Day 4: Chicago. miles driven: zero

Not sure what was the deciding factor in being lounge lizards for much of the day.  Maybe it was the scramble to get ready to leave the east coast a few days ago. Or maybe I was tired from yesterday's drive that combined snow, ice, and 500 miles. It could be that Michael's place, just a couple hundred yards from Lake Michigan, manages to be funky, cozy, and super tech (I, who am practically allergic to Siri, have quickly become fluent in "Hey, Siri.  Turn on evening lights" and "Hey Siri, make that movie lights.")

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When we finally got going, we took a walk to the lake. Somehow it just looks colder than the ocean. Maybe it's all that ice.

Since we weren't going sightseeing after our day of lounging, we decided to go sign-seeing instead. ​

"No insurance, no problem." Our impression here is that Chicagoans are taking the pandemic seriously, even as restrictions are lifted in many other cities. As of this writing, an indoor mask mandate remains in place.

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Even though masks are de rigeur in Chicago, it was cold enough that we kept them on for warmth even when we were outside. The temperature was 27 degrees; the wind chill brought it to 13.

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'nuff said.

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A store for all things marshmallow. Really.

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Without a doubt, our favorite sign.

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I was about to take this photo for Stanford friends, when the car's owner, Richardo Rosenkranz, came out of the theatre behind us. He had bought the theatre, and movers were coming in that afternoon. He invited us in to show us around to what will soon open as the Rhapsody Theatre. Look for chamber music as well as magic shows for grownups.

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The façade is original, harking back to silent film days. Behind this wall, its history included multiple uses - in one incarnation, moviegoers enjoyed matinees and evenings out; in another, worshippers celebrated the Sabbath and holy days in synagogue. When it opens in a couple months, it will play host to live performances.

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The main stage. Ricardo was a gracious host, welcoming us and giving Little Papi the run of the stage area.

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"Whenever I come in here, I have to play the piano." Richardo treated us to an impromptu mini-concert! A Stanford grad (hence the license plate), he's a neonatal physician, musician, and magician. Want to feel uplifted? Click on the photo for a Chicago Tribune profile/review.

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Look through the window. The moving guys have arrived! If we lived here, we'd definitely be patrons. Wishing Ricardo and his team much success!