A Day at the Beach

Many years ago, when our children were very young, we traveled to Chicago in the warmth of the summer.  In more recent years, I have visited in February, April, October and November.  Yesterday since it was a beautiful, warm sunny day, I choose to spend the day at Montrose Beach wading along Lake Michigan, reading, taking pictures and people watching.  After crossing under Lake Shore Drive, I came to the dog park at the beach.  All breeds and sizes of dogs, introverted and extroverted romped in Lake Michigan.  Some chased around, others fetched sticks and balls..some more vocal than others.  Moving along the beach about midmorning, I waded along the shoreline.  Eventually I went up the dunes, to walk along the old retaining wall.  The waters of Lake Michigan have receded, so the retaining wall is far up on the land.  I took a short sight seeing expedition through a flora and fauna sanctuary.  Emerging back on the path, I traversed the retaining wall past the retaining wall to the break wall.  I noticed the marina across the way.  A mild breeze drifted in making it a perfect day for sailing!  Sailboats glided quietly out of the marina.  Couples in lawn chairs watched the boats.  A group of children from a summer camp played barefoot soccer.  Men played whiffle ball and frisbee.  When I went into the restroom, two women and  two girls were shampooing a little white dog in the sink.  For lunch, I bought a hot dog, loaded it with condiments....mustard, ketchup, dill relish and onions, and chips and sat at the beach enjoying the sun on my face.

Harpo Studios

At the studio

I arrived at the studio and chatted with a woman who had flown into the studio from New Orleans.  She had a terrible time.   Her flight was three hours late, the hotel room reserved by the airline was not available but her credit card was charged, the new hotel room was dirty.  "I just feel like going home!" she moaned.  In the holding area at the studio, I sat across from a woman who laughed loudly and annoyingly and who complained that she was hungry.  Irritated with her, I felt like speaking up and saying, "It's a wonderful opportunity to come to a taping.  If you prefer to eat, then stay home!"  I attended a premiere of the new show "Iyanla, fix my life" and a taping of Oprah Lifeclass."  The subject of both was the devastation and destruction of family secrets.....the revelation that someone's parent is not his biological parent, staying quiet about sexual preference, money secrets from a spouse.  Shed a few laughs and tears and clapped my support  My son and I met two of his friends for appetizers, sushi and wine.   A wonderful evening.

Chicago

 
 
 
I'm in Chicago!   The  bus arrived an hour late due to construction but finally luggage and one curtain  rod was stowed, reservation numbers were checked and we were on our way.  The bus was fully loaded, so I found a seat at a table with four other folks...a man returning home to a Chicago suburb, a grandmother going to babysit her 6-month old granddaughter.   I chatted and found out that she makes the trip from her home every Sunday and returns on Thursday.  Also, met a young man studying theology at Moody.   I enjoyed sitting with these folks.  My son offered to meet the bus which thrilled me.  We stopped at the grocery store to get celebration items--corn chips and freshly made salsa, pizza, Asian salad and cantaloupe.  Felt bad because my son had to be at work early the next morning and we were burning the midnight oil.  He went off to work early and I followed later.  I hopped on the red line, got off at a stop to make sure I was heading the correct direction,  inadvertantly missed my stop later, wandered the city for a minute until I found the correct CTA bus to take me to the studio.  Once at the studio, I went in search of breakfast.  Had a delicious piece of banana walnut bread and a banana.

In Chicago!

My 10,000 Step Route

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.