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Places

Do you ever think of somewhere and just the thought makes you smile?

As we drove to Chicago over the weekend for a memorial, I had quite a bit of time to think.  Because, friends, I didn't sleep.  I almost always take a little nap while Mike drives me on a road trip. 

Whistler

I've actually only been to Whistler twice.  And both times were just so good.

#1 Mike & I had just decided it probably made more sense to look to buy a house in St. Louis and we were going on our first house hunting visit that weekend.  We ended up at the Whistler patio.  As we discussed (read: googled) if it's necessary to have a realtor (answer: yes, very much so.  oh the things we learned...) to look at houses, we made friends with the outdoor bartender.  We watched his supplies as he set-up, he gave us shots as a thank you.  Good people, good times.  The night ended arriving at Dante's as they closed and Mike getting a free slice from one of the workers walking out with a free pizza.  He ate it while we walked the streets of Logan Square home.  Good night.
This was not at the Whistler, but it was the same night.  Mike had his first "Chicago handshake" at the pop-up Emporium had going at the time.  It was block party inspired. 

#2 My bachelorette party.  There was only one other group on the patio.  (Are you sensing a theme?  The patio is where it's at.)  Such a good group of people having essentially the entire patio to ourselves talking and laughing about who knows what.  Yes.
This is where Karen decided it was time for me to wear my sash... 

I almost worry I shouldn't go back and risk tainting this wonderful, wonderful place in my mind.

There are two breweries that make me think a feeling of home: DryHop and Hopewell.

DryHop opened during one of the many years I lived in Lakeview.  I went a lot.  Their brews are always changing so it encourages repeat visits.  I try to avoid going on weekends if possible, it gets busy, friends.  But even when I do/did go on weekends and battle the crowds, it's worth it.  It's not like some other places where I get to overwhelmed and regret the stop.  When Mike & I would talk about places we missed from our old neighborhoods when we moved to Logan Square, DryHop was always on my list.

Hopewell was the place after we moved to Logan Square that convinced me I would adjust.  Soon after we moved, I walked there after work for my own solo, card making, happy hour.  We went there countless times.  In fact on my last night in Chicago (Mike already left with the truck) Karen and I went there and she purchased us one of their glasses, which we love.

For some reason I'm feeling nostalgic over here.  Don't people say that's a sign change is coming?  I'm hoping things will settle for a bit, we've had enough change for right now.

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