“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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..
TIME: 6:38 PM
PLACE: Town Hall Archery
SUBJECT: Arrows
The Cadettes started their Archery badge requirements tonight.
Stella, taking aim.
TIME: 7:00 AM
PLACE: Backyard
SUBJECT: Sunflower
Early morning light is some of the best light.
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:
Nice huh?
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.
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.
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)
TIME: 5:36 PM
PLACE: Target
SUBJECT: Wooden letters
My son did this.
I am sorry Target workers.
I am sorry Target guests.
TIME: 7:01 AM
PLACE: Front yard
SUBJECT: James, Claudia & Stella
And just like that…
Summer is over.
Senior
Junior
6th Grader
TIME: 5:28 PM
PLACE: Living room
SUBJECT: Jack
Jack was really happy we were back.
Or maybe not.
It’s hard to tell.
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.
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.
Stella and James found a crab.
They went jellyfishing – we kept him just long enough for me to take a photo, then back in the Gulf he went.
Stella flew a kite…
Commanded her minions…
And built a sand-tiki head.
We went out to eat at the “Surf Hut” for our final evening meal.
Nice view, eh?
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.
And that’s how I ended up sailing over the Gulf of Mexico.
What amazed me was how quiet it was up there.
We asked to be dipped at the end.
I’m glad I did it.
It was awesome!
Today we had some forced family fun.
After a filling breakfast at the Pancakery, we drove to the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base.
I made them all sit in the cockpit trainer exhibit for a picture.
Claudia was so excited!
Stella said this bomb cluster reminded her of a Poké Ball
.
And she recognized The Fat Man bomb right away…
Who said video games don’t teach kids anything?
Outside were plenty of aircraft.
I liked the F-111 Aardvark.
It looks like a character from a Pixar movie.
A B-17 Flying Fortress
And one of Dad’s favorites…the SR-71 Blackbird.
Speed: 2,510 mph (Mach 3.3) Max / 2,430 mph (Mach 3.2) Cruise
TIME: 10:19 AM
We were back on the beach today.
James did his best “Muscle Beach Party” pose
There were lots of seagull and human footprints on the sand.
We made a simple supper at the condo…spaghetti with plain sauce, salad and garlic bread.
TIME: 7:28 PM
We went back to the beach to walk it off.
Grandpa, Claudia and James.
There was a sea turtle nest…
…and a beautiful sunset.
