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Sunday, June 21, 2015

A Few Days In Chicago . . .

 
 
Off we go for a few days in Chicago
Amtrak from Holland, Michigan
to Chicago/Union Station.
 
pictured from the left
Jane, JoAnn, Me, Jean, Pat, Lynn
Deanna was taking the picture
you'll meet her soon
 
We planned for some
walking, shopping and relaxing
plus we had tickets to see
Bette Midler at the Untied Center
Thursday evening.
 
Many of the gals are friends of mine from years ago.
Well . . . they still are friends,
I just don't see them as often and
I don't live where I did
when we used to spend weekends together
and when we were busy raising our families
 
EXCITED



We arrived early Thursday morning in Chicago  
in the midst of the Blackhawks celebrating 
 in a full force parade, their Stanley Cup victory..
 
It was a sea of red and black for blocks.
Our hotel was right off Michigan Avenue
and right in the midst of the parade crowd.
 
It was an amazing happy spirit all around us.

 

We checked in to the Omni Hotel and
took off for an early lunch at Bandera (above)
and a bit of afternoon shopping.
Great lunch and wonderful diverse conversation.



After a few hours of shopping
we went back to our hotel
to get ready for dinner and Bette Midler.
 


Wildflower provided the perfect atmosphere
for the upcoming Bette Midler concert
A 40's atmosphere, with large photos of well known
movie star artists here and there.
The dark décor, lights and warmth created a wonderful ambiance.

I must say . . .one of the best steaks I have ever had.
We all totally loved dinner and the evening.
Deanna is in this photo,
sitting to the right of Jean on the end.



I was excited to see and be in The United Center.
I watched many Chicago Bulls televised basketball games with
Michael Jordon, Scotty Pippin plus others, for many years.
I was a diehard MJ fan . . . loved to watch him play basketball. 

The screen above is what greeted us as we entered the center.
 JoAnn's daughter Amy helped with some of the travel plans.
No disappointment in any of her planning.
Our awesome front and center seats were perfect.
Thanks Amy and JoAnn!
 
 
Soon after we arrived, the screens lit up with
Bette Midler
 
She hasn't lost any of her zest and sass. 
Her energy was unbelievable,
 she sang and danced,
went back and forth from one end of the stage to the other
and appeared much younger than her 69 years of age.
 
 AMAZING
 
I remember vividly her first appearance on Johnny Carson.
I have enjoyed her since then.
The love and regard Johnny and Bette
had for one another was forever evident. 
 
 
We walked to Tempo for breakfast in the morning.
We passed this Irish pub on the way back to the hotel. 
I asked someone at the door to take our picture. 
My daughter Suzie and I stopped in here last year
when we were in Chicago to see the Christmas lights.    
 
 
 
Here we are sitting in front of the Cheesecake Factory.
Notice the coats.
It was 80+ on Thursday and in the 60's most of Friday. 
Such a great discussion we had . . . 
 
 
 
We walked back to the hotel to get our bags and were
greeted with glasses of champagne.
I am not a champagne gal but I didn't refuse
and made a toast with the others to
Champagne Friday. 
 
 
Deanna and Jane and their husbands
will be in Argentina in September
visiting their friend Herman and family.
This photo was for Herman!
~
And that is it!
Great people, great fun, great memories.
 
FANTASTIC
~
I will be back soon,
Love, Lynne
 

 

17 comments:

bj said...

What an absolute LOVELY time this must have been. Such fun to do all this with good friends. So glad you had a really good time.
xo

Barbara Lilian in France said...

What a great time you have had, with your friends. True friends will always be there to share happy times and it's so lovely to chat over times gone by. I would so love to see Bett Midler live on stage. You looks like you had a lot of fun.

Anonymous said...

Sounds great. You are having a wonderful time with all your friends. It will be sweet memories for ever...

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

I can tell from your writtings and photos that you all had a 'ball'. Nothing better to be with great friends.

MarmePurl said...

Good friends, fabulous places, good times. Happy for you Lynne.

Buttons Thoughts said...

AMAZING oh you are enjoying every minute of life look at the smiles. Bette Midler oh I am a bit jealous:):) Hug B

eileeninmd said...

Hello Lynne, what a great getaway with your girlfriends. I have never been to Chicago, except for the airport. It looks like a fun place to visit, eat and shop! Wonderful photos and memories of your Chicago trip, thanks for sharing. Have a happy day and new week ahead!

Kerin said...

Sounds like you all had a blast!!
Good food, good friends, great concert, etc..
I hope that you have an opportunity to spend some more time with these dear friends, soon.

Have a great week!

~K.

Musings from Kim K. said...

A perfect girlfriend's weekend. So glad you had a really good time in the windy city!

Latane Barton said...

What a trip! Nothing better than a girlfriend get-away. You did so much and had so much fun. Have a great week, just thinking about your wonderful time in Chicago.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Lynne, you looked so cute! I've always loved the way you wear your hair. I think I would love that hair style.
What a great time all of you had. Bette Midler!! What a treat! How wonderful to get away with all your friends!
Big hugs!
Mona

bj said...

P.S.....did I ever tell you that your cute hair cut makes you look sassy and young ??

This N That said...

Good food, good friends and great entertainment..What more could you ask for?? Looks like a great time..

Linda said...

Hi Lynne....
What a great bunch of gals! Looks like you had tons of fun....good for you!
Aren't live shows the BEST!
What did you buy?
Thanks for your lovely comments over at mine!
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Gail said...

What a wonderfully amazing trip with friends!!!

Thanks.

Pamela Gordon said...

What a fun trip! I'm glad all went well and that you gals had a grand time. I bet Bette was fabulous! :)

Pamela Gordon said...

What a fun trip! I'm glad all went well and that you gals had a grand time. I bet Bette was fabulous! :)