Winnetka

On Saturday we got out of the city and drive up to Winnetka, IL. It's just north of Evanston, where the incredible campus of Northwestern is, and one of its claims to fame is the Home Alone house. Winnetka also happens to be a beautiful, affluent neighborhood through which we loved walking around. In addition to seeing the sprawling mansions, it was pretty fascinating to see the equal distribution of political affiliation. For every McCain/Palin sign on a front lawn, there would be an Obama sign next door.

the "Home Alone" house

an Obama supporter

ahem

This was posted on the "Go Sarah" poster above. It's hard to read, so indulge me, please, and let me tell you what it says: "This sign is private property. Vandalizing it -- as has already been done twice -- is a criminal matter. Winnetka police have been so advised." It sells itself!






This photo was taken at probably the most ostentatious home we stumbled upon. I couldn't get a good shot of the house as a whole (note the big black gate in the way) but we captured certain qualities that should give you a good idea. Exhibit A: a giant fountain replete with black swans in the front yard.

Sign on the front gate

The house

Lake Michigan

One of the many incredible things about our neighborhood is its proximity to Lake Michigan. While not as close as some other neighborhoods, the fact that we can live where we live and walk to the lake in about 40 minutes is amazing. And once you get to the lake as far north as we are, there is a marina, a golf course, a bird sanctuary, and places to actually hang your feet over the water. It's incredibly therapeutic and calming, and I hope I get to go at least once a week.

Our biggest purchase

We bought a sofa!
Can you tell we love her?

Our home, part I

We've been in Chicago one week, and aside from the flooding over the weekend, we're having a blast. We love our neighborhood and our apartment, and can't wait to get out there and meet people.
Yesterday we walked from our place down to Wrigley Field, which was only about a 30-minute walk (a pittance to New Yorkers), and lo and behold it was game day. We walked around the ballpark and got to experience Wrigleyville at full throttle. Now we just need to go to a game.
Here are some photos:

The front of our building from my window

Our block (looking East)

Our block (looking West)

Our living room on the morning we moved in (after a 14 hour drive and 3 hours sleep)

Bedroom on the left (where Mike was sleeping)

The piece de resistance - our in-home washer/dryer

View of the living room (and dining room on the left) from our kitchen

View of dining/front room

After our load-in

Video

Sorry - I've been reminded that I promised video from Lollapalooza. Here goes...

From the Lolla Lounge (and thank God for it)

Radiohead

Radiohead

Radiohead

Kanye's opening number (we went because Obama was rumoured to introduce him)

Wilco

5 days...

The countdown begins!
We head out on Monday, 9/5. Wish us luck!

xoxo