Chicago at Christmas

When one lives in the north and they are on Christmas break where do they go? Arizona? NO! Florida? NO!....how about Chicago? When most of our friends went to warmer climates during their Christmas break we headed to Chicago. Hey....didn't I say in an earlier blog that many Christmas songs reference snow? Well, what is a Christmas break without snow and lights and Christmas trees? Chicago is amazing city. It is no less amazing in the winter. The city scape is awesome reflecting off the snow or a frozen Lake Michigan. When the blustery wind finally reaches your bones you can head to one of the amazing museums. We took several days to see the lights, shops and museums of Chicago, and wow, I'm just as rested and renewed as had I flown off to a warmer climate. The towering buildings seem even more huge in a backdrop of grey cloud cover and a blanket of snow. The city was completely decorated with Christmas lights. You couldn't walk down Michigan Avenue from the Museum area to Watertower without an amazing light show. The museums were very crowded. Clearly many people had the same idea we had on one of the snowiest days of our visit. When I felt myself missing the warm, tropical climate - like the one I visited last year at this time - I headed to the Shedd Aquarium to view the sights. So, my friends, you know, those of you who thought I was crazy going to the Windy City; consider Chicago next Christmas break and you'll come to appreciate your warm climate vacations in the winter even more!

Winter Blues

What does a cyclist do in the winter? Read Bicycle magazine and dream of warmer weather. As a kid I always loved winter. I'd cross country ski, snowshoe, and slide and until my lips turned blue. Lately, winters do not seem as snowy as they use to be. So instead of snow activities I take to the road with my running shoes and ipod. Running reminds me why I like bicycling so much more. While winter conditioning is helpful for jump starting my riding season, it seems like I need so much more motivation. I guess there is nothing like gliding along the open road on two wheels.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a special time, and this year was no different. Our Christmas was a wonderful day spent with family. The day dawned bright and crisp. This would not be a white Christmas despite recent snows. We celebrated Christ's birth and His precious gifts of family and friends. After sleeping in we traveled south an hour, arriving at our destination. We ate, exchanged gifts, and shared stories through out the day. We watched and laughed as our terrier tore through wrapping paper eager to get to her present; a wrapped ball; always her favorite. We pretended to eat "play food" as the grand children played with their new kitchen and food. My thoughts were with my many friends traveling and visiting their families. I hope that your Christmas was wonderful as well.