Chicago

After our great time in Wisconsin, we drove to Chicago to visit with our friends Tom and Joanna and their wonderful, letter-loving son Alejandro. He's 3, and just about the cutest, smartest, most charming little boy you could imagine. Unfortunately, I didn't take any photos, so I thought I'd excerpt the following from their blog, Alejandro!

Lily W (Alejandro always uses her last name) and Ale had a blast. For kids that only get together twice a year, they jumped in instantly and jumped, tackled, and tickled each other enough to make up for lost time. Neither of them slowed down during their two day visit. Taking photos of the non-stop action was nearly impossible, but this one captured the spirit nicely.

Thanks Tom, Joanna, and Alejandro, for being such great friends!

A Few More from the Wisconsin Trip

Michael says the beard is temporary, but I like it.

Wisconsin!

Our annual pilgrimage to the north woods was great. Lily and Mike spent two weeks there with Don, Joann, Claire, the three dogs and numerous rotating houseguests. I showed up toward the end, and spent a few days before we headed back to DC, with visits to friends in Chicago and Pittsburgh along the way.

I took these shots with my new "tilt-shift" camera lens that creates a sharp center and a slow blurring outward. They're not out-of-focus, they're supposed to look like that.

Our very own bay on the lake. Named by Don after Joann, who is actually named Johanna.

Claire on the pontoon during one of the daily pre-dinner cruises.

Lots of swimming. I know, I know, she needs to get her bangs cut!

Shopping for provisions (like ice cream and whipped cream). Michael and Claire are in the background.

The Wampum Shop, source of all Northwoods crap like indian-beaded necklaces (made in China) and coonskin caps, as well as whoopee cusions and candy cigarettes (can you believe those are still made?).

The "Burda-Mobile" camp truck. No one can remember why they call it that.

Bebop and Dad

Is this not the best picture ever?

School Portraits

Dad's Blog

Many of you know that back in November my Dad was diagnosed with an incurable and rapidly progressive neurological disease called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). After the shock wore off, and after a lot of research, he’s decided to travel to a clinic in Germany next month for experimental stem cell treatment to slow down or hopefully even halt the disease. He’s started a blog to chronicle his treatment and to help educate others who may be interested in doing the same. After a few short days, he’s had hundreds of hits.

I’m proud of him for doing this, and for the straightforward, open, and strong way he’s facing this illness. My Mom too. The subtitle of his blog says it all “I Have This Disease – It Doesn’t Have Me.”

Check out the blog and, please hope, pray, cross fingers, light candles, sacrifice small animals – whatever you do to send good vibes for successful treatment.

MSA Journey Blog

Can-can show

Found this photo in late Aunt Carol's photo album. I assume it's from her office. Not sure if she's in the photo, but I love it.