We took a lovely stroll to the beach tonight, with the girls in the stroller, Pepper on her leash, and Uncle David along for the trip. The weather was perfect -- cooler than the heat of the day, a bit breezy, and just right for a walk along Lake Michigan.After our delightful journey, as we were about half a block from home, a Chicago police car tore by us at full speed. My first thought: "Jackass. Why don't cops have to follow the same traffic laws we do?" And then a second cop car sped by at the same swift pace. And then we heard a rapid succession of noises that could have been several cars backfiring at the same time, but probably wasn't. We rushed the family inside, pronto, and made sure all doors were locked.
Sigh. I love living in the city.
Update: news story here.
As a child, I was terrified by Poltergeist. So I think it's understandable that I'm a little creeped out by this:
I think she's talking to the TV people.
Day 1: Flight to Portland, Oregon, from Chicago, at an indecently early hour. I can state with some authority that four-hour plane trips with toddler twins are not to be attempted by the faint of heart, or even the strong of heart, or just about anyone with two brain cells to rub together.Day 2: Adventures with guinea pigs, kitty cats, puppies, and rats -- oh, my!Day 3: A sandcastle or two, despite windy, cool weather.Day 4: The natives are restless.Day 5: Boat ride on the bay: We get to see sea lions up close and personal, and the girls are furious that they don't get to swim in the bay. Day 6: The Oregon Coast Aquarium. Fabulous. Visit it the next time you're in Newport.Day 7: Lighthouses and rain.Day 8: Second Birthday Times Two! Presents! Presents! Presents!Day 9: Home again, home again.
Pictures to come.
Dear Blog Reader,
This blog will be running on radio silence until the blogger returns from her fabulous beach vacation. No comments will be read. No email will be received. The blogger is not shunning you. She is not ignoring you. Rather, she is completely without access to the Internet for the first time since about 1996. Her most sincere apologies for any delays in responding to you or posting to the blog for your reading pleasure. Your forgiveness and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Topics for conversation while the blogger is away: religion and politics. Go.
Sincerely,
The Management
Over the last few days, both girls have been experimenting with calling me "Kelly." I was a little shocked when they figured out the fact that I go by names other than "Mommy," but they are a smart couple of girls. Every now and then, one of the twins will pause what she's doing, look at me with a sly smile (as if to say she's discovered my dark, dirty secret), point at me boldly, and declare, "Kelly!" (Or, rather, something along the lines of "Keh-wee!")Naturally, I refuse to acknowledge or respond to these declarations and pay the girls no mind until they switch back to calling me "Mommy." This phase will pass. It will. Won't it?
This beautiful dog was just begging to be a model.
When Pepper joined our pack, Puck wasn't sure what to make of her. But she did occasionally make a good playmate.
Me and Puck, circa 2003.
Such a pretty face.
Always on duty, keeping pesky squirrels and birds at bay.
Although he was generally quite serious, Puck had a playful side.
Puck was protective of the twins from the second they came in the door.
Julie took this picture of us just two days before Puck died. He must have been in a great deal of discomfort and even pain, and we had no idea.
