have synchronized walks with other 43thingers and post pictures here

(well, most of Saturday) was a good time to be in Millenium Park. Though it poured down rain later, I was able to enjoy these fountains that intermittently squirted from their mouths. Wish I’d dressed differently; I might have joined those kids! :D

in Chicago is so much fun! Here is the Bean

Walter Payton’s Roundhouse This is a mural on the side of the building, which turned into a real pilgrimage for me. I have always idolized Walter Payton – “Sweetness” of the famous Chicago Bears team that went to the Super Bowl (there was even a video – the Super Bowl Shuffle!). So upon hearing about the roundhouse he had restored into a magnificent entertainment facility in Aurora, IL – I knew I had to go.

There is a microbrewery & restaurant, comedy club, banquet rooms, a game room with arcade games, gift shop, and a room crammed full of Payton memorobilia – even his super bowl ring. While writing in the guest book provided for leaving messages to Walter’s family about what he meant to you, I actually started crying! He died at the age of 45, which was so tragic.

The courtyard is spectacular, with large stone ovens, a gazebo stage, a stone bar area, and outdoor dining tables, which I had lunch in. I took back some beer and root beer from the brewery, which my fam loved (there’s a great little gift shop, too, of course).

is for you, Croptilldawn – if I recall, your favorite number is 8, so when I saw this above a door on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, across from Millenium Park on Sunday, I just had to snap it! :)

A large part of what I love about travel is soaking in the great architecture.

this one is for you, Unc – you think your foot is fucked; just take a look at this poor statue dude at the art institute. His right foot is gone entirely! :D

This is a mural on a building in the Lincoln Square district of Chicago. Walking through that district, both commercial and residential, was great!

or just to watch it has such soothing qualities. Nice to enjoy after a hectic, stressful work week.

a downpour sometimes. Unless you’ve got no way out of it…

nor do I know a great deal about them, but I do love Tiger Lilies and mine are just on the cusp of blooming.

Feel free to write the caption for this image. :)