Hello from Chicago!

It’s late October and signs of Fall after warmer-than-normal temperatures earlier this month and in September. Leaves are turning yellow, colorful mums decorate Lake Shore Drive high-rises and the boats are leaving Belmont Harbor for the season. It’s my favorite time of year for several reasons, among them sweater weather, apple cider donuts and Bouchercon (more about the Convention below). Fall is an excellent time to visit Chicago which has been named the Best Big City in the United States for the ninth consecutive year by Conde Nast Traveler. I think the 53,000 runners who participated in the Bank of America Marathon and the spectators lining the 26-mile route would probably agree.

After being cancelled in 2021 because of Covid, Bouchercon returned to New Orleans. Planning anything in Louisiana during hurricane season is risky, but fortunately the weather cooperated. As always, it was great to see old friends, make new ones, participate in and attend panels, and be immersed in all things mystery for a few days. And, of course, visiting NOLA meant enjoying good food. Two of my favorites: fried green tomatoes topped with barbequed shrimp and remoulade sauce, and beignets from Café du Monde.

August 17th — I marked the start of another trip around the sun by spending the weekend in New Buffalo, Michigan. It’s a charming small beach town on the east side of Lake Michigan. I stayed at the Four Winds Resort and Casino . . . enough said.

September 17th — Was it penance for having Emeril Lagasse bread pudding for breakfast while in the Big Easy? Maybe, so I tried a free, age-appropriate CrossFit class at a new gym on Broadway. The result—I’m now doing CrossFit on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Kudos to Matt, owner and trainer, for making exercise fun (two words I’m not inclined to use in the same sentence).

October 17th — Even though Halloween is October 31, decorating for the holiday starts early. I spent a few hours touring the neighborhood to see this year’s creations. Skeletons and clowns never disappoint.

After Bouchercon concluded, I spent a day at the WWII Museum. The comprehensive and immersive exhibits provided an educational and emotional experience. Before leaving, I headed to the bookstore. We Band of Angels by Elizabeth M. Norman is the fascinating story of U.S. Army and Navy nurses stationed in the Philippines in 1941. War was a distant rumor until December 8th when the Japanese bombed American bases in Luzon. What had been a gardenia-scented paradise became a fiery hell. And the worst was yet to come when Bataan and Corregidor fell.

An exciting time since the Cubs won the Wild Card Series by defeating the San Diego Padres. They advanced to the Division Series but lost to the Milwaukee Brewers (3-2) in the first postseason I-94 rivalry. FYI, the Cubs home opener against the Washington Nationals is set for Thursday, Mar 26, 2026. GO, CUBS, GO!

Until next time—Here’s wishing you crisp Autumn days and pumpkin-spiced lattes!

Sláinte!

Shawn