It was like the City was wrapped in a single pink ribbon… RIP Dolly.

After a mile open-water swim, a twenty-five mile bike ride & a six mile run… it’s always great to see the Finish Line. And even “greater” to see a food truck in the Finish Festival area with NACHOS!!!

No shame in my game… I’ve earned ’em!!!

It was an early morning today preparing for the Chicago Triathlon… getting up early, driving downtown, shlepping all of your gear, setting up your transition area & exiting the bike corral before 5:45am. Luckily, I had my faithful triathlon “partner in crime” with me today… my fifteenth ChiTri… but our eighth together with my friend Tracy. It’s become an annual tradition we look forward to all year. Starting the day together, enjoying the sunrise… running our own races… mine “wave” started at 7:30am!

And then meeting up again at the Finish Line. Congratulating each other… followed by our traditional “photo shoot” at Buckingham Fountain! Another great day playing, sweating & hanging out with Tracy!

Another one in the books : CHICAGO TRIATHLON 2026!!!

It was a beautiful day for a triathlon along the lakefront. A bit on the cooler side… better than the sweltering heat we’re accustomed to for the run. However, there was a bit of a wind crossing Lake Shore Drive for the bike… nothing but fun though for the underground portion pedaling on Lower Wacker Drive. And an added bonus… the harbor was basically quiet & still for the swim! All in all… a great morning “playing” & sweating along the Chicago Lakefront!!!

It was a steamy day for a parade in Chenoa… at least until the clouds moved in for a quick burst of cool winds?! So it was perfect for kids ready to be doused with water from some scary clowns… while others weren’t quite sure why you would want to do that??? Finding comfort in friends & freeze-pops!

While celebrating America’s 250th birthday yesterday… we’re also celebrating the 100th anniversary of Route 66. My roadtrip yesterday took me to Chenoa for fun with friends… and a little roadside nostalgia!

So last night in class we had our usual end-of-session potluck.
But turned it into a little bridal shower for Rachael, one of my students.

In a previous class she had shared her plan to make some “salmon bowls” for herself.
None of us knew what she meant… and the stories went on forever. Turns out they’re just bowls that she & her fiancé Matt eat their salmon out of. First from Costco… then maybe IKEA… had to check with her fiancé? Not that it matters?! But the drama & stories about these dang “salmon bowls” dragged on forever… because it was so funny… and we just wouldn’t let it go!!! For our own entertainment of course!

So when the idea of a bridal shower came up, we all decided to secretly make her a “salmon bowl” as her gift! And last night was the big reveal… she LOVED THEM!!! There will still be a few more that didn’t quite make it through the kiln in time!

But it was an AMAZING surprise for Rachael…
and now she has her own custom “salmon bowls.”
Great fun for all… as “something fishy” was definitely going on!!!

I mean…
it’s not every day that I put coho salmon on a bowl?! But this once I will…

So… I’ve been working on a little “undercover” project for one of my students. Couldn’t give anything away too soon… or she might have thought something was “fishy.” And yes… I put two salmon on my bowl. More story to come…

With almost an hour to spare!!!
This might be a new record for me!!!