A classmate of Alicia's (call him R) came home safely from a tour in Iraq with the Marines. Another of their classmates wasn't so lucky.

R expressed surprise that I was so glad to see him that I hugged him when we said good-bye, even though we had not met before. He was, shall we say, of a different political persuasion than I am, and seemed to think that would be a problem. My response was profane but heartfelt: "I don't give a good goddamn if you come home and vote a straight Republican ticket for the rest of your life. Alicia and I are not so blessed with good friends that we can afford to lose them to this fucking meat-grinder."

I'm going to stop this story here, before I get all ranty-cakes.

Definitely New Zealand then.

Or Wales.

I was thinking Scotland. To paraphrase the Stones: "Hey MacCloud, get offa my ewe!"

Robin, I know you didn't ask for advice, but has your nephew considered ROTC? It may not solve the basic disconnect, but would (1) get him a college education, (2) let him enter as an officer, and (3) delay entry for four years, during which things may change for the better (or, admittedly, the worse).

(whew) Finally reached the end of the F2F post. Go me.

Saw the vids and the pretty pictures and laughed at all the snark. Now I miss all my distant friends terribly. I do wish Jilli could work Apparation or Miracleman could get his transporter going. Then we could all be fabulous at the drop of a hat and fight crime, too.

Chicago'istas/Midwest List, I sent an e-mail re: welcoming Shrift that doesn't seem to be going through so I'll just post it here:

It looks like Saturday is the consensus.

There hasn't seemed to be much of a preference on location, so while I love the Heartland Cafe may I suggest we go to Sizzle? [link] [link] If for no other reason than the Granville el stop is not nearly as sketchy as the Morse stop.

The 2nd link has a map. Sizzle is on Broadway, just south of Granville (just around the corner from the Granville Redline stop). For those driving, there is usually parking available along Broadway. I wouldn't risk parking in the Osco lot. Side streets have varying permit regulations - some restrict night/weekend, some restrict work hours - so be sure to read the signs.

What time shall we say? Around 7pm?

Count me in, aurelia. I'd been waiting to find out if I had to work on Saturday or not what I would put my bid in for. Turns out I am working Saturday, so it works out well. I'd love to try Sizzle, the idea of a tasting menu tickles my fancy because I'm so wishy-washy on choosing things at a new resteraunt.

Sail, do you want to crash at my place instead of doing another whirlwiind round trip?

That would be awesome! Thank you, aurelia, I'd love to.

Damn, I wish I could join you guys! This fall, definitely; before then, not so much.

We'll miss you, Kathy!

Sail, hopefully my e-mail will be working tomorrow. If not, I'll make sure you get my cell #.