Selling the Icons

Making the news, at least in the Chicago area, is Sam Zells statement that he planning on selling the name rights for Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs. Mr. Zell became the owner of the Cubs and Wrigley Field through the purchase of the Chicago Tribune newspaper. As part of the change in ownership certain assets are going to be sold off. Namely the Cubs and Wrigley field to separate buyers. This is fine, maybe the Cubs will become a winning team, and selling the Ballpark, rumored to the Illinois State Sports Authority (which means Illinois tax payers will be paying and paying for it). This is change that happens.

But changing the name of Wrigley Field is tearing off another piece of the fabric that makes Chicago and throwing it away. Years ago you could say, I was at Comiskey last night, I went to the Stadium, or I have a date at Wrigley, and people would know you where either at a White Sox’s game, at a Blackhawks or Bull’s game, or a Cub’s game. These were names that were Chicago. Now Comiskey is gone, torn down and replaced by a Stadium that is more like a mall than a ball field named US Cellular Field. The Chicago Stadium likewise is gone replaced by the United Center. Should another piece of Chicago be sold to the highest bidder?

I spent many years in the centerfield bleachers at Wrigley. Spent some cold nights waiting in line to get the coveted opening day and the St. Louis series bleacher seats at the friendly confines. Sometimes there would be 20, sometimes just a few but I always knew someone in the centerfield bleachers. One year on opening day we had a snow ball fight in the bleachers, the next year it was 70 degrees. Roasted on hot summer days getting that bleacher tan and sat through rain delays drinking a beer on the ramp. The first night game at Wrigley field was rained out, I sat there drench to the bone till they called it. The following night became the Official first night game and of course I didn’t have that ticket. But I was there the first time the lights came on and the first pitch was thrown. Saw them lose to the Giants in the play-offs for another “Wait till next Year” all in the friendly confines.

Memories I haven’t thought of in a long time,

Memories of Wrigley Field

Keeping Warm

No. 2 son sporting a fur coat and a Russian Officers hat in -5 degree weather.

The Bald Eagle and the U. S. Marine Corp.

Last Sunday we were driving cross the Rock River on the Memorial bridge when I saw what I first thought was just a large Hawk. We have an abundance of hawks up here. The size made me really take notice of it, and I realized that the head and neck were white. Now the only bird I know of that is that big with a white head and neck is a Bald Eagle, and if you go about 2 hours northwest you'll find a colony of eagles (I don't know what you call an area where eagles nest). So, I start yelling at the kids to look at this bird that's crossed our path heading in the same direction we'll be going once we get on the interstate.

I remark to my oldest son that this could be a favorable prediction on the new chapter in his life. The reason we were all in the car driving to Chicago was to bring my oldest son to the MEP Station (Military Entrance Processing Station). My oldest has joined the Marines, and has now started the 82 weeks of training for his MOS with Boot Camp. This is a new chapter in his life, he's not our little boy anymore, but he'll always be our son.








Dad and future Marine at the MEP Station.










Mom and Future Marine.














All the kids.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow some more.....

About 20 inches in 30 Hours

We're currently around 76 inches of snow for the season and at this pace we'll break the record. Fortunately we've had a few warm spells to melt it.

During this storm there were over 2000 cars and trucks stranded on I-90 between Beloit Wi. and Madison Wi., some for as long as 12 hours. Fortunately there were no serious accidents or injuries.

This was taken at 5pm after 8 inches had fallen, the white spots are caused by the flash reflecting off the snowflakes.

And we now a shot after the storm with the walk way shoveled.








The Evergreen tree in the back that's carrying a heavy load.








Our Great Dane "Cody" is not happy about the difficulty in getting to his favorite trees.

Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

Bears Fan, living in Packerland,

Cheering for a New York Team!

This just isn't right.

The Patriots offensive line tried to overcome the Giants defensive line but just couldn't find the holes they needed. Brody was never given the time he needed to execute and all too often was staring at a white jersey coming for him. The defensive line of the Patriots did an excellent job of coverage and pressure on Eli Manning and he with stood the challenge. With only a single ball possession per team in the first quarter, you knew this was going to be an intense, down to the last minute, who's going to win game.

The Giants final drive in the last minutes of the fourth quarter for their go ahead touchdown, and the subsequent Patriots possession with less than 2 minutes of time left, this had to put you on the edge of your seat. Every Hail Mary Brody threw in the final seconds made you hold your breath in anticipation; will the Patriots pull victory from the jaws of defeat? This was a great game; this is what the Super Bowl is about.

The downside to the game was the lack of sportsmanship shown by the Patriots. From Coach Belichick running onto the field in the last seconds (causing a delay) to congratulated Coach Coughlin and then disappearing up the tunnel before the game ended. To the Patriot team generally leaving without seeming to congratulate the underdog team that prevailed.

The upside and hats off to Coach Coughlin, for being on thin ice on keeping your job at the beginning of the season to winning the Super Bowl. You had a hard road to travel and you succeeded.

The Super Bowl is over and much too every one’s surprise "the underdog" the Giants won.