MELLOW AND SMOOTH

Vacation featured plenty of clear blue skies and low humidity. Perfect weather! (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Mahvelously refreshing

As you know, I’ve been luxuriating in vacation bliss the past few weeks. For sure, I kept up with “breaking news” headlines and know all about the FBI executing a search warrant at Mar-a-Lago on August 8, which happened to be my birthday (what a sweet birthday present). It brought back memories of Richard Nixon announcing, on August 8, 1974, that he would resign from the presidency (that was another fine birthday gift).

However, this year’s staycay vacay was centered on chilling out. And that is exactly what I did. Checking in on news of the day was done only because much of the news was so salacious as to warrant (no pun intended) periodic looks to make sure the sun still sets in the West.

Here are a few photo highlights (there were no lowlights) of my time away from the keyboard.

For the first time ever, I took Nellybelle, my 1976 Ford Torino, to a car cruise night. The Westmont Car Cruise, featuring around 300 cars, is considered by WGN Radio to be the best car show in the Chicago area. Nelly was a big hit, with one car restoration veteran proclaiming my Torino the best car at the show. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Definitely a room with a view. Our mini-suite at the Marriott Michigan Avenue Hotel was spectacular - complements of my significant significant other. Our weekend in the city was just as spectacular! (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

The Grant Park Orchestra brought their “A” game, the only glitch being when a rat - really, a rat - ran across the stage near the end of the performance. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Spending the morning at the venerable Art Institute of Chicago was much more than a worthy use of time. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

This self-portrait oil painting by Van Gogh, from 1887, suggests the complex, turbulent man that Van Gogh was.

While at the Art Institute I announced my candidacy, running as an Independent in 2032. (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

Strolling through the garden in Grant Park was delightful. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

Nothin’ wrong with taking salsa dance lessons in a park in our hometown. (Photo credit Westchester Park District)

Many hours were spent enjoying nature, such as observing this redbird nestled among the leaves of backyard trees. (Photo credit The Weekly Opine)

The highlight of vacation was hosting a group of relatives and friends for a Midwest Gathering. Pictured here are my brother Mark, sister Deb, and me. Please say I still look like the youngest. (Photo credit Bethanny A.)

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