More fun than eating candy

It started with my neighbor.

Her Daddy died in December and she wanted to have some photos scanned and put to music on a DVD to play at a memorial service.

I thought, "Maybe I can learn to do that."

And I did.

Thus I began and because I have this problem with addiction, I have been making movies ever since. It is just such fun.

If any of you are interested, let me know. I would love to share what I have learned.

The best part is that you do not have to purchase any programs. I use Windows Movie Maker. It comes on most PC's or if not, it is a free download. I love it.

Here is a short and simple movie that I made. I have since learned how to fade music in and out using several songs and all kinds of fun things.

Okay, you're right, there is not much of a venue for these kinds of things but it is fun.

And addicting, I might add.

What was your high today?

I said here that I'd go to Chicago whatever the weather but I forgot about fog.

Since photos started surfacing of the Sears/Willis Tower Skydeck, I have been waiting for an opportunity to experience it. Yesterday, with David, a willing grandson, I trekked from the train station to WT but we did not go up to the Skydeck. It was not fear—no sir—no way. Before we purchased tickets we were told that the visibility was zero.

On vacation, I had experienced zero visibility
so we moved to Plan B.


David was not excited about museum options so we headed to Navy Pier—not your typical choice on an inclement day.

When visiting Maine, taste lobster.

In Springfield, see the Lincoln Museum.

In St. Louis, go up in The Arch.

On Navy Pier, ride the ferris wheel.

It is really, really slow.
It is not exciting
But it is high.
And it’s part of Chicago history.
If you can,
Ride it once,
Just because.


And on a cold foggy day
There are no lines.
I did not even see other riders
But did I mention it was a foggy day.

And even though you cannot see very far,
You can see more
Than you would see from the Willis Tower,
On a foggy day.


To help us recover from our Willis Tower disappointment,
And to make this a memorable day,
We went through the overpriced Navy Pier maze.
We were the only people in the maze.


We went through it . . .
And again . . .
And again . . .
Three times before exiting.
We never did figure out the mirror room.


We picnicked in the garden room
And were mesmerized by the fountains . . .
Momentarily.

By noon, we headed over to Millenium Park
And walked through The Bean.

See us way up at the top?
That is David’s yellow coat.

Yay! The skating rink was open.
David can roller blade
but he had never been on ice skates.
I love a Can-Do or at least an I’ll-Try spirit.

His joy . . . His success . . .

His accomplishment . . .


Was our High for the day!

And that is even taking into consideration
The Garretts popcorn that we ate on
the train ride home.

And I thought it was going to be Willis Tower.

Frosty is not the only one that comes alive with a hat . . .

When Morgan put this one on,
She began to walk around . . .

Like an Egyptian.

And it happened to Jessica as well.

When we finished creating this hat,

She tried it on and
Her voice dropped two decibels,
Except when she giggled.

It is magic how these girls brighten my life!

I Resolve . . .

Finally

Almost two weeks into the New Year
I came up with a resolution.
I can live with this.

I resolve to go to Chicago more often.

Alone or with friends

Using Priceline

Or just for a day

Because of the Art Institute

And Millenium Park

For an outdoor concert

And a good place to eat

That serve foods like this

And also like this

To visit churches

And to walk the streets

Whatever the weather

Just because . . .

Poet or not, this calls for a poem

The day was clear.
To sled on the hill.

They gathered gear
Never mind the chill.

Jake wasn’t sure
Uncle Brad would save



On this adventure
Ryan was brave.




Jacob did take a turn
With mom patiently helping


But he begged not to return
He really liked swinging.


J had sledded before
And it was a blast


He likes to soar;
The sleds go so fast.



Double the pleasure
Double the fun
With a double good
Double good, double good mum.



Some sledded head first
And when they went down
Sometimes they reversed
And some went upside down.



It was worth a try
Even when the train failed



There was not a cry
Though it fully derailed.



After the thrill
It wasn’t that bad



Climbing the hill
With a fun loving dad.



I sledded and loved it!
But not very much. . .
I mostly watched, I admit
Cause I didn’t want a crutch.


Hot chocolate in a mug,
Warms down to the toes



And makes us feel snug.
That’s how our story goes.