The drive up from Memphis to Aurora, Illinois, was very long, very flat, and very straight. Again, we made amazingly good time, not least because I was on a mission from hell’s kitchen…

To see my ARC’s! So we just made a few pit stops on the way, including dinner chez Mickey D’s….

That was the first time I’d eaten McDonald’s in a very, very long time. It involved a lot of mayonnaise on my burger. Which I relished, because I am a very naughty mayonnaise fiend.

Anyway, eventually we rolled into Aurora and to my childhood home. Where there was a big, beautiful box waiting for me. JOY!

 

It was really, really cool to see these. I may have teared up a bit. I did not openly weep, as both Rootie and I did while listening to This American Life during the drive up. There was a man talking about his faith after his mother’s death, and we both had tears streaming down our faces. I may have let out a sob. We were already emotionally wrung, and a bit tired, so I only managed to squeeze off a tear or two. Not bad for someone who cries at Hallmark commercials.

And that was it for us. We were both k-nacked, so we we hit the hay.

The next morning, we had coffee and smoothie and then, despite the crazy Illinois lightening storm, went shopping. We also made sure to FINALLY EAT SOME VEGETABLES!

We then spent some money, got our nails done, and did some grocery shopping so I could do my best impression of Peggy Bundy:

I made turkey tacos for my dad, my childhood friend Angela, and Rootie because I have had just about enough of eating out. Dinner was delicious and much more nutritious then our NOLA diet of beignets and Abita.

And my dad enjoyed having dinner with the ladies….

After dinner, we went down to our local hoodrat hang out…..

It was fantastically ghetto, and it was fun to be with Ang back in the bar we used to have the pizza delivery guy drop us off at (long story)….

Rootie enjoyed the ole Pitcher o’ Miller Light as well as some local Chicago brews…

 

Soon enough, however, we went home. For we were both pooped. We needed a wee rest, and we got it. But tomorrow? Oh, no resting for us, my friends. Tomorrow we par-tay, Peeler style. It all culminates in smooching a real life rockstar….. mit pictures!! Wheeee!!!!!