Monday...and the wind is still howling....waves on the lake predicted to be 7-8...which means they are probably 9-10....we’re not going anywhere.

Calls to the marine service folks go unanswered....and now we’re wondering what to do. One of the guys on the dock last night had suggested a marina along the river...so called them. What a deal! They are eager to please and friendly....and not out of the way in South Chicago. So planning begins anew....calls made...the roller coaster gains speed!

Winds blew and blew and blew some more....temps dropped to 60-70....rain and clouds....but rain cleared around 11...and we wanted to attend the Cubs game. Ben had called to say he didn’t have what we needed but he’d contact a local marine services. Thought they could handle the whole situation including new battery install...which didn’t happen in Saugatuck!

So off we went to root for the Cubbies....poor Floyd....it’s a maze and a mass of people...and I’m buying merchandise at Wrigleyville and bartering with the scalpers....and leading the way. What a hoot!

The day was perfect....shower returned briefly to delay game start...but we had great seats...and cool cloud cover....the only spoiler was that the Cubs lost. We were all good with it. Cubs fans are use to losing.

We did find someone who ere sure is having a horrible terrible no-good very bad day....as we left a coat on the ground in front of us...and a ring of keys...car, House, electronic opener of some sort...yeah, they’re not happy...wherever they are...

I almost forgot to post my favorite Janet photo...she called it “Linda’s front door”. It’s the security entrance to our dock at Burnham Harbor....Pier P....yes, it’s a big place...between Soldier Field and the McCormick Convention Center...close but not too close...and on Saturday night, it was ppppaaaaaarrrtttyyyy central.... and those girls are not really boating folks...way too much Jewerly and high heels....??? I’m just guessing they provided the entertainment....

Saturday the weather came like gang busters....first was high heat...temp was 97 and heat index said 107...Floyd was patting me on the back as I had matinee tickets for HAMILTON...we ubered over...grabbed a bit of lunch and breezed into that lovely air conditioned theater...sold out crowd. What a great show! Historically on the mark ...fun characterizations...hip and happening music...it was a most delightful experience..

Stepped out to much cooler temps as the front was here...hailed a taxi to the grocery store...rains began as we entered. Low and behold, all over as we exited.

Short taxi home...put away our merger purchases and welcomed Ben Stien and wife Laura aboard. We had talked several times but never met. Ben is an electrical guru that another boating friend had put us in contact with when those pesky pedestals wouldn’t work. We thought they were coming to visit...but when Ben brought out the tools and asked for a screw driver, we knew something was up.

An hour later and we have made new friends plus he has demonstrated the problem...and even concocted a plan to solve it. What a treat! He plans to return in the morning.

In the meantime, Janet made it safely back to Wichita ...while Laurie is stranded at O’Hare airport. Looks like she won’t make any progress in hooking up with family in Wisconsin and airline personnel are treating her rudely and insist that if she wants to go to wichita, she’ll have to purchase a ticket. Not good.

Time to celebrate...two of my favorite people retired from USD 259 this year...Laurie Fischer and Janet Tilton. While Janet remains a little unsure of retirement plans, Laurie has taken a leadership position in Dubai. To celebrate, they planned a trip to Chicago. It truly is a miracle of timing that TUMBEWEED is here when they are. I truly thought it wouldn’t happen. Be it did...so we made the most of it.

Thursday evening we all got together at Weber Grill for dinner....delish food and fun time...though it was really hot in there. Chicago is experiencing a big heat wave...and those huge grills added to the discomfort. But the food was good...

Friday I met the gals on the water walk and then short taxi ride for a leisurely stroll around Navy Pier...and photos....then they returned to a small celebration aboard the TUMBLEWEED....grabbed a quick burger from the marina snack shop....and they are off. Janet flies back to Wichita and Laurie is trying to get to in-laws in Wisconsin...hugs abound as won’t see Laurie til probably Christmas...

The other plus is that we are now back to the Central Daylight time zone...no more keeping track of when not to call...or to call those I love!! 

July 17...quick decision made easy....weather was perfect to cross to Chicago....and looking real iffy the rest of the week. It was a call to Burnham Harbor to get clearance to arrive a day early...and off we went. The haze around Chicago did not afford us the great view...but glass smooth water and cool conditions made this the most delightful crossing ever. Yes, I cried a little. Coming to Chicago is an emotional thing for me...all those visits when dear brother Stan was here plus the realization that we were leaving my lovely Lake Michigan behind....poor captain Floyd....the tears flowed. On the plus side, my two girlfriends were already here and now I’d get to spend celebratory time with them! Yep, it’s a roller coaster. I also contacted Mary Ellen (Stan’s buddy) and a new boating friend Ben Stien about our visit. Looks to be a lively time...