beyond buffalo

I’ve been trying to move beyond Buffalo for most of my adult life, but every so often it is nice to go home. It’s been three years since my last trip home to see my family, and even longer since we’ve all been together in the same room. With the exception of the oldest, all of us were together for the for the first time since Grandma’s funeral. It was so good to see everyone. My parents we happy to have me home for a bit, but it was hard to see them getting older.

After the few days in NY, I spent a few days in Chicago while waiting for my connection flight back to San Francisco. I stayed with Tom and it was the first time in Chicago since my move back to the Bay Area. I’d forgotten the things about Chicago that made living there bearable. The trip was all about memories. There was brunch with Karen (the world’s best waitress) at the Salt – and- Pepper Diner in Wriggleyville, a trip through the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute, dinner at Adobo Grill in River North and drinks at Sidetrack, all while dealing with cold and snow. Tom was a fantastic host and as soon as I find the perfect “thank you”, I’ll be sending him a little package.

Some pictures of the trip…

Dad's Toys

Don't tell Tom... but...