Cubby goes Swimming

The weather has been so phenomenal on the North Shore this weekend -- low 80's, sunny... It seems like everyone is out walking, biking, and playing. Lake Bluff has a section of beach designated for specifically for dogs, so we took Cubby there for a little off-leash fun. 

We took the Cub swimming last year but didn't let her go too far in because she was just a puppy. I was worried that she wouldn't remember how to do it this year. But of course I was wrong -- here she is, first swim of 2014: 

You can tell that she was a little reluctant at first. Once she got the hang of it though, she was more than happy to bound in after the ball:

Like a boss.

Followed by doing it all over again about 100 times. We've got a happy, tired, and wet dog.

The One about a Leaf

A little boy sat at home, reading his family's Bible. He was fascinated as he fingered through the old pages.

Suddenly, as he turned a page, something fell out. He reached down and picked it up - it was an old leaf that had been pressed between the pages. It looked as though it must have been there for many years.

"Mom, look what I found!" called the boy.

"What is it, dear?" asked the mother.

With great astonishment, the boy answered, "I think it's Adam's underwear!"

No One is Born a Great Cook

"And the great lesson embedded in the book is that no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing.  This is my invariable advice to people:  Learn how to cook - try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun."

-Julia Child, My Life in France

Maya Angelou

The poet Maya Angelou died yesterday. The President shared this quote of hers on his twitter feed.

(Picture taken last week at the Chicago Botanic Garden.)

Rest in peace, Maya Angelou.

Cubby on Packing

"Hey, what are ya doin'? Packing? Cool, I'll just lay here on top of your stuff so you can bring some of my fur with you. Good thing it's spring so I am shedding a lot."

Wine Tasting at the Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden held an event called Grapevines & Wines last week, and our very smart and wonderful friends got tickets and shared them with us.

I feel lucky to live next to a world-class cultural institution like the CBG. It's always a pleasure to visit and enjoy the gardens. This event made it even better (by adding wine!)

Snacks

I love walking around the gardens and greenhouses and just looking. The variety of plant life at the CBG is impressive.

Inside the greenhouse

I think I need to find more excuses to get out here this summer...

Memorial Day in Lake Bluff

Memorial on the village green

Scranton Alley and the library geese

Wildflowers in the ravine

Thinking today of those who died while serving the USA.