6 posts tagged “chicago”

I thought these were lost. They are the Marshall Fields holiday display from 2005. The theme was Cinderella. 

Show us your favorite photo from last summer.

up in the air

Show us your favorite place to get a cup of coffee.
Submitted by danatmedog.

Intelligentsia

I miss Intelligentsia. I was so glad to discover it when it opened literally across the street from us. They imported pastries and other goodies from around the city and beyond. So in one place I could get the most magnificent cupcakes (instead of trekking by train over to Southport Grocery) as well as Scharffenberger chocolates, Coke in a glass bottle, and even a few items from Fox & Obel (B was a big fan of their savory croissants).

The service was always friendly. They took their drink making seriously. As the move got into full swing I found myself ordering more and more large iced mochas. Other times I would get a large iced tea, black (they often had up to six kinds to pick from).

We filled up at least three drink cards before we left, and even got a card for a free coffee once because they felt I had waited too long. I made the mistake of giving it to B's parents who thanked them by whipping out a donut they had tucked away in his Mom's purse -leftovers from the breakfast buffet. Oy!

I loved that there were always fresh flowers on each of the tables. And the music was pretty good too, although sometimes a bit loud to study. At night they put candles on the tables.

It seems like everywhere I turn I find more stuff to pack!  I know we are making progress but somehow it feels like for every step forward we take, there is another step backward we take.

I guess I am at that point where I don't see the end in sight.  Again kind of like what I am told happens at birth when a woman will (sometimes literally) say that she just can't do this.  It usually means it is time to push.

Speaking of which, the baby shower was lovely.  The drive out to Crystal Lake was longer than expected due mostly to a parade.  But at least I had good company.

The mom-to-be is also moving this weekend.  She is headed to the other coast, also sans address.  Her husband and the movers were loading their stuff into a truck which they will drive out tomorrow (with a friend's car in tow) and put everything in storage upon arrival.

Another friend is also headed that way tomorrow with a truck full of stuff.  I told her to hook up and they can caravan to NYC, watching out for each other.

Meanwhile it is Venetian Night in Chicago.  Earlier there was quite a fireworks display viewable from our window.  It seemed a nice way for the City to bid us farewell.

I will preface this by saying that I am not 100% sure that this is what happened.  Nor am I writing this to give people ideas.  I am just fascinated and befuddled.

This afternoon we went back to Intelligentsia for a little bit of a caffeine buzz.  At the table next to us was a woman dressed in a black business pants suit.  After a bit her friend came into the cafe and joined her explaining that she needed to use the restroom.  She too was well coiffed and dressed in fashionable business attire.

The friend walked back to the restroom, realized she needed a key, came back to the front, and then went back to the restroom.  I am not sure why I mention this, but it is part of the story.  Perhaps because she did talk to the guy behind the counter for a bit, although I didn't see her place an order.

At any rate the two women didn't stay much longer.  On the way out, they were chatting when the friend stops at the counter and takes a look at the tea breads they have on display.  They keep their tea breads individually wrapped in plastic, on plates on the counter. She looks them over, picks up a piece and walks out the door!

There were three people working behind the counter and all of them stood there dumbfounded for a minute, looking at each other.  This is why I think that I saw the same thing too.  It was just too bizarre.

They didn't try to stop her, or run after her.  In part I think because it wouldn't have been very easy to do so.  The only way to get out from behind the counter is via the back way.  And even though it isn't a very big place, by the time someone got around, the person would be well on their way to Michigan Avenue or even on any one of the El lines that stops in the Loop.

Too weird.  It really makes you wonder about people.

fromthepier

With any luck, the weather will be nice tomorrow, and I will be able to go down and snap some photos from Navy Pier.  This one was taken from the Ferris Wheel.

After class tonight I walked down to the Artist's Cafe, in hopes of getting a shot of their sign all lit up, but for some reason it wasn't on.  I don't know if it was too early (it was 9pm, and still sort of light outside), or if they were closed and don't turn it on when they aren't open.  I will have to try again.  That is on my list of photos for my final project.

It is hard to believe we only meet two more times, and one of them is our last meeting in which we will critique each other's work.  It went by way too fast!