Happy Birthday Sweet Sister

Seventy-six years ago the world became a better place with the birth of my sweet sister. CeeCee is the most caring, giving, thoughtful, and sweetest person I know. My sister is my best friend, she knows all of my faults and still loves me. My sweet sister is my partner in crime experiencing new things and making memories.

Langham Tea in Chicago

My brother and sister are older than I am.  My brother was 16 years older.
My sweet sister is 14 years older. This is one of the last photos of my
brother before he passed away from kidney cancer.

Our brother's  five boys.

Our Polish cousin 

Our Irish cousins

A family that plays together stays together 

LuLu Bells birthday at American Girl in Chicago

Girls only lunch

Not only is today my sweet sisters birthday, but 54 years ago she got married.

She married her high school sweetheart.

CeeCee is now the caregiver to her husband who has been affected by dementia. The path she walks is not an easy one, but she always is kind and caring in every situation of his care.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary my sweet sister, I love you.

Eataly in Chicago

The Chicago superstore of all things Italian known as Eataly is located on Ohio Street in a two story building that has over 62,000 square feet of retail space. This is the second and largest Eataly location, the first and smaller location is in New York.

My friends and I decided to do a field trip and visit this much talked about place. My friend L was born in Italy, and my other friend R is a first generation American, so they both know how to cook awesome Italian food.

Let's take a walk through this food emporium through the eyes of my camera. Picture intense.

Front doors of Eataly in Chicago, Illinois

Fresh produce

I was intrigued by these dried raisins on the vine.

Bakery

Fancy pastries 

Italian candy

Chocolate bars from Italy $8.50 

Who doesn't like nutella especially on fresh bread.

Gelato

Milk from Italy is flown in so they can make their gelato.

Yummy

Cookies and crackers

Italian soda 

Butter made with Italian cream

Jams and Jelly

Cheese, cheese, and more cheese

Look at these prices!

Dried meat and very large cheese

Fresh mad pasta

Fresh fish

No thanks, I'll pass on the fish head.

Sausages

Olive oil

Packaged pasta

This gentleman was making

fresh mozzarella balls

he worked very fast to form these balls.

One of many restaurants with a view of the city.

Cookbooks were everywhere!

Investors of Eataly promoting their cookbooks.

Eataly has a bright and cheerful atmosphere with employees who are friendly and well informed about the products that are sold in the store.

What did I buy on my visit? One bag of pasta.

City of Chicago Refelctions

Linking to

Weekend Reflections

Chalk Painted Stool

My first chalk paint project.

Found on the curb on trash day.

At one time, the seat was paint red.

Used a wire brush to get the loose pieces off.

Had second thoughts about painting the stool.

Finished project

I don't really possess a DIY gene as you can see I didn't put paper down before I started to paint. I used Ann Sloan chalk paint but have not used the wax yet. I was surprised at how easy it was to use.