Chilly Chicago in November

 Yep,

we bought tickets.  Were able to view

the final show, Nov 30th at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.   DH and I were uncertain what to expect - he liked the 2nd part better than the first part.  I was wow'd with the whole thing.  Billy Corgan, orchestra, videos, choir, soloists,  music .   WOW.

We started at the Cultural Center, made our way

to the Christmas Market 

looked at the Macy's windows,

Shaw's Crab House

 to warm up!!

And on to the concert. [no cell allowed during performances].

 Lobby - beautiful building.

 Inside the theatre.

 We were in balcony - tho, grateful for ANY seats we could get when the tickets went on sale.

5K Race x 2

Mag Mile 5K in Chicago.  What a wonderful event - so nice to be able to be on the Mag Mile, free of traffic --- all ages in this race!! 

DH.

Nice swag -- Plus, HOKA sponsored a 'mile' withint the 5k.

Participants predicted their time for one mile & if you

beat that time, were able to select a HOKA prize.   So, I beat

the time I predicted & selected sunglasses for DH.

After the 5K (there was also a 10K) - were given a box lunch , Eli's cheesecake, beer, two tickets to the 2025 Taste of Chicago in Grant Park.   The vendors were open to race participants until 11am.   DH & I had Empanadas-- Spinach, Corn, Chicken, & Ham/Sheese.  So delicious.  Pretzels, Gatorade, Water, Bananas - no skimping!!!

 

Buckingham Memorial Fountain in Grant Park.

You can see some of the vendors, too.

 Chicago is a beautiful city on the edge of Lake Michigan.  One of 2 ferris wheels (other one on Navy Pier).

 View at night from the Blackstone Hotel on Michigan Avenue.

Chicago Reserve Roastery - When you visit Chicago,

Starbuck's on Michigan Ave is a MUST STOP.

Four Corners Winery had a 5K for an animal rescue -- horses.  

Was a perfect day for it.  Nice athletic top & finisher's medal.

 Nice to have a sample of their white wine - and the setting/venue, so peaceful!!!   I'd go back again ....

 

Father's Day week-end

 Sunday Afternoon. https://www.chicagobotanic.org/    Chicago Botanic Garden.

 Nicholas (DS) said to me "This looks like a button."

 DS & DH.  Our other son, his wife & child also were at the garden.  Followed by a visit to Homer's Ice Cream.  https://www.homersicecream.com/. 

 Looks like a quilt block!

 Sunday Morning.

  We did our best!!!

 Saturday morning, DD & I were in this 5K.  https://www.facebook.com/NecktieRun/

 We (DD & I) walked the 5K -- beautiful along Lake Michigan shore line.   

 

Suzanne Vega Concert

Video of new music (above)

 Fav Hit!

Old Town School of Folk Music

Chicago, IL

 

Beautiful day in Chicago, IL

Georgia O'Keeffe Exhibit  was awesome.

And the Japanese Women Artists

prints were exceptional:

 The butterflies were stunning.

The roads are closing - in preparation for the street race over the week-end.   If you are planning to watch on television: 

"Coverage of the Chicago Street Race Xfinity event begins at 2 p.m. CT Saturday on NBC. Coverage of the Chicago Street Race Cup event begins at 3 p.m. CT Sunday on NBC and Peacock. In addition, NBC Sports Chicago will offer two special coverage shows surrounding the event.   "

After Five ....

On Monday, DH and I visited the Art Institute of Chicago 

for the Van Gogh & the Avant Garde; The Modern Landscape exhibit.

Incredible exhibit with lovely paintings on loan, many from private collections.   The exhibit closes 9/4.

Following that - we went to Gino's East Pizza.

Chicago known for its deep dish pizzas:

DH in his 'shades'.

We had an hour before catching the 3:57 express train back.

Visited the Starbuck's Reserve -- I don't know, maybe 4 stories high

on Michigan Avenue.   Nice bar.   Nice place to people watch.

     

Holiday Cheer ( Chicago, IL )

Starbuck's Reserve, Chicago

Macy's tree, Walnut Room

Macy's window (knitting)

 

Christkindle market, Daley Plaza