Night from a children's book...

I had the strangest, but most enjoyable evening last night. I was going out with my ex-SIL/friend to see some live music. The band (who were were seeing because the singer is a family friend) was playing at a little outdoor cafe on the shores of Lake Michigan. I really just wanted to relax at home last night, and the traffic/parking situation in this particular neighborhood is terrible, so I have to admit I was a little grumpy about going at all.

But then things just fell into place.

The weather in Chicago was AMAZING last night. Warm, not humid, with a refreshing breeze off the lake. The band ended up being really good. Like, "I can't wait to buy their cd!" good.

As we were sitting there enjoying the music, the full moon rose over the Lake in the most spectacular, crazy-huge, glowing-orange way imaginable. We couldn't stop staring at it. It looked like it would take over the whole sky, and the Lake shimmered with its reflection. For some reason, the face you see in it sometimes was really distinct and looked like he too was enjoying the music.

Then, as we were walking back to the car, three fat raccoons came trotting down the sidewalk. Right in the middle of a busy Chicago neighborhood, at about 9:00 at night! They were gorgeous and healthy-looking and didn't appear anxious or threatened or ready to attack, so we just stopped and watched them approach. They walked directly toward us, looking for all the world like they were going to ask us directions or tell us about a fairy princess in need or something. I swear I wouldn't have been surprised if they were wearing pants and capes and feathered caps to go along with their bandit masks. LOL! They got within about 6 feet of us, then decided to start wrestling one another in the closest lawn. They just looked so full of joy, it was amazing to watch them.

Ever have a night like that? Where an everyday evening turned somehow magical?

Great descriptor too - "from a children's book" :)

although they were the icing on the cake.