P.A.L.S. rule! The 5 year anniversary trip was awesome, and must be repeated before 5 years passes again!

The 24 hour excursion started out great as we all were prompt and primed to party. Ryan is the MAN – puttin’ up with us and getting us downtown. THANKS RY-RY! And thanks to Lisa for the use of her van! We couldn’t of all fit in any other vehicle.

The dude at the ticket counter could tell we were up to no good as soon as we started our check-in. Denise, by the way, was also up to no good the entire weekend. Her sharp tongue stung almost everyone! Luckily, we all love her. Once aboard the train, the festivities began. We were pumped up – wearing our new P.A.L.S. buttons, P.A.L.S. nametags (Jan’s inspiration) and toting our new P.A.L.S. business cards in their special card holders (a generous gift from Denise). The ticket taker took pity on the people sitting around us - overcome by the odor of pickles, pickled beans and green olives - and sent us to another car that we alone occupied, with the exception of one brave soul. Actually, the kid was getting an education listening to the conversation of a bunch of partying old bags. When we finally arrived at Union Station we found our way to the taxis and the hotel. It was not quite dumpy, but it was quite old. We were most pleased by the TWO bathrooms in the room – that can be quite important come the AM. Next came a stroll through the Gold Coast area of Chicago (whilst bitter winds blew), and a stop at an Irish pub to whet our whistle. We decided not to eat there, and later regretted it. The hotel shuttle took us to the Festival. Imagine our shock when the tickets presented to us were for SATURDAY! The hostess gladly changed the tickets (Sat. must be more popular) and away we went to taste. At first we were unimpressed with the pours. But after finding our way to the "garage" where the stout, porters and barley wines were, we discovered generous pourers. Later on, we realized that small amounts go a long way.

How perfect our timing that as we made our way to commence "breaking the seal", we found Andrea just arrived. [Good eyes, Lisa!] Andrea quickly found her way to quaffing and we were FESTING! The variety was great, choices nearly limitless. The crowd was abundant, but composed. There were reports of philandering (none my way!), though none of it offensive. P.A.L.S. cards were flying left and right. And what’s this I hear? Some other group calls themselves PALS? I can’t believe it! They are not official unless they have a website! We also came across some serious home brewers – we’ll get there someday.

But alas, the limit is reached, and sooner, it seemed, for Heidi, Jan, Andrea and I. Our lack of dining proved to be a big mistake. We stopped for a bite to eat and crashed.

Later we were awakened by the sound of three loud babes, loaded……..well, just loaded. I was half asleep, but laughing hysterically (as was Jan) at Joan, Lisa and Denise, who lasted long enough to close the festival (after getting some free pours), and soak up a little of the brewpub’s own. They, too, felt the misery of meal skipping. Saturday morning arrived with a wake up call at 6am from someone looking for a breakfast date. Who was that? We then took turns getting going. I thought we might need to carry Denise to the train, but she rose to the occasion and was her sharp self in no time. Before departing to the station, we took a needed stroll at nearby Lincoln Park, in the wet snow and rain, and scoffed at the runners. Like they could’ve kept up with us the night before – HA!

We had a wonderful meal (FINALLY) at the Union Stations’ Metro Pub and Deli and had a quiet ride home aboard the Hiawatha. Dave was so very gracious to pick us up at the station and get us back home safely, in the snow and wind that brought March in like a lion. Thanks loads Dave – thank God you weren’t overcome by fumes!

P.A.L.S. rule! This was a trip I will not soon forget, and look forward to reminiscing about. Hope you all feel the same.

Next meeting – April 20, 2002, 7:00pm

Respectfully submitted,
Mariana