Sloppy Dog - It's a DIY Dog Wash!

It was the crowning moment of holiday vacation time together ... Sloppy Dog Wash. Definitely an adventure, but I'm not sure who was more exhausted after the excursion - the dogs or the people!

Winter Art in my Winter Windy City

This was something new ... art in ice! Today's art adventure involved ice sculpture, art in the ice rink (yes, we even skated), the art museum, an artsy lunch and dinner, and Wicked. That's what I call a wonderful Valentine's trip!

Matt Holliday Press Conference

Sometimes we get to tagalong to some interesting things! Tonight? A press conference at Stillwater High School, home of Matt Holliday. They were retiring his numbers from his high school teams tonight. I'm not much into sports (as those of you who know me realize) but I find the "people angle" interesting.

I was impressed with this guy! He seemed very real and was more people-oriented than I expected. He had questions that gave him the opportunity to boast, but he was far from arrogant. Actually, I found him surprisingly humble. But not the slimy "I-want-you-to-see-me-as-humble" kind of thing ... genuinely thankful to be where he is and truly respectful of others. I always appreciate and respect that when I see it (and it doesn't feel like someone saying what he/she "should" for an audience).


My little one came prepared (little puppies in a carrier - one day they will probably be real!) but soon found herself stifling yawns and passing them around as we waited. She was so cute earlier ... she said she wanted to go so she could learn more about soccer. Soccer? She thought he was a soccer player. While we were waiting at the press conference, she asked who was going to be there. I told her, "Mr. Holliday." She said, "Who's that?" Of course, it got a laugh. And then she got shy.


Maybe one day my little Miss M will realize what a cool opportunity this was! I'm actually a little stunned my teenager decided not to come. He's the one who is into sports and even had Matt Holliday on his fantasy team last year! Hmmmmm ... maybe he's just tired of being cooped up in the house with 3 girls (me, M, and Daisy)!

For you fans ... a few more Matt Holliday photos are here (forgive me, I'm not taking time to edit much of anything tonight): Matt Holliday Press Conference

Last Days of Autumn

I hear it will become cold in the next few days. Fortunately we live where our warm days tend to linger and we can be outside wearing ourselves out until it's cold enough to start a fire. I sat on a cement step taking photos in the evening twilight ... and as far as my backside was concerned, it WAS DEFINITELY cold enough and NEEDED a fire!


Look at my jock! I tried throwing the football with my teenage son this weekend, too, but I think I only lasted for a dozen passes. Who knew that an arm could get such a workout from an oblong ball? I have to admit I was very thankful to have a little time for family that included more than just me and the kids. It was my therapy this weekend, my chance to feel a little bit of "normal" in the midst of this sometimes crazy life.

CUBBIES!

First home run of the game ... and I got it (on camera)! Then the 2nd ... 3rd ... 4th ... I couldn't believe it, I caught each Cubbie Homer! I do believe I have earned a place in the ranks of honorary Cub fans. I honestly can't claim full membership, but I had fun being at Wrigley today! My first time was last summer with my wonderful K and our friend S. Those who know me know that I am not a sports fanatic by a long shot. I'm quite oblivious and happy that way. K, however, is a jock and a Cubs fan. I have found that sporting events can be fun - especially if I bring my camera. Just wait 'til I post my clip of the Chicago Gay Mens Chorus singing the national anthem and the perfectly timed "fly by" or whatever they call it when the jets appear over the scoreboard! I felt like I was in a movie today and was totally surprised by the excitement that bubbled up in me. I came here to relax, and surprisingly this was just the thing!

Playing in Chicago

A night at Tony & Tina's Wedding yielded some INTERESTING characters. What fun! My K was set up to dance with the bride and I thought about posting that photo from the weekend just to see what others might say - the bride had long dark hair like me. HEHEHE! I was snapping photos all along and the big-wig of the "event" toted me around to show others. We had quite a time.


We're pretty sure we found one of those characters at the ball game (see the girl above)!

My Gold Medal Guy

How cool is this? More later, but he was able to send this from his phone!
*sent via Cingular wireless*

Sportswriter Night

Basketball playoffs! The Tulsa World has Kevin covering stories all over the place this week. We joined in for a night and my little one had her own version of stats going. It was VERY cute and she absolutely LOVED it!

Football Pileup

It was a pileup this afternoon. I think everyone was quite happy to see Kevin today. The dog (who has been classically SCARED of anyone male and slowly has at least accepted Kevin) jumped on him when he came in the door! The guys had their Bears jerseys and had my daughter looking for their "twins" throughout the game. I was quite content to snuggle with the pack on the sofa! Well ... ok ... that's kind of a lie. I did end up taking a pile of photos and finishing lunch and doing dishes and starting supper. The work is never done!