Even though my children take turns accompanying Olive and me on the oft-bewailed drive, it's still a lonely business playing chauffeur. So this time, I'm taking you along on the trip. Buckle up and take your Dramanine--it won't be a fast ride, but I've been told I have a tendency to stop short and vary my speed in intermittent, discordant waves.
We'll begin with a little reminder of the purpose of our journey--Autism Academy for one very natty five year old.
Here we are at the corner of Lincoln and Foster. We've never actually stopped for paletas, but maybe someday.
You've got to admit this is one confusing bit of signage. In truth, Foster is not closed at Edens--the ramp is open, and then Foster ends.
Skokie. A lovely shade of aqua, but I think the water tower may the most interesting landmark the town has to offer.
Here you'll feel a burning desire to pull the wheel sharply to the right so that you and I can sail off to Milwaukee, Cita d'amore, and blow this clambake we've been exiled to--Big Shoulders and all. But for now, we're stuck with Waukegan.
When we pull into the driveway of Autism Academy, we occasionally get a special treat--a glimpse of Olive on the playground. Here she is with Teacher Emily.
Yup!
The view from the courtyard.
We always come about 15 minutes early for the 2:00pm pick-up, so there's time to visit the waterfowl. We're especially partial to this little duck.
I don't mind telling you, this alter kocker scares the crap out of me.
It's home again-home again now. Our exit is East Touhy, which comes immediately after West Touhy. To date, I have never seen anyone take the West Touhy exit.
The Purple Hotel, so named for obvious reasons.
Our turn-off at Lincoln. You'd have to be near-unconscious to miss this turn.
Lincoln Avenue has many motels where I wouldn't recommend spending the night. This is one of them.
Turn left on Foster. We get an arrow, thank God!
We've all got our tsuris.
Heading into Ravenswood, our little corner of Chi-Town.
At the corner of Western and Foster. Almost-almost!
Our corner store, our mechayeh, and home of the Peruvian Gentleman, a hilf if there ever was one. Here's where we can find Olive's favorite brand of salsa, not to mention Pinguinos, Gansitos, Bimbunuelos, and for LB, an opportunity to kibbitz about futbol. And on Wednesdays, there's homemade empanadas.
Time to unbuckle, everyone!