CHICAGO!!!

We just got back from the "Windy" city and boy did we have a great time! The weather was great and we managed to maneuver the city pretty well for country hicks.

We stayed at a hotel at the base of "Big John", the John Hancock building, and a stone throw away from Michigan Avenue and the "Magnificent Mile"; So named for the incredible shopping and eating, all on a one mile section of the famed Michigan Avenue.

We were catapulted up a high speed elevator (20mph, according to the voice recording) to the top of "Big John" and treated to a fabulous view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago city scape. No, that's not Oprah, but Susan taking in the breathtaking view.

More view looking North to the North Avenue Beach. Ok, maybe I made that part up, but it's still a beach to the North.

This is serious landscape for those coming from a city of ~20k

Susan took to high building construction like a fish to water. Here she enjoys our lunch on one of the unfinished construction legs of the building! You go girl!!

Being retired, I'm always looking for a way to pay for these trips. I managed to sign on for a two day try at window washing on this magnificent building!!

Now the purpose of the trip: Susan and Adam have been CUBS fans for years and Susan had placed on her bucket list a pilgrimage to the holy ground of Wrigley Field. I missed the picture of her kissing the ground, but that's her leaning on the lamp post. She wears sunglasses to hide the tear of great joy during this monumental moment.

Susan was heard to say "this is the prettiest sight these eyes have ever seen"!

She let me come along just to hold her in case she developed weakened knees during the experience.

Now in our home town, the first pitch is thrown out by a local politician, or some type of living hero to the community. Now the Cubs...Now the Cubs, invite this Victoria's Secret "Wing" model who was also in the SI swimsuit edition. Who's knees were buckling now?!! Oh...by the way, I'm not sure what that outfielder was thinking, but...com'on buddy, get a room!!

Whew, we made it back from Wrigley Field and here's Susan posing outside our hotel. She just loves to have her picture taken!!

We did manage to squeeze in some culture and science into the trip (between the Chicago pizza and hot dogs). We went to the Museum of Science and Industry. Great place!!

I can remember my dad telling me of this submarine that was captured during WWII. He apparently went through this exhibit some time ago, but the submarine is a great piece history. I tried to imagine being cooped up in that thing for months with 59 other guys and it is pretty tough to imagine. The capture of the sub and crew were, of course, top secret and each person involved had to sign an understanding of secrecy where penalty of death could result if they were to spill the beans.

Well the big fountain was not yet primed for summer use, but it still offers a great foreground for a shot of the skyline.

The whole city offers spectacular architecture and a photographer's paradise. Here is a shot of the statue guarding a park. We had a GREAT TRIP!!