Birthday Trip

Midst the forecast for freezing rain, we headed out Sunday morning to spend the day with K. Her birthday was Monday so this was the best we could do.We had taken birthday cards, presents, and hot lunch.

After that fun, we took the El to the Merchandise Mart for One of A Kind art show. Oh my goodness, I felt like I was walking around with my jaw on the floor. Wowsers! It was so fascinating to see so many artists selling their wares. We guesstimated over 1,000 booths. It was huge! There was a bit of everything: jewelry, glass blowing, glass beads like K has made, clothing, fiber work, wood work in the artist sense, welding and metal work, bookshelves out of books!, even gourmet food & wine samples.

OK, one bookshelf was made from a collection of old books with a teacher theme. The one book I'd like to find, "Shut Up and Listen to the Teacher". Sounds like a great read! It was maybe 18" long and sold for $340.

K loved this booth of wearable art combining knit sections with crocheted edging and old linens and textiles. Very fascinating! But we were pretty sure we shouldn't take pictures of her work so we just posed nearby.

We met K's new boss and she pointed out items from a few booths that they sell at the store. The store is closed on Sundays, our most likely day for a visit, so it was nice to see a few pieces they have. (Tho we both want to see the building her store is housed in. Old with beautiful woodwork and light fixtures!)

K & I felt like we had so many ideas swimming in our heads.

I loved the short, swing corduroy jackets.

The wrist cuffs to peek out from your jacket.

The magnetic board of vintage papers and trims.

How about the circle wrap that can be wore a thousand ways!

Purses made from game boards.

K has started on some needle felting and already made 2 felted hats so found more inspiration there! Hats are really in as several booths just focused on hats (felted or fleece) and had a lot of activity.

Felted fibers woven for a shawl.

Knit collage garments.

Jewelry combining fiber & metal.

Welded sculptures for the home.

Metal clocks with large swinging pendulums.

When we were done at the art show, we headed back to K's room but I wanted to see the Macy's windows first. These are the banners above the windows on State Street.

This years theme is The Nutcracker. After all those years of ballet.... ;)



While in the neighborhood, K said we should go see the Christkindlmarket Chicago that Gma M has wanted to come and see. Just around the block from Macy's!

It was getting dark and starting to drizzle but here we are....
Various shots around the area:
There were a lot of vendors in little booths. Sort of temporary but a bit more stable than just canvas. Food, German arts such as ornaments, nutcrackers, nativities, embroideries, Music, and spiced, warm Beer! Phil finally decided on a cherry strudel. He skipped the real bratwurst with sauerkraut since it was close to supper time. He could have eaten a whole lot there! Right up his alley. ;) Pastries, German chocolate, and brats. What more would he need?

This large Christmas tree was a perfect place for pictures. Too bad JP had stayed home with his cold.... we could have had perfect Christmas card pictures!
My favorite:
Our feet were getting a bit cold and tired so we went to look for N at Blicks and then back to K's room until supper. We took the subway (!!!, yes underground! eek!!) to Weber's Grill for supper. They grill the food over charcoal right across from the tables. We could watch a bit. Yummy and not on the eating plan!!

After some visiting at K's after supper, we headed home and were on the road by 7:45 p.m. About an hour from home, we finally met the freezing rain. Mostly it covered our windshield so visibility was poor and we slowed quite a bit. We didn't get home until 10:15 p.m.

Thankful for a terrific day and safe travels!!