Aside from the massive amount of cycling I've been doing this summer, Amy & I have tried to free up our evenings to do "summer things in the city."
Steve digs Jazz
Last week, the Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz series returned to Millennium Park. From now to the beginning of September, every Thursday night features a great free jazz concert. I like to call it a "Poor Man's Ravinia."
Live from the Jay Pritzker Pavilion
OK, so maybe it's only one trash can. But I couldn't resist! Don't worry, I won't be launching a MagicalTrash.com spin-off any time soon!
Trash Can at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Anyway, it was another "Date Night" at the Chicago Botanic Garden for Amy & I this week. A swing band by the name of Bopology was performing, so we packed a dinner and enjoyed a cool evening.
Recently my friend Henry Zonio was in town and visited with us for a couple days. Here's a former children's pastor who moved his family from Canada to the Bay Area to pursue higher education.
Henry & Steve
We're often a stopover when he passes through the Windy City. In exchange, I send him some beverages to review from time to time!
Last month, it was great to welcome back an old friend in our community. I'm speaking of the Patio Theater, a historic 1927 movie house here in the city that closed in 2001.
Marquee on the Patio Theater
Back in my high school years, I remember catching films here with my friends. It was a unique theater because of the abundance of seats (1,500) as well as the very cool ceiling, which featured twinkling star lights and projected clouds that moved.
Gloriously repainted lobby
Summer officially started today, and we celebrated by heading up to the Chicago Botanic Garden for some after-work music as part of their Summer Evenings activities.
The Gardens... and Amy
On Tuesday nights they host "Music on the Esplanade". This time around it was the bluesy Guy King Band.
Sitting outside the McGinley Pavilion
Because of a private event taking place on the Esplanade, they moved the music over to the semi-enclosed McGinley Pavilion.
This weekend we saw Back to the Future screened free at the Portage Theater. Can't pass up a deal like that, can you?
The Portage Theater marquee
The Portage is a historical theater that first opened in 1920, but eventually fell into decline and closed in 2001. It's located in the Six Corners shopping district of Chicago as part of the Portage Park neighborhood. In other words, it's been in my backyard since I was a kid.
Admit Two for free? Sure!
Thankfully, it reopened in 2006, and Amy & I were there to experience that awesome moment. Since then, it's seen quite the resurgence, by becoming the home of the Silent Film Society of Chicago and the Northwest Chicago Film Society, as well as quite a few live events. It was even featured in the 2009 film Public Enemies.
Toots was a small ice cream/hamburger stand that used to sit on the corner of Central and Montrose here in Chicago, having operated for 55 years. I spent a lot of time there during high school, as it was located nearby. The place closed in 2006 so the land could be converted into a mini-mall, however this sign near the corner of Central and Addison still exists.
Toots sign painted on apartment building
Now on the spot where Toots used to sit is another small restaurant called Scoops, along with a Dunkin Donuts, currency exchange, mobile phone place, and nail salon.
More options, less character. (Literally. I miss that creepy bald Toots guy!)
It's still pretty early in biking season, but I've already been pretty active this year. In fact, I've put over 100+ miles on my new bike tires so far.
It's hard to miss Steve wearing this shirt!
I'm doing a lot more riding in traffic and on main city streets, which presents its own set of challenges, including the avoidance of "dooring" collisions with parked cars. Needless to say, it's been an adventure so far!
My friends Bryan & Jen Sampson were concerned for my safety with this increase in urban riding and bought me the shirt featured in the photo above. Although, since the printing is written backwards, does that mean that the only way it will be read is by the driver in their rearview mirror AFTER they've rolled over my body?
Earlier this month, our blog here at SteveandAmySly.com has garnered the attention of some high-traffic, Chicago-based websites.
First off was a story on TheExpiredMeter.com about my successful parking ticket battle with the city.
Blogger Makes Beating Parking Tickets Look Easy
We also got an "Odd Obsessions" shoutout from GapersBlock.com regarding our ongoing coverage of the CNA building's lighted window messages:
Odd Obsessions: CNA Window Art
Thanks for the mentions!
So I've purchased new tires for my bike this season. I've never actually bought new tires before, so this was an educational experience.
Introducing the Specialized Crossroads Armadillo
Come to think of it, I've never actually owned a new bike. Everything I've ridden over the years has been purchased used. So I guess I could splurge on some new tires, right?
I'm currently riding an early 1990s Giant Iguana mountain bike that I bought used from the adventure trip folks at Phantom Ranch back in 1996. Over time I've probably replaced almost every element on the thing… crank, seat, handlebars, cables, etc. (At one point, I fractured both my arms while riding it, but that's another story.) Sure, I should probably get a new bike with a better fit, but other priorities always come up.
Steve and his bike last summer
As we finally put winter and cold weather behind us, one thing that really brings me joy is the ability to ride my bike. Last year, Amy and I really hunkered down to eliminate our student loans and other outstanding debt, thus bike repair wasn't really in the cards. But this season we got our bikes tuned up and repaired… and I shopped for new tires.
