A Grey Day.....

Even though everything was on time, I ran towards my neighborhood train station. And I was in such a rush I forgot my gloves! Ughh! That's how badly I wanted to leave.

It's been almost three LONG months since I've gone downtown. 77 days to be exact!

Nervousness set in but the train heading into the city wasn't crowded by any means and I had my own little space. Thank God for that!

A 35-minute ride later and I was at the terminal. I walked up the exit slowly. Step by step. Taking my time and finally entering the heart of the Loop. It felt like going home. Seeing all the people and zooming traffic was a bit overwhelming at first but I pushed through that.

It was chilly outside with cloudy skies and no sun in sight! Rain looked like it could fall at any moment. PERFECT! As one blogger coined the phrase, it was "A Grey Day."

I even felt kind of attractive for once! Dare I say....cute even. It must be the weather.

Magnificent, no?

After running some necessary errands I paid the mighty Buckingham Fountain a visit.

Currently it's still shut off so very few people sightsee it this time of year. I LOVE THAT! It's like I have the whole place to myself. There's something terribly romantic about it and it's no surprise you'll usually find couples meandering the area.

Perhaps one of these days I'll be going back with someone instead of all alone.

*deep sigh*

Walking down the aisle.....

Just north of the fountain is a wonderful spot adjacent to the rose garden in Grant Park. It's easily overlooked but there's a pathway lined with trees on both sides.

During cloudy or rainy days, the branches look especially full and create a tree tunnel! I always envision a couple getting married here. A woodland aisle if you will. Ah, to steal a kiss here.......

Squawk squawk squawk!

At the end of the path were some inquisitive geese getting a quick sip from melted snow puddles and munching on the nearby grass.

The skyline disappearing into the fog.....

From there I made a beeline to the lakefront, sat near the edge, and deeply inhaled the coolness.

Ahhhhh.........

I could sit here for hours.....

Lake Michigan moved in smooth, dreamlike ripples while seagulls cried overhead. And in the distance, the sky and water merged so perfectly you couldn't tell where one ended and the other began.

Two ducks taking a nap near the lake!

It was all so private and peaceful. And I found myself smiling. Feeling calm. That surprised me! Even chilled fingers couldn't ruin the moment. To be kissed here as well....ah, that would truly be lovely. Can you tell I have romance on the brain? (^_^)

I guess the more remote spots of Chicago will do that to you.

Until we meet again.....

The sun dared to emerge briefly but quickly went back into hiding. It knew better than to ruin MY day!!

In the end, it wasn't earth-shattering or cataclysmic or a lot of time spent but it was a nice day for me. A chance to escape and forget things for a little while. Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be boo-hooing by the end of next week and things will be back to normal! LOL