:)

 The sunrise over the lake was beautiful this morning.

A Buck

I walked outside at work and found myself about ten yards from a magnificent buck that stared me down. Put him a few counties North, and a hunter would brag about that trophy for the rest of his life.

Estate Sale Photos

Lisa's always wanted to see the house on the NE corner of Mineral and 27th, so today we toured an estate sale there. Lots of clutter (think Hoarders-lite) and a surprising amount of porn out in the open on every floor. Among the junk I found these 8x10 wedding photos but did *not* buy them; if by chance you recognize the subjects, the photos are in the attic of that house.

Regrets

My only regret about being a Republican? That our color is red and not blue. It's a shame really. 

YaYa News

Two big news items from YaYa  today:

1. Through her high school, she'll be seeing the musical Hamilton for only $10!! Mabel Wong will be jealous!

2. She was elected President of her school's Zonta Club, an organization that works on "empowering girls through service."

Sob

I'm going to miss this election cycle. What a hoot. I'm misting up, I really am.

Smiley and Steven Universe

Smiley with the Steven Universe my supervisor made (at my request,).

LuLu got hurt at school

I checked my phone when class ended to find an awful and vague "Taking her to the ER" text from Lisa. Subsequent texts -- composed earlier but delayed by the network -- explained that Lulu had gotten hurt in gym class and possibly had a broken arm. New texts indicate it's "just" a bad sprain, but it's a bad start to the afternoon.

On the Cubs WS Victory

I can't find it in my heart to congratulate all the bandwagon Cubs fans. But if you were born and raised in Chicago, then congratulations. 

Oh, and may your great-grandchildren live a long and prosperous life, not once knowing what it's like to win another World Series. #108MoreYears

What's with this generation?

I'm "forcing" the kids to play outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. I'm wearing shorts on November 1st, and they'd rather sit and watch TV. F'ing ridiculous.

Parking at Marquette Sucks

Currently sitting in a parking spot four blocks from the law school debating if I want to make the hike on a hip that's acted up since Saturday. Thank you Marquette, for not only making a tiny parking garage that fills quickly, but for blocking off a heap of parking spots around the school so your window cleaners can entice even more birds to their bitter death.

Proud Papa!!!

Earlier this month I entered a short story in a writing contest YaYa suggested to me, and tho I urged her to enter too she said she'd pass. Uh-huh. My girl can fib with the best of them: my story got zilch, but the one she secretly sent in won FIRST PLACE! 

There's a prize ceremony this weekend, and I'm one proud papa!

A Nice Day

LuLu spent the evening dyeing Lisa and Smiley's hair, then attacked the gray in my beard with some Just for Men. YaYa spent that time watching my Mom (she finally retuned home this week). Junie  played La-Tee-Da, then bought YaYa a balloon to congratulate her on winning the writing contest. A nice day for #TeamSlap.

The Trick or Treat Photobooth

There's a photobooth set up along the trick or treat route. If you stop at that house, the booth takes your picture and uploads it to a website. These are the pics we took. 

Smiley and Junie go roller skating 10-6-16

My two youngest went roller skating on the sixth. There's not much to write about it, but they had a blast and I'm always happy when my kids bond together over activities. 

Junie gets glasses! 10-21-16

Junie got some bad news at the optometrist this month. From perfect vision last year, to an entire point drop in one eye this time around, necessitating a pair of glasses. 

She was not amused. 

But, by the time they arrived, she seemed eager for them. I drove her to pick them up. 

And to help ease the transition, bought her this classy carrying case, and a cleaning cloth and liquid cleaner. 

Alas, she loved it so much she took the case everywhere, including to Grandma's, and during her time with her she left it behind at a KFC and it was stolen. 

Two days after I bought it. 

C'est la vie. I've already inquired about ordering another, but we'll see if she even continues to show interest. It's not really a necessity, and she's doing fine without it. 

They Look Like People

A man believes he can see people transform into evil creatures, and struggles to decide if he is mentally ill or a prophet of doom. This is an independent film free of frills, and shows great respect for those struggling with mental illness. I liked it.

Halloween Fixin's

Just some of the food Lisa made for our Halloween party yesterday.

Rocky Horror

Thanks to my niece Caitlin Anne for taking YaYa and her friend to Rocky Horror's Halloween show tonight. The experience is sure to be remembered!

A Unique Religious Icon

I saw this at my parent's apartment tonight.

Halloween La-Tee-Da!

Team Slap's annual Trick or Treat party was a roaring success, although we did have a few no-shows - Smiley in particular is ticked off at his friends.😞 The trick or treat is done, the food is served, and it's time for La Tee Da!

Possible

#me

Monsters

I just dropped off all three of my girls to see [YaYa's beau] Sam T perform in "Monsters" at MHSA.  Meanwhile Smiley is helping his Mom make fruit skewers for our Halloween party.

Halloween SightSeeing

Just sitting on my porch, looking at all the Halloween decorations on the block. What a beautiful evening.

Mike and Dave need Wedding Date

Stupid and crass but surprisingly sweet. We enjoyed it.