Chicago

    In the morning, we headed to Atlantic City where we were to stay for 3 nights. We took advantage of the glorious weather and I had my first walk on a boardwalk. A leisurely stroll while eating ice creams, just taking pleasure in being together. We walked along the Steel Pier, now a shopping and amusement arcade. Mike tested his shooting skills, in what appeared to be a deserted gallery, while I was content to watch. Back to walking along the boardwalk, the sun was now pounding down and a small bar was inviting. We sat with cold drinks, making plans for the next day. The next morning, we left Atlantic City early and drove to picturesque Cape May. We breakfasted before taking the ferry across to Delaware. It was on this crossing that a kind stranger took a photo of Mike and I together, the only one we possess of our time here. Continuing on to Maryland, we found a town invaded with hot rods. We stood in the sun, watching the parade of cars. And what beautiful cars they were! We found fun in browsing through a furniture store, laughing together at some of the more outlandish furniture, after we discovered, to our relief, that our tastes in decor were similiar.

    Naturally, we spent time in the casinos and I had a first...I won $200 instead of my usual donating of funds. This has been the only time, before or since, that I have won anything at a casino. I took this as a positive sign! The days went too fast and it was soon our last evening. This was a night never to be forgotten for many reasons, one of them being Frank. Mike wanted this night to be special and he located a small Italian restaurant, dim lighting, good food, a pianist playing during the evening, all the makings of an enjoyable night out. Our meal was ordered and within a short time, Frank, the waiter, appeared carrying two plates. My meal was delivered to the table without incident, Mike's meal didn't fare so well. Frank had the plate on an angle, and the sauce was dripping on the floor, across the table and then over Mike's hand, all without Frank noticing. I avoided looking at Mike, knowing I would burst into laughter. Mike wiped the sauce off without comment while Frank retreated back into the ktichen, later emerging to tell me of the "nice selection of desserts". I found it difficult to look at Frank, one eye was looking at me, the other appeared to be looking at the ceiling. This might have accounted for his unawareness of the mess he had created. A truly memorable night, though not in quite the way Mike had planned.

    The day of my departure was the hardest of my whole trip. I didn't want to leave!! We arrived at the airport and after checking in my bags, we found a quiet corner and again discussed our plans for the coming months. Last boarding calls were being made, it was time for me to go. Reluctantly I picked up my bag and made my way to the plane, promising that I would be returning soon. As the plane was moving off, I strained to have one last glimpse of Mike. Although I couldn't see him, I knew he was there, watching me leave. I had to console myself with knowing that he would be waiting when I returned, whenever that was to be, though we hoped that it would be by Christmas, 6 long months away.

    My next stop was Chicago. Flying into Chicago reminded me of a scene from a movie, just can't remember which one. Maybe "Close Encounters"? So flat, so populated. Waiting to meet me here was Carolyn and Anna, both friends that I had met in TA. Two very different personalities, Caro being efficient, great sense of humour and computer literate, (I have to comment on that as Caro is another who, teasingly, would shake her head at my lack of knowledge), Anna a more serious person, sensitive and caring. We were spending the weekend together and then I would go back, with Anna, to Iowa. Hugs, laughter and tears awaited me. I was dry-eyed, (my weeping had been on the plane), it was Anna who was the guilty one with the tears. Fortunately, they were happy tears, soon dealt with by more hugs, and a few tissues.

    Giving Carolyn points for remembering where she had parked the car, we piled the bags, and then ourselves, into the car and set off for her apartment. Ignorance is bliss sometimes, I spent most of the next 20 minutes with my eyes closed. No traffic that I had encountered, so far, had prepared me for this!! The steady rain was making me feel even more nervous. Carolyn had a relaxed attitude about the driving, often one arm was draped over the seat, as she turned to say something to Anna, who was in the back seat. I wanted to take that arm and place Carolyn's hand firmly on the steering wheel! Silently I prayed, hoping that we would reach our destination soon. We did, and with relief I exited from the car. Now on firm ground, I could laugh, how could I have doubted Carolyn's abilities?? Sharing the bags between us, we made our way up to Carolyn's apartment. After dumping the bags on the floor, we sat, with coffee in hand, and talked, and talked. Sometime during the evening, Carolyn presented Anna and I with matching mumus, or moomoos as we called them. Unsure as to why we agreed, Anna and I waited while Carolyn set her camera on a tripod, we then posed for a picture. While the resulting pic wasn't particulary flattering, we have been happy to share it with friends, possibly because it shows three people, meeting for the first time, yet feeling so comfortable with each other. By this stage of my travels, this was not a surprise to me and I took pleasure in watching others expressing their surprise, and delight, at how chat friends relate to each other in real life.
    The morning saw us all bright and eager to go into the city, surprising considering the lack of sleep we had! We had spent most of the night talking. Hindsight is a great thing, I might have opted for another activity for the day if I had known what was in store for us! We started at Carolyn's favourite pizza place, (can understand why it is her favourite place, it was great pizza ). Dining while discussing where we would venture in the city, we also made the decision to leave the car where it was, (big mistake). Lunch over, we set off walking, at a brisk pace, towards the stores. The first store to be graced with our presence had an extensive hat department. We had a ball, trying on hats, amid much laughter, the saleswoman watching us nervously. The hats were all very expensive and most were as ugly as sin. Caro and I found two delightful creations that we dubbed the "wedding hats". Anna took a picture before the salewoman decided to call in security! Wandering further through the store, Caro and Anna stopped a cosmetic counter, planning on making a purchase. While they were talking with the sales girl, I roamed off elsewhere. I didn't think I was lost, but Caro and Anna decided differently. They were on the escalator, calling my name out! Definitely time to move onto another store! Here, much to Caro and Anna's disgust, the purchase they had just made in the previous store was on sale. A quick trip back to the first store, return the item, and buy it again at the second store! Anna found a store that interested her and while she and Caro browsed, I "tested" the comfy chairs, happy to do some people watching as I waited. I didn't dare browse, there were too many tempting items, and that would mean more luggage! I was roused out of my chair when Anna appeared clutching a rather large bag. It contained a model lighthouse, a gift for her husband. Luckily, though bulky, it was light, as she had to carry it for some distance.