Windy City Magic

If we are lucky, very lucky, destiny will grab us by the scruff of the neck and whisk us away to a land of sunshine and happiness. The calendar turns, time goes by and the pages whisper, "I dare you ... I double dare you." You turn the page and a sedentary feeling washes over your entire body.

Breath, breath, ingest the air around you. After all this is a natural everyday occurrence. I steady myself, reach for 'old faithful' - the Nivea cream, and apply it liberally to my face. Hope springs eternal and I re-engage with the world. I am alive, I am fifty and I feel great - or do I?

Friday evening arrives and he saunters in from another long week on the road. "What's your pleasure sweetheart, an ice cold beer or a glass of red?"

"Neither", he answers, "pack your bags." "We are setting sail for a weekend getaway". Could this be happening to me? Where are we going? What should I pack? Honestly, I was acting like a little kid going away on my first field trip but I was packed ... packed in record time.

The Fairmont Chicago proved to be the best medicine for someone in denial of a half century celebration - shopping, theater, restaurants, amusement parks and city tours all within steps of the front lobby. It was Mid-Life Magic at first sight.