Smiles, Sun, Emerson Drive, and Cubs Baseball

What a difference the sun makes … even Roy was ready to face the world again, albeit an hour earlier than usual.  I don’t think I’ll ever be fond of the 6:30am screaming wake-up call.

If you’re a Cubs fan and LOVE Emerson Drive, tomorrow is your special day.  They’re doing a FREE show at The Cubby Bear Chicago, starting at 8pm.  They’re also singing the national anthem before the Cubs – Reds game too, don’t miss it!

If I haven’t seen you at the Friday Night Party Patrol recently, why not?  Join me in Shorewood this Friday @ 9pm – we’re headed to Bedrocks, on Jefferson St. just west of 59.  Lots of Miller Lite prizes & specials, plus you can win a copy of Jason Michael Carroll’s new CD before it’s even on sale!   More details & directions HERE.

Make it a great day, and we’ll chat after 3pm.

What a way to start the weekend

*** If you missed it yesterday, Martina McBride was my surprise phone call … she’s coming to Joe’s Bar for our next invitation-only, intimate ”8 Shows @ Joe’s” concert on Wednesday, May 6th.  Your first chance to win passes happens Monday, after 3pm!

*** Mid-70s today, so why not join me tonight for the FNPP? 

We’ll be at McDuffy’s on the south side of Chicago, 111th St two blocks west of Kedzie, starting at 9pm.  Stop by for an ice-cold Miller Lite and grab the brand-new Jake Owen CD, “Easy Does It.”

*** After Roy & I spent the morning at the park (first of the season), egg salad sandwiches are in order!  Do you have a special meal to kickstart Spring?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

What a feeling

It happened last night.

One of our favorite things to do in spring & fall – we slept with the windows open!

However, Roy is still asleep.  It’s 7:50am (!) right now.  Clearly, it’s having an effect on him as well.

How do you know it’s spring at YOUR house?  What’s the one thing that’s a sure sign you’ve made the switch?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Road trips can go either way

I think we’re heading to central IL tomorrow for a visit with my wife’s grandparents.  They recently moved from their farm to a retirement home, and I know they’d love to see Roy.

I’ve never been a big fan of the “road trip,” having done several in college and beyond.

Then again, with the right combination of weather, companions and a little luck, anything can be great.

Big road trips planned for the spring?  The last great trip you took?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

Daydreaming is a good thing, right?

With each day getting closer to baseball’s Opening Day, I find myself daydreaming a bit more about springtime.

Sun, 50-60 degrees, green grass, baseball, the promise of a great summer and warmer weather ahead.

I can’t shake it.  Every other thought is something to do with my spring daydreaming.

Am I the only one?

Let’s chat about it, today after 3pm.

Getting the best out of everything

A lot of folks have today off for President’s Day, including my wife Jill.

After some much-needed and long-overdue housecleaning, we grilled jalapeno burgers for lunch (enjoying the sunshine even if it IS only 34 degrees).

How are you making the day count … what’s the best thing to do on your day off?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

The first green grass in over two months

With the warm temperatures lately, the leaves that I didn’t have time to rake in early December have re-appeared on the front lawn, along with some green grass.

Although green is a term I use loosely here, as it’s most brown with a lot of salt left over.

On the front parkway, I found a few fast-food paper cups and plastic bags.  In the alley by our garage, I found  a can of Busch beer (NOT mine), more paper, and even some styrofoam packing peanuts.

What a mess.

Did you discover any lost treasures from 2008, buried under the mountains of snow only to re-surface over the weekend?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.

If Obama can give up his Blackberry …

I realize it’s super cold today.  It’s -7 outside.  Everyone’s talking about it.  Yes, it’s cold.  Bundle up.

This, on top of all of the recent snow.  I snapped a few shots from our backyard.  Have any of yours to share?

Our patio table with a foot-plus of snow on top

Our grill, unattainable. Look at the the drifts on the baby gate.

I heard yesterday that Barack Obama is fighting to keep his Blackberry, more than any prior president has fought to keep outside communication.

It’s his dream job, he’s the most powerful person in America, and yet, he still can’t give up the Blackberry.  Maybe it *is* what some people call it:  the Crackberry.

If you could have your dream job, what would you be willing to give up?  In any other circumstance, NO WAY.  But for the dream job?

Let’s talk about it, today after 3pm.