A New Winner and Springtime in Chicago

Well, I had to select a new winner for my giveaway, as the previous winner did not contact me.

So using random.org, comment #1 was selected - Barb, who said "Wow---can't wait to get to your shops...feel like you a pre-travel agent! Thanks for sharing. Going to Yellow Creek next month." 

Congratulations Barb! Please send me an email to pgagliardi9@hotmail.com with your mailing address and I will get your prize out to you.

Well, it has been an odd spring here in Chicago with most of it looking like this.

Each March is the wonderful Chicago Flower and Garden Show held at Navy Pier.

Since I haven't attended in several years, I decided that this was the year to go back.

They are open until 8 pm a few evenings, so I thought I would be good and walk the mile and a half from my office and spend two hours at the show. Once I arrived, I realized that they were closed. I picked a day where they were not open until 8:00 :( So I walked the mile and a half back to the office... grrrr. 

At least I got a bit of exercise, I guess.

Fortunately there is another, smaller Flower Show a few weeks later and this one is free ;)

The iconic Macy's on State Street transforms there 9th floor for two weeks out of the year for this flower show and the theme this year was America the Beautiful.

As soon you get off the elevator, the fragrance is divine!

It is amazing the work that goes into this free two week show.

This is a representation of the Statue of Liberty's torch.

Each geographic section of the United States was represented:

A New England fishing shack for the Northeast

The tropical southeast

The good old Midwest

I loved the props including this old wheelbarrow!

Isn't it beautiful?

I love the flower quilt square above the barn door

and the "garden plot" in the bottom left corner.

Where are Peter Rabbit and Mr. McGregor?

The southwest was also represented, but this was the show stopper for me...

How cool is the giant fallen tree to walk through?

And this sweet camper filled with flowers.

All too soon my lunch hour was over and it was time to return to the office.

But I definitely had a bit more spring in my step ;)

 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land

~Song of Solomon 2:11-12 

Blessings, Patti