Visiting Chicago

Anna Zintl, Jane Dalzell, Dana Smith (c.1982)

Chicago is off the prescribed Let's Go itinerary for the 'Northern Route' journey, but I decided to come here anyway. When I emailed and sent messages on facebook to a couple of people about my trip, Jane Dalzell responded immediately with the most enthusiastic message encouraging a visit to Chicago. I knew then that I had to include this fabulous city on my journey.

The first thing I learned about Chicago is that it is in a different time zone than South Bend, IN.  I thought I was being such a good houseguest by calling ahead before I left this morning to let them know what time the GPS predicted by arrival. It turned out I was an hour off. Personally, I would rather a incoming houseguest arrive an hour late, than an hour early... With 45 minutes to travel, Vicki announced the new time zone and our new arrival time! Yikes.  I immediately, and despite all driving laws and common sense, sent a text message warning of my new arrival time. 

Driving up the house, I knew right away that it was Jane's.  At the Cloughs' in Buffalo,  I followed the GPS blindly and when I pulled up I was worried that I was knocking on a strangers' door. Today I drove up and thought "there it is," knowing instinctively that when I knocked on the door, I had the right place.

Photo Credit: JP Devron

Jane and I have not seen each other since her wedding, in 2002, but we have known each other forever.  Seriously. My first memories upon moving to Bronxville in 1977 were meeting my blond neighbor and her sisters. We then became friends for life.  Our families have always been interconnected -- her sister Margaret is the same age as my sister Colby.  Those two keep in regular touch (or as much as one can, 3,000 miles apart) and I have remained updated on Jane's life through family connections despite our lack of direct contact over the years. Nevertheless, when you have known someone so long you can absolutely know certain things -- and I knew that was Jane's house this morning!

Jane, her 4-year old son and I spent the beautiful, sunny afternoon on a boat ride tour of the Chicago river. I will be sure to upload those pictures asap, but right now I must to go to bed.  Jane, her husband Jeff and his brother Chris, took me for a wonderful Belgium dinner and I have had my ass kicked by German lager.