Trials and Travels

I guess I took another unintentional break from blogging. I didn't realize that going back to a schedule of working every day would interfere so much with important things like blogging...and knitting. Well, I wasn't knitting even before I started working, so I can't blame the job for that one. Since my last update, we've had some sad news. My father-in-law passed away from cancer earlier this month. It was a very difficult time for Joe, who had to wait until finals were over before he could fly back to Chicago. By that time, his father had already slipped into a coma. I flew back to Chicago for the funeral and met my in-laws for the first time. All in all, a very difficult trip, but it was good to finally meet the family.

The day after the funeral, we took a quick whirlwind tour of Chicago where Joe hasn't lived for over 20 years. So, we were both tourists, really. I took some truly mediocre photos (hey, I was lucky Joe stopped the car long enough for me to take any pictures at all).



It was amazing to see a lake so large. I've flown into Chicago many, many times, but I've never seen the lake that close. I actually walked right up to the edge of it. Frankly, it might as well have been the ocean it was so huge.



I was truly impressed by Chicago - what a great city! I love the way the Chicago River runs through it. Gorgeous. Naturally I have no photos of the river. But take my word for it - there's something very European about it.





I believe the black skyscraper is the Sears Tower, but don't quote me. We had some trouble identifying it for sure. You think it would be simple, wouldn't you?



This is an outdoor venue where they have free concerts in the summer at lunch. I noticed that it was a city that appreciates summer weather, like a lot of cold-weather type places. People in San Diego just take it for granted, so it was nice seeing everybody outside grabbing some rays.



Like I mentioned, I've started my new job and I'll post about that later this week or over the weekend.