We head  back north on Lake Shore Drive until it turns into Sheridan Road, passing two of the suburbs of The North Shore, which run parallel to Lake Michigan (Wilmette and Winnetka).  If we continued, we would pass Highland Park and Lake Forest (two suburbs where I also lived as an adult). But we must get to my Mother's for birthday dinner so we turn westward. 

Pictured above: The Ba'hai Temple

We are at the entrance to my Mother's Assisted Living facility

Now it is time to do our typical Assisted Living Show.  But it is really going to be anything but typical.

The place is packed

The anticipation is high

The Show begins

The audience is primed, and we are pumped

The result is a Show to remember...for us and for them

In fact, the residents are still talking about it...and we are, too.  It was all we could do to keep a straight face when they asked where we were going next on the "circuit!"

A promenade around the room is always part of our Show.  NOTHING compares (or ever will) to my strutting with my Mother to the tune of Easter Parade that night

Of course, the others are having a grand time, too.  These folks are more accustomed to being entertained AT, rather than being included. No wonder they liked us; they really liked us!

Once our portion ended, it was time for my Mother to take the stage.  She is reading a poem about being 90...then wanting to be 91, 92, 93....

Eventually the whole room joins in the chorus and the fun.  No question where my attraction to the microphone comes from....

Cake for everyone; we are the servers

One last photo with the birthday girl

THURSDAY morning. Enough of the suburbs; it's time to see Chicago.

We're going to see it the way I saw it:: By riding the elevated train (the EL) that loops around the downtown (which is why it's called the Loop)!

I rode this train every week for nine years, rain or shine, hot or cold,  with my Mother and my Sister who needed allergy shots downtown.

What a thrill to ride it with my HATsisters.

The ride provides a phenomenal view of the neighborhoods between my house and the center of downtown (approximately 8 miles).  Houses/apartments that were once undesirable are now barely affordable!  Everyone wants to live close to Chicago's fabulous public transportation.  Patios and decks and flowers are in everyone's back yard.

We are crossing over the Chicago River to downtown. On Friday we'll be traveling down the River.

We eventually ride the bus, too

For Mimi who grew up in Florida, it was the first time she rode a city bus

Here is how the EL tracks look from ground level

Time to eat at one of the sidewalk cafes along Wacker Drive (which runs parallel to the Chicago River)

Flower beds and containers are everywhere!

Chicago is green and clean