Road Trip!

Chicago skyline from afar -

Soldier Field, "Da Bears" - 

Famous Wrigley Field - 

Lincoln Park Zoo, 4th oldest Zoo in North America -

Delicious lunch at R.J. Grunts - 

The California wrap, no guac with homemade potato chips, OMG -

Stopped in at The Tin Lizzie to watch the NFC game and some of the AFC game.  They had Shiner Bock on tap, yummy -

A whirlwind trip to Chicago!

A relatively quick 16 hour drive to the windy city, traveling most of the way on rt.80 west from MA through CT, PA, OH, IN and finally IL!

The temps while I was there were in the low 30s, a heat wave of sorts for Chicago in January.  This allowed us some comfort as we walked to and fro.  Mayor Lori Lightfoot reopened indoor dining (25% capacity only) a day before our arrival, so there were oodles of people out and about visiting restaurants and pubs.  

I finally got to see my oldest daughters apartment and setup!  A very nice and cozy little place within walking distance to scads of restaurants and pubs, the market, train, etc. 

The adventure wasn't long enough and I look forward to visiting again when the warmer weather arrives.  Chicago is a beautiful city!

Style'n

Trixie dog donning her new sweater and proud of it! 

It's tough getting a high-and-tight haircut in these 30 degree days...

I Had One Of Those!

Banged out another jigsaw puzzle this past long weekend.  This one a 1000 piece puzzles. My oldest, who stopped over for dinner on Sunday, helped some.

Lincoln Street Florist

I seldom leave empty handed after visiting my farmer friend in Marshfield.  Monday was no different, loads and loads of flowers, most cut but several potted plants too.  They all look great and smell awesome!  Spring is definitely in the air...

New Egg Game

I've stepped up my egg game!

New egg cartons and new egg stamps!

I've started stamping the eggs with the date laid - not on these eggs pictured as they were older and predated this idea and the stamps arrival but moving forward all eggs will receive 2 stampings.

Charlie's Place -

Honestly

Honestly, what are 'we' doing?!

Into Each Life a Little Rain Must Fall

This -

helps with this -

but boy-o-boy does it make a mess when standing on it to pee!

Reflections

I received this puzzle for Christmas.

I started it on wild card weekend; Saturday during the Bills and Colts game and had it completed by the end of the Bears Saints game on Sunday...

And We're Off...

I kicked of 2021 with a Power Red donation yesterday here at the Franklin Elks.  Another 2-pints in the books -

Bright Lights

So, we have this to deal with these days.  For some forsaken reason our rear neighbor keeps his spot light on ALL NIGHT LONG, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT!  Years past it's not been a problem but since he clear cut the majority of his trees this past spring there's nothing left to block the light.  Fortunately, this isn't an issue over the summer, as the leaves block the back of his house but being winter and it gets dark early, this is a real annoyance!  Honest to god, it seems like he has those lights shinning directly up at our place.

This is yet another example of why I frik'n hate people...

Trixie Woobie

Shhhhhh!

Please be quiet Trixie dog is trying to nap.

I realize not the best time of the year for a salon day and haircut but it was long overdue and she was ripe, so a week ago off she went.  Seems now with less hair she's more than content to be covered up when napping.  Especially since the homeowner doesn't turn the heat up...

Eggs Galore!

I can honestly tell you this is a good problem to have!

We've been getting about 4 eggs a day now for the last couple of weeks.  Of course, with 7 pullets, this could be better but under the circumstances of less daylight and much colder temps I'm pleased.

We're out of egg cartons, so have been storing them in saucers, the ones we're not eating.

I've adopted a new OCD tactic when it comes to our eggs, stamping them with the date laid.  I'm hoping this will help in identifying and using the older eggs first.

Good news is I have new egg cartons coming and a new special stamp I designed, which I'll be stamping the eggs with.  Stay tuned...

AH Memories...

Came across these unique items while going through boxes of old pictures and stuff.

No explanation needed, as the events are listed on the bags, other than perhaps "why"?!

The writing on this first bag is my mothers -

However, the writing on this bag is mine, so taking after my mom -

Too Much Time On Hands

Found this painted rock on my walk the other afternoon.

I'm not sure of the etiquette and whether you're supposed to keep or pass it along.  However, the two urges I had at the time was, 1-toss this rock into the brook near where I found it or 2-bring it home for Emilie.

Clearly, I chose option 2. 

I've Some Catching Up To Do

I just finished reading this Stephen King book.

The very first Stephen King book I read was "Thinner", which hooked me.  Following that read, I began collecting and reading all of his books at the time and enjoyed them all.  Unfortunately, it's been quite some time since I've read one of his books but I plan to start reading more of his books.

Family Doodles

Family doodles!

This first pic was drawn, on the back of a Christmas card, by my dad.  It's a picture of my mom and dad with the grandkids - 

This second pic was drawn by a Japanese exchange student, Hiroko Akechi, back in 1979.  It is a picture of my dad, mom, brother, our cat Mitch, and I -

Ball Bearings!

Old old school roller skates!

They don't make skates like this anymore, nope.  These are heavy metal skates make for off-roading (haha).  I have two pair just sitting around, any takers?!

Oh What A Relief It Is!

Look what Santa put in my stocking!

NO, it's not a shag carpet rake, wise asses.

It's a back scratcher and perfect for the person who spends much of their time out in the yard!