Grand Slam

Normally that statement would conjure up good thoughts ... unless you're on the losing end of one...damn-it-all---we were. The Cards lost to the Cubbies and the Cub fans acted as if they had won the flipping World Series! Hello--it's April 9th with over 150 games to go peeps! Guess they have to celebrate when they can…sweeping the Cards is their WS.

A few weeks back, Bone had noted that he and Chris wanted to come to Chicago to visit me some Sunday...that Sunday was this past w/e. What great friends I have.

I’ve known Bone for almost 40 years (wow)…way back to St. Joe’s grade school days. We’d not kept in touch much until later in life--both of us having kids late in life kind of brought us back together…and now he’s shown me the true meaning of friendship…standing by me when I need the support after Christine’s death—can’t say enough about how much that means to me right now! Thanks Bone.

Chris and I went to HS together and worked together for a short time over 20 years ago and have seen each other every couple of years or so since. Once again, not keeping in touch much until later in life. We’d see each other at the State Fair or when I stopped by the old/now new office. And now, Chris too has shown me the true meaning of friendship—also standing by me at my time of greatest need…thanks Chris.

The boys arrived at Casa de Mueller about 1pm and so it began. After a quick tour of the casa, we hopped in the car and headed to Wrigleyville for a lunch. We went to the very popular Murphy’s Bleachers bar/grill just outside of the now new Bud Light Bleachers of Wrigley Field. The hot-wings were great, my ½ lb burger and bloody were delicious and the company was very enjoyable and enlightening. Since I’ve not kept in close contact with these guys in a while, it was great to catch up with each others lives. Without giving away any top secrets let's just say this--‘that’s what I do.’ Thanks for that Chris. I really enjoyed reconnecting with you guys…thanks for sharing your life stories with me. It was great to laugh and enjoy the nice sunny afternoon. Now we know that wine can be had at Murphy’s and that Illinois has its share of good wineries. We also know that Bone loves wings and could have eaten all 20 himself---wish I had that metabolism—hence the name Bone—well kind of. Was great to meet Adam (or a form of Adam) again as well as his friends—were we that young and care free once—oh-yeah we were—as we sat and reminisced about our 20-something days, those boys are living it…the circle of life.

Next, we were off to the game...what great seats--how lucky we were! So close to the action that we could keep tabs on 'mullet-man'. Once in the stands we met my buddy Brian. Introductions, beers and hot chocolates all around … was a bit cold, but since I only prayed for a day in the 50’s and no rain, that’s what we got,---51-degrees at game time and a clear sky—thank you Lord for that.

Bone had never been to Wrigley since he’s a Yankee’s fan…Chris and I are Card fans and Brian is a White Sox fan…no Cubbies here! Well, until the 8th inning things were going our way…then the Cubs Grand Slam!! OHHHH—that hurt. We’ll get ‘em the next series!

Despite the games final score, I’m ranking the day as a Grand Slam…good food, good baseball action (12 runs), good weather (kind of) and great friends!! As Bone noted, this is not a one time deal…we’ll do it again. Thanks to Bone, Chris and Brian for sharing the day with me—you guys define true friendship--I truly appreciate the time we spent together, thanks!