Chicago 2014 Chronicles: Day Sixteen
A Leisurely Sunday Start
Ah, Sunday, the day of rest… or not. Our Sunday kicked off a tad later than planned, but let’s not point fingers at Simon Rimmer or Tim Lovejoy from Sunday Brunch for this tardiness. Nope, today’s sluggish start was all on us.
Elle was still off gallivanting at her dad’s, and Chris had scampered off to some car track day shenanigans with his mates. So, who does that leave? Well, just the fabulous bunch of Michele, Julie, Lewis, Josh, and yours truly. With our tummies rumbling in harmony, we set off on a mission for brunch. And, as Julie sagely pointed out, dining out is often kinder to the wallet than rustling up a meal at home. Off we trotted, destination: Wheaton, and the illustrious Butterfield Diner.
Brunch Delights at Butterfield Diner
After a brief ten-minute wait for a table—because apparently, the whole town had the same brilliant idea—we were finally seated. Was it worth the wait, you ask? Absolutely. While it might not have been the quintessential full English breakfast affair, scrambled eggs, bacon, and a generous heap of hash browns did the trick. And let’s not forget the endless flow of coffee refills, a true mark of brunch excellence!
The bill? A modest $50 (£30) for the entire gang, tip included. Now that’s what I call a brunch bargain!
Retail Therapy and Technical Tinkering
With our bellies content, we embarked on a leisurely stroll around the local shops. Julie’s mom (affectionately known as Aunty Jilla) had cunningly tasked us with a sandal-sourcing mission. Of course, Michele and Julie required no coaxing to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.
Upon our return, afternoon laziness set in. I lent a hand to Julie in relocating one of her TV cable boxes, a task that proved surprisingly uneventful. A quick glance at her laptop and printer revealed a mixed bag: TV fixed, laptop updated, but alas, the printer conundrum remained unsolved. Fear not, for Chris, the tech-savvy hero, shall swoop in to save the day!
Treadmills and House Hunting Hijinks
Ah, the perils of living under the same roof with a spirited bunch. Lewis learned this the hard way when his mischievous streak collided head-on with Julie’s no-nonsense demeanor. Note to self: never tamper with the treadmill speed while someone’s mid-jog. Julie’s swift admonishment? You go, girl!
Later in the day, Michele and Josh ventured into the wild world of real estate, drawn by the allure of an open house across the street. Josh returned, eyes gleaming with excitement, armed with tales of a mansion boasting its very own cinema and bar in the basement. Tempting, indeed, but alas, a tad extravagant for my humble budget.
Curious about the property? Check it out: [Lillian Lane, house for sale]
Evening Chit-Chats and Farewell Plans
As the sun began its descent, we opted for a cozy night in, accompanied by hearty conversations that roamed far and wide across every topic imaginable.
With Julie bracing herself for a return to the daily grind tomorrow, the remaining quartet, along with Elle, eagerly anticipate one last hurrah in the bustling streets of Chicago.
And as for today’s photo count? A grand total of zero. But fear not, for I’ve already amassed over 2000 snapshots during our escapades these past weeks. Instead, feast your eyes on a couple of my personal favorites.
So, dear readers, until next time, stay cheeky, stay charming, and keep adventuring!
