That’s how I feel about it.
I’m looking at a hotel in North Chicago. Is this a “bad” part of the greater Chicago metro?
Me too – I’m thinking I’ll get a room and sleep over on the 31st and head back home the next day. So, someplace with cheap drinks, cheap food, and a cheap hotel within (drunken) walking distance would be perfect.
Jim, the Days Inn North Chicago (3000 N. U.S. 41, North Chicago IL, 60064) has rooms going for $58 a night, which is about the cheapest I’ve (yet) been able to locate. It looks to be about 16 mi. from Evanston.
I’m still good with the 31st. Since I’ll be on the train anyway, heading north is no problem; I can read a map. 
Just gotta make sure the place to stay is available ( it is, I know it is, but I want specific approval for a given date).
And it would be nice to go to Chicago and actually have a destination.
North Chicago is a suburb roughly 25-30 miles north of Evanston. Honestly, not very convenient. You may be better off staying in Park Ridge, Niles, or Skokie. If you go north, try Northfield or Glenview.
I’m gonna wait on a hotel choice until we actually settle on a location for the get together. Which I’m hoping will happen soon.
I just noticed this. The Interstate numbers and nicknames get kind of confusing but I94 north of where it joins with I90 and south of I294 is called the Edens and is currently mega-screwed-up with construction.
FWIW, here’s my preferred traffic map for Chicagoland:
http://www.gcmtravel.com/gcm/maps_chicago.jsp
BlueKangaroo + 1
Sarahfeena
HazelNutCoffee
MikeG
Mr Bus Guy ± Mrs Bus Guy
jnglmassiv
featherlou + husband
Mr. Rosewater
Okay, is this everyone who is coming tomorrow? If you would like to join us and aren’t on this list, that’s fine, but please let me know (just so that if it gets up there in numbers I can call and revise the reservation up).
The reservation is at 6:30pm at Leona’s on Taylor Street. The reservation name is “Adams”. If there’s anything I’m forgetting post now or do without! 
Hah hah, got you all beat. We’re having lunch in Madtown tomorrow before you get her.
Didn’t WhyNot also say she was coming tomorrow?
No, she dropped out in post 138.
The day is looking great, can’t wait to see everyone! I wonder if they have outdoor seating?
If anyone is in the area early, check out Mario’s Italian Ice at 1068 W. Taylor. The lemon and watermelon are spectacular, Al’s across the street is one of the best beefs in the city but don’t spoil your appetite.
I like Al’s french fries, but I haven’t had the beef.
It’s a great day. And I’ve just realized I need to get cracking on some bread! Glad you posted.
The pan is sitting in my left saddle bag, I got a funny look from one of the installers who asked why I had a frying pan on my motorcycle. “In case I got hungry” I replied
No raisins is my only caveat when it comes to baked goods.
I just got back from a very nice lunch with featherlou and her husband Jim.
They are headed your way. Treat then nice – speak slowly! Remember, they’re Candians. 
Pumpkin bread is in the oven, and I cannot even begin to imagine putting raisins in it. I hope you enjoy it, and thanks again for the pan.
Boyo Jim, we’ll be nice, but I’m crap for speaking slowly. That could be an issue. I promise to try.
MBG and co can’t make it tonight - his knee is giving him trouble. He sends his regrets. Boo.
Oh, that’s really too bad. Thanks for letting us know.
I will be there as close to 6:30 as possible. It’s only 10 minutes from me, but the trick is getting home from work first!