On the way into work I spotted this Catbird. Click on the photo for a more detailed view. 

Intense pressure on my brother Mark finally yielded a photo of my neice Sophia although his taste in sleepware has now been called into serious question. 

I keep telling Maya to stop clowning around when it is time for bed. Clearly she is taking me very seriously. 

In a matter of days, this pile of rocks will take the form of four walls that frame our as yet to be agreed upon landscaping plan. I was amazed at the amount of progress made by the time I returned home this evening. Tommorrow, I plan to observe the wall building process. It is a job I have never tackled and I would like to learn how. 

A drop of dew on a blade of grass. The halos on the left are from other dew drops. 

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.