A very long drive and the trip up is over. I left Lakeland Tuesday morning driving to the Chicago area to do a couple art shows and visit family.  I had fully planned to wander slowly up and do some photography along the way.  After blasting my way out of Florida, surveying the long road ahead, i just kept driving.  Mostly flat Florida, nondescript  Georgia terrain, until the north Georgia mountains.  Beautiful country from there  through Tennessee and Kentucky, then  out of the Ohio Valley through the featureless countryside of Indiana.  Lots of corn and other crops.  Then, the land of the windmills, miles literally of windmills in Central/Northern Indiana, like prehistoric creatures had invaded the landscape.  Then a pleasant drive across the bottom of Chicago on the I 90 W Toll System, including nearly getting killed by a broad in a white SUV who decided she wanted to be where I was on the road.  1300 miles later I arrived safely at the Jones B&B in Buffalo Grove, IL.  If you don’t think this is a big country, drive south to north as I just did.  In most cases, still a very pretty country.
My first show up here in the Northwest Chicago suburbs is the Long Grove Artfest, August 20-21.  The 23rd  annual such Artfest.  I got a mention in one of my sister’s friend’s blog: http://www.terrydahlem.com/blog/23rd-annual-long-grove-art-fest-august-20-21/.  Then the next weekend I have a show in Glen Ellyn, Il, about a hour from here  Both shows are community shows, put on by local organizations, the one in Glen Ellyn by the Lions Club and Long Grove by the chamber and a local PTO group for the Killdeer Countryside School.  In my very limited experience, 5 shows so far not counting this trip, the community shows treat the artists very well.  Show put on by promoters seem to be more about making money for the promoter.
The Jones B&B I mentioned above is actually my sister’s home, which is the resting place of choice for the Florida Cowleys when visiting the Chicago area. Â My son Matt (of whom more later) and his wife Sheila stay here when they come up to Chicago for playwriting seminars.
I know my readers who have children, or who know people who have children, are familiar with the disappointments parents can experience. Â You pour your heart and soul into your kids, invest your money and your hopes. Â and the treatment you can receive at the hands of the ungrateful little wretches. Â As in this (an email from my aforementioned son Matthew.)
On Aug 18, 2011, at 6:42 AM, “Matt Cowley” <madcowley@gmail.com> wrote:
> Dearest Don and Sis,
>
> I am given to understand that my father will be arriving today for an extended stay, if he has not arrived already. If you were not aware of this, I’m very sorry to break the news but it’s as well you hear it from a friendly voice than just be struck with the shock and surprise later.
>
> I just want you to know that Sheila and myself are holding you close in our thoughts during this difficult time, and if there’s anything we can do to ease the burden for you as you walk this dark path, you have but to ask. You’ve been so kind to us on our travels, and we’d certainly do anything to help you if we could. Short of taking him back, of course.
>
> I believe it was Plutarch who wisely said, in his address to the Roman Woman’s Gardening Club in 550 B.C., “truth may vary with the beholder, but doors can be locked on the outside as well.” I hope those thoughts will give you some small comfort.
>
> We’re all thinking of you, and just the other day Sheila said to me, “poor, poor Sis. If only I could take this burden of having your father visit, instead of her, and spare her the sorrow, I would.” “Yes, how true,” I said, though upon reflection if I must be perfectly candid, it was more a figure of speech than an actual offer of help.
>
> Know that you can call any time if you need anything, but I should say that the celebrations of his departure have been going pretty strong and we may not hear the phone at first.
>
> Condolently yours,
>
> Matt and Sheila
You see what I mean. Â Maybe had I thought it through, I would have had more Corgi pups. Â Instead.
