Part 68 of 365. Grace in small things.

To make the most of my last child-free day for some time I went to Chicago today with my friend Madge. We went up to the 99th floor of the Sears' tower (which used to be the tallest building in the world) and we had lunch at the Russian Tea house, then went to the Art Institute which I have visited before. We had a fabulous day. Gorgeous 28 degrees and sunny.

The Russian Tea house had Russian/Baltic food such as Piroshki, and Latkes, and was not quite a formal restaurant, but far more than a cafe. Red carpet, proper Napery and old-fashioned charm. We were served Russian Tea in Glass mugs with handles, over which was an intricate metal casing. They were special cups and it was darn fine tea. Served black, though not strong, with a hint of Jasmine and blackberry. On a saucer they provided sugar lumps and lemon slices. Very genteel. Trouble was, they kept refilling the tea all the time, so Madge and I made frequent restroom stops all afternoon!

The modern wing of the Art Institute had just re-opened (thus the free admission) so we had a bit of a look. Madge loves the work of Georgia O'Keefe , though it's a bit fluffy, and pastel for my tastes. We also looked at some huge canvases of textured clouds interspersed with lots of dripping paint. We must not be sophisticated enough to understand them! The crowds in the modern wing were truly dreadful, so we went and explored the ancient Egyption and Roman art instead. There were limestone carvings from 2500 BC or thereabouts. Also a Mummy casing and funeral bits and pieces - fascinating. Lastly we revisited the impressionists works (Monets' haystacks, Cezanne, Renoir)

Then I came home, stacked the dishes, picked up shoes and school bags, folded washing and put a years' worth of school books and loads of papers in a dangerously tottering pile....(sigh)