A great day for a parade

Labor Day 

is made 

for parades

for family gatherings

for good food

for games

St Pat's Day parade

One of the things we love about Naperville is the parades. All the major holidays have them and the blustery March parade is one of the best. I have to admit I'm too embarrassed to take a picture of the belly dancers but they clearly are a favorite as the gyrate down the street to the tune of "Its a brick house". There are plenty of politicians, Irish dancing girls, a few bag pipes, and a new one for us. A motorcycle police group zooming, and I mean clear the street they are zooming, doing a zig zag cut in and out of each other formation. Actually quite cool. Though I think Rindy's favorite was the garden club or maybe the Irish Wolfhound club. (which I refused to take a picture for fear that someone would think I was getting one. They make Chief look small)

Thanksgiving Getting Closer

So what to do?

The table is spread.

What to do indeed!

Its time for a parade.

We drove downtown for the Chicago McDonald's Thanksgiving Day parade. An easy drive downtown, convenient parking and temperate weather (high 30's). The trip was Blair, Julie, Dean, Eden, Mac, and us; we missed the boys who are at John & TJ's. The parade had many marching bands dancing and playing up a storm; inflatibles, dancers, horses and the like. Definitely a fun parade.

Labor Day

You have to love Naperville community parades.

The route is literally, one block from our front door. Out front street Franklin was blockaded and a policeman was out front all morning. (Rindy treated him with some fresh Zucchini bread.) And our side street Eagle was lined with cars. We hosted an impromptu party and watched the parade, while Mackey was at volleyball practice. Five of the local high school bands marched and they were our favorite. We knew a city councilman, a motorcycle riding couple, a gymnast group mother, a drum major, and a drummer. The weather was perfect - kinda cloudy, kinda cool, not quite hot. A great day for a parade. After the parade we sat on the porch ate zucchini bread and chatted.
The rest of the day was light chores, working out, and then over to some friends for dinner. A great day.

parade and movie day

Parades are an integral part of our little community. Every major holiday has one. The Thanksgiving parade highlights – other than being a four block walk from the house include the ever popular adopt – a –dog, day care centers, Irish dancers, holiday floats and of course the marching Star Wars Club in full costume – sorry the photos didn’t work my battery died.

The parade was followed by a basement showing of UP. A movie which made me reflect on father and missing him, fondly remembering the 90 balloon salute but as Rindy observed left the invitation to embrace the next adventure – which we are. The virtual non-dialogue overview of their relationship was an enjoyable technique. A fun movie for all.