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!

After slowly rising and having our hotel room coffees (I’m so happy I brought the Nespresso pods I had collected from various places as we are finally in a place that uses those!) we talked about what to do. We had nothing specific on our schedule today until the symphony concert in the evening, so we decided to head in the direction of Millennium Park, which was much larger than we knew (Dan had read a bit about it).

As we walked that way we ended up going down Michigan, which went right past the Symphony Center.

Seems like I walk past a lot of doorways that interest me. Here’s another …

Shortly after that we passed a sign that advertised the Museum of Contemporary Photography. Of course that meant Dan had to investigate! First, though, we went to a coffee place (yes, more coffee) so we could have better-than-Nespresso cups, and got croissants as well.

Then it was back to the photography exhibit, which was part of Columbia College Chicago. Welll … not terrific, to be honest. So a bit of a bust, but that happens sometimes.

Then it was a walk back the way we came, and then across Michigan. It really was a nice walk and I even (finally) pulled out the Fuji camera. I have no clue if I’ll like anything I shot, and I won’t know until I get home, but I’m still in search of a Christmas card photo and I’m hopeful.

We wound up at Lake Michigan for a brief and chilly stop.

Leaving the lake we headed back to the park. And no, I did not pet the lion. Nor did I climb on to it. But the sign made me smile. (You can see a photo of said lion in a post when we visited the Art Institute.)

I had heard that there was a German Christmas Market opening today so we walked up (if it’s actually up!) the park. First we stopped at the Bean.

Then we saw a tent that appeared to be a market so we went in. Definitely not the German market, but a craft market instead. Nothing of interest for us.

I looked up the Christkindle Markt and found it was at Daly Plaza so off we went. Sure enough, there it was, and quite similar to the markets we saw last year, although not as expansive. We walked a bit. Ordered our absolutely-of-utmost-importance glühwein, and then walked until we decided to get the potato pancakes. We had a couple of nice conversations with other people. One was with a young man who was a flight attendant. He said these days there are retirees who are doing the job. I suggested Dan go for it. I’d like the perks! (Somehow Dan didn’t sound like he’d do it. Go figure.) We eventually bought a little cone of nuts as well — another typical Christmas market thing to do.

It was then after 2:00 and since we had our souvenir glühwein cups we decided to take them back to the hotel so we didn’t have to keep carting them around.

Once there it seemed a good idea to wash my hair and rest up a bit for the concert at night.

For dinner we had originally planned on dining at the Symphony Center restaurant, but having read so-so reviews, and knowing we’d already spent quite enough on meals, we opted to just go downstairs to the Elephant & Castle Pub again. Nothing fancy, but certainly easy to get to (no coat required since we don’t venture outside!), and we could get dressed after we ate. I had chicken pot pie and Dan had fish ‘n chips — seemed appropriate for a spot that wants to pretend they are a British pub, after all! Dan, though, sort of cheated by having a non-alcoholic beer and I sinned profusely by having a mediocre glass of white wine!

I wasn’t sure opting to wear my jumper was a good idea in the 45° temp as we started off but, doggone it, I brought it so I was going to wear it at least once! I did have my wool tights which helped with the cold, and of course I wore my wool coat as well. (Truth is, when one is always in a warm coat, what you wear underneath is rarely seen … but in the hall it does get warm so off that coat goes, although I’m too lazy and pedestrian to check the coat.)

As we walked we encountered more people: tonight was the tree lighting in the park. We had gotten a call from Chicago Symphony warning us about closed roads and difficult parking … no issue for us, of course!

When we entered the hall we were encouraged to go down to the front to take photos. The ushers all seemed quite proud of the hall!

Then upstairs we went, and I really enjoyed the concert — especially the second half which included the Mozart Requiem interspersed with other things. It was quite moving!

Then it was back to our hotel and, I hope eventually, to sleep. For some reason I’m not at all sleep and it’s 11:40 PM. Ah well …

Today was Chicago Lyric Opera day, and since it was a 2:00 matinee performance we didn’t have a ton of time to spend prior to that — especially since we took our time rising and getting our showers. But it’s vacation, after all. We are in no rush to go out to greet the balmy 45° temperature. (So far the wind has been minimal so we can’t complain. Plus, we have appropriate clothing for the cold.)

Since the opera house is the opposite direction of where we were yesterday it was a good time to head that way and explore a bit. I had chosen our hotel, Club Quarters Loop (it’s not luxurious but it suffices), because it was smack dab (does anyone say “smack dab” these days?) between Symphony Hall and the Lyric Opera — about 1/2 mile from each.

When we finally got out and about we walked toward the opera house but ended up doing a bit of a random walk as well, as we saw things that looked interesting.

We wound up at Union Station: we had been here when we did our cross country train ride to New York but I couldn’t remember it at ALL. (And yes, Christmas decorations are being set up all over Chicago.)

More walking …

We walked by the opera house so we would know where to return to.

And more walking …

We began the walk not knowing if it would be a breakfast/dinner day or a lunch/dinner day, but eventually we figured it was too late for breakfast so we thought we’d grab a coffee. Between getting distracted by various spots and doing some photography, though, we finally figured it was too late to get the coffee so we finally wound up at a little place right on the river walk for a quick bite.

From there we ambled back to the opera house, although Dan had to guide us because I managed to get totally baffled about what direction we needed to go. I’m not sure I’ll ever fully figure out Chicago!

The opera was doing the Cav/Pag double. I was interested in going since Opera San José will be doing the same in early 2026. I wanted to see what they do with the silly section where there’s a big oboe solo (in Pagliacci) but the dear composer (Leoncavallo) has both first and second oboists play it. Really? Kind of crazy if you ask me, but seeing what Lyric Opera did about it might help me figure out what we should do, although it’s really up to the principal oboist and conductor. I can’t remember what we did the last time. (OldBoeBrain strikes again!)

The hall is gorgeous.

We had great seats and enjoyed both operas. Turns out the section I was a bit concerned about it entirely covered by the chorus. Okay then … no worries!

We got out early enough that we had a bit of time to spare so we first went back to the hotel to drop off a few things, including the opera program which I just might take to opera when I return next weekend.

Then it was time for dinner. I’d made reservations for a German place that’s been around forever. We walked by it yesterday and Dan noted that everyone in there was old. Go figure. Tonight, though, I certainly saw younger people along with the oldsters.

The food was plentiful and prices reasonable. Of course I ate too much. It’s a talent! Nearing the end of our meal some costumed person walked by. Sadly I only got a photo of the backside … NO clue what it was about!

Tomorrow we have symphony in the evening. I think we’ll probably check out Millennium Park as they might have a Christmas market or some such thing. Who knows what else the day will bring … until it’s been brought! Hah!

Today I woke up and, lo and behold, I was a year older than yesterday. Sometimes life works that way. Sooo … it’s bad poetry time. Yes, even though this is in paragraph form I consider it a poem. (And since it’s my birthday I say that’s fine.)

69

The number rolls itself into a ball and before you can shut the door, it comes right in, making itself at home. Your home. But what options do you have anyway? You first think you will stomp on it, halt its progress, shatter it, refuse to let it have its way. But again, there is no choice so you pick it up, put it in your pocket, and walk with it for the year. 

Occasionally, you take it out, gaze at it, and wonder at the swift passing of time. You smile and say a prayer of thanks for reaching 69.

We didn’t exactly get up on Chicago time, but we were up earlier than California time. Then we hung out for a bit doing what we do (Dan on his iPad doing Dan things, and me on mine doing games and whatnot.)

Then time for breakfast … so we walked to a place we saw yesterday and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast. We are attempting the two meal a day plan now, both to save money and save our waistlines.

From there we walked to the Chicago Art Institute. On the way a helicopter was flying quite low, going around the tall buildings. It was crazy — at least to me. News helicopter maybe? Dunno.

Then on to our destination we went …

I’d already purchased tickets so we walked right in (well, along with going through the security thing and showing our tickets). I’ll just share a variety of photos here of things that caught my eye.

But first a video or two. Quite the surprise to see! (Dan showed me what he’d done so I will admit to stealing this idea from him.)

What I found fascinating was that even if you could see a crack into another room through a door, there was something there … SO much detail it was incredible.

Of course we had to see the impressionists, or at least a good number. And of course Seurat is a must. I didn’t take many photos: it’s better to see them on the wall! I love the detail of the Seurat so I did move in close for a shot.

From there it was coffee time. I confess I also had a small salad and two little sweet treats. But hey, it’s my birthday, I can eat if I want to! (Someone should write a song, eh?)

We also could enter what was the Chicago Stock Market building, which is connected to the institute. Quite a space!

Then a bit of Chagall.

One O’Keeffe …

Finally a huge mural that the artist says he will continue for the remainder of his life. It was rather stunning, and a nice way to end our visit. And yes, we were at the Institute for our typically very long stay.

Going outside we took photos as we headed back to our hotel. So far I’ve not had any inclination to pull out my Fuji camera: the iPhone will suffice.

We put our feet up for about an hour and then it was time for birthday dinner! After canceling a mega-expensive place (if Greg and Jan had been with us we would have gone, but we like to do those places with them so we’ll save a mega-expensive restaurant for when we all connect again) I made reservations for a place called The Gage — still not a cheap spot, but not quite as high-end as Sepia would have been.

And then it was time to go, so off we went. Turned out that the restaurant was noisier than I’d hoped (being deaf in one ear means that hearing is even more difficult), but I could deal.

Cheers!

The food was quite delicious!

That dessert … well … it was supposed to be mine and Dan ordered three scoops of gelato, but when we saw the size of mine we quickly “unordered” his. I could only manage one of these, and it is already missing from the plate. So Dan managed the other two. He’s a hero, don’t you think?

When we were finished we just headed back to our hotel. Tomorrow it’s an opera day! Stay tuned.

Time for another trip!

We had to get up awfully early for our 7:00 AM flight, but so it goes. We quickly got dressed, brushed our teeth, and after making sure things were turned off and whatnot off we went. Because we were using the long term parking we took the big mobile — we figure it’s just better than taking the EV for things like this. The ride was quick and easy: no traffic at 3:40 in the morning, and we were in the garage at 4:30. My eyes were not happy, but I figured I could sleep on the plane.

We took the train (what IS that thing called?) to the airport, checked our luggage (more on that in a moment), and quickly made it through security. Then on to the lounge we went for a brief time. But what is this?! Paper cups for our coffee. Sigh. Not classy, United. We had little breakfasts … unusual for me, but since I wasn’t sure when I’d next be eating it seemed wise to have a bit so scrambled eggs it was.

Okay … checked luggage. Yeah, sometimes we do that instead of all carryon. It’s just sort of easier to not lug all our stuff on to the plane. Anything of major importance, though, does go with us.

Quite soon it was time to get to the gate and be ready to board. I was surprised to see Books Inc. at the airport. Gee, I worked at one a lifetime ago!

As we were standing in line to board they called Dan. Well, really they called George since that’s his actual first name. I said, “You’re going to get to move up to business class!” (We had put in for upgrades using points.) He said he wouldn’t take it if I didn’t move up as well, but I said, “Go for it!” When he came back he handed me a ticket and said that I was moving up. How ‘bout that?! I was completely surprised. As I told him, though, I guess we could call this a birthday present. (Tomorrow is the Big Day.)

So I sat in a nice seat. Had orange juice before departure. Ordered yet another breakfast (yogurt this time … keeping it simple). And I just relaxed. Poor Dan was a few rows back. And yes, I felt guilty.

Then off we went!

Side note: after going into airplane mode I realized we never even told our children we were going on this trip. Or at least I don’t remember telling them! Oops!

And about this trip: quite some time ago Greg and Jan mentioned they’d be going on a trip and would we like to join them for my birthday. Well of course! So tickets were purchased, both for the flights, for an opera, and for a symphony concert. But due to a snafu, Greg and Jan had to bag the trip. I had already booked an apartment for the four of us so that was canceled, as were two of the symphony tickets (bravo to Chicago Symphony for doing a full refund!). In addition two opera tickets were exchanged for a later date for Greg and Jan. And we shortened our trip. (Now readers know why I wrote my earlier post about changes and learning to deal with that sort of thing.)

So the flight: smooth. No issues. Just napped a bit, played my jigsaw puzzle, started writing this, and relaxed.

After landing I think we had to taxi for about a million hours. Or maybe it was 25 minutes, but it sure felt like a long time. There’s a ton of construction going on at the airport, and I assume that’s the issue.

After getting our luggage we went to find the Blue Line and took the train in to the city. And there we were. Hello Chicago! We checked in, got settled in our little rather bare bones hotel, and then had some crisps (it was a pub, after all) and some non-alcoholic beers. Then we walked for a while, going past the Symphony Center, seeing the Art Institute across the street, and then a bit more wandering.

Eventually we circled back and went to the Russian Tea Time restaurant. They serve more than tea … and it was delicious! The price is quite decent as well. And then we were completely stuffed.

We ambled back to our hotel, and now I’m ending this post. We’ve been up for a pretty long time and my brain is rather fried! (In fact, please pardon any poor sentences, bad spelling … any and all goofs I make!)

Greg and Jan, we miss you! Just had to tell you that. 🩷

Tomorrow is a sort of big day. For me anyway. Stay tuned!