I think I am living in a dream
I have been a Cub fan for as long as I can remember. I am having a hard time believing this team.
They hit in clutch situations.
They pitch.
They catch.
They run.
They win.
They laugh.
They have fun.
Please, pinch me, slap me, wake me up now.....because I am tired of the heart ache that June frequently brings to the Cubs.
I do believe this is the year......but I said that last year. And maybe the year before then. And a couple of times in the early part of the 2000s. And in the 90s. And 80s. And in '69, when I really thought this was the year.
Leicester won in English soccer. They have competed for 132 years and this month won their first ever league championship.
If they can do it, the Cubs can do it.
As Mr. C says, "Go Cubs. Go. Go Cubs. Go Cubs. Go."
Friday, May 6, 2016
Thursday, May 5, 2016
it was a good day
I had a really good day today
Brother in law Bob and his wife Anita are in from California and they came out to visit.
We haven't seen them in a while, so it was good to actually talk to them in person.
They also brought Jackie's sister Judy, and when we got ahold of Julia on Skype, it became a great day.
Emily and John came over and some burgers were sacrificed on the grill..... the Cubs beat the Nationals....the sun was shining.....all in all it was a very good day.
Even had some wine, and now I find myself feeling very tired.
So, that's it!
Brother in law Bob and his wife Anita are in from California and they came out to visit.
We haven't seen them in a while, so it was good to actually talk to them in person.
They also brought Jackie's sister Judy, and when we got ahold of Julia on Skype, it became a great day.
Emily and John came over and some burgers were sacrificed on the grill..... the Cubs beat the Nationals....the sun was shining.....all in all it was a very good day.
Even had some wine, and now I find myself feeling very tired.
So, that's it!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
outta my zone
I talk a walk outside my comfort zone today
I go to church in DeKalb. Four or five years ago, we started an outreach program that had us giving candy and water to students passing by the church the week before spring finals.
The candy has a little Bible verse on it, and the water has a Prayers 2 Pass label and a Bible verse.
Now folks, I am not outwardly religious. I am not comfortable telling people about my religion, or my beliefs, or my convictions for minor moral offenses.
I believe, I pray, but I don't go around telling people. It's just me.
So Prayers 2 Pass is a step out of my comfort zone because as strangers approach, we greet them, offer them candy and water, tell them about our prayer "wall" and the secret prayer box and then wish them good luck with finals.
I don't do this by myself, there was a group of us in front of Grace Place at Lucinda and Normal just across from the student center at NIU.
For the first hour of the 10-1 time period we had a table at the church, but the traffic pattern was pretty light, so we moved.
And yes, I always make the joke about I can't do this by myself because an old guy offering young girls candy could be taken the wrong way.
I enjoy the day while at the same time fearing it.
Sometimes I probably come across as goofy, as when a young man said he wanted prayers for his mental health. As he was leaving I said, "You have to remember Annie.....The sun will come up tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a brighter day." He looked at me like I was a goofy old man.
A business major hurrying to class asked for prayers because his laptop was stolen. I can't imagine a semester's worth of notes, papers, assignments all gone.
A very nicely dressed student told us she was a design and fashion major, which would explain why she looked so nice.
And the number of young people on their phones as they walked, talking, playing games, messaging, ignoring us, was pretty significant. And I understand that, kids don't want a speech on church and religion when they are walking to class. And we don't do that, we just offer water, candy, and an opportunity for a prayer if they want one.
As I drove home, all those faces passed before me.
They may be seniors, or juniors, or grad students, but they are all young, and may be afraid, unsure of themselves and the future, worried about grades, graduation, jobs, or the health of a family member.
They may be hungry. Grace Place has a food pantry for students, and it has about 70 clients each time it opens. We don't think about hungry students at a university. It just doesn't click with me, but they are there.
And the whole experience makes me wish I could do more to ease the mental burdens of these kids, the kids that someday will be running our country.
We need to take better care of them now, when they need it.
I go to church in DeKalb. Four or five years ago, we started an outreach program that had us giving candy and water to students passing by the church the week before spring finals.
The candy has a little Bible verse on it, and the water has a Prayers 2 Pass label and a Bible verse.
Now folks, I am not outwardly religious. I am not comfortable telling people about my religion, or my beliefs, or my convictions for minor moral offenses.
I believe, I pray, but I don't go around telling people. It's just me.
So Prayers 2 Pass is a step out of my comfort zone because as strangers approach, we greet them, offer them candy and water, tell them about our prayer "wall" and the secret prayer box and then wish them good luck with finals.
I don't do this by myself, there was a group of us in front of Grace Place at Lucinda and Normal just across from the student center at NIU.
For the first hour of the 10-1 time period we had a table at the church, but the traffic pattern was pretty light, so we moved.
And yes, I always make the joke about I can't do this by myself because an old guy offering young girls candy could be taken the wrong way.
I enjoy the day while at the same time fearing it.
Sometimes I probably come across as goofy, as when a young man said he wanted prayers for his mental health. As he was leaving I said, "You have to remember Annie.....The sun will come up tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a brighter day." He looked at me like I was a goofy old man.
A business major hurrying to class asked for prayers because his laptop was stolen. I can't imagine a semester's worth of notes, papers, assignments all gone.
A very nicely dressed student told us she was a design and fashion major, which would explain why she looked so nice.
And the number of young people on their phones as they walked, talking, playing games, messaging, ignoring us, was pretty significant. And I understand that, kids don't want a speech on church and religion when they are walking to class. And we don't do that, we just offer water, candy, and an opportunity for a prayer if they want one.
As I drove home, all those faces passed before me.
They may be seniors, or juniors, or grad students, but they are all young, and may be afraid, unsure of themselves and the future, worried about grades, graduation, jobs, or the health of a family member.
They may be hungry. Grace Place has a food pantry for students, and it has about 70 clients each time it opens. We don't think about hungry students at a university. It just doesn't click with me, but they are there.
And the whole experience makes me wish I could do more to ease the mental burdens of these kids, the kids that someday will be running our country.
We need to take better care of them now, when they need it.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
cheap?? not me!
I don't think I am too cheap
Sure, I don't spend over $20 on a bottle of wine....well, actually I have, but that is another story.
I buy name brands. Yes, I look for bargains, but who doesn't?
And I enjoy the senior discount.
But I don't think I am cheap.
Let's say I am economical.
I don't like buying things I don't need. I don't like tossing things that still work.
Which explains why I am still wearing a shirt that I had six years ago. And it is one of my favorite shirts.
Facebook posted a memory photo from when Emily and I went to see Craig Ferguson at the Chicago Theater. We went out to eat at the Elephant and something, a British themed restaurant downtown.
Elephant and the Tower? Does that sound right? Doesn't matter.
I went out to work on the gigantic mulch pile today. I swear, there is more there today then there was yesterday! It's growing, like a giant blob. I can't spread it fast enough.
Anyway, I put on a work shirt.
Well, here it is.
Sure, I don't spend over $20 on a bottle of wine....well, actually I have, but that is another story.
I buy name brands. Yes, I look for bargains, but who doesn't?
And I enjoy the senior discount.
But I don't think I am cheap.
Let's say I am economical.
I don't like buying things I don't need. I don't like tossing things that still work.
Which explains why I am still wearing a shirt that I had six years ago. And it is one of my favorite shirts.
Facebook posted a memory photo from when Emily and I went to see Craig Ferguson at the Chicago Theater. We went out to eat at the Elephant and something, a British themed restaurant downtown.
Elephant and the Tower? Does that sound right? Doesn't matter.
I went out to work on the gigantic mulch pile today. I swear, there is more there today then there was yesterday! It's growing, like a giant blob. I can't spread it fast enough.
Anyway, I put on a work shirt.
Well, here it is.
Yes, there is a giant paint splat on it because it is now a yard/work shirt. But other than the splat, it looks pretty darn good. (And Beth, it fits!!)
I bought this shirt at a Native American cultural center in Haines, Alaska. I wanted to buy a totem pole, but they were pretty expensive. So I bought the shirt, thinking I would wear it to school during our lessons on Native Americans of the Northwest and Alaska. Great example of carvings on a totem pole.
Jackie and I went to Alaska in............. 1994.
Go ahead, do the math.
22 years ago.
My shirt is 22 years old.
I challenge anyone to show me a picture of themselves wearing an older piece of clothing that is not a wedding dress. Wearing it....not saving it.
Cheap......Ha! You don't know cheap!
Monday, May 2, 2016
4 is bigger than 3
I worked my butt off today
I mowed. I weeded. I moved mulch. I swept part of the garage. I walked the dog. I moved mulch.
I may have goofed.
I ordered mulch last week and it was delivered today.
I was going to order 3 cubic yards, but I was worried that might not be enough.
So I upped the order to 4.
Boy, was I wrong!
3 would have been plenty. I have mulched the front of the house and barely dented the pile.
And I only have three other areas to mulch, the front was the biggest part.
Don't know what I was thinking.
I have never mulched here, so I was not sure how much to get. If I get too little, I have to get more and that involves paying a delivery charge.....so I opted for an extra yard. That is three feet, by three feet, by three feet....one cubic yard.
Hopefully I can get it all done in the next couple of days.....
After work, I took a shower with a young lady!
But the little bitch wasn't thrilled.
Jackie said Corki smelled, so we gave her a shower. She does not like getting wet.
But she smells nice now.
Just hope it lasts for a while.
My muscles ache, my back hurts, so I need to head to bed. Gotta get up early and work before Rotary.
I mowed. I weeded. I moved mulch. I swept part of the garage. I walked the dog. I moved mulch.
I may have goofed.
I ordered mulch last week and it was delivered today.
I was going to order 3 cubic yards, but I was worried that might not be enough.
So I upped the order to 4.
Boy, was I wrong!
3 would have been plenty. I have mulched the front of the house and barely dented the pile.
And I only have three other areas to mulch, the front was the biggest part.
Don't know what I was thinking.
I have never mulched here, so I was not sure how much to get. If I get too little, I have to get more and that involves paying a delivery charge.....so I opted for an extra yard. That is three feet, by three feet, by three feet....one cubic yard.
Hopefully I can get it all done in the next couple of days.....
After work, I took a shower with a young lady!
But the little bitch wasn't thrilled.
Jackie said Corki smelled, so we gave her a shower. She does not like getting wet.
But she smells nice now.
Just hope it lasts for a while.
My muscles ache, my back hurts, so I need to head to bed. Gotta get up early and work before Rotary.
Sunday, May 1, 2016
something tells me it's all happenin' at the zoo......
I went to a zoo dinner today
This is an annual event and honors all the volunteers. Last year, Emily and John were invited and met the CEO of the zoo and sat at the honored table. The people knew about the tornado, and following the dinner a collection was taken up for Emily and John.
Total strangers gave them money or gift cards to help rebuild their lives. It was amazing.
Today they honored volunteers for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service. l can't imagine doing anything for 45 years.
Each volunteer that had a chance to speak said the same thing. Volunteering at the zoo makes them happy.
That's why I do it.
This dinner is difficult for me. You may find this hard to believe, but in a new group of people I am kind of quiet. It took me about half an hour to talk to the people at our table.
Anyway, a fun time was had by all.
We did get a chance to meet some zoo ambassadors up close and personal.
The signs were created in the 1930s as part of Roosevelt's WPA in combating the Depression. Some of the signs have been saved and are on display. Signs are about 3-4 feet high and the colors are very vivid. Signs were designed, then hand carved, painted, coated with a preservative and placed around the zoo.
I don't know if any of you older folks remember these....... I still think they are pretty darn cool!
This is an annual event and honors all the volunteers. Last year, Emily and John were invited and met the CEO of the zoo and sat at the honored table. The people knew about the tornado, and following the dinner a collection was taken up for Emily and John.
Total strangers gave them money or gift cards to help rebuild their lives. It was amazing.
Today they honored volunteers for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service. l can't imagine doing anything for 45 years.
Each volunteer that had a chance to speak said the same thing. Volunteering at the zoo makes them happy.
That's why I do it.
This dinner is difficult for me. You may find this hard to believe, but in a new group of people I am kind of quiet. It took me about half an hour to talk to the people at our table.
Anyway, a fun time was had by all.
We did get a chance to meet some zoo ambassadors up close and personal.
 |
| A wallaby was there |
 |
| Jackie and a llama |
When I was little, I used to visit my Aunt Bea's house, just a few blocks from the zoo. I have fond memories of going there on summer days and riding the train around the park, feeding the animals (yes, years ago you could feed the animals! Turns out not to be good for the animals!!), and wanting to see more and stay longer.
One of the vivid memories I have are of the signs.
The zoo has preserved some of them, and looking at them brings back so many memories of my childhood and those long gone aunts, uncles and cousins.
I don't know if any of you older folks remember these....... I still think they are pretty darn cool!
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Psycho Birds cause Vertigo
I am being driven crazy by a robin family
Oh sure, laugh.
For the past several years a robin has built nests on our porch. I always go out and knock them down.
Here is this year's nest.
Always in the same spot.
I go out and knock it down.
They build it again.
I thought Corki might be able to scare them away, because she has a tendency to run after birds and bark.
But not robins.
So I knocked the nest off today onto the pile that has accumulated on the porch.
That is a lot of straw and mud and work.
Now I like robins, except when they dive bomb you when you come out the front door, and drop white dots on the furniture.
Porches are for rockers, not robins.
I stuck two white flags left over from the invisible fence project into the gap between the house and the post. Hopefully the fluttering flags frightened (notice the clever use of alliteration) the birds away....but we'll see.
Wasps in the back, robins in the front, here I am, stuck in the middle again.
I also want to share two pictures.
Jonquils, or daffodils, were my mom's favorite flower. Every time I see one, I think of her.
Funny I haven't planted any at this house.
Oh sure, laugh.
For the past several years a robin has built nests on our porch. I always go out and knock them down.
Here is this year's nest.
Always in the same spot.
I go out and knock it down.
They build it again.
I thought Corki might be able to scare them away, because she has a tendency to run after birds and bark.
But not robins.
So I knocked the nest off today onto the pile that has accumulated on the porch.
That is a lot of straw and mud and work.
Now I like robins, except when they dive bomb you when you come out the front door, and drop white dots on the furniture.
Porches are for rockers, not robins.
I stuck two white flags left over from the invisible fence project into the gap between the house and the post. Hopefully the fluttering flags frightened (notice the clever use of alliteration) the birds away....but we'll see.
Wasps in the back, robins in the front, here I am, stuck in the middle again.
I also want to share two pictures.
Jonquils, or daffodils, were my mom's favorite flower. Every time I see one, I think of her.
Funny I haven't planted any at this house.
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