An Amtrak day

I once again had occasion to make a trip to Illinois for family business and took my folder to the train station. Oddly enough a station person came out to the platform as we were boarding to inform me their conductor would not allow me to board with my bike. I politely informed her that folding bikes were allowed as carry-on baggage. She informed me it would have to be boxed. I assured her again that it was allowed,I had made dozens of trips with it and it was not a problem. The entire time, the conductor was 3 feet away and said not a word. I was waved forward, told to board to the right where I would find room for the bike. I enjoyed the first leg of my trip despite the ill informed employee.
In Chicago I had scheduled a few hours between trains and made a trip to The Art Institute which is great for absorbing a few hours any day. A couple amazing things happened there. First,the museum shop had this beautiful coffee table quality book about bikes.

I was really tempted by this, but, I don't have a coffee table,didn't feel like spending $35,rarely have visitors at home and there were no pictures of any of the bikes I own. I think I would deserve some social gratification for $35, so I left it.
The second surprising thing occurred when I walked out of the Art Institute. After 3 hours, my bike was still there right on Michigan Ave.

Not only my bike, but the helmet and gloves I had left on it as well. I didn't think bike thieves were helmet people. Now we know for sure.