From the Management

Yes, it's true.  After five years, for the first time since the pandemic, I am actually going out of town on a vacation.  (I did go on a trip that I wrote about four years ago, in the early days of COVID, but that was only spending the night in another room of my home which I set up like a trip away, so it doesn't really count as "out of town.") 

The main reason for the delay is a wariness of traveling during COVID.  And while I know a great many people have been traveling for a long time, I just haven't felt comfortable doing so.  And still don't completely.  But enough that I made the reservations and head off today.

It turns out that traveling is somewhat like a muscle.  You have to use it to keep in shape.  I'm out of shape with traveling, and all the little things you have to do to get ready, but I think I'm all set.  I did have one screw-up, though -- I made a taxi reservation with a mom-and-pop company I like a lot that happily are still around.  A few days later, I was checking my notes about something else entirely...when I saw I'm made a stupid mistake, and ordered my taxi for another time I had considered leaving, later than the flight I settled on.  Oh-so fortunately, I caught this, called the cab company the next morning, and they were able to move up my ride.  So, all's well.

I'll be going to Chicago, which I always love, but all the more since I have always gone there once (or sometimes twice) a year, and five years away is much, much too long.  I'll be visiting some favorite locales, like the Arti Institute and Chicago Botanic Garden, visiting with family and friends I haven't seen in too many years (though have stayed in touch with, of course), a Cubs game needless-to-say, and eating at some of my favorite restaurants that I dearly miss.  I can't wait.

Happily, the elves will be able to come here and take over the place while I'm gone.  (One had been nagging me for a couple years about when in the world I'd be going somewhere, so they could move in.  Temporarily, of course.  Oh, yes, he said, though I think I caught a laugh and knowing wink to his friend.)

I won't likely be writing as much here while I'm away -- and the timing of posts will likely be different, considering the time zones.  But I'll do my best to check in every day.  If you have any problems, take it up with the elves.