A Wish

A pic from the last time I had a baby bump (Junie!).  I always had good prenatal care and all my children were delivered safely.... Hopefully someday we can say this about every woman who brings new life into the world. - Lisa

FML

I get back from a day of classes, have the house to myself, and look forward to an hour of peace. Cue 28 incoming texts and two calls (I counted) #FML

FML

I get back from a day of classes, have the house to myself, and look forward to an hour of peace. Cue 28 incoming texts and two calls (I counted) #FML

Let 'Em Cry

I'm pleased as punch that a local community post complaining about the acoustics at the Avalon Theater has unleashed a torrent of complaints. Let 'em squirm.

A Guest Teaching Opporunity

This morning I was proud to be invited to speak about column writing to the AP English class at Milwaukee High School of Arts.  I filled the 50 minute period with what I hope was good advice.

Say No to the NFL

Aannnnnd the NFL won't do squat to stop their employees from disrespecting the National Anthem. This is why FU to the NFL. I've not renewed my Sunday Ticket subscription and I've dropped ESPN from my cable package. Let the league wither and die for all I care.

It by Stephen King

At 1,473 pages (of small print) in the paperback edition, this one was a long haul. But there's no disguising that it is a masterpiece, a brilliantly told and structured saga that is legitimate literature. I may enjoy Salem's Lot more, and rank The Stand as my favorite King, but this might be, objectively, his best work.

One Year Ago

A year ago today my stepfather-in-law passed away.  RIP Jaspare.  We miss you.

The BVCC Food Pantry Charity Walk

This morning #TeamSlap and the Wagners (along with Junie's friend Tia, YaYa's friend Bill, and our neighbor's dog Choco) completed the annual three mile walk to benefit the local food pantry. The walk raised just shy of $700 in cash for the charity, along with food donations. As we did last year, I had the kids each buy $5 worth of groceries, in addition to our financial gift, but unlike last year the weather was great. No rain this time!

Everything's Fine

I'm fighting a war on two fronts.  The hip has gone mad,  a mere day before a three mile charity walk,  and I've got a tooth that needs extraction. I've taken some pain pills but it tore my stomach up.   A real sticky wicket to start the weekend.

Come out and Help a Good Cause

Come and join us tomorrow and help out a good cause.

300 Dingers for Braun

Congrats! And GO BREWERS!

First Day of School Pics!

The new,  reduced version of #TeamSlap headed off to school with less than enthusiasm, but when I walked them it was the quickest hike ever - 9 minutes from home to school.

Dinner at Fox & Hounds to End the Summer

While the two oldest and I started school weeks ago, the youngest two start tomorrow. That makes today the final day of Summer 2017, and we wanted to make it special. We all dressed up, invited Grandma Jeannee, and made the beautiful 40 minute drive to Fox & Hounds restaurant near Holy Hill. The food was abundant, everyone was in good spirits, and the kids were on their best behavior in memory. I hope they remember this summer's finale forever.

Collateral Beauty

So much better than I thought. I might have even gotten a bit misty eyed at the end.

Me Strong Man

I woke up to pee just now, saw the backyard motion light on, thought I saw our car door open, and the next thing you know I'm in the alley in my boxers looking to crack heads. It was a trick of the light - no one was there - but standing out there I surprised myself. I like to think of myself as a coward, but somewhere in another life I did bold, impetuous things, and it occasionally leaks through to the present.

My Evening

I spent the evening on the deck with the girls,  and had a long phone call with my Dad, then spoke to my Mom briefly.

Visiting Louise

Junie and I visited Louise K today.  She was in good spirits and coherent,  but did talk about wanting some things for her house, which was sad.  Still,  it was great to see her.

The 34th Grandpa's Day

Today marks 34 years since the death of my maternal Grandpa.Junie and I went to visit his grave today.

Kudos to Amazon!

This just happened with Amazon.com . . . #AmazonRocks

Facts.

My daughter LuLu  is the best of my kids. i love her more than the others

No just no. - Junie

Huh? Get off my account LuLu! But kudos for using the right "than" - Me

Good Trump

20 Years since Princess Di's Death

Twenty years ago today, on our TV in a beautiful flat on the not-so-beautiful 26th and Orchard, Lisa and I learned of the death of Princess Diana.

That was a nice flat, I liked the built ins and the layout.. too bad the neighborhood was sketchy  - Lisa

The Lasting Legacy of MJ

Listening to my playlist this afternoon and "heal the world" comes on and three words into it my littlest girl Junie said "is that Michael Jackson?" "yes it is baby, good job!". It warms my heart he will live forever in his music. #teachthemyoung  - Lisa

Junie at the Chudnow

Took LK and her friend Tia to Marquette and then to Chudnow's Museum of Yesteryear.