Through the Keyhole - September 2026

 

Through the Keyhole SEPTEMBER 2026 Take a break from your day... Not your typical company OR newsletter "This waterfall is actually bigger than Niagra Falls.  In this Gem State, this tribal cascade is a twin and the Californians are flocking there for the natural beauty and a new beginning (leave your politics in CA).  The french fries are fresh too.  You don't have the guess the name of the waterfall...just the state will do."   Can you guess the location? Goodbye Summer. Kind of.  September is that sneaky month that shows up like, “Hey, summer’s over… but not really.”   The days are still warm enough for one last beach trip or patio hang, yet the mornings start carrying that crisp, apple-cinnamon air that makes you suddenly crave sweaters and pumpkin everything. I personally am not a fan of the pumpkin craze but understand the sentiment.   Leaves begin their slow-motion fireworks show, kids (and teachers) get that mix of dread and excitement about going back to school, and the whole world seems to shift into a softer, golden gear.   It’s harvest season, football season, and “I should probably start acting like a responsible adult again” season all rolled into one. September doesn’t yell like July or sulk like November—it just quietly hands you a latte, points at the changing trees, and says, “Hey. Enjoy this while it lasts.”   September is one of the best months in the midwest.  Except for the bees but they keep our system in order...   And it's almost time for chili.   In Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” nothing specific or historical happens on the 21st night of September—it’s simply a glowing memory of love, dancing, hearts ringing, and pure joy that lingers into December.   The song was written in 1978 by Maurice White, guitarist Al McKay, and songwriter Allee Willis as a new track for the band’s first greatest-hits album. McKay came up with the irresistible groove, White sang the opening “Do you remember…,” and Willis polished the lyrics, changing “day” to the more romantic “night.”   For years everyone was told the date was chosen just because it sang the best. Later it emerged that September 21 was the original due date for Maurice White’s son Kahbran (who arrived early). Maurice quietly slipped the date into the song as a private celebration and never mentioned it.   The famous “ba-dee-ya” started as White’s usual nonsense placeholder while working out the melody; Willis wanted real words, but he insisted the groove mattered more—and he was right.   The track has since become a timeless party anthem, an unofficial holiday, and the reason plenty of people still get married on September 21.   If you want to hear a funny version of this song, click here. Use the free versions... FREE VERSIONS VERSUS PAID VERSIONS   Do not pay for Spotify, use Lyra Do not pay for Apple TV, use Streamly Do not pay for Netflix, use Flixio Do not pay for Paramount+, use EpicFlix Do not pay for Apple Music, use ESound Do not pay for Peacock, use GlitchTV Do not pay for Disney, use Netmirror Do not pay for Prime Video, use CineHub Do not pay for HBO Max, use Moviebox Do not pay for YT Premium, use Brave browser Do not pay for Hulu, use ShowZone   Just some other places to consume media...   Enjoy. Guess the Location Game Last month the winner of the guess the location game was Brian Moffitt who guessed the right answer.  I appreciate all of the participation.  THANKS FOR PLAYING! ANSWER: Wisconsin Dells, WI "Twisted rocks by river's bend, where water slides never end — speedboat sprays meet sandstone haze in America's Midwest playground maze." Oh man, Wisconsin Dells is that perfect mix of pure chaos and chill vibes that somehow just works. It’s the Waterpark Capital of the World for a reason—picture yourself screaming down massive slides at Noah’s Ark (the biggest outdoor one around), racing through the Greek-god themed insanity at Mt. Olympus, or floating around the endless indoor/outdoor water wonderlands at places like Kalahari or Wilderness.    When you’re not soaking wet and slightly sunburned, hop on an Original Wisconsin Duck for that classic amphibious ride that goes from land straight into the river, or take a boat tour through the actual Dells themselves—those crazy sandstone cliffs and narrow canyons (hello, Witches Gulch) that look like something out of a fantasy movie.But here’s the real local magic: after a day of pure adrenaline, you slow way down at a classic Wisconsin supper club.    The famous one you’ve gotta hit is Ishnala. Nestled right in Mirror Lake State Park with giant Norway pines growing straight through the roof of the dining room, it feels like you’re eating in a cozy log cabin in the middle of the woods… because you basically are. No reservations, so get there early, grab a brandy Old Fashioned (they serve a ridiculous number of them every season), and settle in for steaks, lobster, or whatever classic supper-club goodness is calling your name while you stare out over the quiet lake.    It’s pure Wisconsin tradition with a side of "why does this feel so right?"  Wisconsin Dells does both the loud, splashy fun and the slow, cozy, cocktail-sipping evenings better than just about anywhere. Go for the waterparks, stay for the supper club glow.   Bring the kids or be a kid. No matter.    ~ 4 minutes A little history ~3 minutes   ~1 minute Ridiculous plating... Coyote vs. ACME Movie Trailer  ~2 minutes Mr. T visits Wrigley Field  ~ 2 minutes Bless Me Father... "Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have been with a permiscuous girl."   The priest asks, "Is that you, little Joey Pagano?"   "Yes, Father, it is."   "And who was the girl you were with?"   "I can't tell you, Father. I don't want to ruin her reputation."   "Well, Joey, I'm sure to find out her name sooner or later so you may as well tell me now. Was it Tina Minetti?"   "I cannot say."   "Was it Teresa Mazzarelli?"   "I'll never tell."   "Was it Nina Capelli?"   "I'm sorry, but I cannot name her."   "Was it Cathy Piriano?"   "My lips are sealed."   "Was it Rosa DiAngelo, then?"   "Please, Father! I cannot tell you."   The priest sighs in frustration. "You're very tight lipped, and I admire that. But you've sinned and have to atone. You cannot be an altar boy now for 4 months. Now you go and behave yourself."   Joey walks back to his pew, and his friend Franco slides over and whispers, "What'd you get?"   "Four months vacation and five good leads..."   Just for FUN... Chicago World's Fair... Where are the wires? ~ 1 minute Edgy. More Edgy Stuff... Spaghetti Carbonara Ingredients  7–9 oz spaghetti   3½–4 oz guanciale (or good pancetta), cut into small strips or cubes   2 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg   1¾–2 oz Pecorino Romano, finely grated (plus extra for serving)   Freshly ground black pepper   Salt for the pasta water Directions Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.    While the pasta cooks, put the guanciale in a cold skillet over medium heat. Render the fat slowly until the pieces are golden and crisp (about 8–10 minutes). Turn off the heat.    In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, whole egg, grated Pecorino, and a generous amount of black pepper until creamy.     Add the drained hot pasta to the skillet with the guanciale and toss to coat in the fat.     Remove the pan from the heat. Quickly pour in the egg-cheese mixture and toss vigorously, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the noodles (it should look creamy, not scrambled).    Serve immediately with extra Pecorino and more black pepper.   All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 210 S. Milwaukee Ave. Wheeling, IL 60090 USA