Thursday, July 30, 2009
Our Trip to NY
We had a lot of fun and good time with the family. Didn't get to see friends this time due to their plans and commitments, but I'll be home again in August and will catch up with them then.
Mom took us to their new public library. Quite a place!
Colin.
Steph reading to Ian.
One of the many mobiles in the children's section upstairs.
The landscaping is excellent. Makes you want to bring a book out their and relax to the sounds of the waterfall.
Frogs read to their kids, too!
Day 2 we went to a State park. We had so much fun we went back the next day for more fun in the sun, swimming, and a visit to the nature center.
They had an art exhibit featuring these works of intarsia (a technique of woodworking consisting of interlocking pieces). Each piece is precisely fitted to its neighbors. No stains are used, just clear finish, so everywhere you see a color change represents a border between two pieces of wood. Incredible!
Of course, a nature center has its share of animal exhibits as well.
Good doggie!
Here, kitty - kitty!
Rick, Ian, Colin and I decided to take a hike. It wasn't a long one but proved to be a challenge. We ascended some 900 feet in .86 miles. Most of the way up and all the way down, I carried Colin. Whew! Sweaty!
We made it! (Notice how fresh Colin looks.)
On the trail with Uncle Rick.
"My carry you, Daddy. My carry you." We tried that a few times but in the end it worked out better if I was carrying him. Hard to do, but hard to resist when he looks at you like that!
It was quite an effort, but we got to the top. It was a little hazy, but what the heck. It was fun. Toward the end we had to rally our spirits. The way down felt easier, if only psychologically. We chanted over and over, "Fun part - easy ride - get a drink - go swimmin' !" Sometimes you just gotta keep on goin' !
It's nice when someone is sitting on your shoulders, pushing your head down as you try to navigate tricky terrain. You should try it!
"That was easy, Daddy! Let's play!"
Yeah! WATER!!!
R-2 made of sand imported from Tatooine.
Grandma with Colin.
You know you had a full day and a good time when...
Back at the apartment, Ian and Tara fed the honksters.
And Colin helped Grandpa with the more difficult crossword clues. G: "Five letter word for Pacifist? " C: "Binky!" G: "Right!"
Da boys.
Rick tries to reconstruct my tower after causing the top piece to come down. Not so easy is it, Brother?!
Well, it was good to see everyone as always. We saw Marion and Jeff and Stella, as well. Thanks and see ya next time!!!
1 : A remote control boat on the pond at Mom and Dad's.
2 : Ian gobbling at the nature center.
Mom took us to their new public library. Quite a place!
Colin.
Steph reading to Ian.
One of the many mobiles in the children's section upstairs.
The landscaping is excellent. Makes you want to bring a book out their and relax to the sounds of the waterfall.
Frogs read to their kids, too!Day 2 we went to a State park. We had so much fun we went back the next day for more fun in the sun, swimming, and a visit to the nature center.
They had an art exhibit featuring these works of intarsia (a technique of woodworking consisting of interlocking pieces). Each piece is precisely fitted to its neighbors. No stains are used, just clear finish, so everywhere you see a color change represents a border between two pieces of wood. Incredible!
Of course, a nature center has its share of animal exhibits as well.
Good doggie!
Here, kitty - kitty!Rick, Ian, Colin and I decided to take a hike. It wasn't a long one but proved to be a challenge. We ascended some 900 feet in .86 miles. Most of the way up and all the way down, I carried Colin. Whew! Sweaty!
We made it! (Notice how fresh Colin looks.)
On the trail with Uncle Rick.
"My carry you, Daddy. My carry you." We tried that a few times but in the end it worked out better if I was carrying him. Hard to do, but hard to resist when he looks at you like that!
It was quite an effort, but we got to the top. It was a little hazy, but what the heck. It was fun. Toward the end we had to rally our spirits. The way down felt easier, if only psychologically. We chanted over and over, "Fun part - easy ride - get a drink - go swimmin' !" Sometimes you just gotta keep on goin' !
It's nice when someone is sitting on your shoulders, pushing your head down as you try to navigate tricky terrain. You should try it!
"That was easy, Daddy! Let's play!"
Yeah! WATER!!!
R-2 made of sand imported from Tatooine.
Grandma with Colin.
You know you had a full day and a good time when...
Back at the apartment, Ian and Tara fed the honksters.
And Colin helped Grandpa with the more difficult crossword clues. G: "Five letter word for Pacifist? " C: "Binky!" G: "Right!"
Da boys.
Rick tries to reconstruct my tower after causing the top piece to come down. Not so easy is it, Brother?!
Well, it was good to see everyone as always. We saw Marion and Jeff and Stella, as well. Thanks and see ya next time!!!1 : A remote control boat on the pond at Mom and Dad's.
2 : Ian gobbling at the nature center.
A Trip to the Beautiful Country
The next few days of summer would be spent seeing John and Kathy at their new place up yonder. So off I went!
And what a beautiful start it was...
Many fantastic views to see on the way - some of them iconic images, as if frozen in the past, like this one.
My first vista of la camp belle.
I saw plant life I didn't recognize. This one had pink blossoms and tall, narrow, spikes. Cool!
J and K on the pebble beach below the house.
A friend's abode. This saltbox structure started out life as a simple garage but was later equipped to be a complete living space. Cozy. Practical. I love the fact that the entire exterior covering, including the roof, is of one material. You guessed it - cedar. Gray can really work alongside the lovely colors that abound here in summer.
In contrast, another friend went the other direction, but still came out with a tasteful result. And beyond tasteful, it's impressive. The widow walk on top is striking from below and is an awesome payoff after climbing the staircases to 54 feet above ground level. Not being a fan of heights myself, I will admit to feeling a bit weak behind the knees as the owner described how he shingled the roof before the walkway and railings were even installed...yikes. The many windows that look out onto the ocean and the high ceilings on each floor create a sense of openness that completes this beautiful house.
Classical and on the coast. Can't beat it.
Descendants of Walt Disney are apparently building here as well!
One of the lights along the rocky, hazardous coast.
This is not a reed pond. It is a group of young trees driven into the ground by fishermen. The fish swim into the spiral arrangement and wind up toward the center. Then the nets are raised and the catch is made. Hmph. Ya learn somethin' every day!
So I saw some interesting things. But the most fun of all was just sitting and talking, sharing ideas and stories with great company. Not surprising. Definitely fun though! And reassuring. I hope I helped a little on the house, too. Love you guys.
Keep on goin'!
Eventually, that's what I had to do - keep on goin'. So I set out for home. Home. I'm on my way, kiddos! I'm on my way, Baby!
I gotta say...it's always nice to go home...but it's just that much better when you're biking.
And what a beautiful start it was...
Many fantastic views to see on the way - some of them iconic images, as if frozen in the past, like this one.
My first vista of la camp belle.
I saw plant life I didn't recognize. This one had pink blossoms and tall, narrow, spikes. Cool!
J and K on the pebble beach below the house.
A friend's abode. This saltbox structure started out life as a simple garage but was later equipped to be a complete living space. Cozy. Practical. I love the fact that the entire exterior covering, including the roof, is of one material. You guessed it - cedar. Gray can really work alongside the lovely colors that abound here in summer.
In contrast, another friend went the other direction, but still came out with a tasteful result. And beyond tasteful, it's impressive. The widow walk on top is striking from below and is an awesome payoff after climbing the staircases to 54 feet above ground level. Not being a fan of heights myself, I will admit to feeling a bit weak behind the knees as the owner described how he shingled the roof before the walkway and railings were even installed...yikes. The many windows that look out onto the ocean and the high ceilings on each floor create a sense of openness that completes this beautiful house.
Classical and on the coast. Can't beat it.
Descendants of Walt Disney are apparently building here as well!
One of the lights along the rocky, hazardous coast.
This is not a reed pond. It is a group of young trees driven into the ground by fishermen. The fish swim into the spiral arrangement and wind up toward the center. Then the nets are raised and the catch is made. Hmph. Ya learn somethin' every day!So I saw some interesting things. But the most fun of all was just sitting and talking, sharing ideas and stories with great company. Not surprising. Definitely fun though! And reassuring. I hope I helped a little on the house, too. Love you guys.
Keep on goin'!
Eventually, that's what I had to do - keep on goin'. So I set out for home. Home. I'm on my way, kiddos! I'm on my way, Baby!
I gotta say...it's always nice to go home...but it's just that much better when you're biking.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
It Won't Last
After a long, hard rain we were treated to an impressive rainbow. It eventually turned into a vivid double arch that could be seen all the way to the ground on both sides.
With all the rain we've seen lately, one wonders if it will ever stop. Then I remembered what the rainbow stands for.
In other words, it won't last.
With all the rain we've seen lately, one wonders if it will ever stop. Then I remembered what the rainbow stands for.
In other words, it won't last.
The Huntress
Kitty is the local serial killer. It's like living in an episode of CSI! It's amazing to me how much she hunts. This is her latest and, as far as we know, her first bird. Usually she leaves parts of mice and moles in the driveway for us to see. Much too grisly to show here, but I'm working on a coffee table book to give you all for next Christmas. Just thought you'd like too know!
Ian's Fort Knox Adventure
Recently, Ian and I decided to spend the day together and go see some sites. The itinerary included Fort Knox (the one built to protect our East Coast from British invasion, not the one in Kentucky), the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observation Tower and the nearby Unique Rock Shop.
Who knew that on the way we'd see a dinosaur! We went inside this cool shop and picked out some scrumptious peanut butter and chocolate fudge.
Approaching the large suspension bridge over the Penobscot.
Entering Fort Knox. Here we go, soldier!
A small canon in its porthole, ready for action.
The wheels on the base of the cannon slide on flat iron tracks so it can adjust fire.
A shuttered porthole.
One of the large cannons...
...and an example of its ammunition. Look out you Brits!
The interior of the fort.
One of the granite spiral staircases.
A battery along the top of the perimeter wall (minus its cannons).
There were all kinds of dark corners in the well fortified, granite compound. Next time we'll bring a good flashlight!
Ian just couldn't get enough of the fort. It was too cool. But he also wanted to get to our next stop: the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world!
Just 420 feet up!
The elevator ride takes only a minute and you are then treated to impressive views in all directions.
Looking back toward Fort Knox and across the Penobscot.
Even two of the largest vehicles on the road look like little toys from up here!
From there, we had lunch at the motorcycle range and then went to the rock shop.
Ian got a couple of small items to bring home. Some time, we'll come back and choose a carved stone animal. They had all kinds!
On the way home, we made up a little chant to celebrate a great time together:
"Why go to Fort Knox? 'Cause Fort Knox ROCKS! Why go to the rock shop? 'Cause rocks ROCK! Why go with Daddy? 'Cause Daddy ROCKS!"
So does Ian!
Who knew that on the way we'd see a dinosaur! We went inside this cool shop and picked out some scrumptious peanut butter and chocolate fudge.
Approaching the large suspension bridge over the Penobscot.
Entering Fort Knox. Here we go, soldier!
A small canon in its porthole, ready for action.
The wheels on the base of the cannon slide on flat iron tracks so it can adjust fire.
A shuttered porthole.
One of the large cannons...
...and an example of its ammunition. Look out you Brits!
The interior of the fort.
One of the granite spiral staircases.
A battery along the top of the perimeter wall (minus its cannons).
There were all kinds of dark corners in the well fortified, granite compound. Next time we'll bring a good flashlight!Ian just couldn't get enough of the fort. It was too cool. But he also wanted to get to our next stop: the tallest public bridge-observatory in the world!
Just 420 feet up!
The elevator ride takes only a minute and you are then treated to impressive views in all directions.
Looking back toward Fort Knox and across the Penobscot.
Even two of the largest vehicles on the road look like little toys from up here!From there, we had lunch at the motorcycle range and then went to the rock shop.
Ian got a couple of small items to bring home. Some time, we'll come back and choose a carved stone animal. They had all kinds!On the way home, we made up a little chant to celebrate a great time together:
"Why go to Fort Knox? 'Cause Fort Knox ROCKS! Why go to the rock shop? 'Cause rocks ROCK! Why go with Daddy? 'Cause Daddy ROCKS!"
So does Ian!
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