Nearly finished

Remaining tasks = installing slate on patio, doing something about 23 year old patio furniture, finishing off a few punch list items, and watching all of the new plants grow.

Chicago, 40 years ago

We are back and forth into Chicago fairly regularly what with Nicole and our O'Donnell relatives residing there (among other connections). Paul Jr. and Nedda recently visited, including a trip to Wrigley Field.

That made me remember when my brother Steve and I had our first opportunity to travel to Chicago - this was courtesy of Romie & Joy. It's been basically 40 years to the day since that trip.

It was a pretty stimulating experience for a 13-year-old kid who had about zero travel experience (as you can tell by clicking on the diary excerpt - I was impressed by things like an "underground parking lot").

And there was a lot to absorb. Some thoughts:

1. We traveled to Chicago in Romie's excellent Ford Country Squire station wagon. (Their family was heading back to Glenview after summer vacation, including a stop in Iowa.) I'm thinking the car was pretty full, what with eight of them and two of us. And no doubt some luggage. Don't remember if Tippy was along.

2. These were rather boisterous times in Chicago. This was just a year after the riots at the '68 Democratic convention; just a month before the famous Chicago Seven trial was convened. I had a couple diary references to "hippies."

3. As far as the Cubs - they were in the early stages of the famous 1969 collapse, in which they blew a big lead to the Mets. The linked article provides some details. Including indicating attendance at the game we attended (8/22/69) of 19,897. That number would be remarkably low by today's Wrigley Field standards, especially with a first-place team in a tightening race involving a New York franchise. (Back then, a franchise that drew a million fans in a year would have been considered quite successful.)

4. I mention in my diary entry that Ron Santo gave us autographs; he was a pretty big star back then (even if he can't get into the Hall of Fame now). By pure happenstance a photographer from the Fort Dodge (Iowa) Messenger (daily newspaper) was at the game, and the paper published a photo of Santo signing for some fans. Back home in Iowa a couple days later, Grandma Gales (FDM subscriber) somehow spotted her grandsons in the photo. I think that qualifies as a small world story.

5. I noted that Romie & Joy went out for dinner one evening to celebrate their 13th wedding anniversary. That sounds like "long ago."

6. We went to the top of the tallest building in Chicago - but it was only 39(?) stories, the once-famous Prudential Building.

7. Had my first plane flight on the way back to Iowa. In hindsight, what an unusual flight - this was pre-deregulation. A tiny plane that stopped in Iowa City, Clinton and Des Moines before landing at Fort Dodge. Four stops in less than 400 miles.

8. The very next day was my first day in eighth grade, with a new teacher - one Sister Consilia.

Fuego Bistro

I generally don't remark on restaurants we patronize because typically they aren't all that remarkable. But we found one that is.

The recent burn-down of Richardson's was a sad event. (Even if two sister restaurants provide similar food.)

Last night we ate at a more than worthy replacement - Fuego Bistro. Just delightful. Tucked away just off seventh street, just south of Bethany Home. A small interior dining space, maybe 8-10 tables. An attractive courtyard with a few more tables (where we sat). Not a chain. Owner/chef walking around, very personable. Home-made sangria.

Of course this wouldn't do it without good food. And this was the best meal we've had in 2009 except perhaps what we ran across in Jerome.

We recommend based on personal experience: "Scallops de jalapeño - Pan seared sea scallops with a jalapeño cream sauce, spanish balsamic reduction and organic corn salsa" (PJ); and "Pollo Ajedrea -Chicken breast stuffed with goat cheese, apricot, basil, spinach, shrimp and crimini mushrooms finished in a balsamic reduction glaze" (me). But there are other dishes that need testing. Truly remarkable.

Taking shape . . .

More back yard progress.

Top picture was July 28 - starting to put out the concrete forms. If you click to enlarge, you'll see two concrete squares - samples intended to help us decide on the look of the concrete patio area.

Middle picture was August 11 - same viewpoint as the top picture - but now with concrete poured, metal planters in place, some of the plants installed.

Bottom picture also August 11. Taken from opposite (NE) corner of yard.

Quite a bit of progress from this stage, let alone this stage.

Another item laid to rest

On a note somewhat related to the post below, Kelly's ashes were put to rest in a shallow backyard ditch in the evening of August 10, thanks to the ministrations of CPG and EPG. PJ provided brief remarks. Pat kicked some dirt into the ditch. And I got a bug bite during the otherwise unremarkable ceremony. Stern family represented by MB and Mark.

After this brief interruption we returned to Paul Jr.'s birthday dinner.

Kelly was a good dog though provided just a bit less than the Bonneville's 15 years of unreliable service. Her obituaries were written back in 2006 and appear here, here (NMG version) and here (KHG version).

Photos courtesy of NMG. Who seemed to have as much fun with boxed Kelly as with real Kelly.

Onto year five

Today ends four years on this site.

Initial post was the Gambel's quail item found here.

Neighborhood blight gone

After 15 years of intermittently reliable service, a horrific looking 1994 Pontiac Bonneville was dispatched via trade-in on August 9, 2009. Primary operators over the years included PMG, NMG, KHG, EPG. Maybe PJr used it for senior year high school but I'm not recalling.

It failed operationally the same day that EPG filled its large gas tank, had the oil changed and gave it a car wash. As a final insult, it couldn't even qualify as a "clunker" in the infamous "cash for clunkers" boondoggle.

Its final days were spent in a hospice-like setting in the backyard of Chris and Jon's house (as shown).