Maya and Jeanine are on the Esplanade this evening taking in the Boston Pops as they rehearse for tomorrow’s Fourth of July extravaganza. With expectations of rain for the main event, they joined the Yoder family for an advanced preview under perfect conditions. Originally, I was slated to join them after work. As I was getting ready to leave, however, Jeanine called to say that virtually everyone in Boston had the same idea of going a day early to beat the rain. She advised it would not be worth the effort. Since I already had my camera gear packed, I decided to venture out for some local photography. This long exposure black and white was the result.

A lightning strike last year killed one of our neighbor’s massive pine trees. As I was getting ready for work, I looked out of our bathroom window and saw this massive crane lifting the top of a huge tree across the horizon. I had to settle for a photo of the second section of the tree being hoisted down by the time I was able to dress and make it out into the back yard. My neighbor told me that the cost to the crew for the crane was $7,000 an hour. I don’t even want to imagine what the whole operation must have cost. Still it was clearly the right tool for the job.

Nicolai announced this morning that he had mastered a back flip and offered to give a demonstration. Naturally, I grabbed my camera to document the feat. He did one in pike position and a second in tuck. In retrospect I should have probably shot video in lieu of stills but perhaps I will get another chance to do that as he continues to create material for some promotional videos he is working on (one for SideStix, the other for the American Amputee Soccer Association). I tweaked my hamstring again during soccer practice this morning which has left me in a foul mood especially because I was not able to join Kyle on another bike ride today.