Spring Hearkens

Mother nature is teasing us here in Chicago. The weather has been truly beautiful the past few days. I think heaven is 55 degrees at the end of a long, cold winter.

On Friday, I went to Millenium Park before my contact fitting and sat on a bench to have my lunch from White Hen. It was marvelous. Sun beating down. People sitting around, nervously taking their coats off -- it's like we don't believe we can be warm outside without a big coat. On Saturday, St Patrick's day revelers were out in full force. The day was warm, and the pubs and bars were pulling out their summer patio seating to accomodate the crowds that were forming by...noon. (For those of you who are wondering why everyone was out for St. Patrick's day when it's not until Friday, I should note that Chicago is home to the second largest group of Irish outside of Ireland. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated here for two weeks.) Sunday was likewise warm and lovely, though I spent the day inside at work. I don't think I've ever noticed before that Kaplan has no windows!

Of course, lest anyone envy our great weather -- this morning's 60 degrees with sunny skies and a breeze had, by noon, turned to 35 degrees with clouds and a mean wind. It was good while it lasted, though, and I'm certainly looking forward to spring now. I just hope the bulbs in the park can weather the lingering winter weather.