Monkey Business at the Chicago Art Institute

This is a ceramic model of a larger sculpture. 

It is a balloon monkey.  The kind Jerry Brader does.  I was standing on the side of the display representing the monkey’s tail. While standing there trying to figure it out, I heard a woman say to someone I assumed was her husband, in a very Sister Mary Margaret tone, “you'd better start praying for all those impure thoughts you are having."  I struggled to see and then I saw what she saw and what he saw.  The monkey’s tail looked like a very nice-sized penis that would make any guy envious.  Five Hail Marys for you.  RIGHT NOW.  You too, because you see it now.  Get started on those Hail Marys! 

A Visit to Prominent Chicago Residents

We were able to walk from the Gammel Dansk to the Chicago Art Institute and see the Obama portraits.  

We had seen an exhibit by Kehinde Wiley at the Seattle Art Museum.  Check his artwork out on Google images.  He did the portrait of Barack Obama.  We lucked out and got tickets by going early in the morning and waiting in line.  We felt fortunate to see the portraits in the Obamas' hometown.  The portraits will travel to five cities in the US, then return to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC, and eventually be displayed in the White House. 

Downtown Chicago Steps Away

 Downtown was easy walking distance from our slip at GuSable

Finding a picnic spot when in downtown can be a challenge.

This median looked good to us -- at Monroe and Michigan.

Dan, Mary and Tori all copped a squat on this green space and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the middle of the city.