Nav. Guy and I traveled to Chicago a couple of weeks ago with E. to visit a law school. It was fun to get away for a weekend--well, really just overnight, and take in the city sights. Mom came over to keep the home fires burning and watch over the teens at home.
In spite of the frigid temperatures, we got out and about. After checking into our hotel we bundle up for a few blocks walk (in falling snow and wind) to Michigan Avenue.
Our first stop was Crate and Barrel. I really like this store probably more than any other for home decor. I found some fun furniture there like this
Doesn't this look like fun? It looks like the kind of sofa that Major Anthony Nelson or Darren Stephens could grab a cocktail and really unwind on at the end of a day. This appeals to me in a way that the whole 60's and 70's eras appeal to me. I really like the clean lines of this group--shagalicious baby! Then there's this--
This grouping really looks stylish as well as comfortable. I could totally curl up at the end of this sofa with a cat and my knitting or a book.
We moved on down the street and into Tiffany's. E. picked out her dream jewelry and I picked out mine! Surprisingly (or not) our tastes tend to run about the same. This store and everything inside is definitely eye candy!
I can't tell you how much I adore The American Girl Store. In our house, we started reading the adventures of Samantha and didn't stop until we ended with Kit. Our girls had so much fun with everything American Girl--the clothing, the stories, the movies, the crafting, and putting on plays. Mom made the girls so many outfits that are real treasures now. Even now, the dolls are put away with a special chest for their wardrobe of clothing--Barbie should be so lucky to have as many clothes! Anyhow, the store moved up the street since we visited last, and we had to go inside to see the new digs. WOW is all I can say. Each doll has her own little room with a snapshot of their era in time. I just can't get over the fact that they "retired" Samantha and now Kirsten. Why? Why? Why? I really struggle with issues like this. I've never gotten over Carly Simon and James Taylor breaking up. Cher was never the same without Sonny. See? I struggle, I really do. Why do things have to always change?
I LOVE the way Kit is posed at her desk. She writing another story for the Cincinnati Enquirer no doubt. In our house, Kit will be getting dressed in her Cincinnati Red's outfit for Opening Day. I'll probably be the one to dress her. I told you I have issues.
This is the room for Julie, the new girl, living in the 1970's in San Francisco. This vibe and scene is all too familiar to me. The bean bag chair...the cassette player...tie dye scarf and lava lamp--this looks like my high school bedroom! The music was groovy and styles and fashion was far out. I hope they don't make any more modern era A.G. dolls after Julie. Bob Dylan sang it best--♪♫The times, they are a changin.♫ More good times ahead for sure, but the 70's were the best.
It was 8 pm. and we were hungry. This pizza is the best.
You know how I have trouble dealing with change and all. Well, another thing that's changing is the kids keep getting older. One day I'm holding their hands walking down Michigan Avenue and soon after I'm seeing them graduate from college (in May) and leave for grad. school. While we were waiting for our pizza, E. left the table and came back with this Carrie Bradshaw-type drink. When did she start drinking martini's? I swear, when we were here last year she ordered chocolate milk with a straw. See what I said about times a changin'?
Back out on the Avenue, and dark outside. This Vera Wang window display is eye catching.
The next morning we went for a school tour and then sat in on a professor's class. Very interesting.
No, the classroom was not in the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is what the room looks like if you are feeling over-whelmed with information and need to momentarily lay your head down on the desk. This building was 10 stories tall with classrooms and libraries everywhere.
Miss E. already looks like a fresh-faced lawyer, doesn't she? These law school recruits seriously stood out like sore thumbs walking around looking all rested and hydrated. Practically every current student I saw that day looked under nourished, sunken-eyed and pale--Team Edward Cullen!
We left there that afternoon with our heads swimming. We met up with a fellow Miami graduate who is attending John Marshall. She left us with apartment hunting tips and the address to her neighborhood. We sat out in search of "Boystown."
As we drove down the street, I noted that the stores in Boystown look pretty much like the storefronts in our little burg. Almost. The neighborhood looked very diverse with lots of apartments and beautiful old buildings. Looked like lots of students walking their doggies and milling around. We turned onto a residential street to look at our map and
HOLY SMOKES This does NOT look like any house in our burg!!! The houses in this neighborhood are way cool. Pre-war? Post-war? I don't know their pedigree, but I would love to see this street in the summertime. This house stood out for obvious reasons. I love this neighborhood and the unique homes.
We drove by Wrigley Field. BTW, it's official now--Solo is the cup for Wrigley Field.
We stopped to eat. I ordered and looked for the restroom.
Bikers do not mince words.
The food was great!
With our bellies full, our legs tired, and our wallets drained, we look for signs pointing south.
I pull out my project bag, but who am I kidding? I'm asleep before we're hardly out of town.
Miss E. has some big exciting decisions ahead. Does she stay in Ohio for school? Does she go out of state? Big city? Rural? North? South? Stay tuned--more road trips ahead!
