Part One: Manpris.

Last week we went to our first show in search of a little piece of home via Chicago's Sea and Cake. The show was held in an old ballroom with an old wood floor that bounced whenever someone walked by and made you wonder if risking your life was worth an encore. While I wished it was Archer Prewitt who was singing, Dave was nodding his head to the beat. It's a subtle nod that most people might not even notice, but I knew it meant he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

At first glance, it felt like the room was filled with people just like us. But after careful observation a few details surfaced, reminding us that we were indeed in a new place:

• "You're doing great!" In addition to actual song requests, listeners yelled genuine words of encouragement.

• Several men were spotted sporting "manpris." Not to be confused with the one-cuff-rolled-to-avoid-bike-chain-grease look, but rather the double-cuff-let-my-ankles-cool. While there is a slight chance that fleece may be in Dave's future, the day he dons manpris is the day I come home to find him tie-dying our bed sheets.

• On occasion, various listeners would break out with a small solo display of gymnastic prowess. No rhythmic flags or extensive floor routines. More of a, "I love this band so much I must do a round-off!"

All in all, it was a nice little night in our new city. But we couldn't help but wish that tucked somewhere on the tour bus was a little Pavelich stow-away.


Part Two: Gallagher Hobos vs. Nubian Dairy Goats.

We knew there'd be hobos. I mean, every town has one or two hanging around-some nice, some not so nice. Our fondest dreams could never have anticipated the multiple, joyous, colorful Gallagher Hobos. While we don't have photographic proof (yet), there have been many Gallagher Hobo sightings in our short two weeks here.

The moustache, the loud clothes, the high-on-life smile, and receding hippie hairline-everything adds up to a perfect middle lower class hobo. I wish I could properly express the excitement of our discovery. You'll just have to come out to visit. We'll bring the watermelon.

The other big news: Nubian Dairy Goats.

Though we were quite excited to see a farm of Nubian Dairy Goats a short drive from our lil' townhouse on the prairie, a quick Wikipedia search taught us that the Nubian Dairy goat, for all it's long-named splendor, is the most popular goat in the United States.

Other highlights of the week:

• A young girl telling Saralyn that Patsy's head was "like a globe."

• Realizing that she was sort of right–it is like a velvet globe.

• Hearing, and repeating the song Pop Lock and Drop It over and over and over and over (but just that catchy chorus part).

• Having a romantic dinner at home while watching yet another post on the amazing R. Kelly TV.

• Receiving, watching, and guest starring in the new Found Footage Festival DVD. You should really order one for your whole family.

That's pretty much a full week. We're guessing, and hoping, that life is going to be full of these sorts of promising discoveries from here on out. Of course, we'll be here to blog all about it.