Moving here from Chicago I often say in a joking manor "I blew in from the Windy City". People are quick to point out that I am now in the real windy city. They are absolutely correct. Chicago is called the Windy City because they are such braggarts about their town. The term was coined in the mid 1800's and often used by their rival city, Cincinnati. They also call it windy because of all the politician blowing hot air. As far as wind goes, Chicago barely makes the top 100. Oklahoma City beats out Chicago as windy by a long shot. We are in the top 20! I am told that many of the beautiful sunsets are due to the wind whipping up the red earth into the atmosphere. I love living in the best windy city in the United States.

After years of visiting I recently moved to Oklahoma from Chicago. I love the people and the increased number of days with sunshine. Over the years I have found many connections to new friends in the area. It often feels like we are all intertwined here in Oklahoma City. I like it! My most recent ah ha moment was when I found out the famous Chef Rick Bayless was from Oklahoma City. Frontera Grill and Topolobampo which are both owned by Chef Bayless are two of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. When you travel to Chicago skip the deep dish pizza and head to one of Rick Bayless's restaurants. You can even get his food in O'Hare Airport. I own several of his cookbooks and have seen his show many times. I highly recommend the books. Rick Bayless will be back in his hometown to host a cooking demonstration and luncheon on January 17 at the Saints Heart & Vascular Institute. This sold out celebrity chef event is a fundraiser  for the institute being held at the Rapp Foundation Conference Center.