Jeanine returned this evening from four days in Indiana where she celebrated Erica’s graduation from the Univeristy of Evansville with her dad, sisters Lauren and Susan, and nephews Gabriel and Luke. The family is pictured here gathered around the bench donated in her mother’s memory to the Lebanon Memorial Park. 

For a Mother’s Day present, the kids agreed to sit for a portrait to be framed and presented to Jeanine when she returns from Indiana tomorrow. Getting the three of them clean, reasonably well dressed, and seated in close proximity for more than 4 seconds should earn me an honorary degree in international diplomacy. 

I also happened upon this Rose-Breasted Grosbeak and was able to get close enough for a decent shot. 

This morning, my team won a 4-1 victory in a very physical battle against the current top-standing team in our division. It was a very sweet victory. Kyle’s team came from behind to tie the top-standing team in his division. A good soccer day all around. I had a chance to visit the Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge where I encountered this Eastern Tiger Yellowtail. 

With Jeanine out of town, I am sending a kiss from her daughter. 

I can only hope that this scene of Maya being chased by all the boys is not a preview of things to come. After the game, which her team won by a wide margin, I gave Maya her second driving lesson. I operate the pedals and she steers while sitting on my lap. She really enjoyed herself and did a very respectable job. Kyle’s team suffered a one-point loss and Nico’s a one-point win. My day was largely composed of taxi service (three soccer games, one swim lesson, two play dates, one birthday party, and a partridge in a pair tree). 

I had breakfast on the new screened in porch this morning. The sound of the birds was almost deafening. I captured this Blue Jay just outside the window. 

I made it home in time to do a little gardening. Mostly I spilt and moved hastas around but paused to take a photo of some of the flowers blooming in the front yard. Jeanine has been in Indiana since yesterday visiting her family and to celebrate Erica’s graduation from college. The fact that all three children have made arrangements, on their own, to have dinner with friends, might be construed by some as a statement about my cooking skills. I will be dining alone and looking forward to an hour or two of peace and quiet at the end of a very hectic week. 

Maya sporting a new spring dress which matches her favorite sneakers. 

I have been trying for some time to get a really good picture of a Great Blue Herron in flight. Today on the way into work I lucked upon this very cooperative subject. I just love my commute. I apologize for all the recent bird photos. There is a very brief window of time each spring before the trees leaf out and while the birds are distracted by thoughts of love when really good photos are possible. In a week or two I will be back to the incessant stream of soccer photos of the kids. 

My favorite shot of the day and perhaps my favorite photo so far this year. I was in the right place, at the right time, with the right lens, and nice lighting. 

Neither Jeanine or I could identify this little guy. Extra credit for anyone who can. 

I am fairly sure, but not positive, that this is a Least Flycatcher. 

A nicely backlit Greater Yellowlegs. Click on any of the photos for a more detailed view. 

Most of the beach is roped off so that the endangered Piping Plovers can nest undisturbed. I was able to photograph two of them, but the photos are not very good due to the extreme distance. 

This morning I played soccer down in Foxboro against the currently top ranked team in Division 1. We played very well but were only able to manage a 0-0 tie. I had one of my better games but missed a nice header opportunity that would have secured the win. With Jeanine on her retreat, Kyle at his game in the middle of the state, Nico at his friend’s house and Maya at the circus, I decided to drive out to Plum Island for a little nature photography. Here is a nice shot of a Snowy Egret. 

Finally, this is a male Common Carp thrashing around the surface water as part of their spawning behavior. 

Red-Wing Blackbirds are everywhere. 

We also spotted a bunch of Painted Turtles. 

Jeanine is on a retreat with the three girls she is mentoring so I am Mr. Mom this weekend. Maya and I made a visit to Great Meadows before Nicolai’s soccer game. Here we have a Common Grackle. 

This evening, Maya and her friend Julie performed a piano duet at the annual Willard Talent Show. They played the Turkish Rondo. I contributed a slide show set to music featuring photos from prior years in honor of Becky Robichaud, the originator and driving force behind the shows. Afterwards, Maya and I had an ice cream date at Helen’s. 

Maya has taken to the electric scooter like a fish to water. With no prior experience she simply hopped on and took off. 

Caught this little Yellow-Rumped Warbler on the way to work this morning. 

Kyle works on his juggling skills after dinner. 

We have promised to add a dog to our family if the children can care for a stuffed one for 30 days. The routine requires two 10 minute walks per day, one feeding, and two water bowl refills. If they miss a day, then we reset the 30 day clock. If they are late, then the dog poops inside and they have to clean it up (has happened already). So far they have a week of care under their belts and are showing a lot of resolve. 

I found this crumpled up sketch in the kitchen today. I am fairly certain this is Nico’s work.