CHICAGO! So, last Wednesday we made a whole day of Chicago, left here around 8:00 and got there around 10:30. I was still not fully well, getting over a cold, but enjoyed the time nevertheless. We were very fortunate to be able to use someone’s parking space for the day. Our first stop was at a lovely grocery store that reminded me of Fresh Market. We were able to sample some of their coffee and chocolates and actually purchased some chocolate pear, cherry, and raspberry flavored candies. We walked up Michigan Avenue, were given a banana with some advertising stuck on it, stopped into Payless Shoes, took some pictures by the Bean and listened to a band (who knows who they were!-they weren’t half bad), stopped into a place to eat to look at their gelato then continued on our way….we ended up eating at a food court (lame, I know) where we got Panda Express Chinese and split a Chicago Dog (which tasted like a regular hot dog to me). We stopped in a huge forever 21 searching for a while for a nice skirt, we were very unsuccessful. Our shopping adventures continued in the land of H & M which ended in nothing again. Nearing the end of our time, we stopped in the American girl shop and stopped to get some awesome custard—Pomegranate with another delicious flavor I can’t recall—Ahh, it was delicious! :D Stopped into Ghirardelli Chocolate to see about ice cream—it was really expensive so we decided not to get anything, but ended up leaving the shop with a piece of chocolate (free!) and it was super dark! We headed back down Michigan Avenue to hit up the Descartes’ Coffee Shop where Spanish guys were manning the shop (which seemed kind of weird). I got a shot of espresso and Carissa got some regular coffee and we had some Pistachio and Nutella Gelato. The guys there had no idea what any of the Gelato flavors were which was pretty humorous. Around 4:30, we headed to the airport to pick up Rachel and her friend Amy. We made great time and got home around 9:30 after dropping Amy off at her house.
Let’s see….other highlights. Family birthday party at the Grahams for Carissa and Rachel—great dinner of Chicken Cordon Blue. Fever House dinner, just minus Fever house. Party of 6—love little parties. Great cooking by Nick—grilled chicken with peanut sauce and other goodness—ha, we didn’t eat till like 9:30 or 10.
And, I’ve been working pretty much every day. Things are going well. We have an excellent team of girls. And school goes on as well. I start two more classes in October which I’m looking forward to—it will keep me more motivated with more. :D
Oh, Rachel and I were able to go to Allerton Park in Monticello, IL. It was so great! It reminded you of Pride and Prejudice with the gardens, but it was also pretty quirky—with Fu Dogs and such. But, it was great. Very beautiful. Took her to a dentist appointment in the small town, walked around, had dairy queen, Rachel got a hair cut……
Started a wonderful Beth Moore Bible Study!!! More to share later.
