Chicago 2018 – Day Twelve: A Quirky Adventure

A Late Start and a Nature Stroll

Ah, Chicago, our grand 2018 adventure continued into its twelfth day, and we were in no rush to leap out of bed, especially after the mammoth driving sessions that brought us all the way from the marvels of Niagara Falls to the hustle and bustle of Toronto and back to Lisle near Chicago. Our engines needed a cool-down, and so did our travel-worn souls. But as the morning rays of the sun gently poked us awake, we couldn’t resist the temptation of exploring the Windy City’s charming nooks a little more.

With a quick phone call to Mum and Dad, we ensured all was well back home while they chatted our ears off. It’s always heartwarming to hear their voices, even if it’s through an iPad screen. After the parental check-in, we set out for our mid-morning adventure: a leisurely stroll through the Morton Arboretum, our antidote to the hours behind the wheel.

We decided to take a scenic route, opting to walk the entire perimeter of the eastern side of the Arboretum. A four-mile trek, they said. The sun was beaming down on us, and a gentle breeze caressed the lush meadows. It was a picture-perfect day, or so we thought, until we met the midges. These tiny terrors had an insatiable appetite for biting poor Michele, and they weren’t showing any mercy. Yet, their annoyance couldn’t dampen our spirits as we embarked on an adventure to find the mysterious trolls scattered around the grounds. Alas, we only managed to uncover two of these elusive creatures, but worry not, dear reader, for their portraits will grace your screens upon our return.

With our stomachs gently reminding us of their presence, we made our way to the arboretum cafe for a delightful and refreshing lunch. The combination of nature’s beauty and a well-deserved meal was the perfect recipe for contentment.

Phone Calls and Penalty Shootouts

The afternoon was reserved for connecting with our loved ones back in the UK. First on our call list was my darling daughter, Sam. She had the arduous task of updating me on the progress of our beloved Manchester United in their game against Derby. Alas, the game ended in defeat for our team, decided by the cruel hands of a penalty shootout. The agony of defeat crossed continents, but it’s all part of the football fan package, isn’t it?

Following the football drama, we managed to catch up with our dear friends, Darren and Tracy, just before they tucked themselves in for the night. Distance might separate us, but thanks to technology, we could still share a laugh and exchange stories, making it feel like they were right here with us in the heart of Chicago.

Kitchen Adventures and Unexpected Thunderstorms

As the day tiptoed towards evening, Michele had a promise to keep. She had pledged to Julie that she would whip up a special treat for dinner, a dish our kids absolutely adore: Chicken and Crisp Bake. A culinary adventure was about to begin in our Chicago kitchen, and we couldn’t wait to savor the mouthwatering results.

While Michele orchestrated her culinary masterpiece, I donned my gardener’s hat and ventured into the backyard. There, I engaged in a spirited battle against unruly weeds and conquered the ancient, forsaken compost patches. Gardening, you see, is the unsung hero of travel—it’s like taking care of your own pocket of nature, even when you’re away from home.

Just as I was putting the finishing touches on my green conquest, a sudden shift in the weather took us all by surprise. Dark clouds rolled in, thunder rumbled, and lightning danced across the sky. Nature’s fireworks lit up the evening, and the heavens opened up, showering us with a torrential downpour.

Undeterred, Julie, our wonderful cousin, arrived home from her day at work, and we all found solace from the storm within the cozy confines of our abode. While Michele and I enjoyed some chilled beverages, Julie opted for a glass of Fanta to complement the enchanting TV show we had on.

In the end, as we sat in the warm glow of our screen, it was just another day on this wild, whimsical adventure in Chicago. Rain or shine, triumph or defeat, we embraced every moment with open arms. After all, it’s the quirky, charming surprises that make life’s greatest stories.