Our trip started out fine-we were on time, and had time to check out the toy robot/space exhibit @SFO. We boarded the plane on time, but got held on the runway for a couple hours.
Ah, the Sierras
We got in late, but Carmine was right at the baggage claim to meet us! Jean was circling, so she could pick us up. By the time we got in, there was just snow flurries. We stopped by Chili's and had a nosh. I must make a note about Jean & Carmine's car-it is a Cadillac with all the bells and whistles. I never had the pleasure of experiencing heated seats and boy was that nice! The next day we had a great breakfast and headed into Chicago to Carmine's office, which is where this picture was taken of Millennium Plaza from the 28th Floor.
While Helen and Carmine talked about work, Jean & I went to check out the Chicago Cultural Center. We got there just as the docent tour was taking place. The guy even knew of Clearlake! It is an architectual marvel of craftmanship. This is the occular of one the domes. It is the largest Tiffany work in the world.
The use of tiles and marble is unbelievable.
A lovely dinner at Deluxe
At the graduation ceremony-sorry my shots are crap. WE were told that we would have to walk a long way to get to the Hall, and it was snowing pretty good. It turned out our parking lot space was right near the door to get in! That was a lucky thing. Here is Division 60 marching in
Another lovely meal and a nice group photo. Colin had to drive an Aveo in the snow! Not an easy thing. He texted us later to say he made it out okay. whew.
Thank you, Carmine and Jean for making us so welcome! You drove us around and made us so comfortable in your lovely home. I look forward to seeing you out our way some day.
My parting shot of leaving O'Hare. We had to wait 2 1/2 hours to get out, but we finally did after having the plane de-iced and they plowed the runway TWICE. We were orginally scheduled to leave in the evening, but it got canceled. We took a flight with a stop at LAX. Poor Carmine got a flat after he dropped us off.We figured that the time we got to SFO was the time we would of got there from our original non-stop flight. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the El Rancho in Millbrae, the restaurant had JUST closed. We ordered one of the worst pizzas I had ever had, but at least we had it-we were starved and exhausted. We got home with no problems the next day. I stopped off at the local casino (I wasn't ready to let go of my adventure) and ended up winning $760!
Trip to Chicago Jan 6-12, 2009
Comments