Chicago, just in the nick of time!

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"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." 

Proverbs 18:24
After months and months of trying to find a date that all FIVE of us could leave our families and commitments to reunite in Scottsdale, AZ to see how Kathy's "new" life has taken shape, we wound up in Chicago(?!?) for an amazing weekend.  

First loop around the city, waiting for the Arizonian's arrival.  

Thanks to Janey, Margaret's camp counselor at UVA and wonderful family friend, for the incredible  Siena Tavern recommendation!  Right by the Westin, it was the perfect first stop.  

 Unbelievable architecture around every corner.

"We're all in this together..."

 The flowers with the harp...an emotional overload.

 

 

We texted "Wolanski", who delivered countless babies for the three of us:-) 
We gave him faces he would recognize from our times together!

The Westin's landmark - 1960's parking garage next door.  

The Architectural Boat Tour was indeed the best way to see the city and learn its fascinating history.

Apparently this is what a $1,600 shoe looks like.

Abe...or Albert?!?

They indulged me with the Duke-UNC game early Saturday night, but it was their idea to order in....best decision all weekend, better lending itself to hours of real catching up:-) 

 A lazy agenda Sunday morning, I was determined to top the Sears Tower (Willis, whatever), so off I went.  And it was absolutely worth the walk and wait.  Unbelievable views in all directions.   

It wasn't until this moment I realized how huge and vast the city really was.  It had seemed so manageable until then...perhaps just a weekend, at the beginning of the Corona Virus situation.  

 It goes on for as far as the eye can see in all directions. 

The Ledge

After watching dozens before me, it was harder than I expected to step out there---it's clear, and it's a LONG WAY down!  

 

Basement of our Brunch hub.

 The Institute of Art

 

Kathy shared the ingredients of a lasting friendship:

1 - Been together more than 4 years
2 - Weathered difficult storms (babies, moves, etc.) 
3 - Have come through tough relationship issues with each other
  

Check. Check. Check.


And now we travel together, as if we do it everyday.
It's a beautiful thing.  
And I will be eternally grateful.  

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

 

We got home after midnight on Sunday the 8th.  Little did we know what the week would entail worldwide.