sheep in the city

Home again, home again...

I am back from Chicago, and as much fun as I had, it feels great to be back at home. I'm not going on any more trips (that I know of) until Thanksgiving, when my parents and I are heading to Scottsdale, just the three of us. The rest of the siblings are going to their in-laws. Sometimes it's great being single.

So Chicago. What a great place. I have to say, it was one of my favorite cities that I've visited in the last few years. My friend Julie picked up RayLynn and I, we dumped our bags at her house, and took off exploring. We ate lunch at Crust. Yum. Good food and all certified organic. Then we wandered down the street and found a little gem of a store called Paperdoll. Oh my. I was overwhelmed with little goodies to buy, but I held myself back. I did buy a bag there though. It's covered in Donuts and is the cutest thing. Seriously. Frivolous and fun...just what I like!

From there we headed to Loopy Yarns. Once we found it (right in front of our faces!) and found a parking spot...the bigger challenge in Chicago...we headed in. What a charming spot. Friendly people, lovely yarns, and then WHAM! They have Koigu! I am in knitters heaven! Ahhh, Koigu, how I love thee. I walked out with a lighter step, but maybe that was just because my wallet was lightened too?!

All of this happened on Friday, the day that we arrived. I loved that we still had 2 full days to hang out and play! I didn't love getting up at 4:00am Denver time to get to the airport, but it was worth it in the end. My friend Julie is an amazing cook, something that I haven't been able to experience first hand very often since she has always lived far away. Mmmm, mmm, good! She can cook! I came home with a few of her recipes for cheese garlic biscuits, black bean salsa, chicken enchiladas, cinnamon rolls, chicken artichoke lasagna, and many more. Being around her makes me want to cook more. We'll see how that plan takes shape.

Saturday I got to meet up with Jen, of Piddleloop fame. (you know, the wonder-girl who made my goldfish bag) I made what she called a "rockstar" pickup, meaning that I picked up my purchases in person...so I got some extra goodies. So fun! I bought a couple things. Like maybe a few bags for myself and one for my mom...and then maybe a couple little bags that had sheep on them. My iPhoto is still acting weird so I'm not loading any new pictures on my computer...I "borrowed" these photos from Jen's blog, saved to my own server of course. Anywhoo...I'm planning a big Russia/Chicago photo post as soon as my brother helps me with my computer. It was so fun meeting you Jen, and if you haven't visited her shop...what are you waiting for?! She does awesome stuff! Get over there!

**One goal I have for the month of November...post more than 5 times. Including this post, I will have posted a measly 5 times! That is a pathetic showing...at least for me. I want to get back to posting at least every other day. So, I'm going to try!**