IDOLATRY

The very peak of the old building that houses the City Museum, perhaps 15 stories over the street. I suppose that's a praying mantis on top, perhaps beseeching the gods to find the Cardinals some pitchers who can throw strikes. You can reach the top of this dome by one of the museum's innumerable climbing tubes but there is also a ramp that comes up from the back.That's son Andy standing  in the center, holding grandson Atlas. Daughter-in-law Claire is to Andy's left. No idea who that guy is waving at the world.                            

Audrey Anyday

One of the main reasons for our trip to Michigan was to see our younger grandchild, Audrey, 10 months old. The family is now far away enough from us that visits will be less frequent. (Jack has a bigger problem.) The hotel where we stayed had a big indoor pool, mostly empty during the day. Son Andy, his wife, Claire and the kid came over to use it. 

The child, of course, is impossibly cute. We hope to see them again at Thanksgiving. We'll meet up in Kansas City and then drive west to see Mrs. C's mom, who will be 98 that week.             

The Parents

Well, better light. Audrey looks with incomprehension at her father, my son Andy. Sleeping on Grandma Crowe's shoulder in the middle. Third, Andy and his wife Claire on The 606, Chicago's answer to the High Line in New York.                   

Baby Shower

At a baby shower in Chicago yesterday for my son Andy and his wife, Claire. The little darling is due September 17 and will be named . . . hush, I'm sworn to secrecy. She already has her own URL, though.

Mom and dad had different reaction to the goodies but the best gift was saved for last.                             

On The Farm

Out to Mrs. C's family farm for the day yesterday. It's been owned for some years by her youngest brother, Mel, and his wife, Pat.

There was one cornfield that hadn't been harvested. Mel said it had been too wet. So, having little better to do, he brought out the combine and grain truck and got to work. The combine is a monstrous, complicated machine that rips the ears off the stalks, the kernels off the ears, and then pumps it out a chute into the truck bed.

Mel gave son Andy and his wife, Claire, a lesson on driving the combine. Lots of levers and pedals. Not a driving experience he's likely to have on the streets of Chicago.