My husband John, his mother, father and sister were all born in Chicago. Nina always said that she wanted to live in Chicago someday. My mother-in-law Elaine (Grandma Lanie, as Nina called her) took Nina to Chicago in August 2009 to meet some of her friends and family. Of course, they went to Pizzeria Uno’s to have Chicago deep dish pepperoni pizza.
Have you ever been to Walden Pond in the fall?
Nina never got to take her helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.
We’re not really sure what an “Elvis-style” vacation entails, but this one didn’t get checked off Nina’s List. Have you ever gone to Memphis and done the tourist thing, visiting Graceland and the museums? What was your favorite part?
Even though she finally got to vote, Nina never got to attend a presidential inauguration.
Care to leave a comment about one you attended?
Just wanted to say hello and a belated happy New Year — hope all is well with you. When you visited Pittsburgh last summer, I remember you showing me Nina’s list, and that attending inauguration was on the list. While I did not attend the swearing-in on the Mall, I did go to the inaugural ball. I thought about Nina while I was there and how much it would have meant to her. I just thought I’d send along a few photos in case you would like to add it to her list. Hope you’re having a nice winter, and that we can get the whole family together again soon.
Love, Maura
Nina never visited Death Valley in the summer. How about you?
Care to leave a comment about your experience?
For Thanksgiving of 2008, Nina went to New Jersey and met two of her best friends Karen and Alex. They stayed at Alex’s aunt’s house and went to see the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. A bit of family lore: For the past 10 years on Thanksgiving Day, Nina would chop fresh fruit for her WFS (Wonderful Fruit Salad) while watching The Parade. She would call me in from the kitchen when a favorite balloon went by. Kermit was one of her favorites.