Frog and Toad Are Cousins

Toad has a new baby cousin! On Monday, October 16, 2006, HG's sister Sara had a baby girl, Rachel. She was born at 9:18 a.m. (EST) and weighed in at 6 lbs, 11oz and is 19 3/4 inches long. We've talked to Sara and Chuck a couple of times and they're excited and anxious and exhausted, everything a new parent should be. HG and I remember those first few days with Toad.... and we survived. It's amazing how quickly the years have passed since we had a newborn in the house -- and amazing how soon we'll have another one. We're very excited that Rachel will have a cousin just five months younger. Toad is already thrilled with his role as a big brother.

More news on Miss Rachel to follow as we receive reports from Michigan.

The Great Pumpkin

Sunday was a gorgeous day to pick the perfect pumpkin.

North Shore Anniversary

Grand Marais



Palisade Head




Gooseberry Falls


We had such a beautiful weekend for our anniversary trip to Duluth, Two Harbors, and Grand Marais. Toad spent the weekend in Wisconsin. HG and I drove up early Friday morning. We spent an overcast and somewhat rainy day in Duluth, eating at our favorite restaurant, Fitgers Brewhouse. We had dinner with my sister Mary and spent some time browsing at the bookstore. We also visited some of our favorite places in Duluth -- The Blue Heron, Duluth Pack, and Canal Park.

Breakfast Saturday morning was at Betty's Pies in Two Harbors -- yum. Saturday was warm and sunny, a perfect autumn North Shore day. We drove up to Grand Marais to visit Betsy Bowen's studio and we purchased some of her work to celebrate our fifth anniversary. How appropriate that there are five chickadees. Betsy spent some time with Hammer Guy giving him tips and advice on the art of woodcut.



We had breakfast Sunday morning again at Betty's Pies (this time we saved room for their world famous pie, and it did not disappoint). The day turned out to be rainy and gray, but we stopped once again in Duluth for a few last minute items and a drive onto Park Point. This was our eight annual weekend getaway to the shore -- and I can't imagine not having this to look forward to each fall.

Happy Birthday, Dear Daddy

We celebrated Hammer Guy's birthday quietly last week with a bucket of chicken and a delicious cake. The biggest excitement of the week was Toad's new pajamas, complete with cape. If only they were magic pj's that made bedtime easier.

It's Good to Be A Bills Fan

The Bills beat the Vikings at home on Sunday and it's a great feeling. Even Bill Clinton got into the spirit of the game, hanging out with the revered Ralph Wilson. Next Sunday is the true test -- Dick Jauron returns to Soldier Field to take on the Bears.