Fall Speaking Softly

I mentioned about a month ago that fall was beginning to whisper.  As I drove out to Iowa today, I noticed that fall has found its voice, and it is speaking softly.

While I thoroughly enjoy living the suburban Chicago life, there are times I really miss being in the country.  I miss sunsets.  I was reminded just how gorgeous they can be across a Midwest sky when I saw this sight:

It was such a beautiful sight, I paused and watched for several minutes as the sky danced between pink and purple before showing off a hint of orange and then finally fading to gray...magnificient!

East Side Gems

When the kids went back to school this fall, I set a goal to walk every street in Oak Park.  So far I've walked every street south of the expressway.  Today I "crossed the canyon" and began walking Austin north of the highway.

I must admit that seeing my village from a walking pace has made me notice things I never realized were around.  Usually when I'm on Austin Blvd., I'm speeding down the street in my minivan at 30 mph, and I'm not paying the least bit attention to the architecture that's flying by my windows.  I never realized the diversity in the buildings in a two-block stretch before today.

There's fancy classic:

There's fun (how can you not see a Mr. Potato Head face in this building?!)

Then there's classic with clean lines.

I can't wait to see what else I discover on my walks around Oak Park!

Four Square Continues

I mentioned before about the boys at Irving playing four square.  I'm so glad they've continued this before-school ritual and I must admit I'm completely fascinated by it.  This game is a study in the diversity of Oak Park.  Here's why:

*The players are different ages (students from second grade thru fifth grade participate)

*The game transcends gender (yea, there's girls who play, and they're pretty good)

*It's an integrated game (at a glance, it's easy to see at least four races represented)

*The game is self-governed by the players, and tough calls are handled by a simple vote (If you think Charlie's out, raise your hand...Charlie, majority rules, you're out!)

Honestly, this morning ritual at Irving is ripe for study by a sociologist in need of a thesis!

Hands on Homework

This afternoon, Drew had an extra credit project as part of his homework.  He needed to figure out how to hang a magnet and make it swing above four other magnets.  He worked hard on his idea...

and was thrilled when he got it to work!

All homework should be this fun and creative!

Catching a Break (or not)

Erin is one tough cookie, and she proved it on the soccer field yesterday.  She was fighting for a ball and she went down hard.  She rolled a bit and got right back up and kept playing.  Later in the game she took her regular rest break.  As she was standing on the sidelines, she said to her coach, "Katie, my wrist really hurts."  Her fingers, wrist and forearm were swollen.  One of the soccer dads, who is also a physician, took a look at Erin and said, "It's probably broken."  He was generous enough to take us to his clinic after the game and put a temporary splint on her arm.

We spent a big part of today on x-rays and follow-up, first the hospital:

And then at the doctor's office.

We're pretty sure Erin's wrist is not broken, but we need to wait for the radiologist's report at some point tomorrow before we know for sure.  In the meantime, Erin's got the go-ahead to run cross country and play soccer.   While her wrist is swollen and sore, she's thrilled she can continue to compete.  Did I mention how tough Erin is?

Empires and Jonagoreds and Ultra Golds, Oh, My!

We haven't been apple picking for a few years.  Kelsey mentioned, "Apple picking is one of those things I still like to do with the family."  Well, when your 15-year-old comes out with a statement like that, it's time to drop everything and oblige!

Today we went to Royal Oak Orchard near the Illinois-Wisconsin boarder. We managed to squeeze in a trip to this delightful, family-owned place in spite of soccer games, cross country meets, and saxophone lessons.  We had been thinking we might wait another few weeks, but the apples came early this year.  Several orchards have already been fully harvested.

The air was brisk and the wind was whipping thru the orchard, but there were plenty of apples.  We came home with a half bushel and a lot of good memories.

We found a cozy little supper club just off the main road and enjoyed a hearty meal.  Baird and I remarked to each other that the place reminded us of eating with his dad in the North Woods of Wisconsin back in the days when we were newlyweds.

Even tho the restaurant was nice and warm, we were so cold we kept our coats on.  Erin even borrowed Baird's cup of coffee to warm up her hands.  Then she shared the warmth with Kelsey. 

Tea for Two and the Art of Take Out

This morning I gathered up my tea things and transported them over to Mel's house for late morning tea.  It was just going to be tea, but when I started pulling out all these delightful dishes, Mel looked at me and said, "You know, I think I've got the ingredients to throw a couple of things together."  With a few chops, slices and whips, this lovely little tea party for two was born.  What fun!

The tea party was a fabulous prelude to ordering take out from Bodi and watching the 1994 movie Eat Drink Man Woman.  Sure, we could have eaten take out straight from the little cardboard boxes and called it a day, but what fun is that?  When watching a movie that features beautiful food, it's so much more fun if the food you're eating is also beautiful.  Here's a quick study in the art of take out:

Thanks, Mel, for a wonderful day!  And just when I thought our foodie film fests couldn't get any better!