June 18th, 2021

        The moving waters of the river are running shallow during this balmy spring. I always thought Langston’s river was influenced by Bysshe’s desert.

Looking at both and what is happening in the world today…. The negro has finally uncovered Ozy!

The well read will not be offended!

2020

2019

June 17th, 2021

 Don’t get caught not doing what you wanted to get done this summer….

Hell…. Don’t get caught not doing what you need to get done before 2022!

Also…. Don’t get caught with your pants down unless you’re with someone else caught with their pants down!

2020

2019

June 16th, 2021

 Bobby Frost on a Wednesday morning… he’s not saying good fences make good neighbors, but we can live together and have goodwill towards each other!

Farmers Market Wednesday in Riverside and another gorgeous day before heat arrives tomorrow…

2020

2019

June 15th, 2021

 Sometimes you have a day that knocks you down to remind you where you are on the Sun circler!

It is so much easier to draw a “W,” but you got to have that reminder that you can’t win them all!

Enjoy the Ides of June!

2020

2019

June 14th, 2021

 …And so we start the middle week of June!

The sun is high, the shadows are short and the living is easy!

Fly the American flag today with pride and hope that we never stop fighting for Justice and Freedom.

2020

2019

June 13th, 2021

 The June mornings with their early entrance are full of amazement and glory.

I don’t know how many June’s I have left, but when I’m gone I hope the Shepley’s of the future will remember how I loved those early sunrises, the songs I listened to and the tales I told….

On another note…. Happy Birthday to Mrs. Grace. She gave me the gift of her family’s friendship… she has made the world a better place in her 80 years!

2020

2019

June12th, 2021

           The middle of June approaches this week full of sunshine and heat….the longest days of the year and two fun ballclubs to watch!

   Anyone want

        To play catch today?

June 9th, 2021

 

                                                           2021

2020

2019

February 21st, 2021

2021

For most of my life those who loved me were usually hundreds of miles away. Most of them are in heaven now and I see them everyday.
Since my father left for heaven I only pray to him. He has become my middleman to The higher ups in the higher up.
I quoted a man today who was probably sad when it was written, but I’ve used it to define my grief of those lost as a celebration.
My loved ones may not physically put there arms around me anymore, but they are touching my soul with faithful energy. Pushing me to be better, seeing my good days and supporting the bad days..... it works for me...

2020

You never know if we are going to have a spring in Chicago.... it’s a cold morning, but before you know it.... Memorial Day weekend will be here!

2019

42 days until opening day! I can smell the onions piercing the cold concourse at Sox Park!
The sun is making a visit to Chicagoland for the first time in awhile and as we crawl towards the end of February the promise of Springs rebirth is in reach!

2018

 

February 20th, 2021

                                                                        2021

My dad always said that you are going to make mistakes... you better learn from them and hope the price for the lesson doesn’t cost ME any money! Go gets some cherry pie at your local bakery!

2020

It’s unbelievable how quickly times goes between graduating high school and getting an invitation to AARP.
The plan is not to get old.... just get older! Stay warm today.... 50 on Sunday!

2019

Already Wednesday!!! Always thrive for peace, love and soul!

2018

Make sure someone finds two unicorns this time!

February 19th, 2021

2021

Oh Billy Shakes.. what does the past build that determines our future? This line from “The Tempest” has been around four hundreds years. It’s been around for me since 1983.
The positive things we’ve taken from the past and the negative ones as well have made us who we are today and influence the remainder of our time.

2020

“Little Darling it’s been a long and lonely winter!”
Mardi Gras is next Tuesday followed by Ash Wednesday....
We are getting closer to the Chicago Spring..... thanks Linda for the quote!

2019

Back to work......

2018

Happy Monday... many of
Us slept in! I had a special artist for today’s blackboard... Hazel!

 

February 18th, 2021

                                                                               2021

Sometimes the shorter weeks are the toughest... especially when they start with 30 inches of snow!
This weekend is officially Comfort Food weekend! Oh wait.... we’ve been doing that for almost a year now!

2020

Not much on my mind today!

2018

For lent I’m giving up giving up!

February 17, 2021

 

2021

For lent I’m giving up giving up!

2020

The Monday morning of Presidents weekend... I once woke up in my underwear on a balcony in the French Quarter with a pillow of Mardi Gras beads, today I woke up between Fritz and Hazel! Life has been good!
Who is your favorite historical president and who is your favorite during your lifetime?
Enjoy your day off and make the best of this cloudy day!

2018

Go get Saturday and give it hell!!!

February 16th, 2021

2021

Chicagoland has mountains of snow today and the path will be difficult. Snow won’t keep me from my Mardi Gras Gumbo and Nachitoches meat pie!

2020

It’s going to be a gorgeous Sunday Funday! Get your Faith riled up in the morning so you can meet friends and family in the afternoon! Share good food and follies near the fire pit! Maybe later a little fornicating!

2019

I have some high school friends laying their dad to rest today... so I pray they get through the day with laughter and tears of the memories they recall.... God Speed Mr Wags!
Downhill slide into March.... enjoy the long weekend!

                                                                              2018

                                                         It’s Friday! Winter is 2/3 over!

February 15th, 2021

                                                                                  2021

                                 Fat Monday! The cold wasn’t so bad, but more snow tonight might                                                  prolong the arrival of spring a couple more days!

        

                                                                            2020 

  On the trading floor the old guys would tell the young guys, “a smart trader learns how to scratch a bad trade!” It’s just like life... get out of the losers and hold onto the winners!

Have a beautiful Saturday and get home safely this morning before your neighborhood sees you walk shamefully wearing last nights party clothes!

                                                            2019

                                         Long weekend with the Shepkids.....

    

                                                              2018

                                             Just watching the snow melt

February 14th, 2021

2021

Two things not on today’s chalkboard. First the weather forecast. I couldn’t draw “colder than my ex mother in law’s Christmas morning Kiss.” It’s wintertime! Summer will be here soon and winter will happen again!
Second, Saint Valentine’s Day... my father once told me that there are two dear gifts a man can receive in his life... the love of a woman and the trust of a child. Today I am surrounded by Trust. The other one looks good on television.
Today Ireland plays France in rugby! Run your water faucets, start your cars, briskly walk your doggy and cuddle with someone who loves you!

“Laissez le bon temps rouler amour géant!”

2020

Coldest day of the winter and it’s fitting to be on Saint Valentines Day! Though my heart will always be filled with the warmth of the Shepkids!
When you walk into the cold wind rise high and carry on! Happy Friday!

2019

Temps are rising because love makes it hot! Don’t let Hallmark decide the mood of your day! Instead of flowers..... hotdogs!

2018