not going down the tubes

not sure how i feel about myself as i write this. the repubs are on a winning streak in the war against any form of government, but especially any tax structure that might offer aid to those in need. any concept of training benefits, job programs, a health system that supports people instead of insurance companies, or even the simple concept of people paying a fair share vs wealthy people paying less than working class people is shot down before being given a fair hearing.

and the dems have no unity with which to fight.

and i vacillate between moments of wanting to take action and just not believing there's anything to do.

because i have the odd feeling that we'll muddle through.

Travel Notes - Chicago

The reason for McDonald's success that people know they can rely on getting the same product where they travel. This is never so important as when it comes to their coffee fix. So imagine my concern when I can't find a Starbucks in Chicago's Midway Airport. I googled the question on my phone and was told, No there isn't a Starbucks here. While searching for someone reliable to tell me where the good coffee could be found, I was told to go to the Potbelly sandwich shop. I was purposefully ignoring it, partly due to the long line, when i noticed a separate kiosk...with no line...with Capt. Ahab's 1st mate's name. Whew.

Now about dinner the night before...

I have a lifelong habit if NOT waiting in line to give other people money. While this rule sometimes bends for restaurants, when traveling alone, I am not apt to make that much of a commitment to my dinner. Hence, instead of waiting in line 35 minutes to try real Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, I spent that time walking to another restaurant. Probably a little less,actually. And I used that time to chat with a buddy.

Which tells you nothing of how I found Sayat Nova Armenian restaurant, on Ohio Street, near Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Which in itself is a literally pedestrian story. I spoted Sayat Nova the day before, while taking a walk. Sayat Nova appears to be casual fine dining. They sport a fair sized wine list and an under-spoken decor. The food is very Mediterranean, with interesting comparisons. Their version of dolma is salma. But they have a dish with a name very similar to one of my Indian faves. A kofta, as in Malai Kofta, is an indian vegetable dumpling served in a light curry sauce. AN Armenian kofti is a meat dumpling, served in a light yogurt and mint sauce. All of it was enjoyable and the staff was pleasant. If you're in the area and looking beyond the chain restaurants, it's worth giving Sayat Nova a try.

Here we go again

I'll admit that this is not my first blog. If I told you how many I've started, you may look at me as a serial blogger. But I like to think that practice makes perfect.

But you can be the judge.