The southern morning McDonalds crew

Got up this morning to a chilly chilly morning....car temp said 47 degrees

Went to McD's and scoped around for possibilities. Those who might
let me talk to them and maybe join them.

Thru the window I saw a group of old cold guys in the corner.

A 50 yr old reddish/blonde haired guy with those big black rimmed glasses.

2 men sitting by themselves but showing interest in any conversations.

One conversation of special interest, was the white woman with sort of gray hair and lips that keep moving
in a discussion with an empty chair.

I got my coffee and breakfast sandwich and moved near the men in the corner.

Sat at a high table with high chairs within casual friendship distance.

The were talking about Mass. politics.

The blonde guy, sitting at a table to my left,
started talking to me. He was from Minn and today was his first day
at a job in painting signs. He wanted to buy a house with a pool short/handed??
but everyone was giving him a problem.....OK....

I could tell he was a little different. He was lonely and had been out of a job for a long time.

He talked and talked but then somehow, I was able to get involved with the corner guys.

They were around my age, some younger some older. After a few minutes I said C'ya and left.
I didn't want to wear out my first contact welcome.

Maybe I'll try again tomorrow
but this morning we have a donut social in the recreation room
at 9:30am.

Ummmm, donuts.....

Busy Photos.....

DOUBLE CLICK THE PHOTOS TO MAKE THEM LARGER...

We've been busy the last few weeks. So busy I haven't been able to post. Well, here goes.

We had a birthday Saturday Sept 12 and went to a Barnaby's restaurant on Caldwell with Jimmy/Lori and the boys. The boys were talking and laughing the entire evening.

We had a couple pizza's and the boys ate like adults. Both decided to color the paper plates provided with the pizza's.

Barnabys is a hold-over from the 60-70's large pseudo-pubs. They started with peanuts in baskets but cut back.


Plenty of picnic type tables. And plenty of kids. They're trying to update with more flat screen tv's. We've been taking the kids there for almost 35 yrs.

Sunday, our friend Jim Povolo who just happens to have been born on the same day as me was having a 65th birthday party at a Raffi's Italian Restaurant in Naperville.

Raffi's is usually closed on Sunday but my bro Jim took it over and invited over 100 of his friends.

It started with mixed drinks and of course this Jim had a couple Margarita's...which were excellent.

Then into the dining room where we had a lounge singer who sounded like the boys---Frank--Dean--Sammy.....and as you can tell by the photo he liked blondes.

Especially, the one I took to the party. At my age, I was happy for her. After all, she had several Chocolate Martini's. She said they were excellent.

For dinner we had our choice. I chose Salmon, which I really don't like. Let me tell you. It was done to perfection. Just wonderful.

Jim, the ultimate host, started the dancing. At first it was Eve & him. We joined them and soon many were jumping and grinding to the music.

I tried dancing but need a little more stamina. So, Jim gave me his Nikon D40 camera and asked me to be the cameraman. So I put my little old camera away and used his.

I took about 200 photos with his camera and these were taken with mine. Well, it also gave me an excuse to relax and watch all the others dancing.

It got late, and while the dancing was still going strong, I needed to go home.
It is an hour drive to Naperville, so we headed home while the kids danced till who knows what time.

We had a great time, even though we were apprehensive not knowing anyone except Jim and Eve.

We did meet RuthAnn and her husband Santa Claus. Veryyyy Interesting.

During the week, early in the mornings I usually rush to the Local McDonalds for my coffee and a scrambled eggs sandwich in a tortilla.

Really though, its for the conversation with several friends. Phil had his 60th bday party and all the folks were there. We talked for several hours and then all went to work/home/gym.

Such nice folks. Again, some are Democrats and some are not. We have peaceful discussions and have cured the woe's of the world many times over.

Most important, we have a fun/enjoyable morning. Which is a nice way to start the day.


Finally, Jim & Lori took a trip to Makinaw Island Michigan. Grandpa/ma R. watched the boys Thur, Fri and we watched them Saturday. Luckily, Grandpa/ma R. are nice friendly folks and stayed with us and we had lots of fun.

Dallas and I took the boys to a Golf driving range and let the boys hit some balls. Then just played in the yard until dark.

Dallas and Phyllis went home and we put the boys to sleep. Well, I went to sleep and Karolyn put the boys to bed.

Now you know the answer to: What the Elliott's were up to?

A Real Live Hero--my Hero

Today while in McDonald's My Hero walked in.

I got excited like a kid and jumped out of the booth and pranced around not knowing what I should do.

So I ran up to him...yes, ran...like a kid or groupie.. Grabbed him around the shoulders and told him he was my hero.

Shook his hand and after some words returned to our group.

One grumpy man said whats wrong with you.

I said its Jessie White. He's my hero.

Later, Mr. White came up to me and said "The last time I saw you, you were Officer Friendly in uniform weren't you".

Yes, thanks for remembering me.

Mr. White..I remember you at Cabrini Green at night lining up mattress springs for the kids to jump on.

Then you would teach them how to tumble.

There were no camera's around, you did it because you're a good guy.

A few more words and I took out my camera. Took a photo.

It was true. I would work Cabrini Green Projects in Chicago. The worse housing project.

I would have my 2 guns, radio, flashlight and billy club. Mr. White would just have his enthusiasm.

I thought something was wrong with him. And the thing was, at the time he was an elected Illinois Congressman. He was down in front of the most dangerous building in Chicago, working with the kids.

Today he was out with his Jessie White's Tumblers.




After he left, I realized that here was a man who had 15 kids with him. He walks into McDonald's ahead of the kids to get organized.


And a crazy man runs/hops up to him and hugs him.

Yet, he was a courteous as a Hero....yes, Mr. White--My Hero.