At last, we rest. I write with my token summer drink (grown-up lemonade) in hand, the flower-filled yard in my view and the smell of BBQ in the air. A wonderful end to a great weekend.

I finished up Peace Like a River yesterday, SIL recco, and it was really good. A warm, humorous story of family and faith. My only regret is that I didn't read it sooner.

Tonight we're celebrating our anniversary (earlier this week). Steak and salmon (I made a big batch of Carol's secret marinade today) on the grill, caprese salad and three types of cake and pie! All to be enjoyed on the patio.

Likely the last word on our little robin family, all three babies have safely fled the nest (we took it down this weekend). They have been hanging out in the apple tree learning to fly and look happy and healthy. Remaining are just the regular customers at the bird feeder: purple finch, sparrows, cardinals and the occasional woodpecker.

Happy Memorial Day!

You've heard some talk of the recent diving bombing by mama and papa robin. We haven't been able to spend much time outside lately because of it, even Stella is no longer safe. Chris was nice enough to risk his life to give you a little taste.

Happy Mother's Day to all our moms and grand-moms. I hope you have a great day and celebrate how wonderful you are. I wish we could be there to share the day together but we're thinking of you and love you lots.

It is cold and rainy in Chicago today - sheets of unrelenting rain with no end in sight. Stella and I are snuggling on the couch contemplating a day of catching up on work and perhaps a little online shopping :)

For those riveted by the robin family drama, a quick update. There are definitely three babies inside. They have feathers now but still haven't left the nest, they're pretty scrawny. The mother is increasing aggressive which has me hoping they start to fly soon. Once the weather gets nicer it will be hard to deal with all the dive bombing.

Angels and Mariachis review coming tomorrow. We went again last night and it may just surpass our favorite Mexican place on Chicago Ave. Happy Sunday!

Here is a picture of the mom robin sitting in her nest. We also had a pretty cardinal at the feeder today. I finally put up the sun from Christmas on the fence - it will look better when the garden has been planted.

It is finally spring in Chicago and to welcome the season, we have a robin's nest in the backyard. I noticed the nest, empty, on Saturday. By Sunday the mother robin had taken on her post and sits tight throughout the day. The dad sits perched in a nearby tree and dive-bombs anyone who walks in the backyard, limiting our ability to drive anywhere. Pictures of the eggs will be tough to do without disturbing nest. I'm expecting baby robins in less than two weeks. Maybe by then I'll know how to upload a photo to the blog...