I am woefully behind on news. I blame losing my job, way of life and all, but at least I am not under literal siege, so there’s that. PCA is always a much anticipated because there are so many people I only see there these days, including the always delightful Miss Wendy, my roommate in our high rise hotel room.

I have not been in Chicago for many years except perhaps changing planes and I have never been there while I have known filmmaker David Schmidt though I have known him online for decades and at last we finally got to meet (thanks Wendy for the photo, which features one of my fabulous André Leon Talley scarves as well!). We all had a brilliant night of conversation and delicious Chinese food (dim sum always a great choice).

David told us a bit about this wonderful building, the Intercontinental, and its fascinating history; alas we saw no zeppelins docking that week but who knows how air travel will change in the future?

As always PCA was a great chance to hear new things, buy a couple books (only a couple!!), and catch up with a host of people too numerous to mention (Carol, Nicole, Frenchy, Cass, Antares, Tiffany, Frankie, and too many others!). The staff in the hotel were great despite OBVIOUSLY being grossly understaffed. One of the best things was happening upon the Mina Loy exhibit at the Arts Club of Chicago, but more of that anon.

Wendy had the brilliant idea to see what theatre was on and so we managed to see Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad at the Goodman, which was delightful. A terrific cast and a completely engaging and inventive production. I felt bad for Jennifer Morrison sitting on the steps waiting while we all took our seats, but it was fascinating to watch in a totally geeky way. We had seats in the boxes on opposite sides (last minute tickets) but no one showed up on my side so Wendy moved over. Excellent!

Anchor image of my name badge with ‘Soon-to-be-ex’ added to Saint Rose and a tombstone with RIP on it…