Over the weekend (7/24/2021), we went to our first art fair since COVID landed, the Geneva, IL art fair.

As part of our day trip, we had lunch in a bar – for me, the first time I’d been in a restaurant, or any non-shopping area, since February 2020 (except for work).

It was as hot as hell – 90° – but there was an occasional breeze, so it wasn’t unbearable.

The tents of art, because of COVID, were spaced about 10 feet apart, so the breeze was able to cut across the street on which the fair was parked. In the past, the three blocks of vinyl tents formed a solid wall on either side of the street, making any breeze a rarity.

The show was a little disappointing – the limited number of entrants (due to COVID protocols) made for less to look at. However, it was nice to get out there and just see something for a change. We enjoy just checking out what is there; always hoping to come across something different.

When I was looking for places to eat in Geneva earlier in the week, one thing that struck me was there were few – if any – places where you could “build” a burger. You know, “I’d like the [bar name] burger with cheddar and bacon” and so on.

Now, it seems like most places had a roster of burgers to choose from that were all tricked out. Odd, to me. To get what you want you have to get there by subtraction, not addition.

We ate at the Geneva Ale House, and they had a bunch of burgers, as well, but at least it had one – the Ale House Burger – that had what I wanted (bacon, cheese, grilled onions). I just had to subtract the fried egg (what is with all the burgers topped with a fried egg? I like fried eggs, but…).

Beer, burger, fries. Nothing exceptional but hit the spot.

As did wandering around Geneva and the art.

Not a great adventure, but good to get out and see things. It’s been a long time for me.