New Blog List!

I added a list of our blogs today. See them at the left of this post? I didn't ask permission but I'm hoping it's okay with you that I added your blog. These are the ones I know of. If you have a blog you'd like promoted from this one, please let me know and I'll add it right away!

Also, if you would like to blog here just let me know. I'll be happy to add you to the list of people who can contribute to the content. The more the merrier!

This picture is my little Harlie Cat. She is a feral rescue and is just a delightful creature. Very independent and loves to be outside. However, she stays in our yard and comes inside when called. She loves the creature comforts of a warm bed and regular food!

Chicago Visit Fall 2008

I can hardly believe that just a week ago I was in Chicago, enjoying a cold rain and a bit of a breeze. The visit went so fast. It was good to finally see where my daughter, Karen, is living now. I can picture her in her apartment, going to school, taking the L downtown and even going to Target.

This trip was an adventure for me, having never been to Chicago and not being a huge fan of big cities. Karen picked me up at the airport when I got there and that evening we went to the symphony downtown. We rode the L that night so I got experience with how to do that right away.

On Friday I was alone for the day while Karen was at school. I took the same L downtown and discovered I was in the Theater District. I played the wide-eyed tourist, snapping pictures and stopping to look at the buildings and the people. I saw lots of beautiful coats, scarves, boots and hats! We just don't see those things here in San Diego.

Over the weekend we were fortunate to have my brother, sister-in-law and niece come down from Green Bay to visit with us. We spent Saturday downtown doing some shopping and some sight seeing. Again, more pictures and gawking ... it's fun to be a tourist! We were on Michigan Avenue for most of the day and it was packed with people going both directions. I didn't like that part but I did enjoy the Hancock Building and the walking when the crowd thinned out. We saw a wedding in the middle of the street. That was a first for me!

On Monday I took two buses into Evanston so I could attend a class at Northwestern with Karen and see some of the campus. I sat in on a Language Development class and thoroughly enjoyed it. The time flew by for me. When we got out of class it was pouring rain. Guess who left the umbrella on the table back at the apartment? K borrowed an umbrella for me and we forged ahead. We walked over to the cafeteria area for a late lunch and then took the scenic route back to my bus stop and K went on to her next class. The walk was good for more photo ops!

Tuesday morning was "get up early and get to the airport" ... no time to waste. Next time I'll arrange to take a later flight home. Karen went with me on the L part way to the airport, making sure I make my connection to the other line and had a seat. Then she got on the train going the other way, back to school, and I went on to the airport. It all worked out, in spite of my anxiety about all of it.

So, the trip was a huge success in my mind. I loved my adventures, loved seeing Karen's apartment and seeing how at home she is already. I can feel that my mom-nerves are more settled now that I've seen some of her world for myself. It was fun helping her study again (it's been a long time since I've been a part of that) and getting to know just a bit about her field of study. It was great sharing a place with her and Cleo for a few days and feeling so comfortable around her familiar things, albeit in a new environment. Of course it was fantastic being able to see my Wisconsin family during the Chicago visit. I can hardly wait to return ... although the next visit belongs to Tim. Maybe he will want me to tag along so I can show him the ropes!

Pictures are here:

Karen's Neighborhood

Northwestern Campus

Theatre District

Downtown Chicago

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