Patrick & The President

Patrick filming Barack Obama on 5/20/08.

Patrick worked with Sen. Barack Obama today on a shoot at the Big Shoulders office. I was dismayed when I found that this was the best picture there was to offer of the encounter...clearly, it is a good thing I am not in Patrick's business because I would put photo opps and canoodling before professionalism! Anyway, that is the back of Obama's head...isn't it nice? Patrick said that Barack was a really great guy and he was so happy to meet him and shake his hand. (The footage was shown on CNN and various other news outlets.)

*I know, he's got a LONG battle ahead to be President of the United States, but I am hoping and praying that this blog title will be true come November!*

Why, why, why?!?

Chicago gas prices are highest in the U.S. This is definitely a distinction that THIS Chicagoan could live without! Sadly, I foresee our summer getaways amounting to not much more than our own back yard if this keeps up! :-(

May Greetings

Hydrangea plant from Patrick for Mother's Day.

The geranium plant from my Goddaughter, Addison.

No updates from Prater Place in awhile! I could pretend it's because we are in high social demand and much, much too busy for blogging....but sadly, the truth is that not much has been going on. But hey, life is good, we are happy & healthy and the weather is getting nice and providing us with lots of glorious green! My dear friend Sarah came to visit me from Michigan last weekend and we had a wonderful time. I was surprised to get some lovely Mother's Day gifts and greetings and a beautiful card from my friend Ginger...I didn't think that I counted as a mother yet but I guess I do! I am 15 weeks pregnant and very close to finding out the sex of the baby...it's sort of killing me not to know! Patrick continues to train for his triathlons this summer, his first is in Lansing, MI on June 1st...Go Pat-Pat!!! We are looking forward to a nice & relaxed summer with not a lot on the books for our weekends but to hopefully have the chance to see family & friends. Thanks for checking in...hope all of you are well.

Thumbs up!

As a new age dawns in England's twelfth century, the building of a mighty Gothic cathedral sets the stage for a story of intrigue and power, revenge and betrayal. It is in this rich tapestry, where kings and queens are corrupt, that the common man shows eternal promise--and one majestic creation will bond them forever...

This book was a bestseller in 1989 but has gained recent popularity thanks to Oprah's Book Club. I admit it, I would not have known about it without O's endorsement. The Oprah stamp of approval turns many people off, but let's face it, if something is good she is gonna find out about it! This book captivated me from page 1 to page 983...I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read it's sequel, World Without End.

Memory Lane

This is a shout-out for Chris, who is completely RIVETED by our blog...ha, ha! Who are these three hot young thangs? (AKA "3/5 of the Nerd Herd"!) Best buddies Chris, Patrick & Craig around 1997.

This is Patrick and his friend Kelli at a wedding in 1990. She looks hot. He looks like a member of Duran Duran.

Ah, the memories...good times.

It's human!

Well, I had my last appointment at FCI this morning, I have "graduated" to seeing my own OB from now on. (Dr. Lifchez was so sweet and gave me a big hug goodbye...eternally grateful for that man!) The ultrasound today was different because I didn't see a speck or a blob or even a shrimp...I saw a baby! Itty-bitty, but still. It was squirming all about with a heartrate running at 171 bpm. My first thought was, "So YOU'RE the little bugger who has been making me so sick I can't see straight!" Ten weeks today with a current due date of November 6th. The dates can often get manipulated a bit after later ultrasounds.

Doggies ~n~ Donkeys

Our precious boys: Buddycrat & Jaspercrat! Carmine is a staunch Republican but we love him anyway! ;-)