A new life; same as the old life?

I am fast realising that I am an old dog..I know many of you have likely thought that for years! Spending most of the weekend laid up with a dodgy knee, and not remembering what I did to cause it, doesn't help! Well, this old dog has been taking snapshots with expensive cameras for years now and has decided that it's about time to learn some new tricks. Of course being Scottish, I am trying to do it for free. I do like the look and structure of the courses these guys offer, but I don't know yet if I am committed enough, or honestly have the time to warrant the fees. They do have some excellent tutorials/articles though that are worth a look, like this one about airshows for example. I did find this website , which seems to have a bunch of free training in photography and many other topics. It has assignments and quizzes and a message board in case you need questions or support, so I am giving it a go.

We hadn't really been in the city for a long time as a family. So we decided that this past weekend, with 60-70f weather, that it would be the perfect weekend for a lakefront bike ride. Plus with another baby on the way , it wouldn't be long before it becomes too tiring for Lorraine to go on long days out. So we packed up the bikes on the back of the truck, including the baby trailer, and off we went. We parked at the Hancock Center. We had planned to park in Lakepoint Towers by Navy Pier, but they are now more expensive the John Hancock, WTF! We did find out though, for future reference, that if we get into the city before 10:30, the early bird rate is as low as $12 on the weekend, an absolute steal compared to the $29 for arrival at 10:45! How and ever, after getting everyone set up, belted in, etc, what a rigmarole, we headed off Southwards first to North Avenue Beach. We know that area pretty well, as that is where they hold the air and water show. It was lunchtime by now,

Those of you who know us well, will know that first time around, we had the boy names all picked out, but just could not agree on the girl names. We did end up eventually with a great name, and I didn't even come up with the Cubs connection, Lorraine did that all on her own! Well this time around it will be much easier, because thanks to the wonders of the modern science and the amniocentesis, we know we are having a boy and that he is due in early December. We have always liked the concept of last names as first names, and both liked the thought of using Lorraine's maiden name, Cooper, as his forename (I know Clark would have been cool too, but I would not have gotten away with that - Wrigley sits at the corner of Clark/Addison for the uninitiated). Lorraine only has a sister and therefore the family name would have ended without it. James was my maternal grandfather's name. A very influential figure and guiding light in my life; much more so than my father ever was or wi