My lunch snippets' walk...

took me thru the Loop over to State Street, into Macy's Marshall Fields, past the comestic/perfume counters and back outside into the heavy, damp, humid, Indian Summer Chicago air.

I walked Wacker Drive along the Chicago River and ducked into the Merchandise Mart as I shortcutted my way back to the office.

Once inside The Mart I was met with row upon row of upscale patio and beach umbrellas, cabanas (one with a roof that retracted so you could sun yourself when needed - you would hate to be rich and pastey white!), fancy schmancy tables, chairs and every accessory for outdoor living you can imagine……

I was in the midst of the "International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market".

Really?

"CASUAL?"

I live way, WAY below that kind of "casual" style.

by a mile