Fire in the 'hood!
Aug. 30th, 2009 05:09 pmI decided to walk down to the produce store this afternoon, with the extra incentive of a small art/craft show nearby. I took my camera, though it turned out that there was nothing at the show I wanted to shoot.
However, as I was walking down the street, I heard sirens, and first an ambulance, then an unmarked squad, then some fire engines came tearing past. Then I smelled smoke. There was a fire in an apartment building about three blocks from me.

Fortunately, no one was injured, though I don't think anyone will be staying in that building tonight (or, probably, for a while). On the bright side, Quillroy the hedgehog was rescued by a firefighter:

In less exciting news, I went to the Art Institute yesterday to re-see the Japanese screen exhibit, because they had changed some of the items in the show. I also went, as usual, to the current Japanese print exhibit, and an exhibit of Japanese ceramics. Then I had lunch at the museum's new restaurant, Terzo Piano. It was quite good, though rather expensive, even with my 10% member discount.
Then I went book buying. First to Prairie Avenue Bookshop (70% off), then to Powell's on S. Wabash (50% off). Pleased about the deals, very unhappy about the reason therefore. Both are closing, as of tomorrow. Rant here.
Prairie Avenue is also selling some of their gorgeous furniture, and I did inquire about some lovely reproduction Josef Hoffmann chairs. However, "see desk for details" turns out to mean "if you have to ask, you can't afford it", not that I'd have anywhere to put four chairs, anyway (they won't break up the set - I asked). So temptation is easily resisted.
However, as I was walking down the street, I heard sirens, and first an ambulance, then an unmarked squad, then some fire engines came tearing past. Then I smelled smoke. There was a fire in an apartment building about three blocks from me.

Fortunately, no one was injured, though I don't think anyone will be staying in that building tonight (or, probably, for a while). On the bright side, Quillroy the hedgehog was rescued by a firefighter:

In less exciting news, I went to the Art Institute yesterday to re-see the Japanese screen exhibit, because they had changed some of the items in the show. I also went, as usual, to the current Japanese print exhibit, and an exhibit of Japanese ceramics. Then I had lunch at the museum's new restaurant, Terzo Piano. It was quite good, though rather expensive, even with my 10% member discount.
Then I went book buying. First to Prairie Avenue Bookshop (70% off), then to Powell's on S. Wabash (50% off). Pleased about the deals, very unhappy about the reason therefore. Both are closing, as of tomorrow. Rant here.
Prairie Avenue is also selling some of their gorgeous furniture, and I did inquire about some lovely reproduction Josef Hoffmann chairs. However, "see desk for details" turns out to mean "if you have to ask, you can't afford it", not that I'd have anywhere to put four chairs, anyway (they won't break up the set - I asked). So temptation is easily resisted.