The act of removing color

Let it be known that our first snowfall of the season occurred on Nov. 25, a date that produced not just light flurries but thick, sopping-wet snowflakes the size of quarters. Overly concerned with documenting the initial bout of flurries, I was in the shower for most of it.

And the trees were still full and leaking Crayola colors just a month ago?

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Truffled turkey

With last year’s Thanksgiving consisting of leftover pity meals from various charitable organizations (I was on assignment, working, after all), I’m already certain that T-day 2007 is off to a better start. Hot darjeeling tea with milk, granola cereal and staying indoors.

But now I put on my heavy winter coat and grab a bottle of wine, heading north to hike atop a river bluff prior to feasting with co-workers. I miss my family dearly, yet feel thankful to have something to miss.

Let Us Give Thanks. In Writing

At the Grown-Up Table

Thanksgiving finds two towns vying for their place in U.S. history

In the hand


I’ve finally uploaded an entire set of photos from last month’s family visit. Flickr: Geriks in Illinois

CHICAGO – In a Union Station restroom, just after debarking from an Amtrak train…

“You guys are all in line to take a shit, aren’t you?” said an older, disheveled gentleman. Frightened passengers nod and avoid eye contact.

“Well, christ. I might as well take a shit in my hand.” Smirks and walks out. I laugh and no one else does.

The dimming of the light


Glen Oak Park lagoon, one week ago. (A. Gerik / Journal Star)

The smell of yeast is in the air and the weather is incredibly warm for a November evening. I have a reason for the yeast (a river distillery) but no explanation for the mild temperatures. Those in the know say that Peoria will receive a dusting of snow just in time for Thanksgiving… and anyone could tell you that turkey tastes measurably better when the weather outside is frightful.

Post-Halloween

more photos now posted!

Due to scheduling, we hosted a Halloween party on Nov. 3rd. It was a generally small affair, but did bring in some great costumes. Most of our parties typically last well into the early morning hours, but this one was dead and done by only 1am. I have no explanation, despite the extra hour received through the end of Daylight Savings Time. Are we really getting that old?

My effeminate pirate costume was the Hindenburg of all costumes: an incredible, flaming disaster. Interpret that as you wish.

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On the campaign trail


(A. Gerik / Journal Star) more photos

YATES CITY, ILL., Nov. 16 – With the 18th District Congressional race heating up here in central Illinois, I was sent to the tiny community of Yates City (pop. 751) to cover a town hall meeting with lone Democratic candidate Dick Versace. This is the same Versace that coached Bradley University basketball and eventually made his way into a cushy job as an NBA executive. About a dozen people show, all very pleasant and jovial toward Versace as hands are shook, hugs doled out and smiles exchanged. Then came the open forum portion of the meeting:

“If you can’t speak English within a year, you’re going back to Mexico!” yells a portly bald man in glasses. “I’m talkin’ about the illegals.”

Illegals. Should someone should tell him that “illegal” is an adjective?

Before I give this town a bad name, I do give credit to another guy in a hunting jacket who mentioned his energy concerns. He wants to produce wind energy on his properties, but finds it hard to begin due to red tape and local regulations.

“I haven’t seen anything that says we have an energy problem,” another balding guy retorts. This starts a back-and-forth where everyone is gravely concerned with gas prices, ignoring any political ramifications or environmental concerns.

“I heard that they got these cars that run on water!” yells the portly bald man again.


With gritted teeth, Congressional hopeful Dick Versace tries his hand at archery as he visits a local Yates City business Monday night during a stop on his ‘Common Sense Express’ tour of the 18th District. (A. Gerik / Journal Star)

In search of Halloween nirvana

With last year’s Halloween a complete flop, I decided to actually put forth some effort this time. Pumpkins were purchased, terribly overpriced candy was thrown in the shopping cart and soon it was 4pm on October 31st. I started carving the two smaller pumpkins, thinking that they’d be quick and easy. Not so! These little bastards may look cute and fun, but they’re a complete bitch to slice into. Some blame could probably be placed on my garage-sale knives, too.

After mangling those two, I started on the large pumpkin. This was easy to slice, but I was already tired of the dumb faces I gave the smaller siblings. So I slapped my hand on the pumpkin, carved out a hand and called it good. A couple of candles inside and I had myself a few relatively decent looking jack-o-lanterns.

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