The friends and family I get to see every year at the fair.  It is comforting to have a reunion in a place as lovely and peaceful as Greenup, Illinois — especially in the summer.

Books.  I can never have too many.  I love them so much my “dining room” is actually a library.
Old movies.  It is reassuring every once in awhile to revisit a classic film – when people dressed well, used grammar and looked fabulous.  Also when they all knew the words and steps to a song they’d never heard before.

Surprises.  It’s hard to get me as I am fairly observant, but that’s why I appreciate it all the more when someone manages to surprise me.

Tea.  I’m not sure I could go on without it.  It keeps me awake, calms me down, warms me up and cools me off.  It’s wonderful.
Halloween.  It’s my favorite holiday, for a number of reasons.  It makes it ok to look at the “dark” side and have fun with it.  Scary stories, history, ghosts, and candy.  But mostly I think I like it because it hasn’t been *too* ruined by commercial enterprises.  A little mascara as a moustache and you have a costume.  Plus, Poe rules.

Poe.  See above.

The 1893 World’s Fair.  It brought Chicago to the forefront, inspired a world and showcased dozens of inventions (including the Ferris Wheel).