The (holiday) weekend, succinctly

Aside from FurFur punishing mommy for oversleeping on Saturday morning (take two guesses) and The Fella's pager going off non-stop starting at 7am each morning, the long holiday weekend was quite uneventful. This Labor Day holiday came at an inopportune time, just days after I had a horrible stomach virus that lasted days. Even though I was feeling completely better, I refrained from seeing any friends for fear of passing it on.

Still, the long – if a bit boring – holiday was much appreciated, beginning with a Friday half day at the office, long walks with the dog, and a few successful cooking sessions. I pruned the basil plant almost down to the bottom layer of leaves, hoping to squeeze out at least a couple more jars of pesto before the cold weather settles in to kill my beloved.

On our way to the Chicago Jazz Festival on its last night in Grant Park, The Fella and I encountered this church choir group downtown. Then the group leader told a passer-by that he is going to hell for smoking that cigarette. Sweet.

{ Chicago skyline from afar }

We laid out a new blanket on the lawn (an airline blanket – yes, I have an odd habit of stealing airline blankets) and stretched out under a starry sky, listening to soulful jazz and gazing at the glittering lights of the Chicago skyline. I'll never tire of our beautiful skyline, no matter how many different ways I see it, during sunrise or twilight, gray backdrop or covered in wintry snow. Perfection!

{ fluttery, vintage Giorgio Armani scarf perfect for the breezy night, gifted from my sister }

The best act we heard, though, was a random street performer named Kaliq Woods armed with just a clarinet. This man had soul – in the style of New Orleans – the kind that keeps you entranced by his pure heart and smooth rhythm. He was the real deal.

{ kaliq woods }