Saturday, October 10, 2015

Senior Year Homecoming (283/365)

20151010_IMG_8032
TIME: 5:04 PM
PLACE: Around town
SUBJET: Claudia and friends

The last high school homecoming for Claudia -
She learned a valuable lesson today.
ALWAYS double check the material of your dress before using an iron set on “Cottons”
That way you don’t melt the material on your right shoulder.
She wore the dress anyway.
Hardly noticeable.
Right?

IMG_8054 copy
With the guys.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Latticework Shadows (282/365)

20151009_IMG_3349a
TIME: 6:37 PM
PLACE: The Bullpen
SUBJECT: Shadows on the stage

The Husband and I went to a comedy show/benefit tonight.
Too bad we didn’t get to see it.
I got a migraine and we left right before the show started.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Medal Ceremony (281/365)

20151008_IMG_3343
TIME: 6:33 PM
PLACE: Gymnasium
SUBJECT: Stella and her medal

Well, they lost the first round of the tournament.
They all got medals though (not really a fan of that, but what are you gonna do?)
I think she’s happy it’s over.
Now she can go to the comic book store and play “Werewolf: The Apocalypse”

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Foggy Commute (280/365)

20151007_IMG_3338
TIME: 7:20 AM
PLACE: Highway 255
SUBJECT: Fog

It was a bit foggy this morning on the way to work.
And it’s hard taking a picture while driving down the road at 65mph.
I kept my eyes on the road.
Pointed.
Clicked.
Hoped I got something.
This is it – I’ll take what I can get.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Waiting on the Serve (279/365)

20151006_IMG_7946
TIME: 5:24 PM
PLACE: Gymnasium
SUBJECT: Stella

Soccer yesterday, volleyball today.
It’s a learning league – and a quick one, it only runs about 4 weeks.
Stella’s team was assigned yellow shirts and decided to call themselves the “Minions”

Monday, October 5, 2015

He Goaled! (278/365)

20151005_IMG_8011
TIME: 6:48 PM
PLACE: Highland, IL
SUBJECT: Soccer game/My boy

Yay!
My Jamesy made a goal!
See, that’s the ball in the net!
(Too bad the light was quickly fading and all of my pictures turned out crappy. Don’t look too close!)

20151005_IMG_8018
He was happy.

20151005_IMG_8020
His teammates were happy for him.

And we won 3-0.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Movies (277/365)

0151004_20151004_135502_LLS
“Of course life is bizarre, the more bizarre it gets, the more interesting it is. The only way to approach it is to make yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show.”
Unknown

”TIME: 2:55 PM
PLACE: Lincoln Theatre
SUBJECT: Movie screen surround

HH and I went to see the matinee showing of “The Martian” at the Lincoln.
We bought popcorn, of which I somehow managed to jam a hull between my teeth and gum within 5 seconds of eating my first handful.
Nevertheless, I thought the movie was pretty damn good.
Love Matt Damon.
Two thumbs up!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Cook-Off Remnants (276/365)

20151003_20151003_210242
“Trash has given us an appetite for art”
Pauline Kael (American Critic and Author, 1919-2001)

TIME: 9:02 PM
PLACE: Downtown
SUBJECT: Trash

It’s the 1st weekend of October and that means the annual Chili Cook-Off is happening downtown in our fair city.
I didn’t go last night, the kids did.  They said it was packed – or as my husband likes so say “It was all ass-holes and elbows out there”
Tonight, the aforementioned husband and I ventured out.
It wasn’t too bad this evening, though there were several booths that had sold out.
Still, there was plenty of chili to be had.
Beer too.
And it was a nice crisp evening.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Bad Cologne (275/365)

20151002_20151002_190831
“Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt of, not swallowed”
Josh Billings (American Humorist, 1818-1885)

TIME: 7:08 PM
PLACE: Gas Station
SUBJECT: Warning on pump

This is good advice.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Throwback Thursday (274/365)

Wedding_11-4 copy
“Sorority Picture!”

DATE: April 1, 1995
PLACE: B-Street Bar
SUBJECT: My cousin and me

One of my favorite photos from my wedding day (besides the ones with my husband of course)
My cousin and best friend and me doing our “Sorority Picture!” pose.
Neither of us were ever in a sorority.
But, while I was going to school at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, she came for a visit.
We went to a fraternity party and we noticed that all of the sorority girls posed like this in
every.
single.
picture.
Beer glass/cup/bottle prominently displayed.
Mouth wide open.
Bent at the knees.
Heads together.
Always having an a-mazing time.
So, yeah.
We always take a “Sorority Picture” when we go out now.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Keeping It In Bounds (244/365)

20150901_IMG_7741
TIME: 5:17 PM
PLACE: Collinsville High School
SUBJECT: James

Soccer season is back in full swing.
James is playing on the Junior-Varsity team.
He’s a Defender (of truth, justice and the American way…)

Monday, August 31, 2015

Cicada (243/365)


 20150831_IMG_7725
“I guess I felt attached to my weakness. My pain and suffering too. Summer light, the smell of a breeze, the sound of cicadas - if I like these things, why should I apologize?”
― Haruki Murakami, A Wild Sheep Chase

TIME: 6:16 AM
PLACE: Back door
SUBJECT: Cicada

I heard him way before I saw him hanging out on the storm door frame.
The sound of cicadas = summer to me.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Field of Green (242/365)

20150830_IMG_7682
TIME: 6:52 AM
PLACE: South side of Hecker, Illinois
SUBJECT: Field

We were on our way to Chester this morning for some forced-family-fun.
We made plans with another couple, their kids and an exchange student they are sponsoring.
I took this while waiting at our pre-arranged meeting spot.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Big Saturday Night Out (241/365)

20150829_IMG_2998
TIME: 7:39 PM
PLACE: O’Fallon
SUBJECT: Gander Mtn. storefront

Yes.  We go a little crazy on Saturday nights.
Do you think you can keep up with us?
I doubt it.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Fountain (241/365)

20150828_IMG_3006
TIME: 9:10 PM
PLACE: Downtown
SUBJECT: Fountain on the Square

I’ve been having trouble this month taking photos.
Some days I just can’t find my mojo.
Lucky for me, the downtown fountain always makes a good subject.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Card Catalogs (239/365)

20150827_IMG_2992
TIME: 7:10 PM
PLACE: Library – Archives & Genealogy
SUBJECT: Card Catalog Files

After dropping Stella off at the comic book store for some Werewolf Apocalypse game time, I stopped by the library to drop off items and pick up another audio book to listen to during my work commute.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Dog Day (238/365)

20150826_IMG_7667
TIME: 7:04 PM
PLACE: Front porch
SUBJECT: Oreo

You are lazy, overweight, steal food from the garbage can, are getting by the day and shed way too much.
But you are a good dog.
Happy Dog Day!

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Lunchtime Shadows (237/365)

20150825_134616
TIME: 1:46 PM
PLACE: Work
SUBJECT: Outdoor patio

I like to eat a late lunch, usually about 1:30 or later.
This way, when I’m finished, I’ve only about 2 hours of work until I get to leave for the day @ 4pm.
I opted to eat outside today – it was warm, but I was alone and the shadows were nice and crisp on the ground..

Monday, August 24, 2015

Archery (236/365)

20150824_IMG_7615
TIME: 6:38 PM
PLACE: Town Hall Archery
SUBJECT: Arrows

The Cadettes started their Archery badge requirements tonight.

20150824_IMG_7594
Stella, taking aim.

20150824_IMG_7603The targets.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Sunday Sunflower (235/365)

20150823_IMG_2983
TIME: 7:00 AM
PLACE: Backyard
SUBJECT: Sunflower

Early morning light is some of the best light.

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Keyhole Garden (234/365)

20150822_IMG_7584
TIME: 12:20 PM
PLACE: Grade School
SUBJECT: Keyhole garden

This is the first Girl Scout project of the school year : a keyhole garden.
This is a raised bed garden with composting that distributes nutrients to the surrounding plants. 
The center basket is the compost bin.  This is watered and the run-off provides the plantings with water.
Our basket is wire with bamboo lashed around it.
I did the lashing – and I did a mighty fine job if I do say so myself.
Here is a closer look at my handiwork:

20150822_IMG_7566
Nice huh?

Friday, August 21, 2015

Reversed (233/365)

20150821_IMG_2968
TIME: 8:35 PM
PLACE: 1100 Block of West Main
SUBJECT: Neon sign reflections

After the inter-squad Soccer (JV vs. Freshmen & Varsity vs. JV) and the parent meeting at the high school, HH and I went out to have a little refreshment.
The neon window signs of 10th St. Baking Co. were reflected in the building across the street.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Throwback Thursday (232/365)

20150820_IMG_1169
TIME: August 18, 2007 @ 12:42 PM
PLACE: St. Louis Zoo – Children’s Zoo
SUBJECT:  Grandpa and the Kids

We were invited to an appreciation day at the zoo. 
Grandpa went with us.
We arrived about 8:00am and ate breakfast.
Then we had the run of the zoo for about an hour before the general public.
By the time we took this photo at the end of our visit, the temperature had become very hot and humid.
James looks like he had had enough and is ready to go home.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Silver-Spotted Skipper (231/365)

20150819_IMG_3042
TIME: 6:51 PM
PLACE: Backyard
SUBJECT: Butterfly

This guy was hanging out on my thermal shopping bag.
It needs to go back into the car.
(The shopping bag, not the butterfly)

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Because He Is A 16-Year-Old-Boy Who Still Acts Like He Is 8 (230/365)

20150818_173926
TIME: 5:36 PM
PLACE: Target
SUBJECT: Wooden letters

My son did this.
I am sorry Target workers.
I am sorry Target guests.

Monday, August 17, 2015

School Is Back In Session aka First Day of School 2015 (229/365)

20150817_IMG_7507
TIME:  7:01 AM
PLACE: Front yard
SUBJECT: James, Claudia & Stella

And just like that…
Summer is over.

20150817_IMG_749520150817_IMG_7493
Senior

20150817_IMG_750220150817_IMG_7501
Junior

20150817_IMG_749820150817_IMG_7496
6th Grader

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Not Sure If He Missed Us (228/365)

20150816_IMG_7524
TIME: 5:28 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Jack

Jack was really happy we were back.
Or maybe not.
It’s hard to tell.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Vacation Day #7 (227/365)

08152015_IMG_289420150815_IMG_290120150815_IMG_2951
TIME: 6:15 am
PLACE: Across from the condo
SUBJECT: Beach & Gulf

So today was our final day of vacation.
I woke up early to say goodbye to the beach.
I was very sad to leave.
And it was a long ride back home.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Vacation Day #6 (226/365)

20150814_IMG_2820
TIME: 9:11 AM
PLACE: Miramar Beach, FL
SUBJECT: Bas Ass Coffee Co.

We started our last full day in Destin at the Bad Ass Coffee Co. getting our java on.
Then it was off to the beach.

20150814_IMG_2827
Stella and James found a crab.

20150814_IMG_2831
They went jellyfishing – we kept him just long enough for me to take a photo, then back in the Gulf he went.

20150814_IMG_2838
Stella flew a kite…

20150814_IMG_2881
Commanded her minions…

20150814_IMG_2885
And built a sand-tiki head.

20150814_IMG_2890
We went out to eat at the “Surf Hut” for our final evening meal.
Nice view, eh?

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Vacation Day #5 (225/365)

20150813_IMG_4753
TIME: 11:29 AM
PLACE: Destin, FL
SUBJECT: James, Stella & Me – Parasailing

As part of our condo rental package, we received one complementary parasail each day of our vacation.
I was thrilled. 
I am very cheap thrifty, and this way I was only going to have to pay for one child!
(Claudia wanted to keep her feet on the ground)
Then I read the fine print….
You had to be 18 to use the freebie.
 
 
20150813_IMG_4765
And that’s how I ended up sailing over the Gulf of Mexico.
What amazed me was how quiet it was up there.

20150813_IMG_4785
We asked to be dipped at the end.

I’m glad I did it.
It was awesome!