There’s only one thing better than “Home Sweet Home,” and that’s “Sweet Home Chicago.” I’m writing from the Hotel Chicago Downtown (a Marriott property, of course) right next to the House of Blues. Tonight it’s the band Citizen Cope, a name I don’t recognize, typical of most on this month’s calendar. The only familiar one is Julia Michaels, who we saw open for Pink at the Moda Center earlier this week. I remember seeing the Allman Brothers many years ago at this HOB venue on New Year’s Eve. I also went to a concert back in the days when I was involved with PROMAX and their annual convention. In the meantime, I’ve had lunch there on a couple of occasions and have been to locations in New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Orlando. When it comes to the blues in Chicago, I think of the House of Blues and Buddy Guy’s. Unfortunately, I never saw the actual Blues Brothers perform live, but have seen several decent imitations through the years.

This morning’s run was along the Chicago River Walk, but I wasn’t able to get far because of construction. Our room looks out over the river, between the two iconic circular Marina City condo buildings that at one time looked like something out of the Jetson’s. In the past I’ve been able to follow the Chicago River down to the Lake Michigan waterfront where you can see the famous Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. The wind is beginning to pick up here, but at least the sun is shining. This afternoon I’ll take a walk through Millennium Park to the Art Institute of Chicago near the signs marking the start of Route 66. I’ll pass Harry Caray’s, Dick’s Last Resort, Catch 35 and Smith & Wollensky as I contemplate a martini lunch. Tonight, dinner is at the nearby Chicago Cut Steakhouse. There’s always plenty to eat in Chicago, as I anticipate an Italian Beef sandwich at Wrigley Field during Saturday’s game with the Angels.

My wife is having lunch with her clients, so the afternoon is mine here in “Sweet Home Chicago.” The Museum of Broadcast Communications is also in the neighborhood, so that presents another touristy option that I’ve managed to avoid all these years. Perhaps, there will be too many reminders of my working days, but I do have good memories of listening to WLS radio for the hits and WGN-TV for the Cubs and Sox. You certainly couldn’t count on hits from the Cubs and Sox! This morning on my run it was WXRT radio through my ear buds. It’s decided – I’m on my way down memory lane before I spend any time with Rembrandt.