Getting Out

Friends picked me up on Sunday and we drove to Long Grove, Illinois. Quaint small town given over to village shopping rites. Christmas season so we expected a lot of people. We were surprised to see scant crowds. We asked a shopkeeper why the small crowd and over half the shops were closed? He told us most shops open at noon on Sundays. We got there at 11.

We continued to shop and enjoy ourselves. then before noon, hungry, we went to the local tavern, the oldest continually operated pub in Illinois. It dates from 1847.

We enjoyed a good meal there and exited at 12:45. We were greeted by massive crowds of shoppers and all stores open. What a difference!

Long Grove is one of those treasures of a region. Old. Comfortable in its role. And true to its classical traditions. It is a fun and happy place.

This was a good start to re-enter the world following Rocky’s death. It is the first Holiday season without him. I think I’m prepared for this, but perhaps not. Time will tell, and then by January or February I will be able to report my experience with accuracy.

Meanwhile, the Christmas shopping madness is in full action. It is good to see people having fun with this routine. So many times in the past the shopping season was a mad blur of activity. In the end it was fun but during this phase it was stressful and not a fun thing. It is good to see people actually enjoying the process this time. Perhaps that is uniquely Long Grove? I suspect it is.

I was reminded of much earlier days when shopping was a pastime and fun. Remember window shopping? Now we have replaced that with online catalogue scans. I must admit to doing the same. It saves so much time and effort. As well, informed purchasing is a common result. Comparison shopping of features and pricing is easy in the online environment. Shipping charges is another matter entirely, but not a large barrier.

Returning home I was exhausted by all the walking and maneuvering of the walker. Luckily, I thought ahead and used the small one, not the large one. Still, the effort earned a solid hour-long nap. Sweet it was. Upon awakening, thoughts were warm and pleasant. It was a good excursion to get me started.

This morning, good friend Pam and I are going out to breakfast. That is another return to social living. Not an errand but a fun adventure.

Thanks to my many family and friends who help me resocialize. It is a good thing, indeed.

December 20, 2023