Graduation in Chicago--May 15-18

After three long years in Chicago, Max was ready to graduate from Law School.  Even though I had limited time off due to work, I was determined to see him get his diploma.  Jeff and I decided that we would also help Max move home.  So Max rented a Budget truck and hired two burly movers to move his stuff and after I flew back to CG,  Jeff and Max were going to drive across the country to move him and his stuff home.  That was the plan, but there were a lot of "ifs".  A lot depended on weather and the whims of the airlines and the Budget truck people and the movers all getting there on time.

We left early on Friday, May 15th from Eugene to Portland and then flew from Portland to Chicago.  The Alaskan Air seats were much more roomy than the Icelandic Air seats that we had been tortured with across the Atlantic.  Or maybe it was more comfortable because it was a shorter flight.  Anyway, we arrived at O'Hare right on time and found the shuttle to the rental car and found the way to the hotel.  We were staying in Oak Park which is directly East from where Max lived in Lakeview about 30 minutes away. We would come to regret the distance between us, but the hotel and it's location were really nice.

The Carlton of Oak Park in the background

My well-earned adult beverage and my sweetie

The next day, Saturday,  we went to Max's apartment to help him pack.  It was warm and muggy and we took frequent breaks to rest and watch Drew Carey (he had it on tivo).

Skyline from Lakeshore Drive

Me and my boy on the rooftop

View from Max's rooftop

Packing.....my smile is big, but I was hot and sweaty.

Thank goodness Max saved all his boxes from when he moved in.

 After packing and organizing and cleaning all afternoon, Jeff and I left Max to do some last minute studying, and went downtown.  I personally was ready for a shower and rest, but Jeff wanted to explore so we found a parking spot and walked downtown.  We stopped for dinner at Harry Caray's.....famous Chicago steak house.  So yummy!

No steak.....pasta was cheaper!

The next day, Sunday, was Max's graduation.  I was so proud as we made the drive to his apartment to pick him up for the ceremony.  He looked so nice in his suit. The graduation was at the University of Illinois campus

We eagerly await the ceremony

Max's name on the big list

Max in his cap and gown.

Getting "hooded"

A big smile when it's over!

Way to go, Max!

So proud and happy

There was a champagne reception in a big tent after the ceremony.  We drank of the bubbly and grabbed some food, but it was WAY too hot and crowded to stay there, so we went back to Max's place and relaxed until dinner.  Max had made a reservation at a Brazilian steak house. 

Waiters brought various kinds of meat to your table

Jeff finally gets his lamb chops

We waddled back to the car, so full and contented we hardly noticed the high price of parking!

The next day, Monday, was my last in Chicago.  I was scheduled to fly out that evening.  So we checked out of the Carlton and drove to Max's and spent the day finishing packing and cleaning.   We stopped for lunch at Max's favorite neighborhood burger place, Flub a Dub Chub's and pigged out.  Then more cleaning and finally it was time for me to leave.  I caught a cab and had the trip of a lifetime (because my life flashed before my eyes!) to the airport, caught my flight and made it to Seattle.  There my good luck stopped.  The plane to Eugene was getting repaired and we finally took off two hours late, which got me into Eugene at 2:00 am and home at 2:30.   Work was a real adventure the next day!

Meanwhile, Jeff and Max had better luck in Chicago.  On Tuesday they picked up the rental truck, the movers showed up on time, they loaded everything including the motorcycle,  returned the rental car and were on the road west by early afternoon.  And they arrived home Friday evening.  Way to go boys!

Truck drivin' man

A stop at the Salt Flats