Chihuly exhibit

Not sure I've ever mentioned before but I'm a huge fan of Chihuly...the glass artist. His work is amazing, the size and scale of which really needs to be experienced in person to appreciate it. I think my first introduction to him was in Vegas, he did the ceiling in the Bellagio.

When he did an installation at Garfield Park in Chicago a few years ago, I took my parents who happened to be in town at the same time. It was something I'll never forget.

The Naples Art Museum has a few permanent pieces that I've always meant to go see, but never made the time. But this month there was a show featuring countless more pieces. In fact, Chihuly himself was in town a couple weeks ago and my MIL went to hear him speak, said it was fascinating.

Anyway, we managed to squeeze in a trip while down there and I'm so glad we did. It was really amazing, many enormous bowl-in-bowl pieces (my name, surely not correct) that I love. Silver glasswork I've never seen before, his sea foam collection which I love, and many more pieces that I didn't care for but interesting to see none-the-less.

The permanent fixtures though, were by far the standouts. An enormous, elaborate orange 'chandelier,' a blue icile, and a shell ceiling. Photos aren't allowed, but I stile this one with my cell phone. Not great but gives you a small sense of how awesome it is.

Enjoy!

The Big Red Dog

We said goodbye to a special furry friend last week, Reiley, otherwise known as 'the big red dog.'

My sis' dog, originally Ryan's, making him special from the start. And 'special' came to life in many ways over the course of his life. Obviously an unconditionally loving reminder of Ryan to keep sis company over the years. But also a big, barking, high-energy, eat-anything-I-can-get-my-teeth-on super sleuth of a puppy to the very end.

He will be missed by those who loved him (and that list is longer than many people are lucky enough to claim themselves) -- in our little world, certainly most by Stella and Ben.

And in a beautiful, bittersweet twist, he went home on Ryan's birthday - I like to think Ryan had him on loan to my sis to keep her company those first few years...and that now he must believe she is strong enough to give him back.

I can almost hear Ryan yelling "C'mon Reiley, c'mon!" ... can't you?

Cool pool guy

My new favorite photo...little guy chillin' in the pool.

Naples, part 2

Great visit this week in FL, filled with family, great food and warm weather.

Ben slowly learned to love the sand, beach, pool and ocean - more with each experience. Most of all he loves chasing the birds. The beach is especially fun b/c the seagulls are about the same size as his and waddle along as he approaches before taking flight.

We took him over to Tiger Tail in Marco Island where he really enjoyed going in the water (a first given the death grip he usually latches on to my neck with). In fact, he even picked up a few of his own shells, which delighted Grandma Es to no end.

I ran every day and managed to finish nearly two books - both extremely rare occurrences of late, so wonderful for me as well. And hubby and I squeezed in a date night before he headed out (a bit early to get back to work).

Enjoy the pictures, my favorite to follow shortly.

Rockin' Bunny

Celebrating Ben's 1st birthday in Naples this week with the whole gang. Hubby and I flew down Saturday and have visited with both sets of grandparents all week long. We had a big party Tuesday, with tons of presents for the little guy. Sis joined yesterday, big surprise for me. Yippee!

Grandma Marsha got him the "Rockin' Bunny" to which he dances a serious gig. He adds a new move each time he hears the song, but this gives you a little taste of his rhythm.

BLT Steak, NYC

Recently found myself at BLT Steak in NYC and completely, totally over-indulged. Like don't-look-back-to-even-consider-calorie-consumption over-indulged.

Prove it, you say?

Check out these little friends: blue cheese stuffed tator tots. Imagine the mess if Napolean tried to pack these into his pants' pockets to save for later. They actually sound more extravegant than they tasted. But everything was amazing.

My favs: two different kinds of short ribs, creamed spinach (I'm a sucker), and the banana dessert.

Yu-mmy.

Snow anyone?

We hit OH last weekend to check in on great grandma S in Lima, and Deb and crew in Cleveland. Little did we know there was a snow storm forecasted. Or was there? Regardless, it snowed. A lot. We squatted at the in-laws house, though they are (wisely) in Naples for the winter.

This is a picture of their patio table in the backyard.

Kind of puts our Chicago winter in perspective, doesn't it?