Fourth of, er, July

Yes, I am still in the United States. Yes, there was the Independence Day, the Fourth of July, the National Holiday, after I updated this blog the last time. Finally I share with you some of the impressions I got around this day. As you probably expected, Red, White and Blue were the dominating colors on that weekend. In fact, Independence Day is usually one extra day off to give a prolongued weekend. This year, however, it was a saturday; yet the occasion is of such fundamental importance to the Americans that we did not have to work the day before. Way to go! Needless to say that I declared myself independent as well (from the lab, that is), so I got some time to take pictures of the scenery. You are invited to join me on a quick tour.
A. Someone has decorated the sidewalk of Wesley Avenue, where I currently live ("where I am currently staying at") with a lot of American flags. It is actually not only Wesley Avenue, but almost the entire neighborhood. Good thing these flags are cheap - I have seen them for just a quarter dollar the piece.
B. Even a garden in Wesley Avenue is equipped with flags.
C. The first of my three favorites: I went to Home Depot, a home improvement store, to look for some tools that might come handy in the lab. Legions of flags on the roof. Definitely more expensive than a quarter dollar the piece.
D. The Bank of America has its own flag, even from 7/5 to 7/3.
E. This building seems to be important, given the decoration. But I haven't found out yet what it is for. (Note the Chicago Theater to the left.)
F. Another single flag on the front of a building.
G. Even the flags are enjoying their time off duty, it seems.
H. More flags on just another building.
I. Another option to decorate things in Red, White and Blue.
J. The second of my three favorites: I saw this lady on the Taste of Chicago, a festival held between Michigan Avenue (the principal street downtown, also known as the Magnificent Mile), and the lakeside.
K. A triad of lazy flags I photographed on the way home from the Taste.
L. Union Station, Chicago's principal train station, has one big perennial flag.
M. See how big it is?
N. The third and last of my favorites: patriotic leftovers received a big discount the next day.
O. After watching so much iconic American lifestyle, I finally decided to "blend in" a bit, so I granted myself a bottle of coke, and a turkey cranberry sandwich. Neither lasted long ...
P. Speaking of American icons: this construction site used to be a McDonald's restaurant. The place is within walking distance from my current home. Oh no! What shall I eat while it is being rebuilt? (A whopper from Burger King, or a pizza from DiNico's, or an Italian Beef, to name but a few, all of which are even a lot closer!)