Take My Picture

Cathy and I took a spectacular trip to Canada right before she died. First, we flew to Vancouver. Then, we rode the train up to Jasper, took a coach tour down to Banff, rode the train back to Vancouver, and eight days later, flew home.

One of the stops on the coach tour was at the Columbia Icefields. Walking on the glacier was like walking on a giant snow cone. It was slushy, squishy and cold.

Now, you have to have known Cathy, but she really didn't like to have her picture taken. I can't remember her ever asking me to take her picture in 30 years of marriage. But strangely, on this day, she said, "Jim, take my picture."

Here's the shot. We used it on the program for her funeral, and it was picked up and published in several local newspapers including the Chicago Tribune.

Did she know more standing on top of that glacier than the rest of us? We will never know, but it was almost as if she had said, "Jim, take my picture, I think you're going to need it."

When I look really close, I can see my image reflected inside her sunglasses. Cathy was my best friend, and the best of her is still very much reflected inside of me.

I'll be back at the village board meetings in September. I appreciate all of the kind condolences that I have received from our community.

I especially appreciate the extra effort our village staff and board have put forth in the last two months. And, the staff at the American Dental Association have been wonderful to me as well. Thank you all.

The Trains in Canada Are Even Longer

The CN and CP freight trains climbing through the Canadian Rockies are even longer than the UP trains that blast their way through Elburn each day.

I am hearing that the chances for our village to establish a formal quiet zone are on the rise.

There is little doubt our board will jump at the chance to invest in any additional safety measures required that would stop the train whistles in Elburn.

Sanity and safety can co-exist if we're allowed to replace a 19th century anachronism with 21st century technology.

Not an Elburn Retention Pond

This is not the Elburn retention pond behind my house. Rather, it is a view of Peyto Lake in the Mistaya Valley of Banff National Park.

The remarkable blue-green hue of Peyto Lake is caused by the suspension of rock flour sediments in the glacial melt.

Cathy and I saw many beautiful vistas during our last trip to the Canadian Rockies in June.

This was perhaps the most inspiring.

Blue Angels over Navy Pier

Sometime you just get lucky! Here's a shot of the Blue Angels buzzing their namesake Navy Pier at the recent Chicago Air and Water show.

So much has happen since my last blog. Not the least of which was enjoying the Elburn Days parade in the pouring rain.

There is so much to tell. Perhaps a little blogging will be therapeutic. Stay tuned.