Birthday Parties, Races, House Guests, and Springtime

Our dance cards have been pretty full this past week. On Thursday I went to the most amazing bar for my friend Sarah's birthday -- the Violet Hour in Bucktown. It's hidden behind this fake ad for an upcoming opening of a Chinese restaurant. It's so neat inside -- light blue walls, crystal chandeliers, a fireplace or two -- very prohibition-era. The drinks are fabulous, too -- they take their drink making very seriously, with classic drinks like sidecars and Pimm's cups. I'm looking forward to a return trip!

Also on Thursday, our friend Jim Manhart moved to Chicago. He's currently staying with us until his mattress is delivered to his cool bachelor pad in Lincoln Park. On Saturday morning, the three of us wandered down to Grant Park for a little 5K race. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous, so it was nice to be out and about enjoying the outdoors. We spent the rest of the day wandering around our 'hood and had drinks and apps at Daily Bar and Grill here in Lincoln Square.

I have a super busy week coming up - a couple of hearings, a full day CLE, and lots of other things going on. I will be glad when this week is over!

The girls at Violet Hour

John and Jim in Grant Park

Gross picture of me crossing the finish at the Wrigley Run

Spring in Chicago!