This morning I thought I would do a little photography in the garden. It never ceases to amaze me what beauty I can find within ten steps of the back door. 

Kyle prepares to go up for a header against the opposing goalie. His team came away with a hard fought 1-0 victory. The game was stopped several times for lightning and most of it was played in the pouring rain. I spent a total a five hours at the field for which I was rewarded with a 15 minute window for photography. Earlier in the day, my team chalked up another victory and I scored my first goal of the season. It was a blistering drive from 25 yards that jst skimmed under the bar. It is one of the prettier goals I have ever scored and it is all that I need to sustain me for another season. 

This morning at church we celebrated the “Coming of Age” of a number of our teenagers. Each one spent several minutes addressing the congregation presenting their personal beliefs and spiritual credo. To listen to these young adults was to find hope that the future of our civilization and planet is in good hands. Jeanine was honored for her work as the mentor for three of the girls who participated. These masks which adorned the pulpit, were created by each celebrant. 

Today Maya performed in her Spring Piano Recital. She played beautifully and with great confidence. Mom and dad are very proud of her. 

I went into work earlier than usual today and decided I would pause in the Carlisle woods for a brief walk. Ten minutes later, I was on my way with a clear head and a smile on my face. 

Nico shows off his juggling skills. Last couple of days have been very intense at work (presentation to the Board of Directors) and I could not find a single minute for photography. I am looking forward to the weekend. 

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.