Paradise revisited

What an amazing day I had yesterday. At 10:20 I hopped on the train for a journey into the magnificent windy city. I brought enough reading material to last me til I arrived. Between reading and conversing with my beautiful, kind, and precious daughter, Marissa, via cellphone, the trip into Union Station seemed so brief! I sprinted toward the north stairs up to Adams and continued past Michigan Avenue and the Art Institute. I considered stopping in and perusing the visual treats at the Institute, but I really wanted to achieve my goal of walking the lakefront, so I decided I'd save that for another day. After marveling once again at Millenium Park, from the South side this time, I headed to the Lake. It was magical. Sometimes I wonder if God is waiting in Nature with special treats doled only to me. The seagulls, even though I realize they're scavengers, are so beautiful. They heralded my arrival by filling the heavens with their melodious tones. Then, as I headed North, I was enraptured by the beautiful sight of a ship pushing forward to the sea, underscored by the stillness of the pier.
As I rounded the Columbia Yacht club, two Canadian geese flew towards me, about 3 feet over my head, about 3 feet apart, and then ascended away from each other and me. Wow !!!!!
After adventuring for about 3 or 4 miles, I headed back towards Union Station via Columbia and Michigan Avenue. I hope not to bore you by enumerating the many buildings that I stood in awe before, but this is also my journal, and will be used by me, to recall the times of my life. First I admired the NBC building and then traversed through the West courtyard to the University of Chicago Graduate Studies Building. Fun! Then I walked along the river towards the Tribune and Wrigley building. Oh so beautiful!! The minds that God created that can fashion such interpretation. Combined, they are breathtaking from every angle. Every detail seems to have been carved with the knowledge that someone far below would stand and behold its beauty. From the avenue inversion I caught a glimpse of the Carbide and Carbon Building. As I approached the Chicago River Bridge I was mesmerized by the stunning golden towers atop it as it sang to me in the brilliant sunshine. The embellishments that separate one window from the next are just one of its many distinctive features. Further along, the Smurfit Stone building is just so cool. I've loved that building ever since it was featured in "Adventures in Babysitting". Its shape is so unique. Then it was the Chicago Athletic Association building. Very cool adornments.
It was a wonderful day, and then I topped it off my making tilapia fish tacos, with red cabbage, AND red peppers, and a mild chipotle sauce. They were SOOOOO delicious! I used a little more paprika and a little more lemon. Yummy! Then I raked the yard and washed the front of my house and porch. Spring is here!! Yippee!!
May your week be divine, and may your eyes be open wide to this wonderful world!!

Chicago & Lake Michigan & um...strawberries

I am just so in love with life!! How could it get any better? I am filled with a deep abiding love of God and His many creations-one of them being Lake Michigan. Could anything be more beautiful than that extraordinary lake?
My friend Janet and I rode the train in to Chicago on Wednesday. Whether it's the first or the hundredth time, it is a magnificent journey riding the train in. Town after quaint town greets our gazing eyes as we roll towards the big city. There's Naperville, Lisle, Hinsdale, LaGrange, all so lovely with their downtowns snuggled oh so close to the depots! They are vibrant towns with unique shopping and restaurants. They are filled with the sounds and sights of LIFE! And the architecture!! Janet and I both love discovering all the details. We were both amazed at a Water Works facility in Riverside that was being restored. Unbelievable!!
Now, you're not going to believe this but it was doubly fun for me to go to Union Station this time because Janet had NEVER seen the splendorous main lobby there, so I got to experience her euphoria when her eyes met the columns, along with so many other exquisite appointments fit for majesty. That was FUN!!
Then it was on to the Italian Village. What a wonderful restaurant, decades old and so rich in history. If only their walls could talk. It has to rank as one of my all time favorite restaurants with its romantic ambiance and delicious dishes. There we shared some Tilapia and dipped their delicious homemade bread in olive oil and yummy parmesan. My sweet son turned me on to the IV. Thank you, Daniel!
Our primary destination Wednesday was Navy Pier for the Flower and Garden Show. And of course we walked from Navy Pier so as not to miss a thing from Union Station to the Pier. What fun! And as we strolled down Grand Avenue I got so excited to see the park (forgot its name) that borders Lake Michigan on the North side of the pier. What a beautiful threshold to the lake. I am just so excited!! It hearkened me back to the many strolls I have had along the lakefront. Twenty miles of blissful trails!! It is just so incredible! I simply can't wait to walk and ride my bike there SOON!
When we left the show for our walk back to Union Station, we were awed by the skyline. There truly is NO town like Chicago. It is amazing. And oh so clean! Thank you Mayor Daley!
Can't wait for summertime Saturday nights and the magnificent fireworks at the pier.
I'm hungry now so I think I will have the huge strawberries I bought at Sam's Club last night, with bananas and sprinkles of that texturey sugar! Yum! Then it's back to work. I love my job and my life! Thank you God!!
May your day be filled with love and joy!

Passages

I just spoke to my wonderful friend, Candace Broecker, who now resides with her husband in Michigan. Howard practiced law in Geneva and Wheaton while Candace managed their thriving property business, and still does! Of course, I can't list the many other things they do because the list would never end. They lived in this area most of their lives after being school sweethearts in Wheaton. A few years ago they built a beautiful home in Michigan and have decided they love it so much that they are claiming it as their principal residence. They are just the neatest couple and I love them dearly. Just wanted to tell you a little about them. Oh, I forgot--Candace is beautiful, wise and gracious, as well as kind and loving, and very spiritual. We met when I sold her floorcovering for an apartment at Bellevue back in 1994 or '95. Bellevue was where Mary Todd Lincoln was hospitalized back in the mid 1800s for depression. It is a beautiful limestone building with meandering gardens in a very historic neighborhood in Batavia, Il.
The reason I am telling you about Candace is because she read to me a wonderful epitaph which I am going to print for you to enjoy. Losing my beloved mother last November has encouraged a rather reflective state of mind for me. Candace and I often share tidbits and proverbial sayings that coax pensive thought and introspection.

Sleep after toil
Port after stormy seas
Ease after wave
Death after life
Does greatly please

One of my customers is in his early 70s and is showing early signs of dementia. His wife, Fran, is one of the loveliest people I have met. They purchased their home about 30 years ago in rural St. Charles. Their yard is a sanctuary of tranquility. Fran proudly showed me all the trees, the evergreens and other deciduous treees that her husband planted years ago. When I finished measuring for their new tile, I was taken on a tour of the entire home to see all the things this strapping man had crafted to grace their beautful home. I can only tell you that this carpenter has a talent beyond belief. What a gentle demeanor he has, and I could see through his eyes who this man is and where he has been. His home tells a wonderful story of a beautiful family man who truly loves his family.
Their lives are met with more challenges these day, a few more storms. I suppose this is God's way of easing us into the twilight times. I witnessed my beautiful mother as she eclipsed one passage for another. It is for me to see God's perfect plan.
Whenever I see an older person, I'm in awe as I imagine their life and what they have learned.
May your day be wondrous and may you be blessed.