it's September 8th (i think). i'm still 'withdrawing' from the Mind Drugs. Basically that means that i have a perpetual hangover for at least (according to the docs) another 7 days. DAMN! i'm grumpy and grouchy and just plain ugly right now. no future as i see it. not even the motivation to make one for myself. 7 days....... and counting.

i discovered that the 'Gorilla' lives on my block.

last Spring i sent an email out to several of my friends updating them on my Chicago experience.... my winter.... etc. in it i mentioned the Gorilla. he was standing in the rain, handing out free one-day memberships to a Workout Facility. the email also made reference to the white guy who thinks he's Christ. He spends his days waltzing around downtown in a white robe and carrying a HUGE Cross over his shoulder. there was also the train-riding black man who wears black leather and considers himself Christ.... and the little old women who tells everyone to Go to Hell when she's not talking nonsense to herself. I'm still amazed that she didn't freeze to death during the winter - perhaps she really isn't crazy - perhaps she's just too mean to die.

since that email i've discovered more amazing people in this city than i would have fathomed. the homeless man who wears a sweater in 100 degree weather while he fishes through garbage cans on Michigan Avenue. the Street-Wise people - homeless but, always a smile on their faces!

and of course, there's Howard Tolerance.

i didn't mention seeing him the other day - for a second time. this time he wasn't spouting off about Hallmarks and the Savage Dump. this time he had a guitar slung over his shoulder in the 'off' position.... obviously he was 'taking five'. i wanted to have a seat right there on the corner and wait for him to start. i just can't imagine what i'd hear. ahhh, that's only asking for trouble though.

the other day i asked about one scene you remember from Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer - the holiday special....... i think tomorrow i'll tell you all why i'm interested.

until then..... sorry there wasn't more substance......

kisses.............. j