Fun and Games Dept

So first the time in a long while I’m sitting at a Panera eating dinner while writing a blog entry. Two of the family members are off to a Blackhawks game, so I took the opportunity to go to the airport to talk airplanes with fellow pilots. It was a great discussion and I’m looking forward to new aviation adventures in the near future.

There’s a reason I haven’t sought out a Panera experience since moving to Chicagoland. When we lived in the Mohawk Valley of upstate N.Y. going to Panera was a wild Saturday night in the ‘burbs. Folks traveled from near and far to go to that Panera and we were among their number.

Here in Chicago? Not so much. I mean, it’s nice, it even exceeds adequate, but regardless of the location it’s the same experience no matter where you are.

Support your local businesses.

I thought it’d be fun to eat dinner at Panera again before heading back into the city, and the experience is absolutely adequate, but nothing is really blowing up my skirt.

At least I’m not hungry anymore.

This video was in my YouTube suggestions this morning and I must say I really enjoyed the presentational style of the person on camera.

Enjoy a video explaining the differences between VHS and Beta.

I formulated a blog entry during my walk through the sleet and snow this morning but being age 51 I currently have no recollection of what I was going to write about.

I will say my husband and I have been enjoying the latest (and last) season of “Madam Secretary President”. Téa Leoni and friends have been tackling current political issues with their storylines and it’s pretty much like watching “The West Wing”. It’s unfortunate this is the last season of the show, but CBS likes to bury it on Sunday nights after football games and the like. Still quality stuff. People could learn things from watching this show but they won’t.

Another nicety of the latest (and last) season of “Madam Secretary President” is my introduction to actor Wentworth Miller. Until this show I’ve never heard of him but apparently he’s been on a bunch of other shows. I’m liking his portrayal of a cranky Republican senator on the show and admittedly he’s enjoyable to look at.

Get out and enjoy some fresh air! It’s a lovely day in Chicago! Enjoy it!

Listening to the waves crash along the shore of Lake Michigan in the middle of November is incredibly relaxing. Being able to escape this environment in just a short walk from home is yet another reason I love Chicago so much.

It may be grey and cold, but it is still beautiful. Love the outdoors regardless of the time of year. I know it always bring me to center.

I live for the day I can have this moment in real life. Exquisite crystal stemware, an ornate fireplace, and me yelling “Please!”.

It would be glorious.

I just enjoyed probably the best massage in my life at Sir Spa here in Chicago. Located in Andersonville, Sir Spa bills itself as “the ultimate Chicago spa for men”. There’s plenty of mood lighting and music to get you in a relaxed state of mind. The locker room amenities are awesome. And the slate of services offered is plentiful.

Antonio sent 90-minutes kneading and rubbing every knot out of this middle aged body and I feel absolutely wonderful. While I just laid there on the table while Antonio did his thing my mind wandered and problems were solved. The sky cleared, my skin cleared, and my mind cleared. I’m ready to tackle the work week.

Good thing tomorrow is Friday.

Sometimes you have to just watch the world.

So Earl and I stood in line for around 15 minutes at the Popeye’s down the street for their returning Chicken Sandwich. Anticipation for this day has apparently been big, and the Lakeview Popeye’s in Chicago was well staffed and well stocked for The Big Day.

My husband and I were the last ones to fit in the door; folks behind us had to wait in line outside for a few moments. Luckily, the weather was sort of warm this evening.

The sandwich was very good and probably better than the equivalent from Chick-Fil-A. I enjoyed the “classic” version; Earl had the spicy version, which he enjoyed very much.

The crowd was very interesting. It was a smattering of apparent socio-economic standings as well as several different gender representations. People were cordial and everyone was talking to everyone else about wanting the chicken sandwich. There were mentions of the other chicken place and the absence of hate here at Popeye’s.

All in all it was a good experience and an enjoyable meal.