Goings-on There is a noise outside like a dying monster. I thought maybe it was either a power washer or "The Star-Spangled Banner" being sung really badly at Wrigley Stadium. But when I got up to go to the kitchen, I realized it was too close.

So I stuck my head out the window and beheld a full-blown festival, complete with a live band, tent, and Spot-a-Pot, in the backyard one house down from us! Also a full-size flagpole with the U.S. and Cubs flags waving. And let me tell you, it is one tiny, crowded little backyard over there. To give you an idea, the backyards on this street are about twice as big as our living room (which is about 12 x 15).

Right now they're singing a really soulful version of that 4 Non-Blondes single. 

¶ 12:46 PM