90 Minutes More in School in Chicago - About Time.

But----- What to do with those 90 minutes? Here are a few suggestions:

  Language Arts:   Practice having a 5 minute conversation without saying "like" or "awesome".
 Hand write a 100 word essay using full sentences without textisms.

Social Studies:   Take a field trip on public transportation.  Instruction on standing for disabled people, keeping voice down and once off the train or  bus, walking on the right in pairs, not five abreast.

Geography:  Identify North Riverside,  North Dakota, North Korea,Northern Ireland and the North Sea on a map.  Next week work on southerly locations, including Chicago's south side.
  

  History:  Learn about where your grandparents came from and why they left there. Visit the Chicago History Museum on the suggested field trip.

Math:  Figure out how much change you get back from a dollar after making a 32 cent purchase 

            without using a calculator or your fingers.

            Compare the cost of buying Chicken McNuggets vs. buying a whole chicken to cook at home.

The Arts:  Send them out to paint flowers and rainbows over the graffiti.

Physical Education: Any activity to use up excess energy.  JUST KEEP MOVING.... and make them check their mobile devices at the door.

Lightbulb Crew - Downsized.... And I'm Taking The Credit

On Sunday, June 19th, I posted this scold.

http://lynncrawfordsays.blogspot.com/2011/06/your-honor-mr-mayor-how-many-city.html


Today is Friday, January 6th and this is what I observed.  Only two trucks and 3 guys and they're moving a lot faster.

I doubt that the mayor actually reads my blog, but I'm going to take full credit for the newly efficient crew that was changing the bulbs today.  Thank you Mr. Mayor.  Keep up the streamlining.

Chicago Dummies and Mannequins

The transportation board of the City of Chicago recently installed mannequins on Wacker Drive along the river.  They represent the 32 pedestrians killed last year in Chicago.  According to an article in the Chicago Tribune:

 The move to shock drivers into being on the lookout and yielding to pedestrians is part of a new large-scale safety effort aimed at reducing injuries and fatalities citywide, officials said.

 I agree that this a noble undertaking.  I disagree with the onsidedness of the campaign.  After photographing the dead pedestrian mannequins at Wacker and Chicago, I headed up the Mag Mile to Pearson and Michigan, where the old pumping station meets the Water Tower Place mall.  I walk this route many times a week and am always amazed at the stupidity of those who look like perfectly normal, full grown adults.

This scene - please note the red light and the flashing do not walk symbol- was repeated through 6 light changes.  Coming at these pedestrians from the left were cars trying to turn left off of Michigan Avenue onto Pearson.  I was astonished at the diversity of the jaywalkers, old, young, tourists, locals, disabled, those texting and those talking on cell phones.  The worst of the bunch are the parents of young children and babies, who not only endanger their offspring, but also set  bad examples for obeying the rules.  I scratch my head in wonder.

So go ahead and shock the drivers into paying attention.  But who is going to shock the pedestrians?

Maybe the Mayor will deputize me and some of my law abiding friends to hand out tickets involving fines.  We could make a good dent in the budget shortfall by enforcing the jaywalking ordinance. We might even be able to save a lives. I know of at least 2 fatalities that took place at this corner.

Youth and Food

I enrolled in Food Writing at the Newberry this semester. Why not? I like to write. I like to eat. I walked in expecting the usual over the hill group that gravitates to the Newberry Seminars. One by one, my classmates arrived. Not one of them was as old as some of the shoes in my closet. “Oh no,” I thought. “Kids younger than mine. What have I gotten myself into?” As it turns out – I  had gotten myself into a wonderful class.

Our instructors are engaging and eager to share their considerable knowledge of the culinary arts and food writing. They are determined that we have fun. Day one we were treated to a crispy, crunchy, succulent, melt- in- your- mouth, double baked almond croissant from the pastry chef at Fox and Obel. My classmates wrote stories about the croissants that revealed their personalities and some of their life stories. " Hmmm,” I thought. “20 –somethings who are literate, passionate and not self absorbed? This is promising."

Class two was a field trip to Mercat a la Planxa, the Catalan restaurant in the Blackstone Hotel. Ethel and Stephen had prepared us with a review of the geography, cuisine and culture of Catalonia and some culinary terms we’d encounter. What they couldn’t have prepared us for was the bright vibes of the décor, the warmth of the staff, as youthful as my classmates, and the nervous but gracious service. Then there was the food.

They had me at Pimientos de Padron, flash fried peppers with a Salbixada sauce, a blend of almonds, garlic, tomatoes, parsley, oil, vinegar and bixto pepper.  Creamy, dreamy – hit me again. And again. And again. The cheese was served with bacon sherry caramel followed by bacon wrapped, Marcona almond stuffed dates. A double bacon treat.

Next were perfectly prepared and presented diver scallops, a spinach dish from heaven and chorizo brochettes that I could have lived without. We all , with a couple of exceptions, salivated over and devoured Croquettes de Xocolate for dessert.

 The star of the show, according to my taste buds, was Arroz a la Cazuela.  Accomplished Sous Chef, Cory Morris created this orgasmic combination of saffron broth, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, artichokes and short grained rice tableside. At 29 he fit in perfectly with the mostly youthful group around our table. No pretension, no formal training, and no delusions of grandeur – he spoke with pride in what he does and who he works for. Sure, he’d love to be a sous chef for Jose Garces on Iron Chef or compete himself. But yeah, he eats frozen pizza and drinks Pepsi when he ends his 18 hour day. He would love to run a small lodge in Montana and serve the fish he catches. He - and my classmates - seem to have their priorities straight.

 There is hope for the future. In this case, youth is not wasted on the young.

They get it.

Chicago Tribune - You've Broken My Heart.

When we moved to Illinois in 1974 I became an avid reader of the Chicago Tribune.  It was the information source I used to turn myself  from a Jersey Girl into a Chicagoan .  I loved the Metro section that featured our west suburban village, but I also loved the sections that guided me through the arts, sports and business that I needed  to figure out the landscape of my new home. 

Over the years I also became an advertiser in the Trib - to rent my vacation home in Arizona and on behalf of the company I worked for.  I always got good results.  It was a really good name and people respected it.  Think -Arthur Andersen, FWWoolworth , TWA, Madigans, Schwinn, Continental Bank and Wieboldts.

During my exciting career I didn't spend much time analyzing the Trib - I just read what I could during my commute to work - especially the business pages and commentary and checked the ads we had placed.  I loved the Sunday Section with Rick Kogan and the wonderful writing of Leah Eskin.  I grabbed it first from the pile of papers on the counter.

A few years before I retired in 2008 I noticed that I was not enjoying the Trib as much as I used to and attributed it to my own cynicism and advanced  level of Chicago knowledge.   My  husband had told me of his waning interest  - but I attributed it to male stupidity and adverse spousal opinion.   Turned out he was way ahead of me.

I've expressed my opinion many times now on the subject of the demise of the Tribune, including a letter I wrote  to Sam Zell a few years back suggesting he sell the Trib and keep the Cubs - because at least with the Cubs you get beer.   Nothing, however, broke my heart like this article from today's New York Times which makes me ashamed to be a subscriber and removes forever any awe I had for Tribune Tower itself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/06/business/media/06tribune.html?_r=1

Is this what journalism has come to?  Stop the world, I want to get off.

My Brawl on the Beach

I went to the beach today.  I sat myself, my chair and my belongings ( wallet, water bottle, phone, keys and towel) in the sand facing the beach restaurant.  Not because I wanted to face the place, but because that was where the sun was.  I left my stuff and went for my usual walk - from Oak Street to Division Street.  I do it for exercise and also to seek out old beach friends.  On my way I met Jose, who was selling ice cream goodies from his hand propelled truck down the lakefront.  The  kids were so excited to have him and his offerings from $1.00 and up.  It was a really hot day.

I got back to my spot on the beach - popular news about crime in Chicago not withstanding, all my possesions ( who needs them?) were still in place and I continued to enjoy my day.  This is when  the fiscal conservative and the social liberal in my life  came to blows. It was a real beach brawl in my head.
 
Jose and his truck had reached the southern end of the beach, where I reside, and was handing Popsicles to my beach neighbors for their $3.00 when two thugs from the beach restaurant ran down and grabbed Jose's cart.  Saying " We're going to dump   your f---in wagon  in the f---in' lake" and get your ass out of here - sorry kids- you'll have to excuse us ..................

Okay - so the restaurant owner  pays thousands of $$ for the permit from his friend the Alderman and the Ice
Cream vendor only pays about $50. for a street peddlers license.  Why couldn't the guy who is going to make millions this weekend at the Air and Water show let the hard working ice cream vendor make a few honest bucks for his family?  And why the angry rhetoric?

Why am I thinking of not buying the $12.00 glass of wine at the restaurant and seriously considering  trying a $1.50 snow cone?

There's More to the Newberry Than the Book Fair

To family historians, the Newberry Library is a gem of genealogy research.  To world explorers it is a treasure trove of maps, half a million to be precise. To plain lovers of books and history the 123 year old Newberry is a repository for 1.5 million books and 5 million pages of manuscripts dating from the middle ages up to modern times.

For me, it is a place of many delights - a place to party - I've been to weddings and fundraisers there.  A place to hide I've spent many an hour just browsing and learning.  But most importantly it's a place to exercise - my mind, that is.

Shortly before I retired, I decided to follow my husband's lead and start preparing for the after- career phase of my life.  I have loved to write since I was a child and the Newberry Library Seminars Program offered several classes that fit my schedule.  I have now taken these classes almost every Fall and Spring ever since.  This Summer, I even gave up some beach Saturdays for one.

Carol LaChapelle at BugHouse Square

What got me hooked was the first Carol LaChapelle class I took The Mind at Work:Writing the Personal  Essay. Carol is a teacher, writer, writing coach and author of Finding Your Voice, Telling Your Stories.   As a bonus, she is a fun person who loves sharing her gift with others.  She is, without a doubt, the reason I am as far along on my beach stories as I am.  She's also one of those who encouraged me to start this blog. Even thought I've participated in all the workshops she offers through the Newberry, I still continue to sign up a few times a year.  I call it a "jump start" that we all  need, no matter what field we pursue.  I may never be a published writer, as she is, but I'm enjoying writing and at this stage of my life that's what it's all about.
http://carollachapelle.blogspot.com/

There are other fine offerings in the Newberry Library Seminars Program and fall classes, which start in September are open for registration now. http://www.newberry.org/.  If you've got the writing bug, I highly recommend you start with one of Carol's workshops. 

Main Debate- Gun Control

The day of our last class this summer happened to be the day of the BugHouse Square Debates, presented by the Newberry in Washington Park, across from the front steps of the library.  The debates are held annually to celebrate the First Amendment and to commemorate  and revive the very spirited, spontaneous debates that prevailed at that location from the 1910s until the 1960s.  Orators from every walk of life, political persuasion and social point of view engaged in heated exchanges espousing their causes.  Heckling was encouraged then as it is now.  It's a fun way to spend a Saturday after you have filled your shopping bags with books from the Newberry Library Book Fair. 

This year's main debate topic was Gun Control in the City. The debaters were sincere,  made many great points and elicited some excitement from the crowd.  Still,  I long for the bombastic orators of yesteryear, there must be some still out there.  Or maybe we can just re-enact some of our family dinner conversations from the past.  In any event, it's great to celebrate freedom of speech. 

Things I Love about Chicago - and Missed Most While in Tucson

• The lake - if you don't know what lake I mean............ never mind. The best sun rises and moon rises of our lives.
  
  
  
  
  
• Millennium Park - it is always teeming with people, yet it is a good place to lose yourself
  
  
  
• The weather - if you don't like it, wait 20 minutes and it'll change - spectacular lightning shows over the lake- never boring.
  
  
  



• The Lincoln Park Zoo - I can spend hours wandering and wondering
  






• The CTA - I love the freedom of not needing a car
  



• Ethnic food - you name it, we've got it - and we've probably got a neighborhood named to identify it - as Greek Town, Paseo Boriqua, China Town, Little Italy - ad infinitum
  
  







• Chicago's Farmers Markets - I went to the one in Tucson - but somehow tomatoes are only tomatoes here and back east

• The Chicago Cultural Center - this should be every one's first stop when they visit.





• Navy Pier - Shakespeare Theater, the Beer Garden, the Ferris Wheel and those yummy sweet and salty nuts - Bloody Marys and bagels and the newspaper on Sunday mornings before the tourists get there - what's not to love?
  
  
  
• Our home - just enough space - to have company or to be alone. Floor to ceiling views, the sundeck for coffee, sunning, reading or cocktail hour. We can lock it up and leave town AND somebody else cuts the grass, shovels the snow and worries about the roof and the plumbing. We're a train ride away from 3 of our kids. Come on down and visit- we're a three minute walk to the Oak Street Beach.
  
  

And They're Off......

No, not the horses in the Kentucky Derby, although that's today as well. I'm talking about tourist season in Chicago. It has actually been creeping up on us since the various spring breaks started, a month or so ago. Now with the city in full bloom (see my pictures on Face Book and Flickr) and the weather nice and warm it has ramped up the numbers of visitors to our fair city. Those of us who live in Streeterville are starting to use our alternate pedestrian routes to avoid Michigan Avenue. I walked to the bank and Trader Joe's today and literally had to wait 5 minutes to get around the corner of Ontario and Michigan while a horde of young - college age- European men figured out which way to cross the street. I gave directions three times between Ontario and Chicago Avenue.


I'm glad that in spite of our dirty politics and crazy elected officials these folks are still willing to give us a chance. We need the revenue they bring with them and it's fun to walk down the street and hear so many different languages being spoken. I thought I'd do a little list of hints for those thinking of coming to visit. Here goes.

• If you've flown in - your first item of business is to buy a 3 day or 5 day CTA pass. Buy it right at the airport. It will save you tons of money. The passes can be used ad-infinitum on buses and trains. I get upset when I see people pouring dollars and quarters into the collection box, knowing they're going to have to do it over and over again. If you've driven in, good luck! Most of the hotels charge a king's ransom for parking and the on the street and parking garage options aren't much better.
  
  
• After you've settled in, take a trip to the Chicago Cultural Center on Michigan Avenue between Randolph and Washington. There is a great visitors center there with docents and greeters to answer your questions. Don't forget to ask about the free days at the museums. Each museum has them. If you didn't buy your CTA pass at the airport you can buy it there also. While you're there take a tour and enjoy the glory of Preston Bradley Hall, the photo galleries and the art exhibits. On Sunday afternoons there are free concerts at 3:00 PM - but you'd better get there early- the seats fill up fast.
  
  
  
• Don't miss a photo opportunity at the Cloud Gate sculpture (affectionately known as "The Bean") in Millennium Park - right across the street from the Cultural Center. Be forewarned - your children will want to splash around in the water spouting out of the twin fountains just south of "The Bean". Either don't let them see it, or bring extra clothes.

After that, you're on your own for choosing among our many fun and awe inspiring venues. You'll have plenty of help at the visitors center and your tastes and mine might not be the same. But here is some further practical advice.

• Look all four ways before crossing any intersections. Drivers, bikers and pedestrians alike don't seem to take traffic signals seriously.

• Enjoy and applaud our street performers. They are great. If someone tells you they are driving a church group, family, or baseball team and have just run out of gas and need money - tell them you are sorry, but you are not able to help.
  
  
• Don't depend on the bus drivers or the police to give you directions accurately - it's not their job. Find someone on foot with a shopping bag from Trader Joe's or Dominick's - they live here and they'll know . If they are carrying an American Girl Doll, or Nike Store bag - don't bother - they're from Hinsdale or Highland Park.
  
  
• Please - for the sake of me and my neighbors - don't walk 5 abreast down the sidewalks - we're not all sight- seeing.
  
  
• If you have to make a group decision about where to go next, please don't do it at the foot of an elevator or in front of the revolving door.
  
  
• There are plenty of good restaurants that won't eat your wallet alive. Ask the people who work in the stores - or use the shopping bag person strategy. The concierge will steer you to the pricey places - because that's the way it works.
  
  

Just remember - as the signs at the airports say :

"Welcome to Chicago, We're Glad You're Here"

It's Good to Look Up, Part II, " Road Trip"

My new Face Book friend and long ago business crony , Joan, took note of my blog post about looking up. Knowing that I didn't have a car in Chicago anymore, she offered to take me on a road trip to the Baha'i Temple in Wilmette for some high class, North Shore looking up.

We enjoyed the ride up relatively traffic-free Lake Shore Drive and followed the twists and turns of Sheridan Road. Rounding the corner to our destination we spotted the gleaming white temple rising up out of its lush gardens and boldly tiled fountains. I was reminded of how breathtaking the view of Baha'i was the first time I saw it many years ago on our way up north to a family party.

I knew absolutely nothing about the Baha'i temple or the religion, just that it was an unusually designed shrine to something or another occupying a prime piece of real estate overlooking Lake Michigan in all its splendor. Our visit that day was a revelation.

This photo does not do the edifice justice. You really need to go on the website http://www.bahaitemple.org/ and look at their pictures. I felt humbled and very tiny looking up at this cast concrete structure that took almost 50 years from conception to its completion in 1953. That includes eight years of perfecting the appropriate design for the building and 30 years of actual construction. The architect, Louis Bourgeois' intention was to create a feeling of light and unity and he certainly succeeded. The building is nine sided and its pillars carry the symbols of all the worlds' major religions. The interior dome , which soars 138 feet heavenward, is filled with almost too much light to capture it's beauty with an ordinary camera.

In a nutshell, Baha'i , which is a contraction of Baha' u 'llah, the name of the man who founded the religion in Persia (now Iran) in the mid 1800s, is a relatively new religion. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1893 and has grown here to over 155,000 members. The members can gather daily at 12:30 for prayer and on Sundays there is an a' Capella choir of its members. No clergy, no altars, no statues - just reminders everywhere of the oneness of mankind and the sacred nature of peace.

As we left, after watching an informative video and talking with one of the staff members, we looked around for a donation box - to leave a small thank you. There was none. The Baha'i accepts donations only from members. Very refreshing. You really need to visit in person to get the full effect of the beauty of this place. It will be worth your while.

On the way home we wandered around a bit, exploring roads leading to beaches and admiring the lovely Tudor homes, just plain ostentatious mansions and graceful painted lady Victorians. Our last stop was at the Evanston Arts Center which gave us an opportunity to once again "look up", this time at the lighthouse.

Then in Thelma and Louise mode, we tackled the southbound trip down the Drive - agreeing that the approach to the city from about Belmont, down to Michigan Avenue is one of our favorite and most stimulating drives in Chicago - Joan and I agree about a lot of stuff like that. One thing we agreed upon was that we had made good use of a beautiful day and that you really don't get a stiff neck by looking up.

Thank you, Joan.

Chicago Raves

I do enough ranting for a small village. It's time for some raves- not in preferential order - just as they come to mind.

• The VA medical system here in Chicago, both Lakeside and Westside. Great customer service, caring doctors and better patient follow up than I get at my high priced ,well known hospital.
  
  


• Newberry Library. Not just for their adult education seminars, but also for their killer book sales - the big one in July and the mystery book sale in March.






• 157 bus driver who promises a "stress free ride" on a home made sign - and she is so right. She waits until you sit down before lurching ahead. She greets everyone enthusiastically and answers questions, even stupid ones, politely and accurately. If she doesn't know the answer she admits it instead of making stuff up. She is sure you are safely off the bus and on your way before she takes off.
  

• Jesse White's transformation of the Secretary of State's offices. It took me just 7 minutes to get my license renewed, even with a line. Our recent vehicle registration renewal questions were met with sincere, pleasant and well informed answers. Don't ever leave, Jesse, but if you do - go to another agency that needs fixing and do it again.
  
  


• The Chicago Latino Film Festival. Travel the world and brush up on your Spanish from the comfort of a theater seat - 26 years strong. http://www.latinoculturalcenter.org/
  Great people with a passion for the arts.
  
  


• The one man /one truck waste removal operation who collects our garbage daily. He must be the hardest working man in captivity (well, at least in the 42nd ward). He makes a tedious and seemingly unpleasant job appear as smooth and seamless as a well performed ballet.

• The Grant Park Music Festival - still free, still superbly produced and what a setting - in Millennium Park. Treat yourself to attendance at a morning or afternoon rehearsal. You get to see and hear the real personality of the conductors ( Carlos Kalmar with a pony tail) and it is such fun to see the usually formal string section in flip flops and shorts. Bring a lunch and enjoy the music - stay for the docent commentary during the union mandated breaks in the action.
  
  


• The bar at the Saloon Steakhouse. A real neighborhood gathering place with happy bartenders and great bar food. Some of the best sliders in town. While you're there, ask about their next wine or beer tasting dinner. Bargains to say the least with Wiley the beverage manager at the helm.
  




• The Division Street Farmers' Market. My favorite "peach guy" who gives me his seconds for pies and such. He and his wife dressed in tux shirt and bridal veil for their 25th wedding anniversary that fell on a market Saturday. Joe's favorite Polish bakery goods, especially when the owner is there - she is so charming- reminds me of my grandmother. The "flower lady" who saves the Star Gazer lilies for me if I sleep late. If they would just ban dogs- it would be heavenly. Treat yourself to the Farmers' Market Special Breakfast at Butch McGuire's which is smack dab in the middle of the market. Looking forward to tomatoes that taste like tomatoes.

I guess I can go back to ranting for a couple of weeks now and then round it out with another list of raves. There's so much to love in this city!

Dear CTA

Dear CTA Management Team.

I have been feeling guilty about using my Blago "old people ride free" pass lately. With the state and the CTA having gotten themselves in near bankrupt positions and my luck that we've been fiscally smart, I actually thought about burning it and starting to feed dollars and coins in the fare boxes. Then I thought about my recent experiences on the CTA and decided that you need me, and others like me, to ride your trains and buses. Here are a few observations:

• I do not ride during rush hours. I get up too late for the morning one and am in a hurry to get home for cocktail hour for the evening one.




• I regularly apologize to tourists for the conditions at some of the stations - the smell of the elevator at Clark and Lake, the filth and water at Chicago and Milwaukee, the rude sexist remarks of employees at Rosemont. I actually make excuses like "they're working on it" or "this is not the normal smell" or "they must be new employees".

• I have become the tour director for the 157 bus whose drivers consistently tell people they do not stop at Water Tower. They DO STOP at Water Tower, just at the back entrance - no big deal. They also say they don't stop at the MCA when the canned message clearly says "Chicago and Mies van der Rohe, Museum of Contemporary Art". Who are the tourists to believe - an authorized CTA employee or a nosy passenger who wants them to have a good experience in Chicago?
  
  
  
• Your website - which used to be great- is now directing me to addresses in Round Lake and other parts of the country when all I want to do is plan a trip from Lake Shore Drive to the north side. It is actually hilarious.




• I consistently pick up the crap that people leave on the bus and deposit it in the few and far between containers on the street. Sort of "do unto others...."
  
  
• I have done my fair share of mingling with People with Social Disabilities by riding the 22 and/or 36 buses north from the loop. I could write a book.
  
  
• I have dodged the juiced up pan-handlers at State and Chicago. They never should have put a park there and the businesses nearby should do a better job of policing.
  
  
• I live in fear of the Irving Park and Jeff Park stops on the Blue Line. You are THISCLOSE to falling, or being pushed, off the platform to the tracks.
  
  
• In conclusion, I would like a meeting with the person who designed the buses. I am betting it will be a tall (feet always touch the floor, and arms always reach the pull cord), young (won't fall down even though the straps are dangerous), athletic (flexible enough to move 5 feet forward with nothing to hold on to while the bus is moving) and skinny (size 4 butt fits into seats) male (just because they are clueless) who makes enough money designing buses to never have to ride one.
  
  

I hereby submit my application as CTA monitor-at-large. I will not only continue to use my free pass, but I can help you improve service by giving your team feedback from the public. That is, if you answer my call or respond to my E-Mail. I don't want to be paid, but I think I've earned my free rides.

Sincerely,

A not so guilty- feeling senior rider.

Its Good to Look Up.

As I ran around this planet, living my life, my eyes were focused either straight ahead, looking to the left and right for traffic, or looking down to avoid tripping over things with my two left feet. Now that the pace is more leisurely, I'm discovering all the things I've missed by not looking up. Especially in Chicago, with our wonderful architecture, there is a richness above our heads that doesn't get appreciated as it should. This picture is of the beautiful rotunda in the Chicago Cultural Center. There are several in the building and, especially on a sunny day, they can lead you into a fantasy world full of light and color.

Looking up at the Tribune building makes me dizzy, but the architectural details must have made the men who built it even dizzier trying to get it right. I wonder who tends to the flag on the tippy top, someone brave, no doubt.



Walking west on Pearson I looked up at the Quigley Seminary building and juxtaposed with the old Gothic touches is a glass skyscraper in the background where the crucifix is - apparently mixing types of architecture has God's blessing.


Walking up Michigan Avenue I look up at the sign that declares Allerton Hotel - the Tip Top Tap. It hasn't been the Allerton or the Tip Top Tap for many years, but who cares, it brings back fond memories. And the Allerton was where the Breakfast Club was recorded for radio many years ago - when my grandmother used to march me around the breakfast table, back in New Jersey.

If you get to North Bridge, where Nordstrom's is or the Bloomingdale's Home Store which used to be the Masonic Temple ( where my husband's two Masters degrees from De Paul were presented) - please look up - you'll be delighted.

I'm putting my photos of UP on Flickr and Face book - but I urge you to create your own mental "up album". I know you're all still in a hurry - do yourself a favor and take a few moments to look up in your home environment. There are clouds and bridges , trees and mountains and lots more - even if you don't live in a big city with great architecture. Enjoy!

I Said I'd Go Back and I Did

A while back I visited the Lincoln Park Conservatory while it was preparing for the Spring Flower Show. I said I'd go back to visit when it opened and I did. I guess I was still in memory lane mode, as this orchid reminded me of the time in High School when our friend Kathee was going on a trip to Bermuda and several of us schlepped all the way to the Port of New York, dressed to the nines to pin an orchid on her. I can't decide if that was lame then - it sure would be now.

This wisteria reminded me of the frangrance we enjoyed walking out of our back door at 24 Hedges Avenue where "The Wisteria That Ate Chatham " clung to its arbor and also ate the paint off the house, much to the chagrin of my father.

This pond of fish didn't bring back a memory but stirred a hope. If this diverse bunch of fish - big and small, black and yellow and gray and orange and white can live together in a harmonious community and look out for each other as I saw them doing, why can't humans?

Get on over to the Conservatory and take in the beauty for yourself. It ends in early May, but the flowers tend to fade a bit as time goes on. Take a book, like I did, and sit and soak it all in.

I've put the rest of the pictures on facebook. Enjoy.

You Get What You Pay For

Again with my "old people ride free "card in hand I boarded the #66 bus to the Blue Line. At the next stop a woman with white hair and carrying a book boarded and announced loudly " I had colon surgery a month ago, so I'm sitting in the handicapped seat." She was commenting to anyone who would listen about a number of topics. I used my no eye contact defense. At the next stop a gentleman in a wheelchair boarded and the riders on one of the benches quickly gave up their seats to accomodate him. Two stops later a young woman with a baby in a stroller boarded - which should have required the loud lady to give up her seat. Instead she shouted, "There's no room on this bus for that baby." Oh boy - the young woman then called her a stupid b**ch. Loud lady replied, "I'm not stupid, I have an IQ of 130." Role model mommy came back with - "then you're just an old b**ch!" To which loud lady responded with "I'm not that old - I'm only 58." Perfect opening for role model mom to point at the sign and shout "then get out of the f***in seat reserved for elderly people." Loud lady's "f*** off!" resulted in role model mom shoving the baby carriage into loud lady's knee -at which point loud lady started kicking role model mom AND the baby carriage. Others starting chiming in on both sides. I switched from no eye contact to move to the rear entrance of the bus defense. The gentle bus driver, pulled over and moved in to arbitrate and admonish both parties. We got to the Blue Line about 20 minutes late and grateful that the ride was over.

Role model mom and her baby, boyfriend and a couple of friends followed me into the car and never shut up about the incident all the way to Rosemont. I have no idea exactly what they were saying because he normal looking couple sitting behind me turned out to be a woman and her father who were loudly reliving the details of the woman's divorce hearing that they had just attended. ALL THE WAY TO ROSEMONT.

Fast forward to the return trip on the Blue Line. At about Montrose our car was filled with the smell of something burning. Sure enough there was a small fire on the outside of the car - just near the door. We high tailed it onto the platform where we herded ourselves into the more forward cars. After a 10 minute delay we were on our way downtown - and as an added bonus, the train ran express to Logan Square- making up for lost time. I got home on the #66 with no incident and boarded a #146 to my meeting at the Harold Washington library. At the next stop two slobbering, foul-mouthed drunks who staggered on gave a running commentary ALL THE WAY TO STATE AND LAKE.

Returning home from the library I was grateful for the relative quiet of only cell phones and texting.

No kidding - all this in one day on the CTA - I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried. Thanks, again Blago.

A Garden in Winter

An errand took me to the Harold Washington Library today. I had not visited in a while. The 145 bus dropped me right at the back door - an interesting way to enter this building, full of twists and turns. The shining surfaces must be hard to keep gleaming, but they do it well. More than just a library, this is a gathering place, part museum - part learning center. My errand was completed quickly and with grace and efficiency by the librarian on the 6th floor. I was not in any hurry to go back out into the cold, damp gloom. I decided to treat myself to a self guided tour. While somewhat overwhelming, once I caught the rhythm of the progression from floor to floor I was amazed.

Private spaces in this nine story building abound. One floor had what seems like hundreds of computers set up for use by cardholders. There was a waiting list, and handily, a comfortable seating area with newspapers from all over the world to peruse while waiting.

Every floor has nooks and crannies with either tables or cubicles with wi-fi connections. There seemed to be people doing taxes, writing papers, preparing resumes and just enjoying reading. Others, sad to say, had picked a warm place to settle in (with possessions in tow) to avoid the cold. Everyone was respectful of each others' silence.

I ended my tour on the ninth floor in the magnificent Winter Garden. Another great escape from Chicago's winter. Somehow looking up through the glass roof made the snow seem more palatable. I'll be back and next time I'll stay and read a book in one of those great private spaces. Check it out yourself.

http://www.chipublib.org/

Take the 66 to Summer in January

Layered up and feeling like the little kid in The Christmas Story, I walked the four frigid blocks to the 66 bus and climbed aboard. There were only three of us on the bus. I pictured myself walking into a deserted Navy Pier,the end of the line. Who goes to the pier in 14 degree weather? Evidently, lots of folks do. The energy, as I pushed through the doors to the main lobby was palpable. Families and other groups filled the benches surrounding the silent stage just basking in the warmth and the light coming from the Crystal Garden. The carts that sell gee-gaws of every kind were surrounded by the curious and paying customers alike. Every restaurant and bar was filled to capacity although it was mid-afternoon. (What recession?) I couldn't help but notice most people were drinking beer, snacking on popcorn and finishing up with ice cream. Summer has returned.

The temporary tattoo artist and the guy who does caricatures both had lines. The entire length of Festival Hall was filled from stem to stern with Strictly Sail, a 4 day show of every kind of vessel from kayaks to luxury yachts. At the end of the pier the magnificent ballroom, overlooking the frozen lake and lone lighthouse was set for an elegant party - a 30 piece orchestra was prepping on the stage.I'm told its a mile out and a mile back on the pier - so I guess my two jaunts out and back were about 4 painless miles.I'll be back.

Winter Doldrums

Don't give in to the winter weather and stay hunkered down in your warm home. I tried it and it isn't healthy. Since we returned from a visit to Tucson on December 16th we have had only about 21 hours of sunshine. Day after day of fog and gloom drove me to actually complete the NY Times crossword puzzle on the day that I start it - my ongoing battle with Will Shortz' mind an all-consuming and frustrating daily exercise. I also spent inordinate amounts of time on FaceBook and surfing the web - talk about throwing precious time right down the toilet - that does it. I am proud to say I read a few good books. May I recommend Robert W. Walker's City for Ransom and Shadows in the White City. I may have been exercising my mind, but parts of my body were starting to atrophy. In addition, my jeans were getting harder to button.


Then I remembered where I live - in a wonderful city with lots of interesting places to go. So armed with my magical "old people ride free"Blago pass, I headed out into the gloom to escape hibernation. I jumped on the 151 and got off at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. I was not the only one seeking escape. The place was abuzz with locals, tourists and cheery volunteers. On various benches under trees and in alcoves people were reading, texting, gazing or napping. After my glasses de-fogged I wandered through the palms and ferns and tropical flowers that live off the micro particles in the air - they grow on other plants, but are not parasites. Although in the orchid family they are very different from my mental image of an orchid. I actually read about the carnivorous plants encased in glass on my way to the exit, where the fragrance of Jasmine filled the air. The Spring Flower Show starts on January 30th. I'll be back.


Enveloped in the earthy smelling warmth I decided to brave the cold. Instead of getting back on the bus I meandered through the zoo and made a few visits to keep me in the tropical mood. The seabirds in the penquin house cavorted in their manufactured beachside habitat and made me think of Oak Street or Rocky Point Island in Florida. Two students took meticulous notes as they observed the birds. Let's see "....red beaked seagull picks fight with grey tern....scratches and dives in the water....." and so on. Oh well - to each his own. As a bonus, I got to see the penguins being fed ever so lovingly by their keeper.


On to our fabulous flock of flamingoes (try saying that fast 3 times). To my surprise they were outside, preening their deep salmon feathers - a contrast to the fog and snow on the ground. Drat , I forgot my camera. They are beautiful and well trained. Their keeper came out of the glass habitat and walked to the edge of the pond wordlessly. One by one they turned, and in double file, marched, really marched, back into the habitat followed by their still silent keeper. Amazing.


There was no sign of the 4 legged creatures outdoors and I chose not to visit and be an enabler in their hiding from the weather. Besides, the lion house really smells with the heat on. I couldn't leave without checking the progress of the lagoon re-construction (they'd better hurry - there are way too many ducks in the swan pond). No visit is complete without a visit to the Farm in the Zoo. It was pretty empty of both animals and visitors - typical for winter. My favorites are the momma sow and her little piggies. None were there. Boo-hoo. By now I had walked around for about 50 minutes and felt energized. I headed back to the bus stop and grabbed the 151 again. This time I got off at Ohio and walked to Trader Joe's. That always makes me feel good. Everyone in there is happy - the employees and the shoppers - and the tropical shirts fit my theme for the day. Heading back home on the 157 I started planning my adventure for the next day, a big decision. I'll remember to bring my camera.


P.S. I needn't have worried about no piggies at the zoo. There were plenty on the bus.