Kompare.Us

So, this is a late post…On January 16, we had a surprise party for Tom at my parents’ place. Here are some photos courtesy of Tom’s dad.

Our little celebration

Yellow cake with Chocolate frosting. And that is Cookie Monster and a bunny in blue icing with sprinkles.

Hanging out on the couch watching Curious George

Happy 6th anniversary to my husband who puts up with me!  This year Tom was responsible for choosing something for our anniversary–my only criteria was that it had to include sangria or a mimosa.  He went the sangria route and Sunday night we went to a tapas place where we used to go for Valentine’s Day.  My parents watched Colleen.  It was nice to have a date for a couple of hours.

Of course we were right across the street from what used to be the restaurant where we had our rehearsal dinner.  It closed earlier this year.  So it is now added to the list of things that have closed since we got married…

1.  The band we saw for our first date broke up

2. The restaurant where we got engaged has closed

3.  The bakery where we got our wedding cake for the tea reception has closed

4.  We got my engagement ring at Marshall Field’s which no longer exists

5.  Now the restaurant where we had our rehearsal dinner has closed

Well, we always have the memories… :-)

Colleen and I were on our way to Target.  We happened to pass by a new firehouse on the corner of Peterson and Clark that has been sitting idle for about a month.  This morning, we noticed a few fire engines and tents and a lot of hubbub.  We decided to stop in for a peek.

We soon realized that it was the dedication ceremony for this new facility.  They will be moving in a few weeks. from an 100 year-old firehouse.  We took the full tour, since we were giving Mom a day off and had plenty of father-daughter time to spare.

We met all sorts of Chicago people; Bernard Stone (a long time infamous alderman and our Vice Mayor),  The new fire commissioner John Brooks (I think he wanted to stay and play with Colleen more than do his duty), Patrick O’Connor (the firehouse’s local alderman), and finally Mayor Richie Daley (back from the Olympics).

Colleen and I watched the band play (what else? Souza marches) and she kept pointing at the musicians, much to her (and their) amusement.  We also looked at the shiny hub of the fire engine wheel where we could see a fish-eye reflection of ourselves.

After the boring speeches and the obligatory prayer and blessing of the firehouse, we inched up our way to the Mayor to get of picture with him.  To our surprise, he had his city photographer grabbing pictures.  We stood with the Mayor for the photograph.  I asked him if he was over his jet-lag yet.  He said no; he does not sleep well on planes.  He did look quite tired.

Apparently, I can go get a free signed print of our photograph.  I’ll definitely follow up.  It’ll be Colleen’s when she’s older.  I’ll scan and post it when we get it.  Unfortunately,  I think I’ll look quite ridiculous in it.   I had not shaved or taken a shower yet.  We were just supposed to be running to Target, after all.  But it’s not everyday you ge to meet one of the top ten most powerful Democrats on the country.