Obama enjoying time as Chicago homebody

CHICAGO, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is enjoying a few weeks of normal life -- if normal includes a Secret Service detail -- after months on the campaign trail.

The period between the election and inauguration is actually one of the longest Obama has had at home in Chicago with his wife and daughters since he ran for the U.S. Senate five years ago, the Chicago Tribune reported Saturday. Most days, life includes a morning workout, a trip to the office and dinner at home.

On Friday, customers cheered when Obama made an unexpected stop at Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli for a corned beef sandwich. Recently, when he and his wife Michelle enjoyed a leisurely dinner at a favorite Italian restaurant, the other diners were scanned by portable metal detectors.

"I'm just glad to be out," Obama told the crowd at Manny's.

But Obama appears to be enjoying the time with his family. An aide said he balked when his staff suggested he schedule political telephone calls during the evening while his daughters are still up. He does make the calls -- but only after the girls are in bed.