Up in the clouds.

"I've looked at clouds from both sides now,

from up and down, and still somehow

it's cloud illusions I recall.

I really don't know clouds at all."

For anyone who has been or lives in Chicago, you are likely aware of Millennium Park—located off Michigan Avenue. If you have never heard of it, come to Chicago and you find thousands of people milling about exploring this really cool oasis.

It all started about ten years ago when it opened in 2004; originally slated for the millennium, like many things that happen in Chicago, it was delayed. So it became Millennium Park +4. Just kidding, I made that up.

Recently it has come out how the entire project was funded; the article stated, "It was taken care of Chicago style. Over budget, delayed and with the city and its residents holding the bag for payment." Well, that's good old Chicago for you.

However, knowing the number of visitors who come to Millennium Park, it is well worth the angst it has created for the city. It truly is magnificent. Last year we saw the country band, Lady Antebellum at the band shell located on the grounds—for free. In fact, we were in the 10th row as it was part of a concert series that a local radio station was sponsoring.  Although reserved  for people who had won the right to be there—-they eventually opened it up to anyone who wanted to fill the seats and sit on the lawn. It had poured that evening and let's say most had stayed home. I took photos from less than 6 feet from the performers…obviously I was in my glory!

There are several highlights to see when you visit; one would be "Cloudgate," also known as the "Bean." The other would be the two structures that put a "face" on the area—although tough to describe, when water starts spill out of the mouth, you know they have a real purpose. I have no idea who came up with this concept, but I do know who came up with the name, "Millennium Park." It was my wife's first husband, Bill Hagerup. Yes, this is true.

It turns out a local ad agency had the account; they were awarded the project and as part of it, they needed to name it. Bill was the copy writer on the project—and yes, he came up with the name that is now part of Chicago history. How cool is that? Unfortunately, because he worked for the company, he receives nothing more than notoriety that his family and friends know. The agency is gone and so is the credit for naming.

I really don't know if anyone had any idea the impact this park would have on tourism; but one thing is for sure, the number of photos taken in and around it, has got to be approaching millions  and millions by now. How do I know? I have taken thousands myself. Of course, what would you expect?

The photo above was taken a few weeks ago. One of our daughters, who didn't have a broken arm like her little sister, was doing some crazy gymnastic stuff in front of the "Bean." Looking at the photo, she appears to be in the shape of a "T." Knowing how much I enjoy Millennium Park, it seemed to fit my opinion of what this tourist attraction has done for our city—it literally fits it to a ___. You get it.

Thanks for stopping by.