We took a lovely stroll to the beach tonight, with the girls in the stroller, Pepper on her leash, and Uncle David along for the trip. The weather was perfect -- cooler than the heat of the day, a bit breezy, and just right for a walk along Lake Michigan.
After our delightful journey, as we were about half a block from home, a Chicago police car tore by us at full speed. My first thought: "Jackass. Why don't cops have to follow the same traffic laws we do?" And then a second cop car sped by at the same swift pace. And then we heard a rapid succession of noises that could have been several cars backfiring at the same time, but probably wasn't. We rushed the family inside, pronto, and made sure all doors were locked.
Sigh. I love living in the city.
Update: news story here.
16 comments:
My goodness!! It's not just urban living though. We've seen some weird stuff here in the sticks too. Glad everyone is ok. Kind of scary that you were outside when it happened!
That is scary! I remember when we lived in a small town where I was editing the newspaper. We were awakened in the middle of the night in our downtown apartment (I nearly laugh calling it that because it was such a small town) to the sound of gunshots. I swear I had post traumatic stress over it for days. I didn't sleep for over a week.
Yikes. Way too close for comfort.
Every safety you take for granted is a matter of luck, being in the right place at the right time, and some good sense. The longer I live more I think like the Greeks life is a crap shoot. You used common sence and got out of there instead of like some dummies and headed for the sound of gun fire.
That always annoys me too when cops tear down the streets. It's like they think they're WAAAAAAAY better drivers than the rest of us peons. Then again, if shots were fired? I think they had a good excuse. Damned guns. :-\
After reading the story, I wondered why the now dead guy didn't just keep walking calmly in the same direction when he saw the police car. Then the officer probably wouldn't have noticed him and none of this would have happened. On the other hand the non-rocket-scientist dead guy would still be walking around your neighborhood with a concealed weapon.
Be careful.
I heard this story on the news this morning and thought, "Holy crap! That was about half a block from Kelly's!" Crazy that you were actually outside, enjoying a leisurely stroll, when it happened. I'm glad you're all okay!
Reminds me of my Chicago days. Yikes!
How scary!!!!!!
I'm so glad you were not caught in the crossfire.
BTW, would you like to move to my private island when I win the lottery? If only.
Scary! One of the advantages of living in the burbs.
Any tips for your favorite areas along the lake? I'm coming next month for BlogHer and will be staying at the W. I really want to rent a bike and explore the paths!
Yes. And this only serves to enforce wanting to move to the burbs...although any place has its freaks.
Which W will you be at Amber? The north one by the lake? Excellent bike path all the way up and down the lake front, but you could go up to the Lincoln Park Zoo (probably 2-3 miles north). Other things like that around too...but the zoo is free and the ape house is amazing.
Ahhhh, life in the city. It's divine. I love when I get to think, "Hmmm. Are those firecrackers or gunshots? I'll just assume firecrackers for my own peace of mind."
I'm sorry that happened. So scary. And what the heck was a gang member from 113th doing all the way up here? That's so odd, isn't it? That's all the way down past the end of the Red Line the other way.
Amber, I second the lakefront bike path suggestion. You can rent bikes in a few places along the lakefront. Tip, though: avoid it on Saturdays and Sundays if possible. It gets PACKED with other riders, bladers, joggers, walkers. It's not nearly as fun then.
Also the architectural tour that takes place on a boat on the river mustn't be missed! (I've also heard good things about their walking tours.)
Thank you for the good mail!! Made my day. I posted a pic :)
Isaura
And then there are the times like last night when I just can't fool myself that they're firecrackers. Because the fool is right outside my bedroom window. At 2:15 am. And I can see the streaks of gunfire as the bullets whiz past my window. And smell the gun powder. And hear him cocking the gun before each *bang* (five times he shot).
The good news is he apparently was just shooting into the air (Martin crawled to the window and yelled at him as I called 911). The bad news is I live on the third floor, which is -- you know -- the direction of the air he was shooting into.
Summer in the city. Yeehaw.
Sadly, I am doing the path on Saturday (am skipping out on the conference that morning). And yes, we're staying at the W right on the lake.
I have rollerblades that I could bring but I thought I could cover more terrain by renting a bike!
Amber, heading south on the lakefront trail might get you a little breathing room once you're past Museum Campus. I love the view of the city from the south, too. My favorite one.
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