Journal

My last "paid for" trip to Chicago! I arrived early on Monday; Leah picked me up and we went to Millenium Park - the fountains with the faces that spout water are truly unique and the "bean" sculpture is a beautiful piece. Then on to Grant Park and the "Garden in a City" exhibition. It was fun and interesting seeing all of the garden displays - wish I could remember all of the plants. We finished off the afternoon with an excellent dinner at Shaws. Chicago is a great city.

No more "Nice to see you again, Ms. Karl" or concierge lounges or upgrades to suites but on the flip side, no more schlepping a computer case and suitcase around airports and no more waiting on delayed flights and eating mediocre airport food. My last trip was to Omaha - a great place to have been as my last trip - great people at the University of Nebraska, great hotel and great food and an easy drive. For the most part, I really enjoyed my traveling job the past eleven years but I am really going to enjoy not being on the road so much. Official last date is June 30 but only a few reports, letters and being available for questions until then.