Summer Dreamin'

It’s a blustery 16f/-9c today in Chicago and I think it’s a perfect time to write out my summer wish list. All weekend I’ve been dreaming of summer nights and adventures I long to have. So, here goes it:

·         Taking in as many outside concerts as possible – I take advantage of this every summer, but I want to do it MORE. From Grant Park, to local parks, street festivals and Millennium Park live music is constant during the summer. A major plus; picnic baskets with adult beverages are allowed. Oh, AND, most of the live music is FREE!

 

·         A day trip to Starved Rock State Park (located about 3 hours west of the city) I’ve gone before, but never for the entire day. I really want to take in the beauty and hike until my legs feel like Jell-O!  

 

·         Roof top hang outs!! It seems like every building in Chicago has a roof top open in the summer. I want to explore them all! Well, ok that’s not going to happen. I do need to be mindful of my budget friendly 2013 resolution. However, I do want to visit a couple swanky ones downtown and hit up a few neighborhood ones this summer.  

 

·         Road trip to Tennessee! Specifically, I want to camp in the Smokey Mountains.  I’m hoping to get a group for a weekend trip… I mean it’s only 9 hours from Chicago. That’s nothing.

 

·         Saved the best for last… Bryan and I are getting bikes this summer!! I CAN’TWAIT. I’m super excited and already have day dreams of coming home from work – packing a picnic dinner and biking up to the lake with him. Ahh… pure bliss.

However, for now, I will enjoy the winter nights snuggled in watching movies, painting and reading.  I will continue to appreciate the beauty of when the early morning sunlight hits the trees to show off their glistening, frozen branches.  In my opinion, there is something completely romantic about Chicago in the winter.