Wrote up a lengthy blog last night, but was too tired to finish it, so I saved it and went to bed. Seems like internet connection failed, so can’t find the draft. Ah well here goes take 2…

On Ant’s suggestion I went shopping in the morning at Gurnee Mills between Kenosha and Chicago. It was brilliant, Wrangler and gap jeans for less than R350 per pair. Hilfiger shirts, some at half price and then discount by up to 40%. I did some seri-arse therapy. Also out of necessity, it is so damm hot here, I had to buy some more short sleeve shirts. I had packed for a cool autumn? Friday’s temp was 100deg, which is just on 38cel. In fact it is so hot, it is really difficult to be outdoors.

I returned my car at Chicago O’Hare airport and was picked up by Anthony in the new Jaguar. Man this car is something else, all wheel drive sedan, with intelligent breaking cornering. A sound system of name….and hell it goes. The aircon also works a treat. But for me the best feature was the radio being tuned to the E-Street radio station. We went on a great sightseeing drive – personal tour in air conditioned vehicle! The only way to do it in this heat. we drove through the beautiful suburbs, saw some stunning sights, beautiful homes and parks and the quaintest village area. As soon As I climbed in the car, the chins began to yak and have not stopped- so much to catch up and share.

We popped into a deli/ fresh produce food emporium to pick up fresh ingredients for the masterchef to prepare dinner at home. Arugula salad with panchetta, ciabatta and fried prawns. Finally shelves full of great fresh produce, cheeses, meats. We sat inside and had an amazing cheese and charcuterie board for lunch. We then went to see Ant’s new home, currently being renovated. Cant wait to return and have a visit in the new house. Going to be spectacular,

From there we picked up Ant’s son Blake from soccer practice and his daughter Caitlin from the library and headed home to the aircon. The chef then set about dinner and I go chatting with the kids. Such special moments all of us around the counter yakking and laughing and Ant working his foodie magic. The finest poached eggs to top our arugula salad. Dad you would have been impressed. Dinner was a great affair all of us around the dining room table. Laughing, chatting eating and just enjoying something special. So great to be included in this special family’s inner core. The gorgeous, but shy Blake with his beautiful smile and warm and caring nature, an dthe firebrand energetic Caitlin with an imagination that had us enthralled. This young lady’s storytelling ability and imagination are going to take her places….watch out JK Rowling. We were still around the table after 10.30 pm. So special. Finally we all got to bed very close to midnight….that is why I was too tired to blog.

Another great breakfast, courtesy my chef/chauffeur/hotelier…..coffee smoked bacon, scrambled egg with basil, tomatoes and friend mushrooms, followed by yoghurt and fruit. We then went tile shopping and did a few local chores and explored the neighboured more…with awesome music and cool air. We had a stunning chicken salad with fennel and radish for lunch at Vistro.s The. It was dropping Blake off to meet his friends and Caitlin at the library. Ant and I spent the afternoon catching up, talking business, politics, family and you name it. So special to reconnect at this level.some good laughs at the Air Liquid exploits in the early days and discovering the impressions and memories each had left on the other. This is bonding in a big way.

We got all toffed up- well put on shoes, and went out for the most incredible dinner. I concede I managed to consume more food in one sitting than I think I ever have before, it was splendid! Starters of sushi, cheese puff rolls, then I had a platter of crabcake, scallops and prawns with a pickled slaw and a side of asparagus. The beat asparagus I have ever eaten. We got home and both of us and to change into elasticated pants and sloppy tshirts! But it was so worth it.

today we will head into the city for some sightseeing and I will go to my hotel. Will catch up the blog again. Happy Heritage day

Cheese and charcuterie bood

Heaven at the veggies

Local area

Train at the ceossing

Train passing

Ant’s new house

Uber Maroon

Beautiful sunset

Pumpkins shees big

Pumpkin rooibos

More pumpkin products

Yep amom…canned pumpkin

Local grocery store

chicken with fell slad

ice cream and caramel sauce

fusge sauce

old frinds

no trucks in the city

freight train, the truck trailers on them

Caitlin and the uberchef

Kitchen chaos

He knows what he s doing

Table set

The perfect poached egg

Crab cake, scallop and prawn platter

Awesome asparagus

My friend

Self

Dinner for two