Sunday, July 5, 2009

Image by Matt Stratton via Flickr

Today was the perfect day in Chicagoland. Talk about awesome!!!! Sun was out, very little humidity, temperatures were in the 70's. Completely a 10!!! As I drove up Lake shore Drive it seemed everyone else in the city had the same idea. Talk about gridlock....It took me over an hour to do the 7 or 8 miles from one end to the other. At least the guy next to me was blasting his dance music so we could move and groove. HAH!!!

Today I met a new friend. Talk about an instant attraction. We hit it off like we had known each other forever. He was from the same area of Southern California that I had lived in when I went to college. Talk about a small world.

It turns out that he and his room mate have a gorgeous American Bulldog named Gryphon. Gryph is 100 lbs. of pure puppy love. It's good to meet another dog lover. Now I am missing my "little" Annie something fierce.

We took Gryphon for a walk down to the beach and watched the people out barbecuing, enjoying family, and in general celebrating the day. Gryphon was the center of attention which, in true lovable pooch style, he lapped it up. He knew he was a star attraction wagging his tail at every passerby and earning some serious petting.

After sitting on the bench overlooking Lake Michigan for what seemed like an hour of pure bliss, we decided to head off to get something to eat. We went to a local pub cum restaurant kind of place. Sorry if I can remember the name. What I can remember is that they had the most awesome burgers. So there we sat stuffing our face and washing it down with beer. That, my friend, is the meaning of life. I am still stuffed from dinner at this writing.

Next we went for a Sunday drive up Sheridan Ave. For those who have never been here, Sheridan Ave is home to some of the most ostentatious houses in America. I've never seen so many mansions lining the street. It was absolutely jaw dropping and yes, I drooled over many homes.

We followed Sheridan north through Northwestern University, Evanston, Wilmette and finally North Shore (I think). Each town was prettier than the last. Stately homes on beautifully manicured lawns. How gentile.

On the way back we stopped at the B'hai Cathedral. This is an absolute wonder to behold. The entire structure is white sandstone or limestone (not sure which). The carvings covering the building are absolutely breathtaking. In the top of the dome is a scrip in Arabic that praised the holiness of God.

Yes today was an incredible day with great company. What more could I ask for? To do it again of course.