Actually- I spent most of my time in Evanston (just north of Chicago, where my son lives) and in the suburb south of Chicago where my sister lives. But I flew in and out of O’Hare, and we drove down Lakeshore Drive the first night, which took us right past downtown.
Now. There was a LOT going on this weekend. There was a big No Kings protest happening on Saturday, and as if that weren’t enough, it was also “Family Weekend” at Northwestern. AND, to further complicate matters, the forecast showed rain all weekend. Let’s just see how it all played out!
I got in on Friday afternoon and went straight to Evanston. My son was at home eating lunch, so I got to see where he lives (he shares a floor of a house with two other students- it looks like a typical place where three college guys live!) Then he went to his orchestra rehearsal. Because it was Family Weekend, the rehearsal was open to the public, but I had a couple things to do first.
My son lives WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE of a Trader Joes AND a used bookstore. WHAT. That’s a dream combination right there. I went to Trader Joe’s for some dinner supplies, and then browsed in the bookstore. I liked this sign on the store window.
Then I watched part of his rehearsal…
and then we drove to my sister and brother in law’s house! It was a long drive because we drove right past Chicago during rush hour, but that’s okay- we had lots to talk about.
We had dinner, and then discussed the next day (Saturday). My sister was worried that the protest could be dangerous, but my BIL was determined to go. Here he is making one of their signs!
My son didn’t want to go (he had an orchestra concert Saturday night and it didn’t seem like a great thing to combine with a possibly violent protest) and well… let’s just say I’m a coward. I wanted to spend time with my son, and walk around downtown Evanston. My sister kindly gave me an out by saying it gave her peace of mind to know that if they weren’t able to return home that night for any reason, I would be there to take care of their cat.
We headed back to Evanston, and while the brave people protested, my son practiced a little and here’s what I did:
I hit up two more bookstores, and bought three books!
Then my son and I walked to the lake.
Now, at this point you might be asking, HOW WAS THE WEATHER??? It was… not as cool as I was hoping for, but with everything going on, we were grateful it wasn’t cold, or rainy. It was around 70 degrees, which was just fine for walking around. The leaves were kind of fallish- some were changing, some were still green.
My son and I spent most of the afternoon walking and talking, and then we met up with my sister and BIL for dinner. The protest was 100% peaceful, and they said it was uplifting and exhilarating to be around so many like-minded people. Hooray!
After dinner we went to my son’s concert, which was AMAZING. The Northwestern orchestra is so good! It was so much fun to see my son play (he had some solos) and know that he’s living his best life- playing in a symphony orchestra is his eventual dream job.
Sunday morning we woke up to this:
A quick note- I did end up running on this trip, on Saturday morning. This meant (since I traveled with just a backpack) I only had my running shoes, to run in, walk around all day, and then wear to the concert.
It wasn’t ideal, but it worked just fine. But I was VERY glad I didn’t plan to run Sunday morning! After breakfast I headed to the airport.
And then a few hours later, I was home! It was a little surreal to be back in this:
It seemed like I was gone much longer than two days, which means it was a great trip. Now I’m sad that it’s over, but I’ll be back!
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27 Responses
How wonderful that you got to spend time with your son and sister’s family! Do you have a Trader Joe’s near you in Florida? I’m guessing maybe not since you were so excited to shop there while in Evanston.
We do have Trader Joe’s here, but none that are convenient to shop at often. It’s like I have to make a special trip (which I definitely do!) My mind is just blown by the fact that my son can WALK to a Trader Joe’s… I’m envious.
Sounds like a great trip! Did you buy anything fun at TJ’s?
I bought some things for my son that he would consider “luxury” items, like banana bread and garlic crisps. He’s on a pretty tight budget so he doesn’t buy anything he doesn’t really need. I also bought some ingredients for our dinner that night that I brought to my sister’s. I definitely couldn’t buy anything to bring home, as I had no space in my bag.
living near trade joes and bookstore would be my daughter’s dream too! glad you had a good packed 2 days of visit to loved ones.
Your daughter and I would get along well!
Ha, your brother-in-law takes his protesting very seriously – sign-making and all! I love that level of commitment. 😄
Also, huge congrats on your minimalism-style packing – that’s impressive! Getting a run in and managing to wear the same shoes to a concert is efficiency at its finest. I bet no one even noticed!
Did you manage to finish one of those books on the flight home?
Yes, my BIL is amazing! He’s dedicated to the cause and he’s actually an artist as well- I wish I had gotten a photo of the finished sign, because he decorated it with some pictures.
I read a lot on the plane home- I finished the book I had already started, read my pages of Joy Luck Club for book club, and read half of the Josephine Tey!
I love this. It’s so much fun to get away, even for 48 hours. I wouldn’t have wanted to go to the protest either – don’t get me wrong, I very much support the message and I applaud your BIL, but huge crowds are not my scene.
Sigh, it’s been a year since our last CHI trip. I’ve got to do something about that.
Have you read other Joseph Tey books? I read A Shilling for Candles a long time ago, and have good memories. I’ll probably read it again when I see the movie in a few months. Alfred Hitchcock made it into a movie in the 30s.
I have a vague memory of Josephine Tey, but can’t remember what I read. I’m positive I didn’t read this one which is why I chose it.
It sounds like a great trip, and you really packed a lot into two days! And it was nice that the weather held up until you were leaving.
I applaud anyone who attended the protests but I really can’t do large crowds so it’s not for me!
Yes, I’m not a large crowd person- but neither is my sister and she managed to go! She assured me that I could handle it if I decide to go to a protest in the future.
Wow you certainly packed a lot into 2 days. Sounds perfect!
The protests here were crowded and peaceful. All my friends went but a college friend came up to visit and she wanted to go to see fall foliage.
Any plans to return to Chicago?
I heard the protests were peaceful everywhere- no incidents of violence at all, which is amazing.
I don’t have any concrete plans yet- but I’ll definitely go back several more times while my son is there.
What a wonderful trip! I am glad the rain held off on until Sunday so you could be comfortably out and about on Fri/Sat. It looks like a perfect getaway! I’m in awe of your BIL’s penmanship. Mine is terrible. Even when I try to write “nicely” it would never look at neat as that sign. I am glad the protests were peaceful and uplifting. We did not participate in the protests either. I was with the boys all day on Sat while Phil grocery shopped in the am and golfed in the afternoon. And I’m just not ready to explain what is happening in our world. We answer some of Paul’s questions but haven’t discussed it much beyond that. I know that some will think that’s irresponsible but I kind of want to protect them a bit longer… But I did hear the protests were peaceful and uplifting here, too!
My BIL is an artist, so his signs are always great. If I went to a protest I would have to buy a sign, lol- if I tried to make one it would look TERRIBLE.
I’m pretty sure if I had young kids I would be protecting them at this point as well. They shouldn’t have to worry about what’s going on- leave that for the adults.
You packed a lot into two days – looks like an amazing trip! Not mentioning Trader Joe’s (bitter, Canadian, lol) but my daughter lived around the block from a darling bookstore that had used shelves and it was dreamy.
How amazing to see your son play!
I got that same edition of The Joy Luck Club from the library before I found my old copy, and I am reading it because it is easier on my old eyes. I loved The Appeal. I assume I’ve read The Daughter of Time but I’ll have to check that.
Your BIL rocks! I don’t blame you for not taking time out of a visiting-your-kid trip to protest.
I’m excited to read The Appeal! I’ll be starting it soon. And yes- the trip was amazing. I’m so glad I went!
It sounds like a wonderful time with your son and I am sure you were happy to see your sister and to know that she’s close-by! I am also happy to hear that the protest was peaceful! It seems like there weren’t any issues anywhere last Saturday… it was all “fearmongering” from the other side.
Yes! As far as I know there were NO incidents at any of the protests. It was a successful day.
Yay, what a great trip for you! I’m so happy you had such a lovely time with your son – and books too!
Yes, I had a GREAT time with my son- lots of time to talk. I really couldn’t have asked for a better trip.
Trader Joe’s is a hot commodity! It would be awesome to walk to one! We finally have a good bookstore within 8 miles but it’s not a used bookstore and I can’t walk there.
I’m glad you had a wonderful time and that your son’s orchestra was so amazing. 🤩
I’m also glad everyone made it home from the protests safely.
I would settle for a good bookstore even if it’s not used! My best option here is Barnes and Noble, which does have a great selection. It would be nice to have an indie bookstore though.
I’m in a similar boat – have a Trader Joe’s but not in a spot that’s convenient to get to. I’m glad your trip was so great. Did you HAVE to show the photo of what Florida looks like right now? 😉 His dream job does sound amazing.
I’m glad you had such a great time in Chicago with your son – those bookstore visits are my idea of a good time, too!
I was a little anxious about going to the protest myself, but I went with a friend who has three kids and I was like, “There’s no way she’s going to get herself in trouble as a mom of three!” HA. It was peaceful and uplifting and so good for my soul. We even had two little girls at the protest who kept starting chants, so that made me feel good about the young’ins!
What a fun weekend.