Big Shoulders.

Later today, I'm heading for the Windy (and hopefully slightly warmer) City. Given my penchant for travel, it seems somewhat astounding that this will be the very first time I have ever set foot in Chicago, outside of O'Hare Airport. While I know well how to make the mad dash between concourses C and D with barely 15 minutes to spare between flights, I am eager to discover Chicago's other reputed pleasures.

I know Chicago isn't exactly the Number One January Travel Destination in the country, but I'm lucky enough to be serving on the faculty at an appellate defender training conference there. I'm expecting to learn as much as I teach, if not more, because my fellow faculty members are an impressively experienced bunch. Most of them not only have been handling criminal appeals for decades, but also have taught at this conference for many years.

The trip also gives me a welcome opportunity to see some dear friends, eat some tasty food, and hopefully sleep in a room heated above 55 degrees. (Our furnace is sort of functioning, but will not be repaired until next week.)

See you next week!