Someone has flown the coop!!! Found a little “friend” on my back porch when I got back from my morning ride. Not sure if he can fly yet?… or how long he’s been hanging out there? So I put out some water for him just in case… while mourning dove Mom kept a cautious eye on me from the transom window above my neighbor’s door.

Another stunning morning along the lakefront…
with some beautiful colors splashing across the sky!
A ribbon of pastel pinks & a low layer of vibrant oranges!

With ART IN THE GARDEN just a few weeks away… it’s time to get those collaborations started!!! I had lunch today with my pal Cory McCrory to hand-off my part of our collaboration project. Still under wraps… but they went from my car to hers… my studio to hers! More to come…

After yesterday’s Chicago Triathlon, it felt great to get back on the bike this morning. A leisurely ride along the lakefront enjoying the sunrise as I pedaled. Perfect for “working out the kinks” & getting some of that lactic acid out of my legs. Loved the sunrise… and my legs feel much better now!

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!!!

After completing the Chicago Triathlon, it’s always a great “finish” to enjoy some relaxing time at Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain. Such a beautiful landmark right between downtown & the lakefront. A nice place to stop, enjoy the fountain, relax, have a seat…

And then get up & go the rest of the way to the Transition Area to pick-up our bikes & gear! It’s a long haul from the Finish Line at Columbus & Balbo… all the way north of the Yacht Club!!! It’s a hike… especially when your legs are “spent” after completing the triathlon!

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!!!

Just one last table for the kids to clean…
and with that another Summer of kid’s Summer Camps has come to an end!!!

I know I had a GREAT time teaching kids all summer… making pottery, playing games, getting to know them & creating special memories along the way! Hopefully I’ve inspired a few & exposed some of them to the joy of making art & working with your hands… and not focusing a tablet, a phone or their video games!!!

I can’t believe Summer is already coming to an end so quickly.
I’m already looking forward to NEXT Summer!!!