This weekend was a welcome taste of warmer weather to come, and anyone who was wise took advantage of it! We did as well, by doing some hiking and exploring along Chicago's north shore. I've been to Fort Sheridan and the Openlands Lakeshore Preserve before, but it was significantly more pleasant this time around, with … Continue reading Fort Sheridan and Openlands Lakeshore Preserve
Once again, I've let life get away from me, and this blog has remained largely forgotten. Or maybe not forgotten, since I've often thought "I should write on my blog again". But, as I'm gearing up for another major adventure, I thought I would write a post to get back in the swing of things. … Continue reading My Chicago Adventures: Pullman and Argus Brewery
I love Lincoln Square! But seriously, the neighborhood of Lincoln Square seems to have a lot going for it. As per usual, my copy of the "Open House Chicago" sites was my guide to exploring the neighborhood, and I've made repeat visits back to the DANK-Haus German American Cultural Center. The museum there is free and … Continue reading My Chicago Adventures: Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
I am a fan of cemeteries. This may be strange to some but cemeteries can be peaceful, beautiful, and historic all at the same time. Rosehill Cemetery is supposedly Chicago's largest cemetery, with many Civil War soldiers, and well-known Chicagoans buried here. I visited on a snowy weekend in February, so I suppose it's about … Continue reading Rosehill Cemetery, North Side Chicago
This year counted as my 5-year anniversary with the Triton Troupers Circus. Granted, that year when I was in England I didn't get to participate, but I cheered them on from afar. This year I was happy to walk in the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day parade to advertise for the circus, and to participate in … Continue reading Triton Troupers Circus 2015
My second neighborhood to visit was Pilsen. Now, I'm not claiming that I've thoroughly explored these neighborhoods; not even close! I just like getting out on a Saturday, with a short list of things to see. I get the feeling there is a lot in Pilsen that I still haven't seen or don't know about. … Continue reading My Chicago Adventures: Pilsen
Since moving to Chicago I've started a few habits: there's the independent coffee shops on Fridays, visiting a different museum most weekends, and walking around new neighborhoods. And does Chicago have the neighborhoods! I usually plan out my walks to include some historic spots, and interesting places, and take pictures along the way. My first … Continue reading My Chicago Adventures: Edgewater/Andersonville
Around this time of year it's customary to send out a Christmas card and letter to your friends and family; I can't manage to mail out Christmas cards this year, so I'm opting for the digital version. Not as personal but I hope it does the job! And every year is another adventure. Early in … Continue reading My Christmas Letter
Gosh, I didn't realize it had been quite that long since I blogged. How did that happen again?? Long story short: I went on vacation, I got a new job, I moved, I went on vacation again, I presented at a conference, I got a promotion, and then I looked at my blog. That's a … Continue reading Fall Fun and Germany in October
Chicago in the 1920's was a city of political corruption and gang warfare, and the embodiment of the failure of Prohibition. Three of its key figures happen to be buried near each other in an old Catholic cemetery outside of Chicago. This cemetery just happens to be right near my house. I will admit that … Continue reading Al Capone and Gangster History
History of a Life 