OK, so maybe it's only one trash can. But I couldn't resist! Don't worry, I won't be launching a MagicalTrash.com spin-off any time soon!

Trash Can at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Anyway, it was another "Date Night" at the Chicago Botanic Garden for Amy & I this week. A swing band by the name of Bopology was performing, so we packed a dinner and enjoyed a cool evening.

Swing dancing with the band

The music was so-so, to be honest. It was obvious that this was a wedding band, especially when they changed the words to "The Lady Is a Tramp" to a more politically-correct title, "The Lady Is a Champ." Really?

Amy is cold!

The air was quite chilly for a change, so Amy buried herself under a bunch of blankets to keep warm. C'mon, it's summer, enjoy yourself!

Eating dinner next to the lagoon

You may be wondering why we're visiting the Gardens so much this summer. Well, we officially became members not long ago, and as such have been making heavy use of our membership. I've been visiting the Chicago Botanic Gardens since I was a kid, and Amy & I got engaged there, so it holds a lot of meaning for us.

The Fountain at the Esplanade

Of course, what's interesting is that admission is actually free, given that it's an extension of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The North Branch Bicycle Trail terminates inside the Gardens, so that's how I've always arrived after long rides. However, to generate revenue, they charge a rather substantial parking fee.

Given that Amy isn't really doing much biking this summer as she is "with child," we became members, as with that we get free parking! I've also been driving my bike up to the Gardens directly and hopped on other trails to head farther north, like the Green Bay Trail, which has been nice.

Anyway, it was a fun evening. Membership has its privileges!