that toddlin' town

This past weekend I went up to Chicago to attend the Pitchfork Music Festival--both firsts for me. The weather was a bit cool and the crowd was too cool for school. I had a terrific time hanging out and watching shows with my friends. Sadly, they wouldn't let cameras with detachable lenses into the festival, so I left my precious Canon at home and forged ahead with a crappy point-and-shoot. Though these pictures hardly do it justice, I fell head over heels for Chi city, and if I have anything to say about it, I'll be back again and again.

Some of the highlights:

deep dish pizza at Gino's after
sampling the Rye-PA at Clybourn Brewpub

The Lincoln Park Conservatory & Zoo

watching a passing Segway tour

Chicago dogs with their radioactive relish

riding the L through the Loop

The National

winning a pair of shoes for coming up with a whole bunch of anagrams

eternal return

Well, it's been a long while since I posted anything. I sort of lost track of what I was trying to do. I'd like to ease back into things with some photos from my recent trip to Sweden. We've shown the vacation photos to our families and friends, but here are some little moments that were just for me, the little details that are so delightful to notice while traveling.

blooms and the promise of blooms

Today's high: 74 degrees. The first thing i did this sunny morning was to open up the door and take a deep breath. . . the smell of the warming earth in springtime is intoxicating. then i peeked around and found some little friends, shyly but exquisitely soaking up the day.

spring thing

today was the deadline for submitting J's residency rankings. now the holding of breath for three long weeks till we know! and i can feel some serious spring fever setting in.

it's a time for new buds. . .

. . . and best buds.

philly bits

coming back downtown from the 'burbs

a gem in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood near where we stayed.

Wit beer at Monk's!

round and pudgy from drinking too much Belgian beer, no doubt.
i can relate.

fell in love with the windows on this building

so many luxe details

we opted to take the old camera instead of the nice one (too risky). who knew philly was so attractive? kicking myself, alas.

big winner!

i was the lucky winner of some lovely treasures from Royal Buffet! they arrived yesterday and have already brought me joy. i think they seem right at home. thanks very much for this treat, Mollie!!

it's kitty picture time!

spotlight on: caliope

Age: 5 yrs

Nicknames: tiger, lie-lie, squeaky pete, killer, stinker, caliopus, monkey man

Favorite activities: stalking, hunting, killing mice and the occasional bird, wrestling with the laundry basket, peeing on t-shirts that are left on the floor, climbing trees.