Weekend in Chicago

We took advantage of Jo having a business trip to Chicago for me to tag along and catch up with family and friends.  Unfortunately we picked one of the coldest, snowiest weeks to visit.  We enjoyed using Amtrak to get into Chicago which nicely avoided all the traffic that Chicago seems to have become famous for.  My sister joined Jo and I on a visit to Jane Adams Hull House museum the morning of the first day.  It was fascinating to read and learn about the history of this remarkable women.  Even if she was a bit of an anti-capitalist.  Unfortunately we heard later in the week that the foundation she founded is going bankrupt. 

After the Hull House, we dropped off Jo for her conference while my sister and I headed to the Chicago History museum.  It was fun reading about Chicago's past, even if there has been some revisionist history and Ms. O'leary's cow is apparently no longer responsible for starting the Chicago fire - so much for that history lesson in school.  Great museum and well worth the visit.  Later that evening we all took in a show at Navy Pier - "Elizabeth Rex" that was simply spectacular.  The lead actress playing Elizabeth did a phenomenal job and gave a riveting performance.  It was then back to the hotel for a much needed sleep. 

The next day, it was off to Elmhurst to see John and Linda.  We enjoyed brunch and catching up on all the happenings in their large family (well I enjoyed catching up on the family doings).  Their kids of grown up so much.  Then it was back on the train to downtown to enjoy the final evening dinner of Jo's conference.

We came home to some additional snow so we got up on Sunday and did an hour of cross-country skiing.  This was at least partly to compensate for the wonderful chocolate chip cookie dessert that Jo made the night before.  Jo's sister came over later on Sunday - she was in town for a brunch with a friend - and we caught up while watching the football playoff games.  Then it was time to begin another week - but not until after Kathy and I enjoyed our new ritual of geting a cinnamon roll at the local bake shop on Monday morning.  I'm painting the final room on the second floor - Jo's study - this week, which is a big accomplishment since only a few small closets and hallways then remain.  Yeah!!  Jo has a board meeting this week so she has to be focused and on her game this week (not that she isn't always focused and prepared).