We have a history, Chicago and I.
The first time I was there I was 16 and I spent 6 weeks at Northwestern with other high school seniors from all over the United States. That summer included my first Rolling Stones concert and daily instruction in journalism—which turned out to be the ONLY education I ever got to prepare me for my future career.
This city was also home turf for my ex-husband, who raised our kids from birth to be fans of the Cubs and deep dish pizza. Within a month of our marriage , H took me to Chicago—we arrived at midnight—and took a cab straight from the airport so I could eat my first (three slices of) Uno’s Pizza .
I had no clue back then how much time I’d end up spending at that airport. After I had breast cancer, for 6 years I was in and out of O’Hare every few months— to get a vaccine that was only available at a medical school in a Chicago surburb. I believe that vaccine saved me, and in a sense those trips to Chicago gave me back my life.
So my connection to this city is profound. Plus add in the food, culture, architecture, and both of Chicago’s famous “O’s”—in many ways the Windy City blows me away. I haven’t been back for years, and I felt a pull to see places and people I hardly ever get to see.
Only something—I should say someone—has a pull that’s far stronger. So after a quick walk through downtown and the Art Institute, Daniel and I drove to Madison, where he’s spending this summer, and for the next couple days, so am I.
Glad you have wrested your blog back from that other guy. Lucky thing he wasn’t doing the Tour De France, which lasts about 21 days. 🙂
I knew food would continue to figure prominently in the blog. You never disappoint.
Seriously, thanks for all of your help and support.
Paul
Welcome back Darryle — Paul was great and we loved him. But your styles are so different, and I missed yours. Any word on your son-in-law? I just found out Josh’s deployment has been moved up to October. Still have to get Jillian off to college; then I’ll start freaking out….
Hey, it was great to meet you! Thanks for being so friendly and welcoming – it made me a little less anxious through the trip. 🙂
Paul: you know I will happily share my blog or anything else with you, as long as it’s not chocolate.
Julie: Thank you from Paul AND me, and thank you for asking about Shane who is at a large base in Iraq. His deployment seems so much less dramatic the second time; with your son about to deploy for the first time, I’d be freaking out too.
Lara: So enjoyed meeting you,too— and will definitely stay in touch in cyberspace.