Kats said, "Let's go snowmobilin'," I said, "Baby, I'm in." Then I priced out all that winter gear, Said, "Let's rethink this plan." Didn't know what we were doin', Didn't like the gear we saw, Three things came in crystal clear, Man, it's cold and I'm not that dumb.

MBS bar, Captain and Coke, Double shots for three bucks more, Met some ladies headin' east, Talked like we'd done this before. River view at the Langham, Dropped the bags, went straight back down, Oscar pourin' conversation, Spanish words, tequila sounds.

House of Blues across the street, Girls got sent one way, we went in deep, Waiter said, "Nineties party's on," Kats said, "Son, we were that scene." Old white blues man clickin' time, Tongue beat where the drums should be, Ate our dinner, nodded heads, Felt just right to me.

Rossi's quick, Delilah's loud, Kats bought shots for half the bar, Ten new friends, no questions asked, Birthday rules apply so far. Kingston Mines was locked up tight, Weather said, "Not tonight, son," So I called Buddy's place myself, They said, "Eighty-five gets you in."

Eighty-nine years old and smilin', Buddy walkin' through the crowd, Security yellin', "Back it up," I snapped that picture anyhow. Kissin' couple next to me, I said, "Hey now, keep it clean," Half hour later he tapped my shoulder, Said, "You're worse than me."

Beaver hat lady, fast new friend, Cowboy hat upstairs on Mama's head, She said, "Howdy," deadpan serious, That's the best damn thing she said. Uber laughed the whole damn ride, Didn't charge enough for that, Eight hours deep with a blues legend, Man, I'll drink to that.

Lou Malnati's fixed the damage, Museum cooled the brain, Some kid asked, "Why you kill for power?" I said, "Son, I need a drink again." Spanish talk at Bub City, Victor showed me pictures I regret, Saw a Speedo I can't unsee, But somehow kept my dinner yet.

Blue Chicago, birthday shout, Pulled us up to sway around, Met some boys from way out west, Wales got the blues too, it turns out. Portillo's late, fries came free, Kats said, "Man, you're gone," Five-hour delay at O'Hare, Chicago laughed and moved on.