SUNDAY POSTER

In choosing the poster to share this week, I came upon one that brought a smile to my face as I thought about the passing of Cub hero Ron Santo. I see him at a ballpark in heaven, today . . . a Sunday, just as his first Cub game was on a Sunday. I see him with legs, with spring in his step, without cancer, trotting out to third base. All the greats he will be playing with up there, the true Hall of Fame, and he will certainly be kicking his heels after every win.

And then I see my dear grandfather, Louis Mezner, who has been attending games there since he left us in 1974, seeing the rookie and remembering watching Santo back on earth back in the 60s. Watching with me. Enjoy the games, Grandpa Mezner!

SUNDAY POEM

One of my poem posters for LivingWell Cancer Resource Center. While the photo is too summery to be right for the season, living our lives well is truly the essence of the season. We all live in GIFT TIME, don't we?

More Animals

Here we look at two more assorted animals, both residents of Brookfield Zoo. A view of the camel and one of the elephant, both shot during 2010, complete our week of looking at the beauty and complexity of several larger animals.

RIP Ron Santo

A winner in so many ways, a man of strength who overcame diabetes, heart troubles and cancer, a man who never lost that smile. Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs passed away fighting the last two named ailments and left a huge void in the hearts of Cub fans. Deep to the bottom of his heart and soul, Ronnie loved the Cubs as a player and as a broadcaster as perhaps their greatest fan.
I met Ron at spring training 2009. He was on the field for an hour before the Fergie Jenkins charity baseball game, having his picture taken, smiling and talking with fans, just being himself. Never giving in to the pain in fighting his physical problems, he was a fine man who left an example for us all.
He was not able to attend the 2010 Jenkins event due to ill health. He was missed that night as he will be at so many events and games in the coming years. Rest in Pease, Ronnie. We love you always.

Sheep

Our week of looking at assorted animals brings us to a couple of assorted sheep. The first image is from Cosley Zoo in Wheaton and the second is from an unknown location.

Monkey & Gorilla House

Clearly a favorite, the Monkey & Gorilla House at Brookfield Zoo is always filled with visitors, each looking for that expression or movement which make these animals so interesting to us. Here are a pair of images, one small and one large, from a recent visit.

Gianna Turns Eight

Yesterday was my eldest grandchild's eighth birthday, a fact I find hard to believe. At the family party, she showed off her American Girl Bitty Baby, all dressed up for the holidays in the dress she herself wore on her first Christmas.

Here we see her today with the doll, and in 2002, in the tender loving hands of Santa, wearing that wonderful dress. And if you blow up the image enough and look into Santa's eyes, you will see a proud Poppa in the red suit, holding Baby Gianna.

One of many great memories for me.