I had intended to write this before the new year rolled in, but here it is mid-January and I'm finally getting around to it. Last year was weird. I mean, there were some great things and some not so great things, as usually happens. But last year was particularly weird, and I feel the need … Continue reading Welcome to Another Year of Crazy
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
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
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
A few weekends ago I attended the Chicago Travel and Adventure Show, which I have also attended a couple times in the past. For about the price of a movie its a full day of talks, demonstrations, freebies and ideas, and I've always found the day well worth it. This year was no exception. I … Continue reading Travel and Adventure Show 2014!
Now that I've returned home from my year in the UK, I'm faced with different kinds of challenges. For instance, paying off all those amazing weekend trips around the UK and Europe! Job hunting is never something one looks forward to doing. But I am grateful that I've found two temporary part-time positions that will … Continue reading New Challenges and Opportunities
Hello All, After a surprise visit home and a week-long trip to Ireland, I have made it back safe and sound to Leicester, ready to start classes tomorrow. It’s been a fun few weeks, but will get very busy from here on! Just before the break I had gone on another hike in Leicestershire, but … Continue reading Happy New Year from Leicester!
Since I'm delving more and more into Chicago history these days, I thought I would comment on my most recent visit to two historic house museums in Chicago, the Clarke House, and Glessner House. I took a 2 hour tour, one hour for each house. The Clarke house is said to be the oldest remaining … Continue reading More Chicago History: Clarke & Glessner Houses
History of a Life 