Friday, June 20, 2014

MY HOME TOWN AT ITS FINEST...CHICAGO


We were downtown (Chicago) today.  The Husband had some medical procedures done at his hospital here and everything came out A~Ok.  So we spent some time wandering around the city. Please bear with me as I share some of the things I treasure about my city.   I have always loved the flower beds surrounded by classic wrought iron.   And these repeat up and down the streets in this area in unified succession. So pretty.  Renowned gardening and landscaping people have designed our sidewalks for years...they are works of art.

 













And me?  I'm hanging out working in my garden beds whenever the sun breaks through these random thunderstorms we have been having over the past five days.  The rain is great for the grass and plants and flowers, but also for the weeds.  I've gone out between downpours and weeded a but...it's endless, I think.  I spend the rest of my waking hours with those summertime reads...I lay on my bed and pretend it's the beach!  And speaking of that...off we go bright and early!  The hard part is done and we will be getting ready for our 4th of July bash!  Just some fun in the sun with my (healthy) guy and that's all I need!  :)

Happy Weekend to all of you!

XO,
Jane

48 comments:

20 North Ora said...

Glad you had a good time in Chicago! Sorry Abby is sick. Here's hoping she's feeling a lot better. Enjoy the weekend at the lake.

Judy

Anonymous said...

oh you are a smile maker, have the best weekend,

Rita C at Panoply said...

Happy Summer, Jane! Great collage of your city's highlights. I'm doing the same thing in my garden - carrying a yard waste bag around in between storms - so much easier to pull weeds when they're wet. Enjoy your time at the lake!

Poppy said...

I'd love to visit Chicago one day, for all the wonderful things you mentioned and showcased today; it's a city so full of culture! Secondly, it's my hometown's (Toronto)sister city, so I know that it will have a sense of familiarity, even though I've never stepped foot in it!

Have a wonderful and relaxing time at the lake!

xx
Poppy

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello Jane,

We have never been to Chicago but feel well connected to it through friends and acquaintances who have or do live there.

From what we see and here it is a most vibrant and exciting city filled, as you say, with a great diversity of people and events. Surely, there must be something for everyone and we do so hope to visit ourselves one day.

The planted areas at the side of the pavement look beautifully done and so well cared for. That must brighten peoples' days as they walk along to work or home.

So sorry that your daughter is not well. We wish her a speedy recovery!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Love everything you mentioned about Chicago especially the flowers on Michigan Ave. and Gino's East - now I want some pizza :-)

Balisha said...

I used to love going to Chicago. The beautiful plantings along Michigan Ave are so pretty...it makes shopping there so wonderful. I wish more little towns would do some simple things to beautify their space. Love the little festivals like the Petunia fest in Dixon.
Good to hear about your hubby. Nice to get a clean bill of health.
Have fun at the lake....and enjoy!!!
Balisha

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

The rain storms have been off and on here, too, Jane. It's hard to make plans with weather like that, but this week I've been coming home from the new job and then just popping out on quick errands in between downpours.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Coincidence, my little sister with her hubs and 3 daughters spent the last couple days in Chicago. She sent me so many pics - they did the a rt gallery, pizza and her room with a skyline view was to die for gorgeous - taken from her bed the pic looked FAKE it was so pretty.

Enjoy the lake. Hope all is well with your daughter soon.

Hugs.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Have fun.

podso said...

Love your Chicago story and the diversity pic. Great observation. And so sorry to hear about your daughter's infection--bummer on vacation. So you finally have that wall at the lake finished. It looks really nice. Have a good weekend and 4th.

Beth said...

I hope your daughter is feeling better soon.
Your Chicago photos are great. the pizza sure looks good!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

We've visited Chicago a few times and do love this city. Especially the pizza...
Blessings,
Cindy

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Good to hear about your hubby! Hopefully Abby will start feeling better soon. That pizza looks divine! Enjoy the 4th!

Marigene said...

Have a fun time at the lake...do not work the whole time you are there!
Hope Abby is feeling better soon.
I did recognize that some of the pictures were on Michigan Avenue...from visiting there when I worked for the company that owns the "Big Red" building!

Marigene said...

That should have said was housed in...not owned!

Sarah said...

Hooray for the good news at the med check! You've a lot to celebrate
On the other hand, sorry to hear Abby is not well. Hope she is better soon. Sad that it had to happen on her vacay.
Happy First Day of Summer and enjoy the weekend at the lake.

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Oh Jane, I LOVE Chicago!!!! My son was born in Chicago Heights 53 years ago. Most of the trade shows I had to set-up were in Chicago at McCormick Place. I did that for 20 years and I know all the places.
I would spend at least a month in Chicago from August to September at McCormick. Would stay at the Lenox Hotel on Rush by Ontario and Ohio. One block and I was on Michigan Ave shopping and going to all the fab restaurants. I love Gino's East, Houstons (which I understand is gone now) they had the best ribs I have ever had, and
I loved Rosebud's on Rush. I walked all over. If I had to move to a large city it would be Chicago. We also stayed in Rosemont at the Hyatt. I hope to go back some day. I am sure things have changed.
So glad that hubby is okay. I love all the beautiful flowers on Michigan Avenue - oh so pretty.
Enjoy the Lake.
Mary

Susie said...

Blondie, Chicago has always been one of my all time favorite cities. Had a lot of fun around that time. Glad your girl is home ...it's just nicer to tend to them. I'd love a nice pizza pie. Hope your gardening is coming along fine. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Lynn said...

Fun pics Jane! The pizza looks great, have fun at the lake:@)

Beth said...

The pizza looks amazing! Lake plans for the weekend and the fourth sound even better. Enjoy! Hope Abby is better soon. Hugs, Beth

Debby said...

Yeah for the good news on your husband I know he has had some medical issues and nothing is better than to hear you are okay.
Have fun at the Lake. Chicago is an interesting town for sure.

Stacey said...

I miss our Chicago days when my son was in college there. What a fun city to walk the streets in and to shop. Love it there!

It's me said...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....Have a nice sunday......love from me...x !

Lynne said...

I love that you shared your Chicago with us, Jane!
Time for Summer at the Lakehouse! It's my third Summer there! LOL

I am in MEGA CLEAN MODE! The guest room and house are almost ready for Jay and Camille! Jay's best friend's wedding is July 5th! (His mom and dad are also close friends of ours.) The week long party begins on July 3rd.)

So happy to hear that The Husband's recent medical tests were clear! Gosh! Poor Abby! Glad she is on the mend!
The best of blessings to the B's!
Happy, Happy Summer!
withLove!

Theresa said...

Oh the flowers are SO pretty! One day I am coming to your beautiful city! Happy to hear that the Hubby is OK and I pray that Abby feels all better soon! Sending HUGS and PRAYERS your way!

Melanie said...

I agree that our City is a beautiful one! So sorry to hear that Abby is ill. Hope she is better soon. Have a great time up at the lake this weekend with your healthy husband! :-)

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hey Jane,
Chicago is beautiful! And I really need to visit there again.
Sorry about Abby. Oh those kidney infections are so painful.
Been visiting with my son and his family, will e-mail you soon.
Hugs friend,
Cindy

Vel Criste said...

I LOVE CHICAGO and will alway love it and I can't wait to go there the next 2 weekends for my son's drop-off at NW camp and spend 4th of July there with friends!!! I'm mighty proud to show off that city, it's the best I think. Hope Abby get's better soon and enjoy your garden and summer reads!

Kit said...

So glad your guy is doing well! And that you are having fun with your gardens. My oldest is going to Chicago this week for business. She is excited! Kit

Linda said...

Glad you finally got to the lake!
Hubby looks sore and burnt!
Chicago looks like a beautiful city....never been.
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
I am a new follower. Carla from The River. I found you over at Jen's Muddy Boots. :-)
Guess what? I am going to be visiting Chicago in December. :-)

Brenda Pruitt said...

I'm reading a really good book right now. It's by Andrew Gross.
Brenda

Brenda Pruitt said...

I'm reading a really good book right now. It's by Andrew Gross.
Brenda

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I hope your daughter gets back on her feet soon!

I have very fond memories of my time in Chicago - which was many, many years ago! I was about 20! Oh boy, what a blast!

RURAL said...

It's nice to see such pretty shots of a city that I have never seen before. And I hope that your daughter feels better soon.

Jen

SmilingSally said...

Hi Jane,

We've been to Chicago once and tried to sample all the pizzas. We thought that Lou Malnati's was the best. But of course, you are the better judge because living there gives you the luxury of time to taste and taste and . . .

cathy@my1929charmer said...

I love Chicago's architecture, so old buildings. It's great summer is really here, and working, working, working in the garden. Those yard waste bags sure fill up quick with all the weeds I've been pulling. Happy you had a great time in Chicago, and hope Abby gets well soon. Miss ya, how about lunch soon!

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Have fun Jane and I'm always wanted to visit Chicago, hope your daughter is feeling better!

deb @ frugal little bungalow said...

Now I want pizza for breakfast! :)

Susan Shull said...

That pizza. Yum! Hope your girl is feeling better by now and that you have a wonderful July 4th!

Doreen@househoneys said...

The closest I've ever been to Chicago is the airport, but I have a feeling I would like it. So sorry to hear about Abby. That's terrible that after saving and planning she got ill. :(

Now about that pizza...I'm going to have to disagree on that one. Nothing can beat NY thin crust pizza,with just a little char and fresh basil ;).

must love junk said...

Oh, what great pics...I adore Chicago! And I gotta say, that deep dish pizza is my favorite, too!
Hope you're having fun at he lake :)
Susan

Elaine said...

Poor Abby. That's awful to get sick on vacation. Glad she's better.

Never been to Chicago but your pics are so nice I might want to visit. I do love deep dish pizza!

Glad to here hubby is well. Enjoy the lake!

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Jane..what a GREAT city you live in and that Pizza! Good grief! I've heard of Chicago's pizza for years and years. It's no wonder you are so proud of your city. Mine? Not..so much. But California is broke they say..but I do see work being done. Do you suppose the worst of the economy crash is over? Mercy, but I hope so. Enjoy the lake house and take pictures of your prep's for the July 4th party!
Hugs,
Mona

chateau chic said...

We lived in Wheaton many years ago when our kids were young. We loved going into Chicago when we had the chance! It's a great city!!
Mary Alice

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. So glad your hubby is OK. That is so scary. Chicago certainly looks like a beautiful city. My son had friends there and he loved to go visit them. Said it was his favorite city. Hope your beautiful girl is feeling better..Happy Thursday..Judy

DCAja said...

thanks Jane!
skodi