When I was 17, it was a very good year.

1991 was a very good year, I had graduated from high school, the Bulls won their first Championship and I went off to college. Not only that, but a lot of very good albums were released that year.

Maybe the best and most influential album that came out in '91 was Nirvana's Nevermind.

Not only did it rock, it also had one of the greatest covers of any album ever.


Oh, yes. We all remember that little baby, swimming so happily, never knowing if he caught that dollar bill or not.

Well, last Monday, that baby turned 16.

Here he is now, entertain him.

Now let's rock likes 1991 again.



Thanks to IDYFT for the link.

You Know You Love Pics Of My Kids.

We purchased a Slip'n Slide this weekend and are happily destroying portions of our lawn.

Ava giving me the 'Stink-Eye.'



Philip, Patrick, Conner and Ava.

I thought this was a pretty good portrait of Conner. He's a good kid.

Another in the long list of amazing things you think, feel and witness raising a child is their boundless potential. There is the standard talk of your kid becoming President, or perhaps making a difference in the world. Curing cancer and what not. I'm often struck by a child's, and Philip's in particular, physical potential.

Philip has always been big. Our last doctors visit measured him at the size of your average six-year-old. He's big and strong, possessing a never ending supply of energy. Now, I know common sense tells me he has no chance of being a professional athlete, but, look at him, that four-year-old is shredded.

The potential that is held inside them draws a sharp contrast to my declining physical prowess. I'm not suggesting I'm jealous of my son, but rather excited and a little nostalgic. Excited to watch him grow up and discover what he is capable of doing. Nostalgic for the good times that trip will offer. His potential will lead him somewhere, and neither he, nor I know where.

Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago. Part 2.

My buddy Ashley passed away on Halloween, 2001.
It was sudden, shocking and profoundly sad.

Ashley had magic in him. He was a brilliant light.

Driving home from his funeral, in a car full of sad friends, silence fell over us. Behind the wheel I asked aloud, "So, where do you think Ashley is now?" Someone said, "Everywhere," to all our agreement.

Moments later, the sky above showed a brilliant light.
It looked as if God had taken a paintbrush to the night sky.

Green and orange swam above dripping towards the horizon.
Lighting our sad faces which now smiled.
Aurora Borealis confirming our conclusions.

A toast!

To Ashley Hugen and the sunny slopes of long ago!

* A thanks to Lisa for the pic of Ashley, she also remembers Ashley today.

Here's to the sunny slopes of long ago.

This is from college. Dave and I. I attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois from '91-'97 and again in the summer of '99.
Hey!! I got the damn degree!
The date on the picture is obvious as is the locale. We would come here everyday.
Sometimes wasting the entire day there.
Skipping our classes and holding long conversations on all manner of topics.
For a short period I worked there. So did The Wife.
It was the social center of our daytime lives. Our Peach Pit if you will.

My favorite days were when I had money to pay bills. I'd go, order a bacon cheeseburger, (which bore my name for a period, The wife's name hung on the fruit cups) fries and a large coke. When I say large I mean I could accidentally drown in it. I'd grab a seat, buy the Chicago Tribune and write my checks waiting for the food. The post office was right across the street. With a walk of accomplishment after dropping the bills in the mail, I'd sit, eat and read.
First, I'd go through the Sports section, then Royko, then Kass. I'd read through the front page, finishing off with the funnies in Tempo.
By this time, if I hadn't been already, a friend would sit and join me. This group could easily swell to a dozen of us. Points would be argued. Tales would be told. Plans constructed.
Giant soda's refilled.

It didn't amount to much besides good times.