It was a day of highs and lows. The weather was great, the Christmas fairy lights were beautiful, the stores were overflowing with sumptuous goods -- and people were huddled in corners on the streets with cups of change. I could not take any pleasure in shopping when there was so much abject need all around me. I wished that I had money to hand out to all of them, but since I did not, I tried to ignore them all. It was very unsettling, and sad.
My friends and I had a lovely lunch in Pierrot Gourmet, and I bought a pair of cords and a ski sweater for my month-old grandson. Aside from that I only spent money on breakfast at McDonald's and a coke on the train on the way back. All in all, the day cost about $125, including the train fare.
On Sunday I stayed in all day and spent nothing. I really needed to recover; I did an unusual amount of walking on Saturday and was battling a cold besides. In fact, I think my cold has settled into an infection, and I will try to see the doctor today.
I will also seal the deal on my new flooring today. I think we finally have all the details ironed out. I believe the final cost will be about $1900.
My day in Chicago
December 18th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
December 18th, 2006 at 02:43 pm 1166453005
December 18th, 2006 at 08:04 pm 1166472271