The Lap

We had been on the Road East for two weeks when we arrived in Chicago. Okay, it hasn't been hell by any stretch of the imagination. But I spent that week on the boat being spoiled - remember? And every Motel 6 has been a challenge. So, Chicago. Now that was a totally different story. I love Chicago. There is so much to do. The architecture is fabulous. The food is outstanding. Peter flew in on Monday and will be joining us for the rest of the trip.

So, what did I do? First, let me show you the place where we were staying: The Flemish House. I have stayed there before. I loved it before. It is in the Gold Coast area of Chicago, right across from Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan. We had the first floor. I was in the studio in the back. Karen and Peter were in the front with a sitting room and bedroom. The studio was the best. I didn't know that, but if you ever stay in this place, you should save money and stay in the back.

I found a grocery store down the street, so I bought groceries so I could cook. Karen and Peter (K&P) came over every morning for breakfast. We ate two dinners in my room. I know. Chicago is filled with fabulous restaurants. We did eat at Bistro Zinc, around the corner from the house. It was okay, but not fabulous. The closest I came to fabulous was a lunch at The Big Bowl on our street. I had a Vietnamese spring roll and a bowl of Thai soup. Num. Just like home.

K&P went out every day and explored the city. They had never been there before and had a wonderful time. I spent most of my time inside my room, but did go out to visit with friends at the tribune. Yes, I have a couple of friends in that dreadful building. I had lunch with Laura. I'd been in India with her and we had been working with helpdesk issues before and after that trip. After a really good lunch at Bandara we met with Erik in the cafeteria. Erik was responsible for IT Security at The Times and moved back to Chicago where he came from to be closer to the action. He's having a wonderful time with the new Zell management. No sarcasm this time. He is the only person I know who has landed in a good spot with that group. The only person. I've just spell-checked this and Zell is not a word. Well, it is a word, just not one I want to put in this blog.

The last night we went to see the taping of the NPR program "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me." This is a favorite for the three of us. Our favorite panelists were not on, but we had a good time anyway. One of the panelist, Charlie Pierce, reminds me of my old pal, Dean, from the HelpDesk. He laughs at everyone's jokes and sounds a lot like Dean. Tom Bodett, who leaves the light on for us whenever we stay at Motel 6, was also on the panel. We all like his understated humor.

It was raining cats and dogs that night. The weather has been amazing on this trip. It is usually temperate. When it gets too hot, it rains. Fun. Anyway, this was the icing on the cake for us. We had a wonderful time, each of us in our own way. And we certainly enjoyed our four days in the lap of luxury.

The Ramblers + 1