A beautiful day to visit Lincoln Park Zoo… even if they are in the middle of tearing down the old lion enclosure to make room for a newer, grander & “better-for-the-animals” environment for the Lion Pride. Luckily, they’re keeping the beautiful landmarked brick Lion House itself.

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A beautiful way to end the year in a beautiful Chicago theater. Amazing architecture, design & craftsmanship. Always beautiful at the Cadillac Palace Theater… even with the big chandelier “still under wraps”… and then again after they had “repaired it and wired parts of it for the new electric light. Perhaps we can frighten away the ghost of so many years ago… with a little illumination.”

A beautifully chilly morning along the lakefront. Especially cool with the “slushy” water and an early-morning fog that made the path just a little slick. Still a wonderful way to start my day…. with plenty of layers!

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The don’t make ’em like the used to… like the gorgeous Chicago Theater. Beautiful old-school interiors & stunning craftsmanship. Over-the-top design & architectural details. Just looking around the theater is always like a show before the show!!!

Last week we kicked-off our holiday adventures with a stop at The Chicago Theater to see a brand new holiday show by my favorite Cirque du Soleil… “TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE. A fun night of holiday acrobatics & festive cheer. Okay, not quite as good as a full-on show under Le Grand Chapiteau… but still a fun holiday evening nonetheless!

Always a fun surprise when the CTA Holiday Train with Santa aboard turns the corner while you’re waiting on the platform. Suddenly flooded with a festive feeling… even though we were on the wrong side going the wrong direction to get on the train! Dang.

And then imagine my surprise when the very next train was the Elves’ Workshop Train!!! Still so fun & festive!!!!

After a long weekend of HOLIDAY HOME SHOW set-up, hosting, chatting, schmoozing & selling… it felt SO good to be back on the bike this morning for another AMAZING morning sunrise. Always the best way to start my day!!!

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Big equipment outside of Lillstreet… working on the Metra train line and taking up a LOT of much-needed parking spaces!!!

Around every corner as we strolled around the City after the HOT CHOCOLATE RUN.

Another category from yesterday’s Instagram Photo Challenge with my Dad & Taylor!!!