Traveling man

When on the road, Jack insists on staying at a Hampton Inn, one of the finest places on the planet, he says, for recovering from the previous night's bottle bender.

Skurrying

In devising his latest form of locomotion, Jack decided to borrow heavily from the hermit crab. It seems to work, although the average onlooker can't help but wonder whether more efficient means might be available.

Factory town

It's a long slog getting through the work week, something Jack knows all too well. Some days, it's all he can do to drag himself to the job on time. And things generally go downhill from there.

Bundles up for morning commute.

Checks in with the boss.

Gets a stern talking to.

Wins back boss's trust with earnest promise to do better.

Hits job site and starts getting stuff done.

Gives in to temptation of quick piano break.

Turns in half-hour performance, complete with encore and overturned piano.

Clumsily triggers alarm during night security detail.

Fails to convincingly feign innocence during police interview.

Zen

Jack finds holding his breath helps him focus and maintain his edge.

New camera

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes and help in acquiring a new camera. All of these images come from the new guy. Hmmm...I'm trying to convince myself that I can spot the difference between these files and those from the old camera.

150 percent

Jack's all about sports. And he says there's no excuse for not staying sharp on your game. So he seizes every opportunity to practice his skills, even in the tub.

Lonesome nights

Jack said he no longer needs a babysitter when we're away, insisting that he is quite capable of taking care of himself. So last night, the opportunity arose and we gave it a whirl, leaving Jack on his own. In the morning, Jack said he had a grand time, entertaining himself and completely forgetting that he was all alone.

Hmmm....

Headshots

Jack cooked up a few new looks that he wanted documented for posterity.

On patrol

Fearing for the family's safety, Jack teamed up with the dogs to form a neighborhood watch. The organization thus far has proven its worth. Not a single break-in is on record since it went live.

Jack and Jazzeppi stay vigilant in the backyard.

Failing to announce one's presence and intentions usually results in an uncomfortable ambush.

Fixing the Cubs' woes

Tired of the Cubs' lackluster post-season play, Jack's put together a little baseball primer that displays the key steps to success on the sandlot. Jack insisted a Cliff's Notes version be posted here so the Cubs roster can get a jump start on next season.

First, stretch them hammies.

Wave to the cuties in the stands.

Don't forget to mug for the TV cameras.

Exchange surreptitious smack-talk about the opposing team with fellow outfielders.

When victory arrives, make believe like you didn't see it coming.

Runny nose mirror time

Jack says it doesn't get any better than this.

Parking it

Jack knew he was heading to the neighborhood park on a sunny day, yet he still donned his trusty frog sweater. He said you never know: the weather could change at any moment, and he wasn't ready to throw in the big towel just yet.

Crazy about the front yard

Jack spends way too much time in the front yard, the doctors informed us. If he doesn't rein in his front-yard ways, the doc said, he's gonna go crackers.

"Wait...what's this?" the doc said, giving one final assessment of Jack's demented grin. "Nope. We're too late. He's gone."