Memorial Day 2007

Forgive my absence, but I was out of town for a bit. Glad to be back and enjoying our fair city with my family. Memorial Day is one of those weird holidays where people are having parties and yet we are remembering those who died in service of our country. I suppose one of the best ways we can honor those who died is to exercise our freedom.

Today our family both remembered the fallen and celebrated our freedom on the Woodstock Square. We arrived at 10am for the hour long ceremony (the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, a speech, recognizing some veterans, etc). Then at 11am the parade began. Not a parade really, but a dispersal of great candy that my awesome kids share with their daddy.

Here are some photos from a beautiful Memorial Day in Woodstock. More can be found on my Flickr page.

Fishing at Emricson

My son's (Jack) second grade class went fishing at Emricson Park today, and I got to tag along. I nabbed 7 of the smallest bluegill in creation. Jack pulled in 2. Steve Ryan, the PE teacher, is a great guy and we had a good time talking before the kids showed up on the bus. I love being involved with my kids and school as much as I can. And Woodstock schools are worth our involvement.

New, Improved Farmer's Market

I had a few minutes to check out the new and improved Farmer's Market on the Square today. I was very impressed. Rather than taking up a 1/2 block segment on the outside of the Square it took up 1/2 of the park-side parking on the Square. And there isn't any seasonal produce yet! Could be a great summer to enjoy the Farmer's Market and make it a regular part of your shopping. Hey, it's obviously really good, fresh stuff.

I also encourage you to use this opportunity buy local. One of the things I try to do, albeit imperfectly, is support local businesses and small town businesses. It's not easy. It's not always as cheap as "the big guys." I get it. But these are folks who are working hard to bring you fresh stuff. When you support them you support all of us. Think about it at least. :)

One of the delightful new aspects of the Farmer's Market today was the presence of a group of five musicians playing some beautiful, instrumental music on the Square. Really enjoyed them playing, and I grabbed a few photos. See them all on the Woodstock, IL Flickr group (or my Flickr page). Here's a selection...

Ugly Duckings?

I can't think of how a duckling can be considered ugly after seeing a couple follow some kids home from school a few days ago. Our neighbor kids and our kids were outside wondering where Mamma duck has gone and why she left these two behind. They are cute as a button and after they stayed the night in our backyard a nice lady came and picked the up and took them to her farm to live. Good luck little duckies!

Jumping Jenapeas!

I had my first experience of Jenapeas Sandwich Shop on the Square in Woodstock today. My wife has been there recently and loved the sandwich/soup she got. So when a friend who often checks out the regular live music there wanted to meet, Jenapeas it was. The skim mocha was really great. Reminded me of one of my favorite mochas from a place in Kentucky. The workers were very friendly. I felt at home.

And for a fairly new place they had a steady flow of traffic for food and drinks during the couple of hours I spent there. Great outdoor tables and chairs as well. We made good use on a warm spring day. Great to have another "third place" in Woodstock. Should have taken a photo for you, but if you just head to the square and pass the Opera House you will find it.

Popcorn and a Soda

The summer months will heat up and provide us plenty of opportunities to catch a movie (with popcorn and a Coke) at the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theater. This afternoon I'm taking my 8 year old, Jack, to see Spider-Man.


Jack is a Spider-Man freak. He has Spider-Man outfits, action figures, the previous movies on DVD, and is in the process of memorizing the new theme song. So I figured some $4 matinée tickets were worth their weight in gold for some opening day Spider-Man magic. And it makes for a great Dad's day out with my boy.