Wine Country Visit - Napa, CA 8/7/2011

Grant and I toured Franciscan and Sterling Vineyards

in Napa Valley, CA

Kate and Brian's Wedding 8/6/2011

We celebrated the marriage of our friends Kate Mulaney and Brian Patterson in beautiful Napa, CA. A picture perfect day for a perfect wedding at Church Hill Manor.

Back on the Diet

I dropped my weight from 188lbs in late October 2010 to 170lbs in early February. A great feat, but I've been at a standstill ever since vacation in BVI.

I now fluctuate between 169lbs and 175lbs. I want to drop my weight further to 160lbs. My ideal weight, according to the charts, is 154lbs at 5'8". That is to thin for me, so 160lbs it is.

Now what to do?

I need to:
* work out judiciously,
* keep my daily calorie "average" daily count at 1,800 (not such a hard feat),
* drink lots of water (2 liters daily)

I want to accomplish this by Memorial Day weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Resiliency Project - Child Abuse Awareness Exhibit

The following CBS News link discusses the "child abuse awareness exhibit" shown at Daley Plaza on March 31, 2011. The exhibit is called the "Resiliency Project", and is exemplified with an interview of a sexually abused girl and her mother. I am proud to have served an active role in this exhibit, which has heightened visibility and awareness to this cause.

http://video.chicago.cbslocal.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?clipId1=5710851&flvUri=&partnerclipid=&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=%E2%80%98Resiliency%20Project%E2%80%99%20Highlights%20Horror%20Of%20Child%20Sexual%20Abuse&d1=148267&redirUrl=http://video.chicago.cbslocal.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=flv&rnd=7830866

Lick My Ears. Now!

At his command (meooow),

Cooper Cat receives a pleasant ear licking by Doyle Dog.

10 Year Anniversary Celebration - Mardi Gras Gala

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center celebrated 10 successful years of helping children and their families who have experienced child abuse. We are the first part of the child abuse healing process, and have helped over 20,000 child abuse victims. A crowd of 400 attended the event held at the Chicago Cultural Center on Mardi Gras Day; Tuesday 3/8/2011. The festivities included a funtastic Mardi Gras parade featuring the Lincoln Park HS Band playing "When The Saints Go Marching In". The audience participated by waving white napkins. A great time for all.

Check Out Thursday, March 31st Awareness Event

March 31st begins the roll-out for "Child Abuse Awarenss Month".

The exhibit is a one day event at Daley Plaza.

Check it out and be part of a good cause.

Cottage Weekend

Visited the cottage this weekend! Hosted cocktails and dinner with friends. Grant made a signature dish of delicious spring rolls. Big waves at the beach, and enjoyed a little relaxation. Ready for spring to arrive, so I can begin my yard projects.

Nap Time

Doyle decides to get

a little extra comfortable

for his morning nap.

Happy Birthday To Us!

My friends from high school get together to celebrate a communal birthday.

Sailing Trip - British Virgin Islands

"Racing to Relax in BVI".

Our group chartered a 63' single hull sail boat and toured the British Islands. Captain Andy ensured comfortable sailing, spectacular snorkeling, and balmy evenings in quiet coves. Hostess Lisa provided 5-Star meals and endless cocktails. The islands, formed by volcanos, provided amazing scenery and plenty of sites to explore. A wonderful trip that I recommend to all.

Public Art Exhibit

Currently heading a public art exhibit for the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. The exhibit will heighten public awareness of child abuse in Chicago. The one day exhibit will be held March 31st at Daley Plaza to mark the start of "Child Abuse Awareness Month".