We have fenced off the new deck and Nala is free to roam there at will. When she gets bored she eats the house – literally. The day she gnaws on any of my photo gear is the day we will be back to two guinea pigs. 

Maya returned from a visit with my parents during which my mother taught her to sew (they worked together on the outfit she is wearing) and my dad was enthralled by her stories. She had a great time and was bubbling over with enthusiasm over her solo adventure. 

Kyle, Alex, and Dave checking out their friend’s Facebooks. 

Maya is in Schenectady with my parents this weekend (armed with her camera – so we are hoping she will return with some photos). My mother has offered to teach her to sew. With Nicolai at camp we had a rare evening alone with Kyle. After a nice Mexican dinner out we stopped at Erikson’s for ice cream. I saw an orthopedic surgeon today and my knee has a grade 2 MCL sprain. I go in for an MRI on Monday to verify that nothing is torn. 

Boy and his dog. 

This has not been a great week for photography. On Tuesday, I had to layoff about 70 people from my organization of nearly 500. These events are never easy but in this case it was the right thing for the company. On Wednesday, I sustained a rather serious knee injury while playing soccer. I am seeing a specialist tomorrow. Today while convalesing, I finally had a chance to grab my camera and favorite subject. 

Here is another photo by Maya of her mother lest you think the one of me was a fluke. 

I am not often featured on this blog because I am usually behind the camera. Today I was treated to this photo taken by Maya. I can not begin to express my pleasure in her budding talent. 

Mike treated us to Gelato after we enjoyed a nice dinner at Mama Maria’s providing a sweet end for a perfect day. 

The day started by bidding Nicolai farewell as he left for three weeks at music camp. After that Jeanine, Mike, Kyle, Tucker, Maya and her friend Allison went bowling (not duck pin) at Tucker’s request. I slipped away for a little camera shopping. We then proceeded to the North End where we went to our favorite bocce park and took in the sights, sounds and smells. Italians really know how to live. Mike and I lost a close match to Kyle and Tucker who came from behind to win. I am sorry to say that I will likely be reminded of this loss for some time to come. 

This is the first time Kyle has joined us on a hike and I think he had a really good time. we brought along the spotting scope and enjoyed some great views from the top. In total, we did about a thousand feet up and a thousand feet down.  

Mike checks in with wife Rene after dispelling all notions of an aversion to hiking. 

Nico and Greg pausing at the top. They climbed together all day and made quick work of the relatively short hike from the parking area. 

Jeanine shows off her guns at the summit.