lets go to the races!

I pickled one small jar of jalapeno peppers last night, just to add to the heat. Painting the house for the last few days and the next few as well. It has been and continues to be around 98F each and every day. I saw in fact the back of a newspaper and we are the hottest in the nation. That's hot. I'm loving it and for some reason couldn't care less about not having an AC option in my car-- guess that comes with the job. I got a new job too, besides the Biscay bartending gig. I am the newest installer of gas station advertising- on the tops of where you pump the stuff. It's good fun. I drive around pretty much all day in an air conditioned car, which I have to admit, is nice when you have to go inside and present yourself... listen and sing REALLY loud to all my music, put the ad up, take a few pics, and I'm off to see the wizard. Can't even get lost, I require a GPS. It was what brought me to Detroit a couple weeks back. Detroit was alright this time around, still dirty- but fun exploring in a rental. I still have plenty of time in the sun, perhaps a bit too much. We eat all fresh produce as of recently... zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes- we have 50 tomato plants- jalapenos, green peppers, fish-protein, I know, peas, green beans, cantelope, beets. I never have liked beets... or was it radishes? liver.....ish.

hoping for a west coast hike

Madison, Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Alexandria, no not Egypt- up nort, Lake Ida her name. I'm on a streak--- tour of the north country in summer. hot hot hot.
One of my favorites was waking up at 830am, far before any of the nooners, and walking around the hispanic neighborhood. Cafe con leche Cuban style, on the corner. Puerto Rican diner 2 doors down. Families grouped outside their homes just chillin out. Ice cream vendors walking the sidewalks, ringing their bells. Bells rang as I walked out of the panaderia, I saw the ginormous fruteria! It was as though a mix of all latino cultures had been dropped onto this Chicago neighborhood. Only thing was they were living in cute, little, houses with yards and green grass. and most of them knew some English :)

Now onto Biscay tomorrow night for more townie action I'm psyched!!!!

June pics

Since I've been such a slacker about my entire month of June, I decided to put up some pics to tell the story for me.

typical amusement park action, when the bear you win is larger than you are
June was Dairy month- we went to the neighbors and while some were inside the barn "cow-judging" Abby decided the ice cream was the real treat
here's one of my best friends- she throws one heck of a baby shower!
no babies were infused with alcohol during this shot

I've been able to see a couple of my nephews baseball games this summer
however, more time is spent celebrating with my family for birthdays and get-togethers.. usually by a pool :)
I have missed these moments.. not anymore - its sheer enjoyment and relaxation
my youngest niece, Clare. With so many kids around I learned that this stance is unacceptable if they are not wearing a diaper.
another birthday... my sister's- just days before Bretts. now that she's 39, she seems to think that the picture on the "take me away Calgon" box is inappropriate for her children
nuzzling baby raccoons... ahhh - yes, I see lots of wildlife everyday. Dad just blocked off the culvert at the end of our driveway with the family of skunks, there's pheasants everywhere, yesterday a baby deer walked through our backyard, family of fox at the corner, and rabbits- there will always be too many rabbits.

but I can sure handle the fish!!!! its a multi-purpose activity, really. Catching loads of fish, fun in the sun and water, chatting with the rents, and a fabulous meal after the day is over :) Not always, but sometimes my horns come out.

4th of July water parade complete with Wally Pikal
After painting most of the house yesterday, Delaney and I went for a ride through our old slu - not sure what it was but I was covered with yellow dust when we got out - good times :) here's what happens when William gets put in the mix at baseball games... the players get sidetracked. Will the star player!
here's my brother Mark with oldest daughter, Abby. She's not having any fun at all.