Here We Are Now, Entertain Us

You know the reference. Me, Mrs.C, Emily and Ellie on our 44th anniversary at Pere Marquette Lodge. We wouldn't have needed help to keep us occupied if the weather hadn't been so rotten. Spring seems to be poking its nose in this week.     

Madeleine Monday (Baby It's Cold Outside)

The area of the baseball stadium we were in Saturday has an indoor food area and lounge called the Redbird Club. Anyone can be a member of this club who is willing to pay something extra for a ticket. (Groucho Marx: I don't care to belong to any club that will have me as a member.) Anyway, given the low temperatures, I'm glad we ponied up. In fact, we hid out there for much of the game, watching the action on TV screens.

Major League baseball frequently has giveaways for people attending a game. All the tchotchkes have corporate sponsors. This one had bobble heads (insanely popular here) of former Cardinal greats riding in little Ford convertibles. You got one at random on entry. Ellie was quite satisfied with Lou Brock and his clone and had to share her thoughts with her mother.     

Tourist Shots

We all take pictures of lower Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry. We all sneak pictures of other people in the subway. Everyone takes pictures of their squirmy kids when they travel. Who am I to differ?       

First Ascent

Our fearless explorer looks out from her perch far above the Mississippi. Madeleine had a great time on her  first trip to the top of the Arch, accompanied by mom Emily and me. Not a bit of anxiety about the height or the cramped little cars you ride to get to the top. She was interested in everything except sitting still.

Also Lambie's first ride to the top. Thanks, Aunt Virginia!     

Don't Forget Grandpa, Too

Certain people in Washington are raising a lot of other people's temperatures, me included. That anger overflowed at the Women's Marches here and around the world. I went a little nutso yesterday re-posting news stories to Facebook as those lying, arrogant (plural noun deleted) flouted their disrespect for democracy and truth. 

Three generations of Crowe women walked with their sisters (and me). Sometimes Madeleine is eager to pose and sometimes she will have nothing to do with it. What are you going to do with a three year old who insists on wearing an owly hat?       

Christmas Brunch At The Chase

As mentioned, the Crowe and Horrocks families had a sumptuous Christmas brunch at the Chase Park Plaza, Chef Brian presiding. 

Above, an ice sculpture Christmas tree in front of a real one.

Below, Madeleine with a "Santa got me what?" look (wearing grandma's glasses, which she thinks is funny) followed by Ms. M and her parents. The bottom pic needs explanation. Our flight is so early tomorrow morning we're spending tonight at an airport hotel, leaving Emily and Brian's home before they serve dinner. So my wife and I could get something to eat, I bought what is probably the loneliest product in the supermarket. However, we're still so stuffed from brunch we'll likely put it in the freezer.