Epilogue

I never did find my nightguard. That was several hundred dollars down the drain. More than my Chicago hotel and flight cost. Oh well, at least I have an old nightguard I can still wear. Warning to anyone who has a nightguard: double-check and make sure you have it with you when you leave a hotel, for your chances of getting it back are slim-to-none!

Chicago was a great town to visit. I want to go back and spend some more time there, take the architectural tour next time. Too bad there only seems to be a small window of time when the weather makes it tolerable to visit. I consider myself lucky to have found one of those rare opportunities.

The Washington Square Hotel is a great place to stay if you visit New York. It is in a wonderful location, very tastefully decorated, friendly, continental, great restaurant...the rooms are a little small, but that is so unimportant compared to everything else. I will always try to stay there on future trips to New York.

I never did buy that Gibson SG guitar, but ended up getting the guitar I have always wanted - a Rickenbacker! It's a 360 model in the Jetglo (black) color. It's just beautiful and has that jingle-jangle sound that I love so much.

I listened to the Steve Wynn CDs I bought and can't believe how I've missed out on his solo career over the years. He is amazingly good - his double CD "Here Come the Miracles" which he told me was his favorite, is full of wonderful songs, my favorite is "Shades of Blue". He has a huge body of work (apparently this man never has writer's block!), and I found some of his older CDs in my collection at home that I'm now going through. I also discovered his bassist, Dave DeCastro, also plays with Marty Wilson-Piper, guitarist of the Church. The Church are an Australian band that I have loved since I first heard their song "The Unguarded Moment" back in 1982. I remember seeing the Church in 1983 at Wolfgang's in San Francisco. Marty Wilson-Piper must've had 5 Rickenbacker guitars at that show. I think he was the one who inspired me not only to get a Ric but a 12-string guitar as well. It's no surprise that Dave DeCastro plays one too. I am so happy to be a member of the Rickenbacker club!

I don't believe what people say about New Yorkers being unfriendly. I found everyone I met and talked to on my trip to be warm and honestly friendly as can be. I think people just mirror the attitude you show to them. I believe in extending genuine kindness to good people. Maybe that sounds naive, but I don't know what's so funny about peace, love and understanding.

Now that I've started my Christmas shopping, I wish I had bought more of those $10 cashmere scarves! Next time, I'll know better...