On occasions when there is a lot on my mind, I set out with my camera to do something creative. This shot started off as a simple landscape of the field
in our backyard. The sun had almost set and my shadow was appearing in frame. Instead of using the built-in timer to allow me to exit the shot, I chose to incorporate myself into the image and was pleased with the outcome.
This pair of Japanese beetles could not have been more oblivious to my presence if they were unconscious. To make this image I had to place my lens less than half an inch away from them. Would you call this photograph pornographic? I am humored that the term seems to be species specific. I also located a very nice sweat bee that was kind enough to hold still for me.
We enjoyed a rare visit from a family of four skunks who casually strolled through our back yard pausing to dig small holes in search of grubs. There was some debate as to whether it was a mother and three kits or mom and dad with two kits. A little research reveals that the babies are about 8 weeks old. I must say they are quite adorable and easily my second favorite crepuscular animal behind the red panda.
Looking rather pensive as final preparations were completed for a dinner to celebrate his 18th birthday, one can only wonder what Nicolai was thinking about. I would like to imagine that he was contemplating the significance of this milestone in his life. From this day forward he will enjoy all the rights of an adult (except alcohol consumption related) as well as the responsibilities. He becomes a man already having proven his manhood many times over and crosses this threshold with great self confidence and only a tiny hint of the small boy I once knew. It remains to be seen what kind of man he will chose to be, what kind of mark he will leave behind. Where the world around him sees limitations, it is my hope that Nicolai will continue to defy expectations and redefine what can be achieved through determination, courage, imagination and an indomitable spirit. Advice from father to adult children; care for your one and only precious bodies, blaze your own path, dare to be great, love deeply, contribute to making a better world, live in harmony and balance.
My sister Alissa, her daughter Rachel, and Rachel’s friends Sara and Nicole drove out from Albany, NY this afternoon to visit. The group ventured into Boston for a visit to Faneuil Hall and the North End. Despite being a little car weary it took little pressure to interest everyone in a quick jaunt to Kimball Farm for ice cream to finish the day.
Nico and I found an hour to capture some new video footage for a project he is working on and we paused at the end for a few fun stills.
For the last few weeks, Maya has been attending the Summer Stage Dance Workshop where she studied ballet, modern, and jazz dance. This evening Jeanine and I attended the camp end-of-session recital. Maya performed in four different routines including a solo to start the final student choreographed piece.
Kyle and cousin John worked out a work-sharing arrangement today. Johnny helped out on a job with Kyle for Yard Dogs and Kyle reciprocated with an equal amount of time spent helping John with work for his summer internship. John has moved into our guest bedroom and will be spending the summer with us. We are delighted to have him and the kids are even more thrilled. Kyle is pictured here talking with Johnny about the internet research he was conducting for him.
Each Fourth of July, the town of Concord holds Picnic in the Park to celebrate Independence Day. The gathering features tethered balloon rides, a children’s decorated bicycle parade, balloon twisting, face painting, the Fire Department 911 House, the Police Department radar baseball toss, henna tattoos, Hula Hoop demonstrations, a community fair and a variety of bands performing throughout the day. At his mother’s suggestion, Kyle set up a little marketing table for Yard Dogs. He offered free candy to prospective customers (or rather to their kids who dragged the parents over) and passed out business cards to make local folks aware of the services his company offers.
Later in the day, we (Jeanine, Maya, her friend Lydia, Nico, and cousin Johnny) attended a party held each year by my lifelong friend and high school wrestling partner, Tom Metzold, and his wife Karen. Tom enjoys pyrotechnics and never disappoints his guests with a fireworks display that rivals many small towns.
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.
After more than twenty years of marriage it is not often that you learn something entirely new about your partner. Today as I took stock of our camping equipment and cold weather apparel in preparation for our vacation to Alaska later this month, I made a startling discovery. Jeanine has a massive collection of yoga pants, 24 by my count! I was searching for clothing that could be used as a component in a layering system. I generally have little business or interest in Jeanine’s side of our walk in closet. After finding the tenth pair, I realized that I would need to conduct a thorough investigation. I know women who have had to construct special rooms for their shoe collections but I have never heard of anyone with a yoga pants obsession. With each new discovery, I laid the pants out on the floor in our bedroom until it was covered from end to end. When Jeanine eventually walked in she was humored by the presentation and quickly disabused me of my fetish accusations. Apparently 4 pair actually belonged to me (sweat pants), 3 pair were long underwear, 4 were biking pants, and 2 were running shorts. Two pair were thread bare and really ready for the trash. Later in the day we went shopping at REI to complete our packing list and Jeanine decided to get a rise out of me by asked me what I thought of a pair of yoga pants that were on sale.
My commute home this evening was delayed by a showdown between a car and a tree. There was little doubt who the victor was. Fortunately, it appeared as if the car absorbed the brunt of the impact and the passengers seemed uninjured. A second car was involved in the accident and I can only assume that the impact of the car vs. car collision propelled one of the vehicles into the tree. I was on my best defensive driving behavior for the remainder of my commute.
This evening, Jeanine hosted a beading party with a few friends and was joined by Maya. Jeanine is well known for finding any excuse to throw a party or more accurately for turning any occasion into a party. I believe this event was the female equivalent of a poker party. The only difference was that beads rather than chips changed hands from round to round. Both of my girls were very pleased with their creations and I will be the first to admit that the bracelets they created are really beautiful works of art.
