Chicago's Christmas Lighting

What I saw was beautiful! Hubby and I were supposed to meet our son at the train in Highland Park at 11:38a.m.-there was no way. We were coming all the way from a wedding in Orland Park, but that's another blog. So we went ahead and caught the 2:10 from Waukegan. The train ride was nice until I got some little brat kicking my seat! Then I made strangling gestures with my hands and I passed the time quite nicely. We ended up at Olgivie Station which was new to me-we always had stopped at Union Station so I was I little lost.

But we as soon as we stepped off the train that wind hit you! It was cold! And we still had to walk to State Street! On the way we passed 3, count them three empty trolleys that are supposed to be free that run back and forth from State Street to the train stations. I will go next time-if and only if I can get one of those trolleys. Hubby says we have to have a bus pass to use the bus and taxis are too expensive. So we walk.

After the 5 block walk to State we walked another four blocks to Macy's and looked at the windows, they were nice. I really did notice the little trains on top of the subway entrances. Cute.

Then we made our way over to Water Tower Place and the Christmas Parade where we waited in the biting cold for one hour. No, I did not know I was going to wait for an hour. I also did not know that I was going to see this parade. I only wanted to see the lights themselves! We didn't even get to the front we were about six rows from the barriers. Now, hubby and I are short, he's under 5 foot 6 and I'm under 5'4". Short. If I got any pictures it was because I stuck my camera way up high.

So, disgusted after watching Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Chip & Dale and the new Bolt movie personal go by, we decided we were tired of the pushing and shoving. Unfortunately, to get out we had to ask permission to push and shove to get out of the human jello mass that had congealed behind us! I was so upset because some people were actually grabbing at me for so unknown reason! WE WERE TRYING TO LEAVE! Oh well, we finally got out by remembering where we were at and joining forces with another women and saying GOOO!!!!!! and pushing our way through. It may have been rude, but ask me if I give two cents, at that point, I was just happy that the kids who were able to see the parade were still happy. Me? I was glad to get away. If you ever get a chance, go downtown, on a weekend and take advantage of Metra's weekends rate-you can't beat it. And I sure would not miss those Christmas lights. Only take a trolley-or a bus, you only need exact change!

As for the rest of the trip-it was interesting. The rest of the gang beat us back to Olgivie Station by running. Ah ha, we took the long way around by State Street, though.

And again I made strangling gestures on the train. All in all, we were happy to get home and a hot cup of chocolate-something of which they had nothing downtown. Does someone want to clue these people in??????????

Cheers!

A Hockey Game

We had a chance to go see the Chicago Blackhawks play hockey a couple of weeks ago at the United Center and I count my lucky stars! They won! We had never been to the new United Center and looked forward to going to the game ever since my son asked if we were doing anything that Sunday evening. No, but would we like some tickets to a Hawks game? Sure!

The drive from Gurnee down to the United Center took exactly one hour, traffic moved so quickly! We got to the humongous and welcoming doors of the UC at 4:10 p.m where we were ushered out of the biting Chicago wind to wait until 4:30 and the doors to the stadium could be opened. From there we walked up and around the winding halls of UC enjoying the catcalls of the various vendors as we passed by. I did go up to the counter selling pennants and promise we would be back after the game, and I kept my word.

From there we proceeded to the 3rd level and found our seats at mid-court. As I've already mentioned we were extremely early, so we passed the time chatting with the nearby guide who was an avid Sox fan. She pegged us Cubs fans, after she asked where we were from. But we all had a good laugh and decided we were all Hawks fans anyway. Then hubby and I walked around the whole stadium to kill time. Whatever you do, do not go there hungry unless you can afford it! A regular hot dog cost $4, and that's the cheapest thing on the menu. I think water is more expensive than pop! Remember though that you go for the atmosphere and I suppose that is what you will be paying for, and they do have a few places with a lot of that so shop around! One nice place was called the Ironworks.

OK, so we didn't eat, but we did enjoy the game. The people were fun and amiable and just a riot to be with. I can't remember another time when I've ever been at another sporting event where another fan has been so friendly-and that includes Wrigley Field!

So, what game did we go to? It was Blackhawks vs Calgary Flames, Hawks won 6-1. I think they've only won one game since, but hey, we saw a great game when they DID win!!!!

Cheers!

Wedding Cakes

I would like to mention wedding cakes in this blog. Not just any old cake, some Kuwaiti wedding cakes. You see, some pictures were sent to me by and email friend and I was of the opinion that people really could not live like that! It was truly too obscene! So I Googled it. What else?

Lo and behold under the heading, "Kuwait wedding cakes" were the very same pictures. Unfortunately it gave no further background other than they were created by Omar from the Opera Cafe in Kuwait.

I don't think I've ever squeezed so many pictures into one blog, but I couldn't pass this up.

Enjoy!

Veteran's Day

Today Veteran's Day was observed in the United States and around the globe. It is the day we solemnly note the sacrifices made by those who have put their lives on hold for a while so that we all may have live normal lives ourselves. And in the case of so many we remember those who have made the extreme sacrifice and have lost their lives in time of war.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 12, 1919. The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting the President issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938 made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday; "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'."

In 1953, store owner Al King, thought that all veterans should be included so he began a campaign to turn Armistice Day into "All Veteran's Day". With the help of then-U.S. Rep. Ed Rees, from Emporia, Kansas a bill for the holiday was pushed through Congress. President Dwight Eisenhower signed it into law on May 26, 1954.

My Minute to Move It

Yesterday I had stopped in at McDonald's and noticed they had a new Happy Meals campaign starting, it had to do with Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa. So I got more curious and checked online. It goes a little further than that. They've got this whole big thing set up where McDonald's is gently urging kids to take 60 seconds a day and DO SOMETHING! Actually it's a sweet sentiment. I even went on the website and its all set up for kids to interact and gives suggestions on what they might do with their 60 seconds. I hate to break the bad news, but if a kid can't find something to do nowadays, he/she is in real trouble. Then again, I remember those days when I would go in to my mom whining, 'I've got nothing to do.' Oh, there was stuff to do, I just didn't want to do it! You know, good stuff, like going out and play with my sister. My brother was a brat and we didn't play with him.

The neat thing about today's kids are that things are so accessible. They can get to the mall easily-not for shopping-but for a good movie, or better yet, for a good ice rink. Better yet, hopefully there would be a bowling alley around. I know some kids who love bowling. I mean little kids! They bowl better than me! My thumb gets sore. Ah well, I guess I'll just stick with cooking.

Back to McDonald's, if you get the chance, stop by and get a Happy Meal and spend 60 seconds with a kid, you'll never regret it. Me? I just want the moving toy.

Cheers!

First Dog

Jino on Petfinder.com-Basenji/terrier

When Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech, he thanked his campaign manager, his wife, Michelle and then his two girls, Malia and Sasha. He promised them a new puppy. The problem comes in when allergies to said puppy enter the picture.

I grew up with allergies in our household. I was lucky, I was not the one with the allergies to animals and I love them dearly. I have been craving a dog for years but the thought terrifies me. Don't ask why, I don't know, it's something that I was brought up with. But I think I'm getting much better. I can now pet and even let any dog lick me. I have to wash my hands right away, though. But isn't that normal??

Anyway, I think have an answer to President-elect Obama's dilemma, get a mutt. Not just any mutt-get a Basenji/poodle/terrier mix. Basenji from Africa, to celebrate the African background, poodle to show a stiff upper lip, American style, and of course, a bit of terrier, the standby of White House dogs, which had showed themselves to be stalwart animals always! The nice thing about all three breeds is that they all hypo-allergenic. Go to a local shelter and check it out. In fact, go online to Petfinder.com and look for a breed. You can find anything there. There are shelters all over the United States and Canada so your options are limitless.

I go there just to dream. I love Dachshunds. I always thought you should get a mix because they would be healthier. That's what everyone has told me. I've also been told to go to a shelter and save a pet. I also have a friend who will help me find said pet!

So, Mr. President-elect, I doubt if you will have time yourself to find the girls a pet, ask someone who is knowledgeable about the breeding of dogs and have them check on a good pet for the girls. Again there is great information on Petfinder about which dogs are compatible with kids. Good Luck and may you find the puppy you will love!

For anyone interested click on Petfinder.com and start your own search for any dog OR cat!

Cheers!

Joy Yee Noodles

We were out yesterday and had the good fortune to be in the neighborhood of Joy Yee Noodles. Actually, we were only looking for someplace to eat when the friends we were with suggested this Chinese place. Well, this Chinese place turned out to be a Korean place with the most interesting menu I have ever seen! The menu contained pictures of all the dishes so you could see what you were ordering and there these slushes and fresh fruit freeze drinks also. We all ordered something different so we all had a bit of each others. Of course we ordered egg rolls and Crab Rangoon, and four different courses. Now that's a meal!

I think there was Mongolian Beef, Szechwan Beef, Thai Curry Chicken Hot Pot and I had Sesame Chicken. As I said, we all had a bit of each others and yet there was still a ton for dinner tonight. Joy Yee's gives you large portions. I always take extra home. I think it's expected.

They also have chopsticks along with a fork-no knife at the dinner table. So, if you know how to use chopsticks you're in for a treat! You're more than welcome at Joy Yee's!

There are 5 locations in the Chicagoland area. We visited the Nashville one. Please check out the link for the nearest one to you:

http://www.joyyee.com/index.shtml

Cheers!