Photo Problems

I've upgraded to Windows 7 and now my computer doesn't recognize my camera.  I'm working on a resolution but in the meantime, our travel photos can't be shared with you.  That's too bad, but I'll have a visit with Bill Gates and see what can be done.  Too bad we didn't go to Seattle.

Today was a lovely day in Chicago.  We ate in the beautiful Walnut Room at Macy's.  The store used to be the famous Marshall Fields.  I enjoyed my first Swedish Meatballs and absolutely loved them.  Such a wonderful combination of flavors, topped with Lingonberry preserves.  There are apparently some awful things to eat in Sweden, but meatballs are clearly an exception.  There was a 40 foot tree decorated in the middle of the room.

Next we walked over to browse Kriskindle, a wonderful set of little German shops set up in a plaza in town.  Christmas ornaments, cuckoo clocks, strudel, charm.  We had a great time browsing the shops, all nice little wooden structures.  Snow began to fall.  Bon Hiver!

We took a little bus tour of the city.  We'd done this on our last visit, but it was great to do it after dark with all the beautiful Christmas lights.  A couple of blocks from the hotel we ate at Portillo's.  A wonderful diner with Chicago style hot dogs that were simply wonderful.  It's so amazing that something simple as a hot dog could be so good!

Chicago, Chicago

We arrived in the dark and rode to our hotel in the rain.  Rain is good!  Much warmer than snow!  The Embassy Suites are awesome.  Thank goodness for Priceline.  Anyway we're tucked in nice and cozy and hoping to rest up for a great day tomorrow!

It's Hot Down Here!

Got a few minutes to kill in Phoenix.  Holy Cow we had a lot of great views flying here from Salt Lake City.  It was cool to see Capitol Reef, The Henry and Little Rocky Mountains, The Water Pocket Fold, Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Zion, Grand Staircase/Escalante and The Grand Canyon all from the air.  Not unlike looking at a map and yet with such breathtaking detail.  So glad we had such a nice clear day for the scenery.  Now I have a crick in my neck but it was worth it!

I am always amazed at the number of people who never look out the window.  The majority had their heads buried in a paper or book or were fast asleep.  I wonder if they're jaded or just afraid of heights.  I cannot imagine myself ever tiring of this preposterous, audacious thing we call flight.  It is amazing that we willingly, calmly climb into a 100 foot long tube and entrust ourselves to a pilot and a cluster of mechanics and engineers  Add to that the fact that some, like me actually get a kick out of it.  My sensible self keeps suggesting that I am certifiably crazy.  I've never made any secret of that!

They're calling us to board our flight for Chicago.  Now we'll fly off into the coming darkness.  Up, Up and Away!

Under Way

We're sitting at gate A-4 in the Salt Lake City airport watching folks depart from our plane. In an hour we'll take their places and fly off to Phoenix, where we'll switch planes and fly to Chicago. I don't know if I can blog on the plane, but hey, we'll be flying over country I've driven three times in the past month and I'd sure like to be watching for familiar sights. Of course we'll cross over the Grand Canyon too, I suppos,e and that should be fun to see. The skies are clear so we ought to be able to see the expanse of the Uintah Basin and the marvels of Canyonlands out our chosen window.

Sweet Katie dropped us off a bit ago worrying about us. We worry a little too. Out baby is out there driving on the freeway all by herself. She has been the best driver though, so there's little to fear. She's bright, careful and alert. Sure hope she has a fun day shopping, visiting cousins and driving home.

It was quite interesting going through security. We had a bottle of lotion and a tube of shaving cream confiscated. It would be nice to have been better informed about what we could bring and what we couldn't. Booklogged was a little ticked, but, not wanting her to be mistaken for a terrorist, I calmed her down as quickly as possible.

They call it NEWS, that blather being broadcast above my head. It's more like gossip and is meaningless drivel which reminds me why I don't watch broadcast news. What Tiger Woods does with his personal time is Tiger's business not mine or anyone else's. The evening news devotes more time to the Biggest Loser than it does how Congress shafted us in some new way today. Staying informed about anything of consequence is a major challenge in today's world of spun sugar news that has no substance, just looks pretty and tastes sweet. Too much of the world is that way, cardboard shacks with glitzy facades.

See ya, in Chigago.

Just A Quick Note

Our daughter Kristi dropped by yesterday to tell us she has purchased a Jeep with the steering wheel on the right, to be used in her new job as a Rural Mail Carrier.  The rig is located in Galena, Illinois and the delivery fee alone will cost her $1620.00.  That seemed a bit outrageous to us and we thought we might save her several hundred dollars by flying back there and driving it home for her.  We've purchased air fare to Chicago and will leave tomorrow.

We think we'll spend a day enjoying Chicago and then do what sightseeing the weather permits on our way home.  We have to be back by Monday, so we won't be lallygagging around too much.  I'm interested to see what it's like to drive from the opposite side of the car.

Once again, we'll be posting our travels on The Folks Aren't Home, so please feel free to follow along.

As for me?  Another glorious chance to spend some time on the road!  Can't ever have too much fun!

Life is such a series of surprises.  You never know what's next!