Mulan, age 9. Knitting. She's very much into knitting. Also "iCarly." Which is what she's watching right now.

I have to admit, the show is funny.

Why am I glad that the Olympics are not going to be in Chicago? Probably because I would worry too much. Why? What a symbol it would be, the Obama, the Olympics - the whole thing made me nervous. Anyway, Rio! I'm glad, I'm glad I tell you. Even though i'm glad also to be here - in Chicago - with it raining and threatening us with autumn no less.

My inaugural picture - a typical Friday night. I'm going to watch a netflix doc. about Lorenz Hart. Mulan is going to watch iCarly.

Dinner tonight: grilled salmon and steamed artichokes. Odd but somehow perfect.

Today I had an attack of missing Los Angeles. Jitlada, Loteria, Surfas,the Larchmont wine and cheese shop, Susinas, Sunday Hollywood Farmer's market - ALL YEAR LONG - OH, and the Academy theater! - Kate Mantinis afterwards, the hot, sweaty Octobers. What was I thinking, moving here?

I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles missing Seattle and Spokane. I guess you - I - can't truly love a place until I've left it.

"Bright Star" - my favorite movie this year..... I have to see it again. And again.