2.29.12 Dennis Haysbert

I've had the good fortune of knowing Dennis since he became the Allstate spokesman in 2003 (my wife, Lisa, is in charge of integrated communications for Allstate--including advertising). Prior to that time, I only knew Dennis as President Palmer on "24." 

Dennis is also a long-time supporter, Clean Water Ambassador and Honorary Board member of RainCatcher, an organization that delivers clean water solutions to impoverished regions in Africa and around the world. Check out their website at raincatcher.org and lend your support, too. Water is life.

2.27.12 Tessa Edwards, Aerial Armadillo

Tessa Edwards' blog, An Aerial Armadillo (http://aerialarmadillo.blogspot.com), was the first blog that I followed. She was a painter, photographer, writer and poet, as well as a humanitarian. She was raised in Africa and spent the later part of her life in England. Her artwork is strongly influenced by the images and colors from her youth.

She battled Pulmonary Fibrosis and passed on December 27, 2010, surrounded by her family in Hampshire, England.

Although I didn't know Tessa, I have a feeling that she was an energetic, honest and joyful person.

2.26.12 Oliver & Mort

Oliver and Mort are Frank Spalitta's cats. I've know Frank since his U of Iowa days where he and my son, Christopher, became friends.

2.21.12 Kurt Miller, DVM

He's been our vet since 1992, taking care of nine of our family members during those years. Shown here with Gridley at eight weeks for his first check up.

2.20.12 My barber, Alex

This is my barber, Alex. She cuts my hair at SportsClips. She does a good job and doesn't talk much. I like that. She has four kids. The oldest is 17 and the youngest is 4. He's in daycare when Alex works. He likes daycare. So does Alex.

2.5.12 Chris Greene at Pete Miller's

Went out for a drink and some live jazz last night. Caught the Chris Greene Quartet at Pete Miller's. Chris is from Evanston. Went to the University of Indiana Jazz Studies program and has been performing around Chicago since '94. 

2.2.12 Aroids

Aroids. Drawn at the Chicago Botanic Gardens Tropical Greenhouse yesterday. They're named for their arrow-shaped leaves. The have these cool, pink spires with lots of tiny flowers on them, growing out of white petals.

2.1.12 Miles Davis