it. Being the designer of high caliber and class that he was, he moved the location of his building back on the site away from the river substantially as to not block the views of Marina Tower residents. Impressive, especially by today's cut and run standards.

Eventually the boys arrived back to town and we wandered on over. Fred was excited to see us and surprised to see Kevin because we hadn't told him he was coming.

Fred showing off his new SpongeBob apron complete with sponge that his mom thought to give for that holiday.

Kevin, Fred, Julie, and a blur that is Will.

Here Will shows off his new bottle opener.

We stayed up pretty late having a good time. This involved some laughter, a few Spotted Cows, some damn fine tequila, an overly complex card game considering how drunk and tired we all were, and did I mention laughter?

By 4:30 it was time to go to bed. After all, I needed to get up at 6am to catch my flight back home. It was such an incredible weekend. Despite my utter exhaustion, I felt entirely refreshed - filled to the brim with love shared between my close friends into the new year.

Have a happy one!

Comments

[Julie]

...uhh...wait... really? Ben? You were there that weekend?!?

[Daddio]

Certainly a lot of talk about Booze...I'm glad you're having fun. Just don't have toooooo much fun. Before you know it, you need booze to wake up in the morning. That's scary!

[Birthday Girl]

Listen to your father. He is a wise man. If you end up with Ted Kennedy's decaying nose, I'll be very upset. :) XOXO