I have had the best time here in Chicago. From start to (almost) finish, it’s been simply lovely. Family, friends, seeing the sights, my birthday, Thanksgiving with the cast of Escape to Margaritaville – my cup runneth over.
I’ve always loved Chicago and now I love it even more.
A christmas tree in Grant Park.
This building, which sets my architectural loving heart aflutter.
This Art Deco-y font on the marquee.
My best friend of 53 years. Laural and I are true-blue; we know each other on a deep level that transcends time. We met at Macy’s (which I keep referring to as Marshall Fields – wishful thinking,) had lunch in the Walnut Room (she treated for my birthday) and talked for 5 hours. We could have continued but she had to get home. A perfect day with my dearest friend. She and her family are coming to the show tonight.
A low-key day yesterday, with an afternoon walk, and then dinner with the cast of Escape to Margaritaville. Dinner was at a local restaurant, where we dined at beautifully set round tables in a private room. I cannot say enough about the beautiful souls that are part of this production. Kind, funny, talented, good – there is no drama, only love.
On our way to the restaurant, we noticed Chicago was getting its red and green on:
Alison Luff, the female lead, took this candid picture of us.
It might be my favorite picture of Don and me. Alison is incredibly talented and a beautiful person inside and out. Thank you, Alison.
Oh, Chicago, thank you for your hospitality and the chance to explore you. Thanks for housing my family and best friend, so that I could spend time with them. Thanks for your soaring, gorgeous architecture and your Art Institute, for your park, for your bridges, for your great restaurants and theaters. I’ve had a wondrous time.
My friends, I have an early flight tomorrow, so I most likely won’t post. We’ll get back to normal posting on Sunday.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Happy Friday.
Claudia,
The look on each of your faces says it all. What a stunning picture! What wonderful memories…
Thank you so much, Roneta!
oh, that is a wonderful gift allison gave you in that photo! not that you need proof of your love for each other (you and don have that every day) … but still it is nice for you to look at in such a dreamy/ dream-come-true photo, isn’t it?! glad for you.
she has a beautiful voice, too. well, the whole cast does … great job!
thanks for taking extra-precious vacation time to post for us!
safe travels, too.
kathy in iowa
It is. We were so thrilled when she showed it to us. She has an incredible voice (she also plays guitar in real life and is in a band).
Thanks, Kathy!
You’ve seen a lot…done a lot….and you’ve visited a lot. That pic of you two is gorgeous…so much love there. Safe travels tomorrow! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae. It will be a long day – that’s a given.
That’s a beautiful shot of you two! I’ve loved the trip along with you. We had a lovely, quiet day with too much food—perfect. Safe travels tomorrow.
Thanks, Shanna.
The photo must be enlarged, framed and hung in a place of love and honor in your cottage, Claudia! Black and white is so timeless and classy…start the hunt for the perfect frame! Hope your trip home is smooth and without problems.
Me too! Fingers crossed, Wendy!
I agree with wendy t!
and the word you used for all of it just fits. wondrous! xo
Thank you, Tammy!
Thank you for allowing us to see Chicago and all its wonders through your eyes. You take us all on the best adventures!
Safe travels on your journey home.
Thank you, Debbie.
Wow, that IS a terrific shot of you & Don! Truly. If Allison ever wants to toss aside the whole acting thing, she could have quite a future in photography – she’s got a great eye. GREAT photo.
Thoroughly enjoyed YOUR visit to Chicago, every bit as much as New Orleans. Wish you were going to be there for – oh, I don’t know – another couple months maybe? You certainly wouldn’t run out of things to see & visit there, that’s for sure. I bet Chicago during the holidays is something really special. Have a very safe & [hopefully] quick trip home. Peace. 🎄
#Resist
You should see her Instagram feed. She takes beautiful photos.
I’m getting a taste – already – of what Chicago is like during the Christmas season. It’s pretty wonderful.
I seriously just got tears in my eyes from looking at that incredible b&w photo of you and Don. I don’t know you, although I sorta feel like I know you, and there’s such a special vibe there between the two of you that’s just totally beautiful. It’s a photo to look at each and every day.
We sure love it – all the better because it was candid. Thank you, Vicki.
What an enchanted time! Not Enchanted April, but Enchanted November. That picture of you and Don is also enchanted. Have a safe trip home.
Thank you so much, Tana.
Thank you for showing me that Chicago is a wonderful place…I love how she is getting dressed up in red and green for Christmas too!…It’s been nice to meet your family and your friend and to see our little guy again even though he was feeling bad…Also it’s been nice to see Don while he’s been gone from home for so long…and it will be nice to see him at home with you again next week…As always Claudia..Thank you for being our guide…Have a safe and peaceful trip home!
almost forgot the picture…very romantic…
Thank you.
You’re welcome, Nancy!
Claudia, I absolutely love the picture of Don and you….it is definitely two people in love. You need to frame that and make it a nice size photo. I am so glad you had such a fun time in Chicago. These memories will get you through winter. :):) Blessings, xoxo, Susie
I don’t think it would look as good if I enlarged it. I’ll probably just keep it this size.
Wishing you a safe trip back home.
I am going to miss Chicago!
M~
Thank you, Monica!
I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time in “my” city, though I think you’ve explored more of it than I have! The only reason we rarely go there is because of the traffic. With living 45 miles northwest, the traffic going in and out of the city is insane – even when it’s not rush hour. If we were to spend a day down there, it’d have to be on a Saturday or Sunday. I’ll have to see what Brian’s schedule looks like. Perhaps we can sneak in a visit before Christmas. I’d love to see all the lights. I love the black and white photo of you and Don. You can see how engaged you two were with each other – not just the hand holding, but the way you two are truly looking at each other. Safe travels home…I just wish the two of us had a chance to meet up while you were here!
I wish we had, too! Another time, for sure. Thanks, Melanie!
My favorite picture of a couple in love ever❤️❤️❤️😍😍😍😍
Thank you so much, Gayle!
What a beautiful memory made into a stunning photo! I know you will cherish that forever!
So glad you had a great time. The temps today hit 64* in Madison, and it looks like weather-wise you should not have had any issues for your flight. Not that weather is the only “problem” that can occur…. I do hope you are home in the cottage as you read this and that your travels were safe with no delays!
It was a smooth flight – unseasonably warm here as well! I got back last night and am glad to be home.
Enjoyed all of your Chicago photos, Claudia. Safe travels home!
Thank you, Judy!