Fun and Games Dept

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.

We had an inch or two of snow fall on Halloween. Today the majority of it melted, though there’s still some snow covered accoutrements here and there. As the snow melted, the leaves fell. It added to the spooky ambience of the season.

I’m waiting to see what neighbor fires up the Christmas lights first.

The snow has arrived in Chicagoland. This is not a bad thing.

The ladies discuss the practicality of Halloween over tea.

I’m not a huge fan of Halloween. When I was a kid I didn’t really plan any costumes ahead of time or something; I’d just throw a sheet over my head or where a pair of shorts or roller skates or something. Growing up in the Lake Ontario Snowbelt it was always a crap shoot as to whether we’d be wearing ski jackets over our costumes or not.

One of my strongest memories of Trick or Treating is riding in the backseat of my Aunt’s Datsun B210 through a blinding snow storm between my great Aunt Rena’s and great Aunt Frances’ houses. They both lived on the same road about three miles apart. I remember the ride between their houses being about 20 minutes long.

That’s how we celebrated Halloween in the Lake Ontario snowbelt.

They’re predicting a dusting of snow tomorrow here in Chicagoland. Per the vibe of the 21st Century social media is flipping out, newscasters are having fits, and weather forecasters are having discreet orgasms.

It’s a dusting of snow. Have an extra piece of candy and calm down.

I’m being shadowed at work today.

A walk around the world this evening.

Chris captures this photo of my husband and me. I really enjoy it.

I’m a people watcher. Find my a bench near busy pedestrian traffic and I could sit and watch people all day long. I’m fascinated by the many elements of the human equation.

One of my joys of spending time at Disney is the blend of cultures in progress at any given moment. There’s almost always a whole bunch of languages in use within one’s given proximity. Folks from different continents are looking for cuisine that fits their expectations. And laughs and smiles on a Disney attraction is universal.

The successful blending of people in this manner in the “Happiest Place on Earth” proves that with a little effort and with a common goal, we can all get along just fine. The color of our skin, the language we speak, whom we are holding hands with: none of it matters when we’re all just looking for some happiness in our lives.

Don’t worry, be happy.