Restaurants, Restaurants, restaurants - what outstanding restaurants. Italian, bratwurst with sauerkraut, crab cakes and even some Cajun - all contributing to our enjoyment and our waistlines!! We have spent the last 3 days with Nat Geraths, a friend from high school and his wife, Mary Alice, seeing Chicago and the gifts and inspirations it has to offer.
The most interesting conversation has been with Nat. We graduated from high school 46 years ago, saw each other last in 1967, and went separate ways. To reconnect as we approach geezerdom is interesting. He still works as the director of a major hospital in the VA system and has had experiences throughout the world- some experiences for pleasure, some in service to those in need of medical services. It is fascinating to hear of the paths he has chosen as he moved away from the small rural Oregon town which holds our roots. His various experiences are examples of what can be accomplished if you are willing to follow your commitment to serve others in a unique way and willing to take some chances. He can be proud of his life of service and he knows he has made a difference providing the best care possible whether it was a Women's Hospital in Afghanistan or helping to heal the wounds of our veterans. The stories aside, it was nice to fall back into a dialog with a friend from long ago.
Chicago - the Art Museum, the noise and hustle of the city, the architecual boat tour, cruising the neighborhoods, seeing the universities of Northwestern and Loyola, the magnificent mile, and finally Wrigley Field. Yes! Wrigley Field!! - with its bleachers and its ivy covered outfield fence. I was there! We watched the Cubs beat Pittsburgh 8 - 0 on their last home game of the season. Wrigley is one of the two remaining old ball parks and the Cubs' fans were at their finest. The Cubs are leading their division in the National League and most likely in the playoffs. After the game most of the 41,000 people stood and sang together. It is the love affair between fans and ball club that I had imagined.
The Art museum was amazing. The skyline was spectacular. The friends were warm and comfortable. But, the visit to Wrigley was on my retirement list of things to do before I die - and I've done it. Guess that means I am one step closer.
The ball park was my own little selfish side trip. But the rest of the experience - to share that with Cheryl was special. As we rode the train back to the Geraths' this evening Cheryl leaned her head against my shoulder and I felt like a teen dating once again. Chicago inspired that romantic feeling of sharing special times with special people.
We have to thank the Geraths for offering this opportunity to us. The memory will certainly linger in our minds and in our hearts.
The most interesting conversation has been with Nat. We graduated from high school 46 years ago, saw each other last in 1967, and went separate ways. To reconnect as we approach geezerdom is interesting. He still works as the director of a major hospital in the VA system and has had experiences throughout the world- some experiences for pleasure, some in service to those in need of medical services. It is fascinating to hear of the paths he has chosen as he moved away from the small rural Oregon town which holds our roots. His various experiences are examples of what can be accomplished if you are willing to follow your commitment to serve others in a unique way and willing to take some chances. He can be proud of his life of service and he knows he has made a difference providing the best care possible whether it was a Women's Hospital in Afghanistan or helping to heal the wounds of our veterans. The stories aside, it was nice to fall back into a dialog with a friend from long ago.
Chicago - the Art Museum, the noise and hustle of the city, the architecual boat tour, cruising the neighborhoods, seeing the universities of Northwestern and Loyola, the magnificent mile, and finally Wrigley Field. Yes! Wrigley Field!! - with its bleachers and its ivy covered outfield fence. I was there! We watched the Cubs beat Pittsburgh 8 - 0 on their last home game of the season. Wrigley is one of the two remaining old ball parks and the Cubs' fans were at their finest. The Cubs are leading their division in the National League and most likely in the playoffs. After the game most of the 41,000 people stood and sang together. It is the love affair between fans and ball club that I had imagined.
The Art museum was amazing. The skyline was spectacular. The friends were warm and comfortable. But, the visit to Wrigley was on my retirement list of things to do before I die - and I've done it. Guess that means I am one step closer.
The ball park was my own little selfish side trip. But the rest of the experience - to share that with Cheryl was special. As we rode the train back to the Geraths' this evening Cheryl leaned her head against my shoulder and I felt like a teen dating once again. Chicago inspired that romantic feeling of sharing special times with special people.
We have to thank the Geraths for offering this opportunity to us. The memory will certainly linger in our minds and in our hearts.
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