Took A Walk Today....

I've been re-gaining my old big body recently. I've been riding my bike and walking short distance. But I know its not enough to lose weight.

So today decided that if I felt good/loose, that I would try to walk further than a 1-1/2 miler.

I started off good until I got to Panera. Who would have thought in the afternoon that I would see Lawyer Jim and Pilot Sean.

I just went to say hello and leave but you know how it goes. I had to defend and stand up for my Sarah Palin.

I stayed long enough to get stiff and continued on.

I tried and was successful running across the busy street when I heard some old coppers yelling...better huscle a little faster Elliott.

It was George Ruckrich. A big time boss and just a nice guy sitting at Starbucks in the sun.

I waved and continued on toward my niece Jennifer's house.


It was a nice part of the walk and all the gardens were in full bloom. One prettier than the next.

Its about a mile and I almost made it. I suddenly stopped when I saw a concrete bench next to the sidewalk in the shade.

As soon as I sat down, the front door to the house opened and some older man coughed and cleared his throat. Then banged on the wall mail box.

I guess he was trying to give me a message. But I didn't hear it.

I made it to Jennys house and told her I was sitting just a couple house's away on the bench.

"Didn't the Old Guy chase you off the bench, he's always yelling at anyone who sits there"

She invited me in to see how the remodeling is going and it was going nice.

Mr. Tile Guy was finishing the splash area above the counter....Wow, did it look nice.

I rested and drank some water and continued on my walk. Down Albion for about a mile until I saw John parking his car.


Said hello and he got his wife out of the house.

We sat in the back yard and talked about our health.


Julie and I had our heart attacks just a few days apart in 1990.

We then attended re-hab together. She made it enjoyable. And we have been friends since.

After getting stiff again, I mosied on home.

Just in time for the best baked Amish Chicken by Karolyn. The neighbors joined us and ended the day on another high note.

Maybe a 4 mile walk and it took 2 1/2 hours.

You Want To Do What!!!!

Hi Everyone,

For those that don't know, Park Ridge is a classy town.

Its where Hillary Clinton (remember her) was raised.

The people have big hearts.Some people have big hearts and no brains.
Ooops maybe I should explain.

There is an Episcopalian church that was going to open a homeless shelter in a highly residential neighborhood in Park ridge.

But community members protested and for some reason that church,St. Mary's, changed their minds.

Another church...a big rich Church St.Paul's of the Cross decided that they would open the church--gym--or some other part of the complex to homeless.

Of course when we think homeless we think of the poor family that is down on their luck and just need a break.

But this is not always the case, or I should say rarely the case.

This evening as I was riding thru downtown Park Ridge I noticed a man sitting that might be homeless.

I don't think he is from Park Ridge or that he is temporarily down on his luck.

I turned my bike around and stopped by another man standing near the first.

The 2nd man was selling a newspaper for a buck called StreetWise. Its a fundraising type of newspaper for homeless to sell and make some money.

I took out my camera and took a photo of the first man.

Maybe you can tell me if you think he is from Park Ridge.

I DON'T THINK SO.....If you have children going to St. Paul of the cross, would you want them near this man. Or near the diseases he might have. Or the mental illness.

I understand helping the homeless but you will get these by the hundreds into Park Ridge from the interior of Chicago.

Unfortunately, they have to walk thru residential neighborhoods to reach the homeless center.

Thru MY NEIGHBORHOOD.

What would Jesus do?
He wouldn't risk children for the sake of the homeless. Thats for sure.

So to those do-getters I say: Use Your Freaking Brains.