June 10-12th - Ballydoyle Weekend
Our Ballydolye weekend was full of Jamison's, Birthday Celebrations, Rock Band, Generosity, and 5-hour Energy. The trip out to Chicago isn't overly daunting but depending on the amount of drivers, it can be rougher than normal. The weekend was packed with 4 shows in 3 days that left us full of Chicago Suburb Sunshine. We are so lucky to have such great friends that support us on the road I just want to take a moment to acknowledge them again. Sandy and her wonderful kids have been so hospitable letting us take up their basement and blast the TV with rock band. Deanna made a huge effort to prepare a delectable home cooked meal for us on friday night. Jimmy and Sarah played host to me on Saturday Night/Sunday putting me up and helping me get around the city for my Half Marathon run. LDE loves you all and anyone who has ever lent a helping hand in the past to make out lives on the road less stressful and manageable.

The shows were Irish fun, and we nearly missed a huge rain storm at our wine performance on Saturday. After the shows, Phil was dropped off to fly home to play for a friends wedding. I stayed in the city for my morning run, and Russ, Donnie, & Pat took the van home testing out a new poison to humans; 5-hour energy. The reason for this is that most night driving is done by Phil and me, but without us there, the rhythm section had to find it's own way to stay up while watching the sun rise.

My Half-Marathon the next day marked my longest Barefoot run and I finished in under 2 hours which was a huge success for me. I have now felt the true earth of Chicago beneath my feet and feel even closer to calling the place home. Another thank you to Sarah for tooling around with me to the Blues festival that afternoon, and sharing some Pizza, Beer, and great conversation. Another busy weekend in the books.

Cheers, Chris

[ Click to view gallery ] Spoonman! Dinner at Deanna's Dinner at Deanna's Deanna's Wall of FAME 13.1 mile Barefoot Finish And the feet that brought me there