push back, Chicago

 The good people of Chicago took to the streets last night and I believe there was even a Cubs' game going on? We do NOT want our military in our cities and we do NOT want a Dictator in the White House. These are perilous times for those of us who love Democracy. Protests work, as we remember from Viet Nam.

and Harlow, the dog

 The wedding was great fun and beautiful and the bride and groom included the big doodle who always comes to my house. Harlow takes over, but in a good way. Today is an all day power outage so I am at the neighborhood cafe awkwardly typing and posting and worrying about all sorts of battery stuff. I was going to drive someplace but the garage door won't open. I blame Trump. But details. Now. I enjoyed two hours at the Chicago Art Institute on Friday before joining Nancy and family for lunch and then a visit to Navy Pier which was busy and hot and great for kids. OK, more tomorrow, depending on PG&E of course.

scenes from Chicago

 Details tomorrow,  I promise. The wedding was wonderful and the family exceedingly warm, loving, thoughtful and (well) a bit crazy. It was hot. The ceremony was beautiful and the airports and planes were packed, but all smooth and yes, I am so happy to be home where it is currently 62º and sunny and lovely. Thanks to Mr. and Ms. Blogmaid for picking me up at SFO yesterday and to Annabelle for being her adorable me-first self. Courtyard Hotel Downtown/River North was expensive but ideal. So glad I could use Lyft to remain independent and I love all cities ~ Chicago seemed somehow extra vibrant and alive with outdoor cafes and tons of sparkling lights at night. Thanks to you who encouraged me to go and who knew I would have a great time, and I did. You know who you are. LOVE.

an empty chair

 Our friend Lee died yesterday. She was 95 and had a wonderful life. We thought she would make it to book club yesterday when we finally discussed James, but no such luck. I will memorialize Lee at a later date, but suffice it to say that we were all so fortunate to know her. The irony of Lee passing on book club day is not lost on any of us. We had our lunch and a subdued meeting at Heidi's. 

I will be back next Monday. I hardly ever take a blog break but I do not want to take MsBook Air to Chicago and I will snap lots of photos and have a few stories to tell about the wedding, the sights, the heat and assorted family members. Bon voyage. 😎

pre-packing (again)

 Early Thursday morning I fly to Chicago for a lot of family and the grand daughter's wedding. It seems like I just unpacked, but off I go. Annabelle has been acting odd and of course she prefers that I stay home and feed her every ten minutes. I do love Chicago and this big imperfect family that Bill gave to me on our wedding day. 

a weighty issue

small part of the collection at the Art Institute

my vast collection 

The Chicago Art Institute has an entire room devoted to paper weights and
I get lost in there because they break the exhibit down by styles and the
novice (me) is always surprised to learn how many different versions
and categories there are. I tend to like pretty glass and the paper weight
is just very cool and feels so solid when held. Picture a large mahogany
desk with one neatly organized stack of papers topped by a beautiful paper
weight. (That would not be my actual desk.)

ain't it the truth?

This from the South African exhibit in the Chicago Art Institute. We
need to take a quiet moment and appreciate how far women have
come in just a few short decades. Here, there ~ everywhere (almost)
and there is no stopping us now. They try, those smug patriarchs,
but they will be crushed.

back to Chicago

This impressive outdoor sculpture was right across the street from my
Best Western on South Michigan Blvd. ~ Grant's Park. A Polish woman
artist's memory of her childhood and all the soldiers. Robin Williams was
instrumental in funding the permanent home for this glorious art.

heading home day

grandson Sam and his son Anderson

this early morning in Nancy's quiet living room

We all gathered yesterday at Nancy and Scott's to say our goodbyes, see
you next times and then I will leave this afternoon. Nancy and I walked
and gossiped later in the day and we ate wedding left overs of which
there are more than too many. I guess it is hot in SF (imagine) and I will
arrive late this afternoon to open doors and cuddle a certain cat. Then
laundry and re-connecting with my world tomorrow. Ready.

a joyful celebration

grand daughter Lauren, the beautiful bride

Ernie walked up the aisle too

Lovely ceremony (and short)

After dinner music and dancing

I go home tomorrow!

the family gathers

backyard tent

family (a small part)

It should be nice weather for Lauren and Pete's wedding this afternoon in
Nancy and Scott's backyard. We had a pre-party last night at a pizza joint
and it was fun and noisy and of course I left early to watch the Warriors
lose. So fun to see everyone after all my solo days in Chicago (which I
loved, of course.)

Thursday at The Art Institute

son of a whore

my view, second row balcony

an early dinner outside

I finally saw and loved Hamilton yesterday! I had been listening to the music
(provided by the Blogmaid) at home before I left so I knew a lot of the
words and I recommend doing that before you see this magnificent musical.
Yes, it's playing in SF, but somehow this was better, more special, closer
to NYC maybe? Great seat, full house, totally wonderful. Then an early
dinner outside in Millennium Park and some more walking and thinking.

bus, boat, feet

the Obama's Chicago home

Chicago skyline

on the river cruise

old building, new balconies

I had a great day yesterday and learned so much. I took notes and will do some
research as Chicago is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots and lots of new
business and they keep up with housing development too, so it doesn't become
like SF. On the other hand, it is crammed with people and cars. The bus tour
was terrific and the river cruise was amazing. Any new development here has to
adapt to the River Walk way of life so there are lots of restaurants and bars
with sparkly lights, reminding me a bit of the River Walk in San Antonio.

Since I'm reading Michelle Obama's book I loved seeing the University of
Chicago where she worked. My favorite new term from yesterday is, "the
balconization of Chicago" ~ note bottom photo. They convert old lofts for
apartments and condos and hang wrought iron balconies. So clever.

Now I need to get dressed, have some breakfast and head to Hamilton.
I'm tired but proud of myself for doing all of this as a newly single person.
Yes, I miss him.

walking on day #1

As luck would have it, I'm right across the street from Grant's Park and
the Art Institute and Millennium Park, too. My tour meeting place today
is a few blocks away as is the theater for Hamilton which I will see on
Wednesday. And I've found my Peet's and life is good. It's pretty great
when everything works out so smoothly. It is supposed to be warmer
today, we will see...

good job, stein

looking out my window

inside my Best Western room on Michigan Avenue

I'm here, I'm happy and I need to walk and have a giant latte.  More tomorrow!