Triplets

Anytime we are in northern Illinois, we try to see Ruby, Stanley's stepmother. She is amazingly independent, but there are usually a few things we can do for her . . . as much to make us feel good as any usefulness to her. This year, the list was very short. We dug up her little vegetable patch and moved some wooden frames for her and that was it. With an extra day before our scheduled train, we decided on a quick trip to Michigan to see the triplets. As usual, I forget to take pictures of the most important things, but I was promised a picture of the kids which should be coming soon. Our visit with my brother James, his sweet wife Sarah and Grace, Anders, and Cole was brief but intense. The time flew by.

We also visited a couple of Michigan wineries. It was ever so interesting to compare their scrawny little vines with our monsters. That's what a little warm weather and sunshine will do.

We got back to Chicago in plenty of time for a walk and coffee before boarding the train.

Back on the tracks heading south . . .

End of Childhood?

Stanley's childhood home sustained major damage last winter. The gaping black holes made for a sad moment . . .

2nd Annual Mushroom Hunt

Rattlesnake Point

Wild tranquility
Broken silence
Running footprints
Morrels . . .
White wine
Fallen trees
Budding mayapples
Morrels . . .
Wise decision
Not for sale
At any price
Morrels. . .



And Other Fungi

Chicago May 2009

I remember a rainy night in Georgia, but it was nothing compared to the rains I've seen in Chicago. This was our second dramatic rain in the Windy City. The pictures tell the story better than words.

In Chicago everything is a matter of location and our hotel was in the very best. The Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue was perfect for us. In one direction it was across the street from the Chicago Times Building; in another direction it was across from a whole array of shopping opportunities. From our corner room, we had great views in all directions. We always enjoy our time in Chicago.






Tulips! They were everywhere! Up and down Michigan Avenue in every color imaginable! Amazing!

Mother's Day 2009

What a joy to have Emery, Zac, Mom, Trey, Panchi, Allyson, Sarah, and Grayson all together for Mother's Day. I felt quite honored. We did all the family stuff in the morning and then in the afternoon Stanley and I took Mom to the Martinez Social Club where we met Frosty and Jill and Jill's parents for an afternoon of dancing.