We Call It Pop 'Round These Parts

I'm finally settled enough to update this nonsense. I've got my pictures sorted and my head screwed on right. Post-vacation depression is hard to kick.

Chicago was, to put it in terse terms, glorious. It has been a long time since I've been on vacation, let alone one that lasted longer than a week. I didn't realize how much I missed my sister, but seeing her solidified that fact like all the countless pounds of fat my belly consumed while there.

Her husband and her bought a house in December and it is a very beautiful, large first house. They live in a town called Elgin, about an hour's train ride outside of Chicago.
First impressions: No telephone wires and no fences. It's all open land and it was quite nice to romp around with my niece with no fear of traffic.

There are lots of white people, not that that's a problem. It was a tad disconcerting, though, noticing all the unabashed stares and very obvious confusion on their faces. While on a train we had a family of four stare unblinking at us. Regardless of the shock of another race, it seems only polite to NOT stare. I would have expected the parents to give us this courtesy, but no, the mom stared more than the two girls. Also, Angie has told me that she's repeatedly gotten questions asking if Gretchen is hispanic (they say Mexican) which, when you see the pictures, will make you laugh at the absurdity of it all.

The city was beautiful and terrific fun to navigate and travel through. I love not having to drive (one of the worst parts of coming home!) and people watching on trains and buses. I also saw Thom Yorke walk by me on the streets!!! It was a delightful trip, if only for Thom.
I could go on, but for now, some pictures!


My sister and cousin on our train ride.


A random building in the city.


Waiting for the train on our wild (not) night out.


My beautiful niece playing flashlight tag in the dark of her house. Such a brave little fart!


Teammates! She wasn't all that scared, but kept imploring "Dacy, hold my hand!".


My sister, Angie, and her husband, Jack, playing flashlight tag.


Buckingham Fountain! It was off and drained, but still worth the picture.


My nieces (the second one came with my sister and her hubby a few days later).


A big goofy family picture (sans my parents).

Sigh, I love my family.