Mixed Feelings

I am determined NOT to let my negative feelings for a certain political figure who comes from the Chicago area to taint my memories of my original home town and birthplace. I must admit that I get a grim look, sometimes, as I look over my mug collection, and decide which one to use. But Darn it! There are a LOT of great people who live in that wonderful city. Among those my aunt, uncle, cousins, nieces and nephews. And the memory of my beloved grandmother remains with me always. She was a rock in the stormy seas of my childhood. I love Chicago.

It's my cup of tea

For Veronica Lee, who asked to see my coffee mug collection (mercifully small), here is the first. This scientific mug was purchased at the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana, on a visit there with my now 18-y-o son. All the boys (and girl) love that place. My favorite part is the "shake shack" where you go into an elevator-like device, press a button, and it starts slamming you back and forth ala-earthquake.
The view off of my bedroom balcony is somewhat less than relaxing with the men working hard to install the deck railing, but it is nice to see progress.