Jovon Everett: The Weekend Flew By at 225 MPH…

The Weekend Flew By at 225 MPH…
Tuesday, May 15th

After the rain cleared for our baseball game, it stayed beautiful all weekend. Friday morning Mom, Dad and I had breakfast at LePeep before we headed off to the speedway. The breakfast was the first of two delicious (and incredibly varied) we had at LePeep. We arrived at the track just as it opened for practice. I had forgotten the indescribable sound that Indy cars make and that very specific smell of burned ethanol that they leave in their wake. Just walking into the track, I got goose bumps and a wave of memories from days past at the track. The three of us settled into some sunny seats along pit road (right behind the Foyt Team pits!). Shortly, members of the Spamily began to call looking to meet up. By 1:30, or so, there were a dozen of us at the track. Everyone enjoyed themselves in a very laid-back sort of way. Mom and Dad got to meet some of the kids (and marvel at our chorus girls with plates of fries and beers nearly as big as they are). We also took lots and lots of photos. We even harassed some poor race fan into taking a billion photos of us in the stands. My film has gone off to snapfish and Dad promised to email me some of the photos he took – I’ll post the best as soon as I have them.

Thanks to Francesca (these photos are lifted from her blog):

Some of the Spammers in the stands on pit road.

Callie (and one of those giant beers) relaxing on the infield grass.

Robert, Amy, Julie, Piper and Callie in their best "Charlie's Angels" pose.

Friday night, Sheila Marie arrived and the five of us went to the Slippery Noodle to hear their house blues band. The Slippery Noodle is Indiana’s oldest, still operating bar. Its history is crazy! Opened as the Concordia House, the inn was a stop on the Underground Railroad. During Prohibition, the bar was home to the Brady and Dillinger gangs who took target practice in the stables out back (they claim that some of those slugs are still in the timbers). More recently (as late as the 1950’s) there was a bordello on the premises. Nowadays, they have live blues most nights. We had some really tasty nachos and a good time catching up.

Saturday morning, it was back to LePeep for a light breakfast with Donn and Rhoda in anticipation of the main gastronomic event of the day… Between shows, all six of us headed across the street to the Rathskeller. From Indy’s oldest bar, we went to Indy’s oldest restaurant. Opened in 1894, the Rathskeller is located in what used to be a large German social club. Inside their basement digs, you might as well be in Bavaria. We all ate until we couldn’t anymore and then we stuffed in some dessert! Schnitzel, wurst and sauerkraut abounded along with an impressive selection of beer (too bad I had to go back to work). It really was a Mother’s Day meal to remember.

The bar at the Rathskeller

Donn, Rhoda and Sheila Marie came to the show on Saturday night. Afterwards, I gave them the nickel tour backstage. Then, we adjourned to the hotel bar. We settled in for “one drink” and were joined by Suzanne from the Spam Hair department. Soon, much of the Spamily had come down and nearly all the dogs were in the lobby. The Westfalls got to get acquainted with many of the folks from the tour. I’m sure, however, that we stayed up way past bedtime.

Pike High School presents Spamalot? What the???

The Pike HS Prom was being held in the ballroom upstairs from the theatre. (At least we got top billing...) We all hung out outside the stage door rating the prom-wear. Who knew zoot suits were still in style?!?

The Pike HS Stage Management Team...

Sunday, I had to bid farewell to my real-life family as everyone headed home and I headed off to work. It was a really wonderful weekend in Indianapolis. Great food, beautiful weather and a chance to reconnect with my family.

This week, we’re settling into Louisville. The theatre is expansive, there’s racing at Churchill Downs, I just passed a Skyline Chili franchise, and Denise is in town to show me the sights. I’m looking forward to the week ahead!

The following two pictures are lifted from Fran's blog (at her invitation):