A new semester!

Despite awakening to 8" of snow Tuesday morning, it was move back to SAIC for K day! We got a late start as P had plenty of snow to move. First, to clear the yards to do chores, next to get us out of the garage and out the lane, and then to get his dad out of his driveway and road, too!

Unfortunately, that meant we arrived downtown over the noon hour. Ugh! The traffic cop kindly suggested we pull into the alley for unloading so she didn't need to ticket us.

I kept guard (and prayed!) while P & K took loads up. Two trips this time though on the first trip, I think P had a whole other load in his arms!

K kept with us and we went to our usual parking spot. A short but COLD walk to Subway for lunch. Then K got in a long line for her semester bus pass. We had to wait at the door, not able to go passed security. She called to say it may be an hour.

So as we waited we watched.... a student haul 4 loads of projects (maybe from the winter break intensive?) down to the doors near us. She called her ride. Then moved the 4 precarious loads to the curb ... this is Michigan Avenue! Then she waited for someone to come get her. Honestly, one box was bigger than what would fit in my back seat or truck bed!

Before her ride came, but after she zipped her coat, put on hat & mittens, a fire truck arrived in front of the building but not quite blocking her with lights & sirens! Activity!! They started in "our" building but went next door. I text'd K to see if she was all right, the FD was here!

Girl outside is looking and peering to see if her ride is coming and wondering if car can find her in front of fire truck.

The ambulance arrives so they pull the truck right in front of her! The look on her face was priceless and then she laughed!

Of course, just then K appeared with her pass after only 25 minutes (yeah!) so we didn't get the end of the saga.

We walked back 2 blocks and got a bus to take us to the Planetarium. We had a bit of walking to do after we got off the bus to get there. Thankfully the wind was at our backs. When we got to Shedd Aquarium this was the view up to the north and Navy Pier. Really pretty!
When we got to the Planetarium they confirmed what P had read online -- it was Free Day! WooHoo!!

(And weren't we thankful as we didn't think it was worth $10 after we had toured.)

A bus was right at the front door when we left so we didn't have far to walk to get our bus back to K's neighborhood. Yeah!

I took this out the front bus window:
We had early supper YUM! and went to K's room. We helped unpack, made her bed with clean sheets, and hooked up the TV. All essential! Then we all went to the hotel and checked in. We enjoyed a few hours of lounging & watching TV, tho K liked OUR bed SO much she slept for an hour!

P walked her back about 9:30. Oh, I love the down comforter on those beds.

This morning K met us at the lobby and we had one whale of a good and costly! breakfast in the hotel restaurant.


We moved out and gave hugs & kisses to K. She did some school errands and was glad to wander her familiar hallways again. We headed out to not-much traffic and had a good trip home.

Of course, the stop off at the Outlet Mall partway home was a treat! In just 30 minutes I saved $50 on shoes and $70 total on 2 sweaters.

Here is Phil just before afternoon chores today. See my snow? It snowed most of this afternoon.

If my sister in NY reads this, do you think she'd suggest I take down the wreath? Or will she comment?

And this is the view midst heavy clouds and snow from my front door. Brrr....