Now that I’m child-free, I have returned to a summer already in progress. My transition was easier than expected. I have assimilated back into my barren spinster days of old. And as a new empty-nester, I know the importance of finding something to do after the kid leaves the home. So, I sailed into it.
Last December, I celebrated my 50th birthday. As part of my -now 8 month- celebration, Scooby, Jen and Ellen bought a Group-on for a sailing lesson. We scheduled the class for last night. Because of HoneyBadger’s (Scooby’s manfriend) industry connections, we were able to charter with his friend, Captain Tom on his boat, Fins. Scooby did the pre-boarding prep. She explained to Captain Tom that we wanted to learn a little something and drink & eat a little something. The experience was perfectly suited for our needs.
As Chicagoans, we are always aware of the beauty of Lake Michigan. City Planner Daniel Burnham ensured the Lake would be enjoyed by all. He fought for the lakeside to be maintained as public parks. Every morning, I look out my window to see what Burnham preserved for generations of city folk.
What we don’t always get to see is how beautiful the city looks from the lake. Last night was one of those Chicago weather furies. It started out hot and humid. It moved into brisk and windy. It even had a splash of rain followed by a calm darkness. And the sky continuously changed during our three hour tour. The city skyline was illuminated with different cloud formations. At one point, it glowed with a dusky purple hue. So, cool!
Being on the water is something I really love. The water lapping. The seagulls squawking. The gals laughing. It was a lovely evening. And I even jibbed to change our course. Oh yeah, sailing could be my new thing. I’m looking into joining Captain Tom’s cronies in their Poor Man’s Yacht Club. They even have a flag with cross bones. And I don’t have to have a boat for membership.