Last weekend we went on the 25 mile portion of the Apple Cider Century ride. Lots of fun as usual and this time Miles rode the whole thing by himself (not on a tandem bike) for the first time!    After a big breakfast in the firehouse, Miles is ready to go.    Our group getting ready to ride.   "hmmm should I ride 37 miles or 50? 25." The pumpking patch that we had come to know as the first stop, was routed to be at the end of the ride this time. We spent a bit more time…

Today was the last of the summer Yoga in the Park at Millennium Park. I only made it to a couple of this summer's sessions, but it's always a treat to be downtown for the 8am group yoga session! I was even a few minutes early today and caught this glimpse of the bean that I'd never noticed before: How ethereal! It reminds me of the (hopefully soon to be famous) photo Mom took of the reflection in the back of a semi-truck driving on a highway in Arizona. Here's the crowd beginning to assemble for yoga. I'd say there…

We had a fantastic time at Steve and Barrie's wedding in the Berkshires. So many high points and not enough photos! Some amazing things that went unphotographed include the donut trays at midnight, the incredible sound of Robbie Fulks and the band (that played for what seemed like 3 hours), the hilarious slide show about Kansas, the incredibly fun group of people (old friends and new!). WOW! Guests lined the walkway as the bride and her parents walk through to the tent where the ceremony was performed. John, Dave and Annette in the garden after the ceremony. This was the…

One night we went into Grand Haven to hear the Musical Fountain, a water and light and music show that the town puts on every night. It's kinda like a closer, less noisy or expensive fireworks display. Grand Haven is a really cheerful happening kind of place, with lots of people walking around in the old downtown area. I loved the lettering on this marquee. In Michigan it's the law for school to start after Labor Day (1st Monday in September), and Chicago Public Schools do the same. But it always feels like summer still even on the first few…

Ajay, the dog that was on vacation with us.

We had a great time last weekend in Michigan, between Holland and Grand Haven. We were near Port Sheldon for those of you who want to look it up on your Rand McNally atlas or on www.randmcnally.com. We brought our bikes so that we could go on the Grand Haven to Holland bike trail. We took three rides that were about 10 miles each. Miles did great! I think he's ready for the 25 mile apple cider century ride later this month! Liam in the kayak and Miles being towed. That water was cold! Enjoying someone else's frontage. Viva Chicago,…

We had a great visit with Mom / Nana and Dad / Grandpa 2 weekends ago! Be sure to check out their blog too for more photo. It turns out they have the best photos! See the pages Chicago Part 1 and The Fantastic. http://web.mac.com/hmmathews/iWeb/Site 1/Welcome.html On the water taxi to Chinatown. We had really beautiful weather! Marina City, coolest building shaped like two corn cobs in the world. Boo on Donald Trump for building a monstrosity next door. Near Chinatown, looking back at downtown. A frieght train carrying ethanol rolls through a park in Chinatown–very picturesque but it was…

It was great to see Will in town on a short visit last week! We had a lovely time grilling steaks and eating in the back yard and hearing all about life in Manhattan (which sounds fantastic!) Hi to V, we missed you!

Last week we went down to the Adler Planetarium. We saw the amazing view of the lake and city, a movie about how to tell where the edge of the solar system is, and a really great exhibit of astrolabes and other  navigational devices that would make an excellent companion to a Rand McNally road atlas! Live image of the surface of the sun, with Miles's hand. Another live image of the sun, very patriotic view! I didn't know the flag would be in the picture because I didn't look at the sun to take it, I just held up…