Out and About | Orlando

I've been missing this space.

I have been away.  With my family.  

To magical places.

It was lovely.  And warm.  And exciting.

But there is another place we have been.

It holds magic that we have yet to understand and discover.

Hogwarts.

We went to Ollivander's.  

Thousands of wands that choose their wizards.

And we were able to send some letters via Owl Post.

A bit messy but quite efficient.

And look!  We saw a Mandrake!

They're so whiny.

Hagrid wasn't home.  Fang was, barking like mad at us.

Hogwarts.  Until we meet again.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts, hoggy warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scabby knees,

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.

Out and About | Field of Dreams

Driving to pick up The Boy today I saw this....

I had to stop and take a picture.

A single tree in the middle of a soy bean field.  It seems so....regal.

Standing there.  Watching over.  

Away from the cluster of trees on the far horizon.

I don't think this regal tree feels lonely.  

Oh, I can see how the idea of loneliness could seem like a possibility.  

But no.  Not here.

This tree stands tall.  Lush.  Proud.

Now, imagine.  Three weeks from now.

Incredible.

Boots

Out and About | Chicago, part two

I am still stuck on Chicago.  Every time I go I find another gem.

The West Town Tavern

It was divine!

We went for dinner on Wednesday night.  My husband had the Wednesday special.

This is the Wednesday Special.

Open-Faced Southwestern Steak Sandwich.  It totally hit the spot!

I had the Diver Scallops with Mushroom-Leek Risotto.

They are so kind at the West Town Tavern.  They didn't even ask 

me to leave when I started licking my plate. 

Now that's something!

My two sweet babies had the Gnocchi (a starter course) for their dinner.

They also licked their plates.  

Unfortunately, they were asked to leave.

I joke.  I joke.

Please go here.  It will not disappoint!

Boots

Out and About | Chicago

We have been in Chicago.

We love Chicago - we love food.  Chicago is an excellent city

in which to eat food.  Mmmmm food!

I had read about a lovely place called Mindy's Hot Chocolate.  Mindy Segal is a James Beard

Award Outstanding Pastry Chef Nominee, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.  Wow!

I've never met her.  I'd like to meet her.  I bet she's dreamy.

We went to Hot Chocolate to just eat dessert.  

We were seated in the lounge area.  And even though it was steamy 

hot outside, I had to try some hot chocolate.  

I'm so glad I did...