We are enjoying several days in Chicago, visiting our girls and witnessing our younger daughter’s dedication ceremony as she enters her junior year in her nursing program at Loyola University. The Affinia Hotel, just half a block off of Michigan Avenue near Watertower Place, is our home for five days and has so far proven to be very comfortable and convenient. (It’s only a couple of blocks from Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s ER, too, a fact which became known to us yesterday morning, and which may be fodder for a future blog.) Gino’s East restaurant, located right next door, provided us with a great pizza the first night we got in. The weather has been fantastic these last two days: high 70s to low 80s, light breeze, clear skies and mild evenings. It’s hard to believe we’re in the last week of September, and judging from the number of folks out strolling the sidewalks late into the night, everyone is thrilled by this return of summer. And for some Chicagoans, their joy will be complete if only the Sox can win the division! Yesterday afternoon was spent strolling around Lincoln Park Zoo. Being a gardener, I have to admit I got as much pleasure from the beautiful grounds as I did the animal exhibits–and they are nothing to sneer at. What made the trip even more delightful was the fact that admission is free!! Families must surely enjoy such a great outing in the midst of the city. This evening we indulged in more Italian cuisine in Old Town at Dinotto’s Ristorante, with everyone in our party more than satisfied with the range of appetizers and entrees we ordered. From there we walked a short block to a comedy show at The Second City e.t.c. (the second troupe at SC). Campaign Supernova, or How Many Democrats Does It Take to Lose an Election? provided two hours of topical humor that had everyone in the room roaring with laughter.  With two full days left in this visit, we’ve got plenty of other options to fill our days and nights (and stomachs! Got to squeeze in a visit to a Garrett Popcorn Shop sometime.) John Wroblewski has provided us with some great recommendations, and Chicago is also the kind of city where you can find some fabulous places to dine or visit just by getting out, strolling around and keeping your senses alert. Hope you’ve had a great weekend, as well!  Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader