I flew to Chicago last Wednesday. The trip was originally planned as a visit to Canada. I would fly out to Chicago and then drive with my parents to Toronto to visit my dad’s sisters and their families. Circumstances dictated that this was not a good time for a Canada visit, so I visited in Chicago instead. I spent a lot of time with my dad and my step-mom. My dad and I walked over 8 miles last Thursday, which included a stop at the Daley Plaza Farmers Market and lunch with my dad’s brother.
I stayed at my dad’s office apartment, which is just a few blocks from my step-mom’s place where they both actually live. It was really nice being that close to my parents, and also to have a space I could call my own in the evenings and mornings. I don’t like how the shower pretty much only runs in one corner up against the wall, and it doesn’t get quite hot enough for my tastes, but other than that I really enjoyed staying there.
I started reading my mom’s old copy of Notes from Underground, and I brought it home to continue. Dense, provocative prose, but what else should I expect from Dostoevsky? My dad got me an early birthday present of a Blackhawks jacket and hoodie. I brought home some kolaches, and I would have brought home some candied almonds, but I forgot to pack them. And I ran out of room. My bags were stuffed as full as I could get them and I ended up leaving my travel pillow behind because it just wouldn’t stay in my backpack side pocket.
My step-mom and I had some serious quality time going to the Farmers Market at Eckhart Part. We got some incredibly flavorful coffee, and I ate possibly the best croissant I’ve ever had. I almost got some banana based ice cream treat, but we ran out of time, because we’d booked tickets for an architectural boat tour on the Chicago River, which I’d never done before. One of my nieces came along for that and lunch afterwards. Her sister and my brother hooked up with us the Sunday for dinner and Reality Detox at Second City.
I looked for but didn’t find any books by Sigmund Lowe, but I managed to buy a few by other authors to add to my to-be-read pile. I got some spooky cat socks at a store that I want to visit again; it’s got so much cool stuff inside.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to visit with my friend from high school because he came down with Covid, but I did get to visit with another friend at her store, Goblin Market, which has been plagued this summer with toilet geyser flooding, but now has new flooring. A whirlwind visit, but a good one. I took a break from thinking about or talking about work, which I think I really needed.
I knew today would be a long day because I wanted to get back to Boise early enough that I could make it to choir practice tonight. My flight from Chicago to Atlanta departed at 6:40 am, so I was up at 4 am CDT to get there nice and early. After a very short layover, I got on the flight from Atlanta to Boise. It’s kind of funny that my flight to Chicago went through Seattle and to Boise was through Atlanta, so that means in the last week I’ve been in all four time zones of the continental US.
I ended up getting home at just about 5 pm. My plane landed in Boise around 1 pm, but I left my key in my friend’s house in case he needed to move my car while I was out of town, and he and his roommate forgot to leave the back door open for me so I had to go get a key from the roommate, who graciously paid for the extra Lyfts I had to take. And I stopped at Old Fashioned Fruits and Vegetables on the way out of town, partly out of nostalgia and partly because I was really hungry. Other than the snacks on the plane, I’d only had a donut and side of bacon to eat all day. A protein bar and a soda got me home, and then I had a meal.
I did make it to choir rehearsal tonight, which was wonderful. It is a relief to be back in my home, surrounded by quiet, darkness, and way more animals than people instead of noise, light, and so many people. It is so noisy in a lot of the city, though the Obama Center and the 606 elevated walkway both managed to mute much of the city noise in their environs. I really managed to do and see a lot in a short visit.
