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Sunset on the lake - just a 60 second walk from my apartment. Yeah, I think I can live here for a little while.

Last Day Adventures

There is something just a little anti-climactic about having your last day off be EVERYBODY'S day off. My secret little city that I've had total run of these last two months is suddenly flooded with people. Where did they all come from and how do they know all my favorite shops and streets?

On the other hand, what better way to celebrate than to stumble upon and join in a parade (really):






It was the Lakeview DIY Parade but they had a marching band and all and so I couldn't resist.

This all happening while on my way to do some last minute shopping. Oh, the spoils of Memorial Day Weekend:








A bit of necessity before starting a new job and a bit of self indulgence for starting a new job.

I am excited to start tomorrow. Anxious. Ready. But...I have loved these two months of reflection, growth and healing. How I will miss these adventurous mornings and quiet afternoons.






Tomorrow, a new era awaits. Stay tuned....

None other than Springfield, IL

 

 

 

I don't know why I picked it, exactly. It's not a typical last hurrah sort of trip. I mean originally I was looking at Cabo resort packages.
And while there were no margaritas on the beach it was a PHENOMENAL trip and a perfect reminder that it's more than possible to find excitement and wonder in your own backyard. For someone like me, starting a scary new job, that was a much needed refresher course in adventure.

Last hint

Destination unknown

Any guesses?

Phase 1

 

Sufjan Stevens' Illinois blaring from the speakers we bid farewell to Chicago.
No roadtrip is complete without:

 

 a small town diner breakfast (Rosie's),

 

  a stop at a bizarre little museum (Isle a la Cache),

 

 a torrential downpour

 and a completely unnecessary detour (Beer Nuts factory).

In other words, Phase 1 of roadtrip complete.

Ablaze

I've just watched the most breathtaking sunset from my window. Unfortunately, now I am trying to type with large orange blotches in my vision.
No, I am not too old to look at the sun...

Unemployment does have it's perks

Don't mistake that for a complaint. I am literally counting down the days until I start my new job. But then I find myself napping on the beach at 11am on a day like this and I can't help but think...I'll sure miss this.

How Do I Love Thee

Let me count the ways...

Too sweet to eat

For their honeymoon, my dear friend from Tokyo and her husband toured North America, including a visit to Chicago. In true Japanese fashion they insisted on giving ME gifts, including this box of sweets.
Everything is cuter in Japan. Even the candy. Like I'll ever be able to eat those.

Fashion Friday

Ours is not to reason why, I suppose

 

(yes, that's a skirt. No, that's not a woman or a kilt)

Streets of London

 In a matter of 30 minutes a Dickensian mist settled over the city. I was on my way home but took a detour to the lake...