After an incredible weekend of pottery fun, this morning it’s back to reality…
and back on my bike for another sunrise bike ride!

We’ve had quite a string of rainy mornings… and other mornings where I was “up too late”
in the studio glazing the night before. So it seems far too long since I’ve been able to get out
on my bike for a beautiful morning bike ride. It was great to be out riding again… beautiful.

Okay, so we made it down to the North Avenue Beach when the sun finally made an
appearance this morning. From the beach, you also get a good view of the city skyline.
Flat Stanley was quick to strike a pose on the spokes of my bike!

There I was… only a few more days with Flat Stanley. He still needed to see the Big City!
So we pedaled towards Navy Pier to start his big adventure! Posing in front of the iconic
Ferris Wheel that Taylor got to ride last summer.

We also pedaled along the Chicago River and made it to Michigan Avenue.
Stanley was impressed by the big buildings… especially the gleaming white Wrigley Building!

Over the river, he was greeted by Marilyn Monroe… or at least a huge sculpture of her
in the infamous dress & stance from “Seven Year Itch.” And… for the record…
I have NO IDEA why she’s even here in Chicago?!!!! Or when she’s leaving?…

Across the plaza from Marilyn Monroe is the beautiful Chicago Tribune Building.
Striking gothic architecture with incredible “inclusions” mortared into the facade…
pieces & parts for other famous & historic buildings around the world.

Also in the Tribune Towers… the WGN Radio station! You can see the broadcasters
through the window as they work. And Stanley climbing out of my bike bag!

Then, further up Michigan Avenue, Stanley found two of his favorite friends…
and Taylor’s favorites as well! Always a happy moment when you see Mickey & Minnie
greeting you at The Disney Store.

Next we were off to the historic Chicago Water Tower. A beautiful brick building reportedly
one of the few that survived the Great Chicago Fire. Actually, I think it was the building
across the street that survived the fire… but who’s counting?!

And a trip to downtown Chicago would not be complete without a stop for some chocolate!
Sadly, they weren’t open yet… shucks…  I guess Stanley’s tour was not quite complete!

By the time that our tour had finished, I was running late. And we still needed to pedal
all the way home… into the wind!!! Needless to say, I was exhausted and running late.
I actually sent a text message to the “glitter gig” to tell them I would be coming in later.
And I blamed it all on Flat Stanley and his Big Adventure!!!

This morning was a bit windy. And chilly as the wind was coming from the north & off the lake.
And there was  bit of haze on the horizon which kept us from getting a clear & colorful sunrise.
A little confusing how there seemed to be no clouds in the sky, and yet it wasn’t clear?!

Flat Stanley’s second sunrise.. and it’s not much to speak of.

Kinda gray… kinda gloomy. Not so sunny this morning for Flat Stanley’s second bike ride.
And to make it even “better”… a little bit of drizzle as I was headed home!

1. Bicycles      2. Rusty Metal      3. Roadkill
And when all three of them come together… watch out!!!

A sad sight this morning on one of the breakwater piers… glad that’s not my bike!!!
I’m intrigued by the two, yes, count them two… Kryptonite locks. Neither of which worked?!!

Very quiet. Very chilly. Very orange… and another perfect sunrise for Flat Stanley!

And a little further down the path, Stanley got his first glance of the Big City…

With some heavy clouds & rain rolling through the Chicago area, I expected to wake up to
rain this morning. I was pleased to see it was dry out AND there were cool clouds in the sky.
Great potential for a beautiful sunrise!!!

And the sunrise potential was fulfilled. Even if it was just for a few minutes
before the sun went up and quickly back again behind the clouds!

This morning was surprisingly quiet. After a couple days of storms & gusty winds,
this morning was oddly quiet. No wind. No cars. No noise. Not sure why... But it was nice.

This morning was beautiful as the sky was layered with colors low on the horizon.
A little chiller than I would like… but I guess this is pretty close to what our weather
is “supposed” to be this time of year?! Not that crazy warm spell we were going thru..

And then the sun finally decided to pop up over the horizon.
Just a tiny little dot of sun peeking out to brighten the day!