Dear Kelvin: this is for your records:

Yesterday Ann Marie came and picked me up after she was done with work – and we drove to Logan Square where she lives. I got to see her and Rick’s house – which was such a treat. Gorgeous!! I fell in love with one suede chair in particular. It was so nice to see Ann Marie in her environment – it’s a beautifully done house. Then we drove to a local Mexican restaurant, and had a lovely time, sitting at the bar upstairs, having a little nosh, and catching up like crazy. So much to discuss! From family issues to Project Runway … we covered it all. We also discussed my blog, in depth – which always just cracks me up. She was like, “So tell me about THIS commenter … here is what I picture this person is …” We talked about our jobs, our lives … it was really wonderful to re-connect with her. She’s got one of the best faces I know: kind, funny, beautiful, dimples for days, and she’s an awesome listener. One of my dearest friends and I totally don’t see her enough. When she dropped me off, I said, “Now remind me – you and Rick are coming to New York soon, right?” “Well, August, actually.” “Oh. Okay. That’s not soon at all.” But still – I hope to be coming back this way soon, it’s been really really good for me to be in the bosom of all of these dear friends (not that I don’t have dear friends in New York … but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen Ann Marie – so it was really special to me to see her in her new digs, and hang out.)

Great night! Then I came home and Mitchell and I lay in bed watching Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Tonight? A night out with the gays. But before then? A long walking tour of all my old haunts. To the lake. To Belmont. To Addison and Clark. It’s freezing today, but I’m looking forward to my wandering.