last day in NC

in 8 hours our plane will be taking off and heading east, WAY east, to get us back home to central Asia. today, the weather here snapped to frigid, maybe helping to make our deep-within-winter arrival not as shocking.

first task, running around the house to get the water-heater-system filled back up with water (i drained it before we left so the pipes wouldn't freeze from lack of use) and getting that coal fired up something fierce. then, rest. the body is resilient, but needs time, to comprehend the change of eleven time zones.

our time here has been incredible; thanks to our family and friends for dealing with our re-integration into American culture, and for all the unbelievable treatment we received.

loved, we feel, to great depths. we'll see you soon, yet again.

the (politically) windy city

i've always loved chicago - the prevailing old-school architecture, the amount of sheer concrete cliffs towering all around you; there's just a lot to see (and a lot to be taken back by). on the first day of the year we showed some friends around, did the skydeck, and just enjoyed the immensity.

later that same day, they had to leave, and a friend, JD, blew in from CA. he introduced is to by far the most upper-class restaurant i've ever eaten at, the chicago firehouse. when we arrived, the lady at the door asked to take our coats - it was then that remembered JD saying it was a more 'dressy' place. whoops. i took off my hat...

amazing steak, seafood and service - a dinner i doubt i'll be able to forget. thanks man. good times, yet again.