Monday, June 22, 2009

Thomas and company off to Honeyrock Camp (Three Lakes, WI)




Maria dropped off Thomas and James this morning in Wheaton (my old dorm in the background) for Thomas' first weeklong camp in northern Wisconsin. We'll catch up with him there later this week.



Joe's Place Fundraiser with the painter Billyo O'Donnell


Who's that standing there behind the famous painter? Oh my, it's my lovely wife Maria!


Thomas and James in Chicago (Lego store)


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Fred Taylor and Joe's Place

Kudos to Dan and Alyssa for their great work at Joe's Place. Their sacrifices are inspiring indeed. And of course, way to go Fred! When we had dinner there earlier this year he promised that he was going to win it all at state. And win he did, four times over. Click on the title for the link to the news story on Channel 5.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

FDA Says Zicam Nasal Spray Can Permanently Damage Users' Sense of Smell - Cold

FDA Says Zicam Nasal Spray Can Permanently Damage Users' Sense of Smell - Cold & Flu - FOXNews.com

Posted using ShareThis

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Mr. Blue Eyes Again


Maria and the sisters


More Hiking Pictures

Bull elk or buck elk?




More bathing elk. Brother in law, sons and nephews.

Lone Elk Park









Lone Elk Park in St. Louis County lived up to its name yesterday as we ran into a lone elk at the top of a ridge while hiking the Bison trail. We all thought it was pretty cool until it marked its territory and then charged toward us. We got the clue and headed back down the trail. We were probably within 15 feet of it, which is too close for comfort.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Last day of school



This is what kids look like after just one year of public school. Total disregard for authority.

Cutest boy and mamma







Softball girls...Emily and Chloe







Photos by Thomas.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Uncle Stan...




Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.


He crawls!



Evan is all smiles now that he can crawl around. Time again to make sure all the toilet lids are strapped down and doorways leading to stairs are latched shut.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

In other political news

A bill I actually had a hand in crafting passed unanimously today in the Illinois House. While my contribution was limited, and was directly related to my company's business interests, I am proud to have participated. The bill will affect the development of renewable energy projects in the state of Illinois for years to come. The bill has passed the House and Senate and will become law upon governor signature or 60-days, whichever comes first.

If you actually want to read it, go here and search for "SB 2150," then skip ahead to about page 93 of the bill. The policy I had a role in crafting covers the next ten or so pages and is the heart of the bill.

The debate on the bill was very limited despite the implications for all electricity users in Illinois. I thought it was ironic that it took less time to debate and pass the bill than SB 2129, an ACT concerning fish. At issue there was whether to extend bow fishing rights to shad and drum. I never knew there to be fish called shad or drum, nor did I know the importance of the right to fish them with a bow and arrow or pitchfork. I am not making it up. By the way, it passed unanimously as well.

A good day for me and a bad day for fish in Illinois.