Romeo and Juliet

Tom took me to the Art Institute of Chicago after having a beer in one of the oldest pubs in Chicago (The Berghoff).

We took the stairs to see what must be viewed as one of the largest collections of Impressionist work in the world. As we leisurely walked up the stairs, I spotted this couple and remarked to Tom how lovely they looked together and how I wish I'd brought my camera. As we continued to the top of the steps, I felt a tugging inside, and knew I needed to capture this moment. I asked Tom to walk on, and that I'd join him in a minute. I then went back downstairs and started once again to trace my steps. As I reached the top of the landing, I glanced up and, relieved, still saw the couple. Still talking, still smiling at text messages. Still being in love.

I whipped out my iPhone and took a shot. It was bound to be grainy but I'd have a wonderful memory. I would look at it when I returned home.

The Impressionist exhibition was of equal wonder. I saw so many paintings I never expected to be housed here in Chicago.

Art gives such simple joy: The ballerinas of Degas, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec to name a few. I saw a profile of Van Gogh, and Seurat's 'A Sunday on La Grande Jatte'.

Totally fused with gratitude, we eventually went to Petterino's. How nice to show Tom the place in which I'd been a gastronomic refugee these last two weeks. Great food, great company, great hospitality by Dan the Bar Man and great 1940's Yuletide tunes.

Tom and I finally parted company and I headed back to my hotel. For the first time in two weeks I was dying to look at the only photo I'd taken today. I switched on the computer. Spotify sparked up. As I looked at the photo taken of the couple, this song came on. As I cast my eyes upon the photo, I heard the music and thought how apt they were together.

A time and a place.

Note: the only photo effect is changing the image to black and white.

POSTSCRIPT: Casey's Tavern had it's last open mic tonight.