On The Road to The 4th

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Independence Day - a federal holiday since 1941, a declaration of independence since 1776, but for whom? July 4, 2020 is far different than any we’ve ever known. No big fireworks displays, no crowded beaches and picnics (at least we are not supposed to) but instead, small family gatherings, and in my case, reflections of what freedom means. My daughter and I began the morning with an in-depth conversation on the state of our country today. We covered topics from the pandemic and politics to the Black Lives Matter movement and white privilege. I don’t claim to have the answers, but I know having the discussion is a step in the right direction.

Not only is today the 4th of July, we are into the 4th phase of Restore Illinois. I am cautiously optimistic that while other states that loosened restrictions earlier and are seeing a new surge in the corona virus, Illinois is staying the course. Our latest numbers show a 2.6% positivity rate (the percentage of people testing positive for the virus out of the total number of tests given on that day). This is why my family continues to wear masks while we’re out and about in Wisconsin this weekend, even though my observance is that most here don’t.

Let me backtrack a minute - a lot has changed over the past several weeks. I am still broadcasting from home but I fronted my “Weekender” reporter LIVE on location for the first time in nearly 4 months!

With more venues reopening in Phase 4, there are more opportunities for me to venture out and cover stories. I spent time at Navy Pier, again for Weekender, but also to observe the new rules that are becoming the norm against Covid - plenty of signage and family-friendly social distancing instruction.

With more people heading back to work, there’s definitely been an uptick in traffic congestion, but it’s too soon to tell where these patterns will eventually land.

Personally, I’ve ventured out a bit more from the safe cocoon of my home. We spent Father’s Day at my sister’s house. I hadn’t seen her in nearly 6 months!

We got to participate in another “Birthday Car Parade,” this time a special 60th for a member of our synagogue. I have to say, it was so wonderful to see these people IN PERSON, even at a safe distance, with masks. We are social beings and the need for interaction is strong.

There are plenty of ways to safely enjoy summer in Chicago. The Chicago Architecture Walking tours visit many beautiful sites in the city, including the Garden of the Phoenix (The Japanese Garden) in Jackson Park. It’s part of the Chicago Park District now, but its history dates back to the Chicago World’s Fair Columbian Exposition of 1893!

There’s nothing like ice cream on a hot summer day - even if we had to drive to Lake Geneva Wisconsin to get it! Actually, it was a great day to get out and about with my Mom - even though the destination was crowded and the crowd was not social distancing. Mom stayed in the car while Sara and I walked down the block to get said ice cream. I was pleased that the shop’s management had everyone stop at the hand sanitizing station before entering the store, and distance themselves in line while waiting to order. Safe - and savory!

Other highlights - Sara was the last of the bunch to finally get a (much needed) hair cut! My husband, whose company installs artificial turf throughout Chicagoland, FINALLY did our backyard, compete with a putting green! And I celebrated National Take Your Dog to Work Day (which is every day nowadays)!

I was able to reconnect with world renowned photographer Jennifer Girard, who is retiring and leaving Chicago after decades of amazing work. I am grateful for the beautiful family portraits with Jennifer’s signature style.

As we continue through this unprecedented journey, I’m wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Please think about the word freedom - be grateful for the freedoms we have, and work harder to make those freedoms attainable for all.