Snow Crocuses

There's a saying in Chicago that if you don't like the weather, just wait a while, it will change. In spring that saying is truer than at any other time of year. In the last 24 hours it seems we've had every type of weather imagineable. That's spring in the Chicago area!

This morning I looked out my bathroom window and saw my neighbor Pat's crocuses covered with snow and thought to myself "There's a haiku waiting to be written.".

Haikus are an ancient form of Japanese poetry invented by Basho in the late 1600s. They were popularized by Jack Kerouac, who called them "Pops", in America in the 50s and they remained popular during the 60s (when I discovered them) and continue to be popular today.

Haikus are generally defined in America as a three-line poem consisting of a line of 5 syllables, aa second line of 7 syllables, and a third line of 5 syllables. A classic haiku usually has nature as its subject. Kerouac (and myself) feel that a haiku can be about anything and that the number of syllables is not critical but that they should be three lines and should be a little snapshot (Pop) of life or moment of insight or inspiration.

Try writing one; it could be an excellent antidote to this unpredictible spring weather! Here's mine, inspired by the crocuses:

A late March snowstorm:

crocuses weren't the only ones

caught by surprise!

Sully Does the Hula

Today Jane and I had the privilege and the pleasure of attending Community Night at Sully's school, Oscar Meyer, in Chicago. Sully has been attending pre-school there this year. He loves school, has lots of friends, and is doing very well. He loves his teacher, Miss Sarah, and all the other staff at the school. And I must say when Jane and I have visited the school to drop off or pick up Sully the staff seems quite professional. We can tell they really care about Sully, they know who we are and we're made to feel welcome and a part of the school community.

Well, of course, the main attraction at Community Night for us was Sully. He was resplendent in his tie-dyed T-shirt and grass skirt. He helped me and Trevor and Abby make beautifully festive Leis. However the highlight of the evening was when he demonstrated the Hula. He and his friend, Nathan, standing next to him definitely have the moves. I was particularly impressed by Sully's very professional bow at the end of his performance. Bravo, Sully!!!

St. Paddy's Day!

St. Paddy's day at Gramma and Poppa's was a great excuse to get together with our children and grandchildren. Jane cooked an amazing feast of corned beef and cabbage. And for dessert everyone enjoyed Jane's masterpiece green mint ice cream cake roll. However, I think everyone had the most fun just enjoying the beautiful spring weather outside. I regret that I don't have more pictures, but I was too busy having fun with the kids.

O Rides a Bike

Here's a video of O taking what I guess might be her first bike ride (in the driver's seat) with a bit of help from her parents and some cheering by cousin Sully. She had just been watching Sully ride his bike up and down our alley in Joliet and so of course she wanted to give it a try. I can't decide what I enjoy more, watching O or her mom and dad helping. We all had a great time celebrating the beginning of spring with a delicious St Patrick's Day meal and lots of outdoor fun!

Spring has sprung!

I took advantage of the weather (low 60's) today to begin getting ready for summer. This year Jane and I want to take our garden to the next level. I began to build two frames for some raised beds. We plan to convert our garden area to make better use of the space we have and grow as many vegetables as we can this summer. We can already taste the salads and tomato pies in our future. Plus it was just nice to get outside and smell the sawdust and enjoy the sunshine!

Best Buddies

One thing O loves to do is hang out with Gramma. It doesn't seem to matter what they do, as long as they do it together, she is happy as a clam.