Good morning! It’s a rainy, windy day here in Chicago. It’s the kind of day where I’d like to stay in and read all day, but I also know I’ll get antsy. My niece and her youngest daughter (the same two who went to Anastasia) are attending today’s matinee, so I’ll make sure I’m at the theater when the show lets out to say hello.
Despite our hopes for more time together, Don had a rehearsal yesterday. It’s called a Put-In rehearsal. When a cast member is going to be absent from a particular performance and it’s early in the run, a put-in rehearsal is called so that the understudy can run through the show with the rest of the cast. In this case, it’s the second male lead who will miss a show the day after Thanksgiving, so his understudy needed to rehearse with everyone.
And today, between shows, the cast is filming their segment of something to do with lighting the Christmas Tree tonight. Don was wrong – they aren’t in the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s this lighting celebration that they are a part of. They’re pre-taping their segment because they’ll be performing onstage at the time of the ceremony.
This ironwork is found in several places on the outside of the building where the theater is. Isn’t it fabulous? It has a strong Art Nouveau flavor.
And next to the theater:
This charming building, which houses Argo Tea. I don’t know the story behind it, I need to research that, but isn’t it charming? When the hour strikes, music is played and it’s perfectly lovely.
On a building next to Macy’s – this incredible mural honoring the great bluesman, Muddy Waters.
By chance, we ended up having dinner at Harry Caray’s restaurant. Harry Caray was the beloved voice of several ball clubs, but the last 16 years or so of his career were spent with the Chicago Cubs. The restaurant is in a historic building and it’s filled with memorabilia and white-washed brick walls and loads of charm. Many of the waiters have worked there for years. They wear crisp white jackets and aprons.
Here I am with our waiter who has worked there for 17 years. His name is Talon. Don’t you love it? He was a fount of information about the restaurant and its history. At one point, it was a rooming house and Frank Nitti, the gangster, stayed there. While we sat there, we so enjoyed the music being played; the sheer variety of it – nothing new, everything old – quirky music pulled from everywhere. Turns out Talon put it all together over the course of five years. We had the best time. Talon recognized Don and, I’m sure, looked up his IMDB listing, because he remembered seeing him on many television shows. Next thing we knew, the manager was at our table greeting us and asking Don to pose for a picture with the bust of Harry Caray. They’re going to put it on a wall somewhere! Here’s my version of the picture:
Okay. You wanted a photo of the coat. Looking at the coat, I’m not sure how glamorous it will be to you, but for me, it’s all in the big shawl collar, which makes me feel glamorous. Normally, my hair is tucked inside the collar. It’s big and slouchy and it’s the perfect coat for me. It’s by DKNY. (It looks a bit more glam when I’m not wearing sneakers.)
Boy, I look more and more like my mom.
Finally, my birthday is next week, and Don asked me what I wanted the other day. I thought about it and told him I’d like a citrine ring – it’s my birthstone. Periodically, I look for one but I never find one that I like. I don’t want the traditional cut or a setting that I would see everywhere. I wanted something that was more about the actual stone than lots of sparkle.
The back story: My beloved grandmother and I were November babies. In fact, our birthdays were three days apart. The traditional birthstone for November is topaz which has, over the years, changed to citrine because topaz has become rarer and more expensive. My grandmother had the most beautiful topaz ring, the setting was rather like a flower, very old-fashioned. I loved that ring and I inherited it when Grandma passed away. Several years later, when I was living in an apartment during my first year in San Diego, someone broke into my apartment and stole that ring, along with my great-grandmother’s wedding band – both of which were priceless. I had almost worn them that day, but decided not to. I left them out on my dresser.
I was heartbroken. I didn’t tell my mom because I knew she would be upset. My friend Rick (yes, the same Rick) came over to the apartment and we installed window locks and dealt with the police, who informed us that they would keep an eye on the pawn shops. I never heard anything again.
I’m still heartbroken about that loss, 24 years later. I’ve been looking for a ring to love for 24 years.
So Don said, let’s go look. (He was excited that I actually had a concrete suggestion!) We went to Macy’s – and I saw what I’m used to seeing, a citrine surrounded by lots of diamonds. That looks too glitzy to me. I wanted something simpler and I resigned myself to a search that would most likely go on for weeks. The lovely woman who helped us at Macy’s mentioned that there is a Jeweler’s Row on Wabash and that we should look there. So we did. I found one ring that I loved, it turned out to be vintage, but the gold was so thin that they wouldn’t have been able to size it. I was disappointed but Don reminded me that it wasn’t meant to be my ring. We were tired and about to give up when Don went into one store and I went into the one next door and I found it. It was exactly my size, no sizing needed, and it’s the only one in that design.
It does have some very small diamonds, but what you really see is the stone, which is bezel set. I love a bezel setting. The 14k gold has been sandblasted so it has a distinct finish.
At breakfast yesterday. Isn’t it beautiful? It’s slightly different than I had imagined my dream ring to be – it’s even better! It was meant for me.
This birthday is a big one, so Don wanted to give me something memorable. And he did. I love it so much and I hope Grandma loves it, too.
Happy Saturday.
This whole post is just lovely. The show, the trip around Chicago, the ring. You two are so very lucky to have each other.
Thank you, Elle!
Love your coat. It totally suits you, even with sneakers!
Beautiful restaurant and lovely waiter. He must totally love his job to be there for so long. I’m sure he gets to meet some pretty amazing patrons.
My birthday, along with my husbands and grandson, is also in November. I had no idea our birthstone had changed. Love your ring. And the diamonds are not over powering at all. Just the right amount and size to add to the beautiful setting. Ironically, I had a topaz ring that was also stolen in a robbery in February of 1993 …. 24 years ago. Our home was broken in to one afternoon. I left home with my little 4 year old, pregnant with our now 24 year old, at 1:10 p.m. to get a few extra groceries as a big Winter storm was on it’s way. We arrived home at about 1:50 to find our front door kicked in. They stole my husbands production equipment and my jewelry, including my engagement ring, anniversary band and the topaz ring my grandma gave to me on my 18th birthday. Heartbreaking and unnerving. The police told us they had been watching me leave likely and the fact they knew were my husbands’ equipment was was eery. Left no fingerprints and other than the door, no damage. Strange and no resolution to it.
Have a great day and enjoy meeting with your family again. We’re off to do some antique shopping, farmers’ market shopping and then meeting our best friend who is treating both of us to a birthday lunch today.
X Chy
Same year, a topaz ring – what are the odds? I’m sorry you lost so many precious things, Chy. You never get over it do you? Because, you’re right, it remains unresolved.
In the end, they were just things. But the sentimental value is the hard part. I wanted to pass my rings on to my daughters and their daughters, as my grandma had to me. Thankful for insurance that replaced what we lost but the originals were much more special to me.
It’s always the sentimental value. That’s what makes me sad.
L.O.V.E your ring. It is just perfect! Happy early Birthday!
Thank you, Cathy!
I love the coat….you look so glamorous, even with the sneakers! Sounds like you and Don are having great fun with his celebrity status…a picture at Harry Carey’s? Cool!
I’m sure you were devastated when your rings were stolen. My mom had a gorgeous aquamarine, March’s birthstone, stolen along with my grandmothers silver and other jewelry…none of it was ever recovered. There is so much history, memories, and feelings that are associated with jewelry…especially rings. And when someone steals the object, the ring, they are stealing so much more. They are stealing a tangible memory, if you will. Your new ring is stunning in its’ simplicity….a beautiful gift from Don.
Enjoy your visit with family….and your day. We had snow this morning, but it melted quickly! ;)
Absolutely agree about the theft of jewelry – especially those pieces that have a personal story. I’m sure whoever stole got next to nothing for the pieces – they are old, not that much gold, etc. But in stealing them, they took a piece of my heart.
Snow! I wonder if there’s been any snow back home?
Claudia, I love that coat !! I also love your new ring, how very sweet of Don to get it for you. Happy birthday . I have been to the Harry Carry restaurant . :) The metal trim on buildings has always fascinated me. To me it is art. I am so glad you are enjoying your time. Wish the weather was better. It is nasty here today too. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
I’ve already decided that today will be a low-key day. A quick walk to Whole Foods, meeting with my nieces after the show and then home. Reading is on the docket and Rear Window is on TCM tonight.
Elegant and classy! The coat,the ring and you!!!
Thank you, Grace!
Happy Birthday blessings in advance,in case i am not around!
Thank you
I’m sorry you feel your loss after so many years but that is not only normal, that is so you…you infuse so much personal meaning to the objects that they have their own spirit. That doesn’t mean you’re materialistic…quite the opposite, I believe. You love the object for the memories and the back stories. That quality makes the things you have special. Your citrine ring is lovely and so is your coat. The ring from Don adds another chapter to your story of your Grandma’s ring, and to your never-ending story with Don.
Thank you for your kind words, Wendy. Bless you.
I’m enjoying your adventures in Chicago. And your citrine ring is perfection! I hope it brings you joy each time you wear it! I have a rather plain antique citrine ring and have always loved it. Have fun…
I can’t stop looking at it, Judy. Thank you!
An early Happy Birthday, Claudia! Hope you get to the wonderful museums in Chicago as well as Millennium Park even though the weather’s kind of chilly now. Love the new ring and the coat.
I’ve been in Millennium Park and I’ve now been to the Art Institute twice! Thanks, Judy.
A new gorgeous ring. A fab coat. Spending time with your sweetie making memories. Your wonderful post today made me smile.
Thank you, Kay!
Love the coat! Love the ring!
Thank you, Carolyn Marie!
Love your coat! Very glam [even WITH the sneakers]. I remember seeing Princess Di in a similar design in the mid-90s, so you not only have good taste – it’s timeless! Harry Caray’s sounds just like the kind of restaurant I like – old-timey & unpretentious. I especially love restaurants that have “career” staff and not just high school/college kids & 20-somethings who’re still trying to get their first “real” jobs. My family sometimes goes for breakfast to a little place nearby us where the average waitress is in her 50s! Tip – “career” waitstaff ALWAYS know what’s done well in their places [not to mention – what’s NOT]. And the service is always top-notch because they’re well-practiced and it is – obviously – how they make a living. Added Harry’s & the Argo Tea spot to my list of “Chicago Musts.” Very pretty ring too. Meant to be yours, I’m sure. How nice of the saleslady at Macy’s to tip you off to “Jewelry Row” – very “Miracle on 34th Street” of her! Have a great weekend in the Windy City! Peace.
#Resist
Oh, I heard our waiter advising some customers as to what he thought was best on the menu. As honest as the day is long!
That ring is so beautiful and the coat is, too! It always surprises me that quite often your taste mirrors mine. Therefore, may I tell you that you have excellent taste? Yes you do!
Thanks so much, Shanna!
I so seldom use this word I’m about to use but I just can’t help it.
you’re so cute!
from your glam coat (and it truly is glamourous) right on down to your toes.
I love your take on it with the tennis shoes. (I still call them all tennis shoes.)
that makes me a dinosaur. and at 72 I suppose I get by with calling somebody cute.
but you are!
I love that you found the perfect ring. and that the two of you looked for it together.
your grandmamma is smiling down for sure.
and … hogging the comment section here… but I love Chicago! never knew how really beautiful it is! the architecture is stunning!
I still say tennis shoes as well! Thanks so much for your kind words, Tammy!
The coat and the glasses- you are rockin’ it! Fabulous. You’re making me want that coat, and want to see “Escape from Margaritaville”. It’s been great fun these past few months following your Margarittaville adventures as, dare I refer to you as, “a theater groupie”. Or maybe I should just call you a “Don” groupie. Anyway, I’m enjoying your travels!
Well, I work in the theater, so I don’t think I’m a theater groupie, as it’s nothing new to me – but I’m definitely a Don groupie! I hope you can see Escape to Margaritaville sometime, Beth. It’s just plain fun!
I love the ring. It’s unique and it’s you.
Just perfect.
Your winter coat is perfect too. Love the color but it’s all about the shawl collar. And it goes great with your ring. : )
Enjoy your weekend with Don.
Monica
It IS all about the shawl collar! Thanks, Monica!
Harry Caray’s restaurant is fun and the food is great. I saw a pic you IG’d of the Merchandise Mart. My mom used to go on buying trips there for a small place she worked for, and one year when I was about 12 I went with her. I felt so grown up and glamorous. Ha!!
Looks like you are having a great time. It is cold here today and quite gloomy and blustery. Anyone else ready for spring?
I’m definitely ready for spring!
Love the shawl collar and that ring! Thanks for letting us in on all the fun. I loved living in Chicago and always enjoy returning for visits.Glad I lived there when I was much younger,as I now think as much as I’d want to,I’d not be out and about as much.That sentence does not sound quite right,but anyway… xo
I love walking in a city. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Don says I walk too fast!
Chicago is beautiful, love all the pictures you shared. I also think you look marvelous in your shawl collar coat, it is perfect for you. I love the golden color of topaz as well and I think your ring is very pretty,love the vintage look and the size of the stone. Sigh, how luck y you are to spend time in Chicago with your hubby and that theatre is so charming too. Sending Happy Birthday wishes! Diane
I’m very lucky to be here. It wasn’t until the last year or so that we could get away at all.
You do look like your Mom in that photo. I lost my mother’s topaz ring too. So sad. I am happy you found one you love ❤️.
I’m sorry you lost that ring, Kay. xo
Hello from your friend you’ve never met. GREAT ring! Congrats and almost happy birthday. Also, love, love, love the coat – what a glam shot (sneakers notwithstanding)! Would you mind repeating who makes it and where you purchased it.
It’s DKNY and I got it at Macy’s.
Oh, it’s a perfect ring; so unique. You lucked out, Claudia; that ring was made for you!
I have a topaz ring I inherited from my Irish ‘aunt’ (Mom’s best friend); I’d admired it from the time I was a little girl in the 50s, so she actually had the specification in her Will that it would go to me when she passed. It is flanked by two tiny red rubies (I’d once thought they were garnets, til I got it appraised) but the topaz itself is, well, a rock of a thing; big and clear and gorgeous. Very autumn-like; always reminds me of Fall leaves; a big plop of amber, sort of. Auntie, for being fair-skinned and a fiery redhead, was also very ‘tan’, living in a sun-washed house above San Pedro Bay, and her groomed fingernails were generally painted coral, so the ring was rather stunning on her long, sun-kissed brown and willowy hands. But for me, I have short/stubby fingers and I never grow out my nails, so this ring looks humongous on my hand. It’s one of those things where I occasionally say to myself, “I really need to do something about this; figure out some other setting or use for the ring.” But then I never do, and it just sits, locked away in the safe deposit box at the bank when instead, like most jewelry and especially pearls, it should be worn. Since leaving the workplace, I hardly wear any jewelry (like never, not even my wedding rings); I don’t know why. Life I guess just became very…California Casual. TOO casual.
Tragic to have had your jewelry stolen. Such a violation. Maybe you’re at full circle now. Very healing to have a new ring with new meaning; life-affirming and pleasing, every time you look at it on your hand. It’s so, so pretty. Thanks for showing it to us.
Said again, I’m really loving your Chicago photos; what an interesting city; I’ve never been there. I always felt it must be a special place because I’ve actually had a lot of people tell me about it: I had long-time neighbors who were from Glencoe and she’d gone to Northwestern before getting married. We have an acquaintance who moved to Evanston about 8 years ago. All of this is, of course, points north/North Shore, from what I understand, including where an old boss of mine had lived, in Rockford (northwest). His wife would commute in to the City – I think it took her a couple of hours – because she worked at Marshall Field’s in its heyday; I think she worked in a womenswear department. No matter when I ever saw her once they’d moved out to SoCalif for one of his job stops on the career ladder, she looked immaculate, with perfect hair, understated but exquisite jewelry, a beautiful scarf; she was a real lady, not stuck up but just the epitome of good taste, grace; manners. They were so displaced out here on the West Coast; he liked to golf but I always felt she was just…lost; really missing the Midwest she knew; roots there, not here in California. (I can so understand it now, having once been uprooted myself to another state because of the other spouse’s change in employment. It’s hard to be separated from friends, family & familiar life…and go somewhere that seems like another planet, where you don’t know a soul…and everything is UNfamiliar.) It was rough on her; she died ‘way before he did although they did return, eventually, to Rockford.
I once worked with someone who’d attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago; she’s a fairly well-known artist now in Michigan. Paints a lot of the Upper Peninsula area. I guess because I’ve heard so much about Michigan and Illinois – my cousin lived the last 20 years of her life in Springfield – it almost seems familiar to me as if I’ve been there but, no, I haven’t been, and I really need to/want to! I’ve read that Chicago is definitely known for a lot of its architecture and your photos really show its variety of style.
I’m always fascinated, too, about how wealthy people from Chicago would summer in fascinating places like little lake enclaves elsewhere, Lake Geneva coming to mind. Summer cottages that were actually big mansions. The ‘Wisconsin Dells’ I’ve heard about; Indiana Dunes. Various ‘lake ports’. (I know you said you were a camp counselor in similar surroundings.) If I’d heard it once, I’ve heard it a dozen times of anyone I knew from the Chicago area going ‘to the lake’ in summer; taking the boat. Etc. Although Chicago itself is indeed ON a lake, these were different lake resorts; the getaway spots.
People in the Great Lakes States always go to the shore or to a cottage on a lake. And they aren’t necessarily wealthy. We grew up going to our family’s cottage on a lake. Chicagoans are on Lake Michigan, but they often go to the southwestern lake communities in Michigan for a getaway – or to Traverse City, etc. Wisconsin’s go to Door County. Canadians go to Cottage Country. It’s really part and parcel of growing up in the Upper Midwest.
That Argo Tea building is lovely. Your new coat is very fashionable. Sorry about the loss of your grandmother and great grandmother’s rings. It is so upsetting to have someone steal your belongings.
Marilyn
It is upsetting and unsettling, Marilyn. Thank you.
I love the picture of you in the light sunglasses wearing the brown coat, with your beautiful hair hanging over your shoulder. I think that if Marilyn Monroe had been lucky enough to have been able to live to your age, she would have looked just like this. Get this one framed!
Aren’t you sweet! Thank you, Tana.
Your trip has made me need to visit Chicago.
My mother worked in Chicago in the 40s and early 50s. Her memories were always great. My son made an impromptu trip there one time with a date. He has been back several times since. I do believe it is my turn.
My mom looks back at me every morning when I look in the mirror. It was a huge shock the first time it happened.
Your ring is gorgeous and it really is perfect for you.
It is your turn! You must visit Chicago! Thanks, Trudy
The more I follow your blog, the more I identify with you, we are born in November, we are Scorpio, I love your travels, your ring is beautiful. Last year, I handed myself a gift for the turquoise silver ring with a designer similar to yours. Enjoy your trip, beautiful city.
Thank you so much, Edis! We are kindred spirits!
I LOVE both your ring and the coat! You look lovely and elegant in the coat. I love the style! Your ring is unique and beautiful! So happy for you!
Thank you so much, Dottie!
I didn’t read all the comments but I know we are all saying the same thing, your ring is gorgeous and you in that coat and the sun glasses are stunning! If you had had suede booties on you would have made the cover of a magazine! Those 3 items, the coat, glasses and ring are your style statement. I am so happy you are able to travel with your own “Personal Star”.
No suede booties – not the best for miles of walking!
Thank you so much, Gayle.
I love love LOVE your ring! Bravo on searching and finding just the right stone and design. It’s amazing! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Thank you so much, Teresa! I really, really love it.