Catching Up

A day away from the office and a bit of time to spend offloading pictures from the camera.

I'm surprised they go back to October. But, I supposed I shouldn't be.

Thanksgiving

This past week has been tense. When Lester and Myra brought the lilac bush, an argument ensued, which resulted in Bruno becoming crazed. Before storming away to his room, he bellowed that all he wanted was to "Get out of here!" and made some choice remarks directed to me. It was all very embarrassing and all very sad. Nobody had every witnessed Bruno in one of his crazed moments.

As a result of the confrontation, Bruno emphatically said he would not spend Thanksgiving with the family. Since, I was sympathetic to his point of view, I said we'd spend Thanksgiving with Bruno. So, Sharon bought a turkey and this and that. But, Lester and Myra felt bad for Bruno and wanted to make it up to him.

So, in the end -- with some help from Sharon and Aunt Myra -- Bruno relented and we enjoyed a quiet day at Linda and Michael's house.

A quiet day . . . today was my Father's birthday. I recall that his 50th birthday fell on Thanksgiving too. It was the only Thanksgiving I can remember we spent with family. We went to the Kobe's. Aunt Marion cooked a wonderful dinner. My Dad and Uncle Fabian had a few drinks and enjoyed each other's company.

What a world of difference our childhood is.

Bitter herbs

The weather continues to amaze. I thought I wouldn't have an opportunity to harvest the horse radish, but I was wrong. This stuff was so potent, I was in tears.

Precious

As I prepared to leave the house for Mass, I peeked into Arianna's bedroom. Usually she doesn't sleep past 8 o'clock on a Saturday.

Were I only able to feel confident that she'll always be as safe and snug.

Late addition

On Monday evening Uncle Lester and Aunt Myra dropped by to deliver gifts: a dwarf lilac, and some art supplies for Arianna.

Although I'd already hung up the spade, this morning, before I started work . . . I set to work.

In the wee hours of the morning, planted the bush under Sharon's and my bedroom window. Since it's a dwarf lilac (Miss Kim?), I don't anticipate it will over shadow the yews.

I'd been entertaining the idea of putting an Oakleaf Hydrangea in this location. Then, of course, I planted the daylillies. So, I'll be curious to see how this works out. Assuming it does . . . after all, it's awfully late to be planting shrubs.

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

Today we celebrated Sharon's birthday. We opened gifts this afternoon. And, Arianna and I cooked the family supper!




I. Arianna bought Mommy a timer for the kitchen




II. Arianna made Mommy a decorative box




III. Arianna wants to know what's in the bag




IV. A cape to keep Mommy warm when in the basement




V. Arianna helps Mommy unwrap the big striped package




VI. A jewelry box




VII. Arianna and Mommy look over the gifts

Happy Birthday, Sharon!

Birthdays midweek can get lost in the shuffle of day-to-day goings on.

Typically, I work from home on Wednesday. And, Sharon is home too. It's a peculiar situation: she spends most of the day in the basement, grading papers or fussing with her Performing Art's column for the Epoch Times; I spend the day in our bedroom, working.

Today, however, was a bit different. We'd planned to run an errand for Sharon's Dad. Bruno bought a new mattress and in order to save a little money, he opted to pick up the mattress (instead of having it delivered). I offered to pick it up for him.

Afterward, I surprised Sharon by telling her I was going to take out to lunch. Nothing fancy. Just a quick bite at a Thai restaurant in South Elgin.

I couldn't let her birthday pass without commemorating it -- even if only in a small way.

Life & Death

Not long ago I'd thought Winter was imminent. Fine weather persists though. And, the Pot Marigolds still offer up a bit of cheer.



As do the perennial Mums (Sheffield).



On the other hand, I am saddened that the youngest of the mature Hickories is sick.



According to my "tree man", this fungus cannot be treated. He recommended pulling the tree down.



I am so sad about this tree.

Peter and the Wolf

A bright but brisk Saturday spent in the city. The Kraft Children's Concert Series of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performed Peter and the Wolf this afternoon. We took Arianna and her friend Peyton J. to Orchestra Hall for a delightful performance that included staging of the story by a well-known local theatrical company.



I. Arianna and Peyton get situated before the concert

Hard to say whether Arianna enjoyed the concert. I doubt it since she asked if 'we had to go' to the January 29 performance, about which I made mention. Still, she enjoyed the busy-ness of downtown (who knew that today was the tree lighting in Daley Plaza and the unveiling of the Macy's Department Store windows?)




II. Arianna and Peyton after the concert in front of Orchestra Hall


After the concert, we drove to Chinatown for lunch. Peyton had never been, so after we ate we braved the elements -- and me with just a sport coat on -- to venture in and out of the shops on Wentworth. The girls enjoyed themselves immensely. As did Sharon. As did I.




III. At Chicago's Chinatown

This & That

You know you're getting old when you can't get up after an unusually late night. The IL governor's race remains undecided. But, Mr. Kirk won the IL Senate seat. In fact, a number of IL Republicans will be going to Washington to conduct the people's business. --We'll see.

CA astonishes. NV disappoints. AK mystifies.

These kinds of "interesting times" I could live without.

Took a stroll in the yard this evening. Everything is tidy. More or less. I'm not one to dispose of every leaf that falls to the ground. After all, I can turn those leaves over in the Spring. Makes for a nice tonic in the flower beds.



I. A triangle of fallen limbs in the northeast corner of the yard




II. Arianna's swing is stored for Winter

Election Day

I voted after work this evening. And, I was surprised by how long it took. Never in my life have I seen such a line at the polls.

Less a consequence of voter sentiment than a consolidation of precincts in one location, the buzz in the Sleepy Hollow Elementary School gym was still one of anticipation.

It was interesting to see and hear neighbors' expressions of hope, incredulity, and frustration with our elected officials.

Although I'm sensitive to the Tea Party agenda, I'm not a zealot. Increasingly, social justice concerns -- especially as they are presented by the Roman Catholic Church -- weigh on my conscience.

But, I am also a realist when it comes to exercising my vote. Republicrats and Demicans seldom govern in a manner that's wholly advantageous to any one constituency -- unless of course that constituency is the wealthy advocates of this or that lobby. The political class needs a good shaking up. They're employed to be of service to the citizens of this country.

It's been a long time since I stayed up late to watch and listen to election returns, but tonight I was curious to know whether the hype would be realized. Although at this hour, Illinois' governor's race is undecided. R.B.'s Senate seat appears to have been lost to the Republicans.

Well, let's see what changes in 2011.

Personally, I'm anticipating an even more difficult (anxious) year.