My blog has suffered as I have been caught up with work and travel these last few months. After several complaints about my inactivity, I have been shamed into posting something more current than "Julian is 1". The kid deserves better from his grand uncle!

I am glad to report that Patti and I did make it to Chicago again just before Memorial Day this year in time to help Julian celebrate his second birthday. The young man is cuter than ever but a bit puzzled by the strangers who show up occasionally to visit! Our visit coincided with Julian's first encounter with fire … may he continue his journey of discovery – less painfully.

The weather was kinder this year and we managed to do a couple of extra things outdoors. I managed to get into the Bike the Drive ride on 25 May, and Patti and I drove out of town to visit the Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Plano, Illinois.

Jad and I rode the annual Bike the Drive ride held on Memorial Day weekend. Unfortunately, we started at different times and headed in different directions on the route. However we managed to meet at the finish at Butler Field in Grant Park!