I know they're family...

...but my niece and nephew are the cutest kids I know. My sister-in-law sent some new photos today. I can't wait to see them - and everyone else - in August when we go back east.

Last night's escapades...

It was a spectacular show - with great back-up singers and non-stop dancing stage performers. A mix of new and old songs, all perfectly performed. Thanks Kosan !

Happy Summer Solstice

I've been visiting my family in Illinois for the past 10 days - while I was away the blog broke 10,000 hits. Thanks for the visits ! Regular updates back to normal soon....

And a Happy Father's Day to all ! Wishing my Dad was still here...

kites !

We went to Ocean Shores today for a kite festival. According to our waiter at breakfast, there were more kites up yesterday than today. But we still enjoyed what we saw.

RIP Koko

Chicago lost one of the quintessential members of its Blues community yesterday. Koko Taylor died at the age of 80, in her hometown.

from her website:

Koko Taylor was one of very few women who found success in the male-dominated blues world. She took her music from the tiny clubs of Chicago’s South Side to concert halls and major festivals all over the world. She shared stages with every major blues star, including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, B.B. King, Junior Wells and Buddy Guy as well as rock icons Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.

Taylor’s final performance was on May 7, 2009 in Memphis at the Blues Music Awards, where she sang “Wang Dang Doodle” after receiving her award for Traditional Blues Female Artist Of The Year.

A nice photo tribute from the Chicago Tribune here.

Way to go, ladies !

Congratulations to the UW Women's Softball Team for winning the NCAA softball championship yesterday !

Dan and I were in Portland this past weekend visiting friends. I love that town. And all my friends ! They are a FUN group. We had a fantastic time and the weather was beyond perfect - it wad a lovely combination.