SWEET LIFE HERE COMES THE SUNDAE

MOVING TO A NEW CITY BRINGS UPS AND DOWNS EVEN WHEN IT'S REALLY YOUR OLD CITY. THANK GOODNESS FOR ICE CREAM.

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In need of a pick-me-up, we recently picked up and moved to Chicago. Actually, back to Chicago.

We pulled into town behind a convoy of trucks crusting the streets in salt, off-season for a move-in. Milo grew a double-thick fur coat.

I grew a collection of double-thick socks. I came to appreciate the two-hat, three-pants aesthetic, and wore my swim goggles outside. On purpose. (That wind.)

Milo sniffed mysterious urban amenities, including the elevator. First ride, he flattened, belly to floor, tail trembling. "Pick yourself up," I coaxed. "Try."

My husband and I acclimated to other novelties: Outrageously good restaurants, including one that serves its cloud of tiramisu doused in chocolate sauce. Old friendships revived over coffee. Sinuous new skyscrapers. Lakescapes that thrill. Every. Single. Walk.

It's been rigorous. So for perspective, I started a tally of sweet cafes ready to steam an espresso and plate an afternoon pick-me-up. My count: So many.