I’m writing this letter from my patio, where the sun is shining and air is warm. Any time now one of those 80 degree days will come out of nowhere and it will officially be summer in Chicago (because I truly believe that there is no such thing as spring in Chicago- two weeks of 60 degree temps does not count as a season)!

Not to sound overly dramatic, but Summertime in Chicago is a magical thing. During the first flush of summer there is a certain energy that comes from an entire city that’s finally enjoying the outdoors after a long, cold winter. And, as much as I despise the cold, I think it’s all the freezing rain and snow that gives Chicagoans such a deep appreciation for the sunny, summer weather.

With that in mind, we knew you’d be itching to find out what’s going on in the “Great Outdoors.” No, we’re not talking about camping or hiking (in these heels?)! This month we’ll be hooking you up with Chicago’s hottest beer gardens, roof top bars and outdoor events. Sally Jackson’s sharing her skills on how to throw your own al fresco soiree in her “Hey Sal” column and I’ll be checking in with Player’s Sports Group to see what they’ve got planned for the summer (beach volleyball anyone?). We also have a new addition to the team, Katie Rogulski, who will be spicing up the Get Cozy section. Keep an eye out for her first feature, where she’ll be dishing out design advice to a PLRG who’d prefer not to be so “exposed” to the great outdoors.

Well, now that I’m out in the fresh air and I can hear the fans at Wrigley cheering in the distance, I’m feeling pretty realxed and one with the outdoors. It has inspired me to write this little haiku, which I’ll share with you, in closing:

Sun shining on me

My lounge chair is super comfy

Someone bring me a drink

Lacey Brenly

Editor in Chief