We had a lovely evening at the Rams Head Tavern, watching a great performance by Vienna Teng.

She was really amazing. In one song, she used the piano for percussion between beats. Another, a capella, she recorded samples on the spot and was able to sing multi-part harmonies with herself.

And, of course, we got album covers signed and another photo for my collection:

And as we headed home before 10:30, I was happy for the early night. I’d still be able to get in some computer time before bed. I obviously did get in some computer time, however, I should be in my jammies right now.

We got to the car in the parking garage, pulled out of the spot and headed up towards the next level. And stopped.

Our departure not only coincided with a concert letting out, but it was also Midnight Madness in town.

Argh!

When I started taking photos, I think we had been in the car for 15 minutes. And had moved 10 feet.

By the time I saw the smiling face on this sign:

I was pretty livid. Yes, the exit was near. But we passed another exit THAT WAS CLOSED 25 minutes earlier.

Finally, we could see the front of the line.

Yes, I know. I need to dust the dashboard, but I wanted to get the time in there. I knew I had been impatiently clock-watching, while sitting in traffic, since 10:33. So I know we left right around 10:30.

A few minutes later, we were free!

And then we were home.

Notice that the time it took us to get home, once freed from parking hell, is the same amount of time it took for Park America to collect $2 from six cars.

It was flat-rate parking for cars entering after 4p.m. Which was probably just about everybody. It’s not like this special event took the city garage by surprise. They do it every year!

It took us nearly an hour to get home when it could be walked in 30. (Just not in the dark, while wearing heels, in the rain.)

Ugh.