Visual Bonsai

Hi everyone - I know I’m due for a 4th of July update with pics, but work has been kicking me in the rear lately. What happened to when we all used to take the summers off? Lot’s of stuff happening, ie, Oscar’s first day at daycare. Pictures to come. He did get a report card. The teachers were impressed with his ability to use a fork…hint hint.

In short, he rocked the house. I think he even picked up a girlfriend. More on that story later.

Anyhow, I’m working late tonight, but was just struck to make a quick post because sometimes you realize how good you really have it. I wanted to make everyone aware of a little benefit going on in August - the 1st Annual KIC Leukemia Benefit - held for the benefit of Kari Imhoff-Crewe, a longtime member of our fantasy football league, and a young mother battling some seriously long odds with leukemia. You can follow her story here. I’m out of town so I can’t attend, but thanks to paypal I was able to make a donation. I encourage you to do the same. Even if it’s a few bucks. Make yours here.

If you also find it a little bit tragic that a young family has to hold fundraisers to raise money for lifesaving medical treatment, I encourage you to go see a powerful movie called Sicko -by Michael Moore.

Yes I am working on my all encompassing Wissota Chippewa play by play recap. It’s coming, I promise. Although I have to admit, once your toddler can move, your style is drastically cramped at campfire parties. My On Wissota Pond retrospectives will be more like USA Today blurbs for a year or so (maybe 18?). Nah, I’m just kidding. Nothing can stop us from living it up on the 4th, and if we can’t reach the level of lakefront decadence we used to, I’ll write complete malarkey and pretend like we did. Hemmingway style.

Anyhow, if there’s one enduring image that will stick in my mind, and should be recognized by all Chippewa participants, it’s the initiation, the christening, the moment we’ve all anticipated with baited breath since, well, a year ago. All made possible by the venerable, esteemed king of SAS-ege, Mr William Kaluzny (who selflessly sacrificed and took on a 3rd job [sausage making] in the weeks proceeding the gathering) Special thanks Bill! This moment was captured in film by Andrea ‘Annie Liebowitz’ Dutcher.

All behold…

Oscar’s first…

BEEFSTICK!

Notice a few things here.

1- The number of people looking the other way (is it bad to give him so many nitrates so young?)
2- The look on Oscar’s face - Like he’s contemplating, I’m used to bananas…”what have we here?”
3- Cousin Charlie has a tortilla chip in his hand - Clearly a child ahead of his time, the second best food to a beefstick. Probably more practical for everyday living.
4- The blood on the right knee. My kid is tough. He eats beefsticks and doesn’t take any lip. (on a regular sleep schedule, otherwise it’s cry cry cry)

Yes, that is a fine moment. Almost brings a tear to my eye…

More recap to come soon. Hope you all had a safe trip home.