wild weather and other sights

Crazy clouds as seen from our back porch Friday, July 1.

The evening before, a golf-ball size hail storm.

The last day of June, Millenium Park.

This city never gets old.

Cat on a hanger. Duh.

the big leagues (+ jq)

Little league, big league, we do it all. I was also impressed by these players' skill and poise and shot day two of the Cross Town Classic between the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. Sox won 1-0. I almost got nailed by a fast foul ball but hit the deck fast, so I am glad I am here to write and post this all.

Marion Byrd, left, and Alfonso Soriano pretend to box Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field before the start of the game.

The Cub's Matt Garza pitches against the White Sox.

The White Sox's Philip Humber pitches against the Cubs.

The White Sox's Gordon Beckham leaps over the Cubs Marion Byrd in the second inning Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Byrd was tagged out.

Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade argues with second base umpire Paul Emmel in the second inning over a call on Marion Byrd. Quade was ejected from the game.

Hello, Carlos Pena!

Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler takes in the game with fiance Kristin Cavallari.

Chicago's Starlin Castro smiles after making a catch in the fifth inning.

The White Sox's Juan Pierre hits a single in the sixth inning against the Cubs Saturday, leading to Gordon Beckham scoring the first and only run.

The White Sox's Alex Rios makes a catch in the seventh inning.

A fan catches a ball from the game during the eighth inning and is quite happy about it.

The White Sox's Paul Konerko makes a catch in the final play of the game against the Cubs Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

And saving the best for last, I look down the dugout from me and who is sitting right by me but my favorite actor John Cusack. Ha cha cha! Twice in one lifetime! (Which my friend Kamala says would be a great title for a romance novel.) http://amandaschwengel.blogspot.com/2010/11/john-cusack-uses-my-camera.html

the little leagues

Little league season is well under way and I was impressed by the poise and skill of these 7 and 8-year old players.

summer news

Summer is here and here are some recent assignments.

A recent garage fire...

The tilty whirly flippy ride found at most festivals...

The ever perennial summer festival scene. I am not sure if this photo quite works but I like it regardless.

A youngster conducts along with a city band.