Welcome to Summer

It has finally turned hot, and humid, in the Big City. My biggest concern is the Wonder Pig. She didn't seem to be handling the heat well last night and this morning. This afternoon, however, she's eating, drinking, and looking pretty merry there in her castle. I've put some measures into effect to assure that she will be able to keep cool. The next concern is me; my body seems to handle the heat less well as I get older. Either that, or I've pampered myself with air conditioning too much recently.

Yesterday we went to Polish Fest down at the Summerfest grounds. The first thing to notice: it really is cooler by the lake. It was even a bit chilly, but I didn't mind, because I knew the apartment would be warm coming back. I'll have to remember to bring a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt the next time I go down there. (That will likely be next Monday for day four of Summerfest.) The festival itself was fun. The first event was a public Mass in both Polish and English (with a few words in Lithuanian, as well). That was interesting, educational, and spiritually uplifting. Then we found food right away (Polish sausage, what else, from Saz's) and sat down to eat and listen to polka legend Jimmy Sturr. There were cultural exhibits, as well; the most interesting to me was the story of Poland's highland region, the Goral. We also witnessed folk dancing by Wesoly Lud, a troupe of middle- and high-school students from Chicago, who put on a fantastic, colorful, energetic show. We also watched a friend of Gaffer's participate in folk dance lessons from members of Milwaukee's Polish folk dance group, Syrena. I also got a little knitting done; I got to the toe decreases of my green Fabel socks.

Country Mouse moment: We had gotten off the city bus downtown at the transit center, and Gaffer had to find an ATM. So, to my surprise, he runs across the four-lane street in the middle of the block. I never cross anywhere but the corners, if I can help it, because generally there are things there called Traffic Lights that tell you what to do when. But I followed, since Sunday morning traffic was very light downtown.