The Windy City

I am heading to my most favorite city--The Windy City. I have passed on my enjoyment of this beautiful city to my daughters. They drive to Chicago and visit the Navy Pier and wander the city. I will work on Sunday at the flower shop and then in the afternoon catch the bus. My coworker and I discussed car vs bus, and she said, "why not take the bus? Sit back and enjoy!" I am perusing my laminated map, as I am aiming to take the CTA to my son's condo. It vexes me that I can't discern which direction I am going, and either head up and down a street four times , or upon seeing my map out, some kind young man points me in the right direction. My plans are yet to be determined. I know that I am going to the taping of a popular show and that we will enjoy some of Uptown's finest cuisine and wine. I am considering spending a day on Lake Michgan...reading , people watching, absorbing the beach ambience and savoring a fine lunch in the fresh air.

Adaptations

I do not work on Tuesday or Wednesday. I scrubbed the sides of the the aquarium, siphoned out the water and replaced it with fresh clean water. The three catfish are smiling. I noticed that an animal had thrown up on our blanket, so gathered the linens and threw them in the wash. I vacuumed the carpets...upstairs and downstairs. I drove to my son's apartment to feed his cat Emma. Emma started her life at the mini golf where my son works, and is half feral. Normally she hides under the bed and growls at me. I called her today, " Where is that good little kitty Emma?" I trot over to my son's bed and peek under. Shortly after a small soft gray animal stepped out to be petted and began to purr. I petted her for awhile, bid her adieu, and drove to my parents' home. My dad said, "Is this my little helper?" so my mother peeled vegetables and we made a salad and cantaloupe. After lunch, I set up the card table and my mother and I played Words. Words is an adaptation of scrabble. I place letter tiles in rows facing my mother, and we each take turns making words from the letters. Today's words....Calcutta, saxophone, sparkle, metal, telephone. I choose some delicious vine-ripened tomatoes from my parents' garden and drive through the construction to my home.

Home Sweet Home

I am back from the lake and already I have managed to lose my sunglasses and lip balm. Crazy too, since at the lake everything was neat as a pin in my "condo" and aside from some basil and spinach, I did not lose anything. The week was a delight...I played cards and word games with my mother, walked her around the park in her wheelchair, made loads of popcorn, salads, and stir fry veggies and washed plenty of dishes. I read and swam and rode my bike. I brewed suntea and rode my bike to get ice and gallons of water. Am I glad to be home? Not sure. I cleaned like a beaver...the louvers in the blinds, the bathrooms, swept the kitchen floor and vacuumed. Apparently the "neat as a pin" concept has transferred to my house!

My Condo at the Lake

The Lake at the State Park

Planning

I wake up in the night and my mind goes into "plan mode." My husband, 17 year old daughter and I are driving about an hour and a half away to a softball tournament on Friday. I bought water and sports drinks, goldfish, fruit snacks and pretzels. I am making buckets of ice for the cooler. Trying to make arrangements for 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 rabbit and 3 catfish...hoping my son and daughter can take care. My husband and I will leave for home Saturday after the final game as I am scheduled to work Sunday. After work Sunday afternoon, I plan to come home drop off the car, and hop into the van with pop-up (tent trailer) hitched, and drive out to the State Park about 40 minutes away. My brother and mother and dad will be there, and I will provide much amusement as I attempt to back the thing onto the site. Never done that before and there is always the hope that my brother will take pity and do it for me. I am bringing a step ladder too so that I can reach the door on the ceiling (locks there for travel purposes). Dad and brother will probably get into the act and help me set up. Don't forget to put the jacks down this time, so tent trailer does not tip backwards. I am making lists and more lists..equipment, food, games, books, check air pressure in tires, running lights, brake lights... Can't wait to sit under a tree with a book and commune with the raccoons for a week.

Perfect Days

I woke up this morning to the ringing of the landline and then my cellphone. Suspecting that it was my little sister, I stumbled out of bed to answer it. My sister was on the other end with an invitaion to visit the lake for lunch and a swim. My sister and her husband live in a house on the lake. We chatted awhile while I enjoyed some iced green tea with honey. Later my sister made wraps and then we hopped into the boat for a slow cruise up the channel and into "the puddle." This was the name given to Little Portage by Nancy, my sister's mother in law. My sister anchored the boat we grabbed a "noodle" and jumped into the water. So cool and refreshing. I was so thankful last evening for a perfect Monday also. I was able to procure an elusive credit card number for a sympathy arrangement and place the order. With the exception of one contrary coworker, I enjoyed the company of the other workers at the flower shop. My brother in law complimented me on my form. I made a reservation at the State Park for next week. My favorite baseball team came from behind and won the game, with my two daughters cheering at the stadium. I chatted with my dad and all is well. Yes indeed...two perfect days!