to Chicago

And I'm off to Chicago again. Early. Though not so early that I haven't the time to take care of these chicks.

We had a frost (can you tell?), but just barely. The hose is still connected and I take a moment to water yesterday's plantings. No rain in the forecast. They need water to get those roots to do their thing.

(fall colors)

And I give Ed a haircut. He needs one. And of course, we have breakfast.

But then it's time to pack up the car and head to the big city.

My daughter's husband is out of town and she could use a hand. Or two. And it's a grand opportunity to spend more time with the kids and their mom.

(just back from ballet class)

(Primrose loves to play dress up; today she got Juniper, who is ten months old today, to go along.)

It's a cool day, but brilliant nonetheless and I take Primrose out with me for a walk. (She takes her new beloved possession -- a lunchbox.)

To the neighborhood grocery store.

At home again: playing "hibernating bears."

My daughter is making dinner tonight -- chili. Everyone has their own special chili recipe and I'm curious how my daughter's is spiced and prepared. Truly, it is delicious!

Juniper agrees. She has seconds! So do I.

The littlest one goes to sleep, us three older guys stay up to eat ice cream and blackberries over what has to be one of our favorite movies (Coco). And then Primrose is off to bed and it's just me and my big girl. We talk about the kids, yes, of course, but also about past trips taken, just the two of us, and future ones still ahead of us, and it just feels so good to be in the warmth of this household sight now!

With so much love...