First Day of School (4th Grade)

In some measure a "tradition" is merely a habit that becomes ritualized. I am grateful for having an employer that gives an ample number of personal time off days and allows employees to work remotely. This benefit of working at Allstate has enabled me to 'send off' Arianna on her first day of school.

And so here is pesky ol' Dad, taking pictures at breakfast.



I. Pondering what 4th grade will be like. . .





II. . . .moments before finding out

Arianna is 9 years old!



Probably would have to rate this birthday a '5' on the excitement scale. A fairly quiet day at home, opening gifts every now and then to prolong the suspense.

As always Arianna is the recipient of much generosity.

From cousins in Germany, Arianna received some charms for a bracelet they sent her a few years ago. From out West, Uncle Greg and Aunt Ronda sent a gift card to Barnes & Noble that was in a lavish, pop-up greeting card. Aunt Ann remembered her Goddaughter's birthday by sending a 'chapter book', a journal, and some writing tools.

From Michigan, Oma sent the entire American Girl Kit series of books. Aunt Kay and Ben sent a gift card.



Grandpa outfitted Barbie, and Daddy and Mommy added to the 'Big House' collection, as well as diminished space in an already crowded bedroom by buying a beanbag.



And, then there was the 'walkie-talkie', which resulted in a moment of confusion.



Per Arianna's request, we ate at a Chinese restaurant. And then later enjoyed home-made devil's food cake.



Not a house full of screaming revelers, but a day to celebrate our blessings - a healthy, happy daughter and gift of parenthood.

Shedd Aquarium

A bit of time away from the office . . . . And, so - in celebration of Arianna's 9th birthday - we spent Friday in the City at Shedd Aquarium.




I. Man with Fish Fountain


It has been some time since we've been to the aquarium. City guides inform us that the Shedd is the most popular tourist attraction in the City. Long lines are typical. Several weeks ago, on a rainy Saturday, we tried to be spontaneous and found ourselves at the end of a line that snaked round and round the museum campus. We opted for the Field Museum instead.

On Friday, we came prepared: tickets in hand, we were able to go to the head of the line.




II. Sea Horses - A Favorite Attraction




III. As are the Sea Dragons




IV. The Wild Reef Exhibit is Stunning




V. More Wild Reef




VI. A Breath of Fresh Air


Since our last visit several changes have been introduced at the aquarium. In the Oceanarium, they've added a Cafe alongside the beluga whale tank (bad), and they've added a bit of interactivity for the children (good).



VII. Arianna Getting Up Her Nerve to Touch a Star Fish




VIII. Arianna Takes the Plunge




IX. Frigid Cold Water!

Friday Garden Walk

The Friday evening garden walk seems to be a habit.

My boss has said that I carry a load most of my colleagues would balk at. Small consolation are his words of praise, when I eat a cold supper alone. Or, am so exhausted I can't even think straight.

But, the garden cheers. Even as I decrease, life abounds.



I. Perennial Sunflower (helianthus 'Lemon Queen')





II. Butterfly Bush (buddleia davidii)





III. American High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)





IV. American High Bush Cranberry (Viburnum trilobum)





V. Purple Prairie Clover (dalea purpurea) and Feather Reed Grass (calamagrostis acutiflora Karl Foerster)

Success!

Arianna and I worked on weening her off training wheels for a long time. I failed.

But, she didn't!

After supper this evening, she had something she wanted to show me.

The pictures aren't too sharp, but I think the story they tell is crystal clear.




I.





II.





III. Arianna free as a bird





IV.

Rock Wall Bed in Bloom

A genuine challenge that I have started to address this year is choosing flowers that bloom throughout the season. By and large, the majority of the prairie flowers I planted when I started this project -- Coneflowers, Black Eyed Susan, Goldenrod, Blazing Star -- bloom in late Summer.

That said, seeing these beauties in bloom is something I look forward to.




I. Blazing Star (liatris), Nodding Pink Onion (allium), and Karl Foerster seed heads dance in the breeze





II. White Blazing Star and Golden Glow (Rudbeckia)

There are always surprises in the garden. One of the unexpected surprises was the success of an heirloom rudbeckia -- Golden Glow (R. laciniata). Golden Glow towers in the garden and was placed near another tower included in the Rock Wall Bed: a Shag Bark Hickory. This beautiful double rudbeckia reached a height of more than 5'.




III. Lead Plant and Golden Glow Rudbeckia against Shag Bark Hickory





IV. A nice prairie / savanna view





V. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea magnus)





VI. A Karl Foerster seed head points the way to Golden Glow and Lead Plant