Another relaxing slow start. A shower for Dan. Packing for us both. Then off we went to find breakfast.

First, though, I went to the front desk just to ask if we had to go back there to check out or just toss our keys in the box even while we’ve asked for late checkout. The box it is. Easy-peasy.

Walking outside we were greeted by sun. That’s not something we’ve seen much of here. I’m actually fine with no sun, but it was rather fun to see it and the very blue sky.

The first place we looked at, being the closest and with good ratings, looked like a no-go, so we went instead to the Goddess and the Baker, just a quick walk from place number one. It was noisy, and we could have opted to eat outside instead, but it was right by the El and we didn’t want that noise, so inside we stayed, enjoying a tasty breakfast with our coffee.

Not having enough time to really wander we ambled back to Club Quarters.

Back at the hotel we entered an elevator (there are four here, but SO slow to arrive at both the Lobby and our fourth floor, yet they go very quickly once inside. Dan put his key card to the reader and pressed 4 and off we went. To the 6th floor! Say what? People entered and Dan again tried to get 4 to work. Nope. Turns out our cards had been deactivated. While I have an email confirmation for our extended time, apparently they didn’t keep our cards activated. So down to the lobby again, and Dan had his reactivated so we could get to our room for about a forty minute sit.

Oh … and I finally remembered to take a couple of photos of the place. It wasn’t fancy, but it turned out to be just fine and the price was better than most places.

Then I read. Hooray, I finished my Louise Penny book! Now on to the next Elizabeth George. (I am going back and forth between the two authors which can be a bit befuddling sometimes, but so it goes! Many things like this are actually good for an aging, 69 year old brain?)

When it was time to leave I dropped our keys in the box in the lobby and we walked to where we went down stairs (actually an escalator that wasn’t running and you know how crazy it is to go down those!) to get the Blue Line. Maybe ten minutes later we were on the train and had about a 45 minute ride.

Then it was a walk to Terminal 1 …

… and time to go through security. I pulled out my ID but it turned out they just did facial recognition. Then into the line to put all our stuff through the machine. Off went my coat. My watch went into my purse (I’ve since learned that isn’t necessary). I put purse, coat, suitcase, and small pack on to the belt. Then I went through the security check. I triggered something. The man implied it was random. But I had to then go through the one where you stand, feet apart, hands above the head. It triggered as well. So I walked through and the TSA agent had me put my arms out to check. I said, “Maybe it’s my barrette?” She smiled and said, “No, it’s your hair.” Then she sent me on my way. (Could it really be my hair or was she joking?!) We collected our things and walked to the lounge.

Quick and easy entrance, as always, and up the escalator we went, finding chairs where we’d spend some hours. But wait! When I saw Dan put his jacket on his luggage I looked behind me to grab my coat to do the same. Oops. Not there! I’d left it behind in security. So back I went. It wasn’t a problem … just a goofy mistake. But still ….

When I returned I got a glass of extremely mediocre red wine (why do I bother?!). Then Dan got a bowl of soup. We take turns so we can keep an eye on our stuff. Most people don’t when in the lounge: they just trust that things won’t be stolen there. but being the skeptical, distrustful people that we are … well …. (Okay, maybe we are just extremely cautious?!)

We had a nice spot where I ended up people watching sometimes, since I could look down through a window.

Eventually I went to get something to eat and did the “make your own taco” thing. It was fine. The donut holes for dessert were fine too. And certainly a very healthy choice.

Also, because you know you need to know, Kansas City had just won their game in overtime. HAH! No, I’m not a football fan: the TV was just right in front of me is all. But no one here cheered, so I’m guessing no one here is really a huge fan. (And the other team … um wearing blue. Denver Broncos maybe? I’m clueless, I know. And I also am betting no readers here care in any case!)

After some time it was time to head to the gate. Our line was fairly short and we were boarded in no time. We had the aisle and middle seats (yours truly gets the middle), so we didn’t bother to seatbelt in until Mr. Window Seat arrived. Turned out to be a very silent young man. Easy to deal with as long as I remembered that the woman in the middle never gets an armrest. Period. It’s always been that way, and I’m just not up for a fight about armrests. (But I do roll my eyes.)

The flight was easy, with turbulence only over Nebraska. Gee, my mother’s place of birth … a turbulent state, perhaps?

And then we landed, made our way to our car (no checked luggage this direction), and were home in a little over an hour after we landed.

Having not posted a photo of what I took prior to the trip, I did snap a photo when we got home. Funny, really, that it’s close to what we take on longer trips. I did, though, have a few failures: I never needed one pair of thick socks, my puffer jacket, the raincoat, or the umbrella. Had I not brought those I probably could have even taken only the roller (but would never chance that since they could say it had to be checked and I’d want some things — and would have to have something things — on the plane with me).

But that doesn’t mean we go to bed … I had to get my yogurt started and Dan had his bread starter or whatever it’s called to do.

I’m so glad we were able to take the trip, but still sad that Jan and Greg weren’t able to be there. It wasn’t the trip we expected, but we did have fun even while missing them.

And do we have another trip planned soon?

Well, c’mon … you know us!