Widening the the north border in the backyard . . . looking east . . .
looking west . . .
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Obsessed?
"Obsessed" is the word currently bandied about when the topic of gardening comes up. In truth the topic seldom comes up. Except of course when I carry the sod lifter to the yard.
Widening the the north border in the backyard . . . looking east . . .
looking west . . .
Widening the the north border in the backyard . . . looking east . . .
looking west . . .
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Stormy
Weather forecasts were not wholly accurate. Although the temperature decreased, 90's continued to predominate the region.
Arianna is fortunate to be spending her evening at St. Catherine, participating in the annual Totus Tuus activities. Indeed, the church can get downright cold!
As I was walking out the door to pick her up, I noted that it was beginning to rain. In the car, lightening surrounded me. Great flashes, which illuminated the cloud bank moving in from the north. In the few minutes it takes me to drive from the house to the church I recognized that we were in for quite a storm.
Moments after I pulled the car to the front of the church the storm hit with full force. The fierce wind channeled rivulets of dead leaves along the concrete. So great was the rain fall that I could not see the school building, which was a mere 15' in front of me.
The full force of the storm only lasted 15 minutes or so. Luckily it let up just as the kids were exiting the church and looking for their parents. Upon entering the car, Arianna was excited. The wind was so powerful that the church doors were blown open and puddles formed in the Narthex.
On the drive back home, we noted fallen branches and Arianna and I both expressed a hope that the electricity hadn't gone out. Thankfully, it hadn't.
A drought busting rain?
Maybe . . . .
Although the forecast looks wearying: more hot, dry, days ahead. Temps at or above 100 F.
{sigh}
Arianna is fortunate to be spending her evening at St. Catherine, participating in the annual Totus Tuus activities. Indeed, the church can get downright cold!
As I was walking out the door to pick her up, I noted that it was beginning to rain. In the car, lightening surrounded me. Great flashes, which illuminated the cloud bank moving in from the north. In the few minutes it takes me to drive from the house to the church I recognized that we were in for quite a storm.
Moments after I pulled the car to the front of the church the storm hit with full force. The fierce wind channeled rivulets of dead leaves along the concrete. So great was the rain fall that I could not see the school building, which was a mere 15' in front of me.
The full force of the storm only lasted 15 minutes or so. Luckily it let up just as the kids were exiting the church and looking for their parents. Upon entering the car, Arianna was excited. The wind was so powerful that the church doors were blown open and puddles formed in the Narthex.
On the drive back home, we noted fallen branches and Arianna and I both expressed a hope that the electricity hadn't gone out. Thankfully, it hadn't.
A drought busting rain?
Maybe . . . .
Although the forecast looks wearying: more hot, dry, days ahead. Temps at or above 100 F.
{sigh}
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Debilitating heat
Second day of 97+ degrees.
I cannot even begin to imagine what August will be like.
I cannot even begin to imagine what August will be like.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
90 Years
Happy Birthday, Bruno Kilarski!
You made it . . . 90 years old.
Pinochle in the morning . . .
Then, after the spate of rain showers (yes, rain!), the presentation of Bruno's gift, which Bruce and Alex graciously assembled.
The new glider . . . the seat of honor . . .
The seat of comfort and delight . . .
Grandpa and Arianna . . .
Grandpa and all his grandchildren . . .
Family patriarch . . . (left to right) Bruce, Bruno, Laurie, Alana, Jane, Arianna, and Sharon.
And finally dinner at Chicago's famous Old Warsaw.
You made it . . . 90 years old.
Pinochle in the morning . . .
Then, after the spate of rain showers (yes, rain!), the presentation of Bruno's gift, which Bruce and Alex graciously assembled.
The new glider . . . the seat of honor . . .
The seat of comfort and delight . . .
Grandpa and Arianna . . .
Grandpa and all his grandchildren . . .
Family patriarch . . . (left to right) Bruce, Bruno, Laurie, Alana, Jane, Arianna, and Sharon.
And finally dinner at Chicago's famous Old Warsaw.
Friday, July 13, 2012
KC Cougars
We'd done this a few years ago: attend a Kane County Cougars baseball game with Bruce, Laurie, and the kids. I hadn't intended to repeat a family activity per se, but their arrival in town for Bruno's 90th birthday celebration begged for something more than just sitting in front of the television.
As luck would have it the home team was celebrating Christmas in July. And after the game we'd be treated to a fireworks display accompanied by ol' time holiday favorites. (Well, sorta. Christmas classics to be sure. But rendered in a very contemporary way.)
Typically I work from home on Fridays. Today, however, I had to drive to Northbrook. So, we all drove in separate cars. Having been caught in a downpour, which resulted in some traffic light outages, I thought I surely be late. Not at all. Tickets cite 6:30 PM as start time, but the game really doesn't get underway until shortly after 7 PM.
A stoic Kilarski family. Too sophisticated for minor league baseball?
Uncle Bruce is focused on the field, but Alex and Jane (Alana) seem to be giving Sharon the evil eye.
At least Grandpa and Arianna are having fun.
When I arrived at our seats, Sharon traded with Arianna -- so she'd be sitting next to me. Moments later, the folks to my right got up and left. Throughout the early evening, when ever somebody got up the family attributed to my sunny disposition.
Portrait of a corporate drone at week's end . . .
As luck would have it the home team was celebrating Christmas in July. And after the game we'd be treated to a fireworks display accompanied by ol' time holiday favorites. (Well, sorta. Christmas classics to be sure. But rendered in a very contemporary way.)
Typically I work from home on Fridays. Today, however, I had to drive to Northbrook. So, we all drove in separate cars. Having been caught in a downpour, which resulted in some traffic light outages, I thought I surely be late. Not at all. Tickets cite 6:30 PM as start time, but the game really doesn't get underway until shortly after 7 PM.
A stoic Kilarski family. Too sophisticated for minor league baseball?
Uncle Bruce is focused on the field, but Alex and Jane (Alana) seem to be giving Sharon the evil eye.
At least Grandpa and Arianna are having fun.
When I arrived at our seats, Sharon traded with Arianna -- so she'd be sitting next to me. Moments later, the folks to my right got up and left. Throughout the early evening, when ever somebody got up the family attributed to my sunny disposition.
Portrait of a corporate drone at week's end . . .
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Relief
A northeast breeze blew through the Fox River Valley earlier this evening, cooling temperatures to a manageable 77 degrees.
Still no rain. But, after two weeks of 90+ degree heat, any relief is a blessing.
Knocked off working in the garden early today: 1 PM. Aunt Myra and Uncle Lester invited us to their house for an impromptu birthday celebration. Les' 88th birthday is Monday (7/9) and of course Bruno's 90th is next Saturday (7/14). The family celebration was augmented by Les and Bruno's nephew flying into town. I am not sure whether Walter Jr.and his wife, Buffy, timed their visit for Les' birthday or if it was a coincidence, but everybody enjoyed their presence at supper.
Walter Jr, Lester, and Bruno smile for Sharon . . .
The visit was enjoyable,
but also left me with a lasting impression of how difficult -- increasingly difficult -- it is for Bruno to socialize with others outside the home. Even members of his own family. I heard him say more than once that he was "deaf" -- an exaggeration, but expressive of his inability to actively participate in conversation.
Greg's tale of DNR harassment, while on his recent Ontario fishing trip was lost entirely on Bruno. Later, when Lester and Walter were talking about Bruno and Les' parents -- their life before leaving Poland -- Bruno didn't understand what was being said and launched into a diatribe having to do with Russia, WWII, and the sufferings of the long dead in Poland.
At both times I sympathized with Bruno and his inability to simply enjoy another's company.
It's more complicated that being hard of hearing, of course. Bruno's egotism -- his conviction that he's the most knowledgeable, most insightful and most experienced person in the room ("I could tell you things . . . . You wouldn't believe it!") -- greatly diminish the possibility of conversation. But, his inability to hear probably outweighs his disinclination to listen.
It's sad. At times tragic. Especially when Arianna is trying to share her thoughts with him. Especially when he's misconstrued what's going on and he becomes offended and he provokes an argument.
I doubt he was 'with us' when Barb produced an envelope in which Lester found the receipt for their stay at the Wheeler Motor Lodge in Niles when he and Myra were married. And, he seemed to take no interest in the travel guide of Milwaukee from 1959. (That's all passe! Bruno invariable bellows when talk of the past -- his past -- arises in conversation.)
It's rare for me to suggest that we leave a family gathering. But, aware that Bruno wasn't connecting with his nephew or brother, and noting the Arianna was bored stiff, when the opportunity arose I suggested to Sharon we leave. She was surprised, asking whether 'I'd had enough (of her family)'. But, in fact, I wanted to curb the likelihood of an altercation later in the evening after we arrived home.
Next weekend may not be so easy.
Still no rain. But, after two weeks of 90+ degree heat, any relief is a blessing.
Knocked off working in the garden early today: 1 PM. Aunt Myra and Uncle Lester invited us to their house for an impromptu birthday celebration. Les' 88th birthday is Monday (7/9) and of course Bruno's 90th is next Saturday (7/14). The family celebration was augmented by Les and Bruno's nephew flying into town. I am not sure whether Walter Jr.and his wife, Buffy, timed their visit for Les' birthday or if it was a coincidence, but everybody enjoyed their presence at supper.
Walter Jr, Lester, and Bruno smile for Sharon . . .
The visit was enjoyable,
but also left me with a lasting impression of how difficult -- increasingly difficult -- it is for Bruno to socialize with others outside the home. Even members of his own family. I heard him say more than once that he was "deaf" -- an exaggeration, but expressive of his inability to actively participate in conversation.
Greg's tale of DNR harassment, while on his recent Ontario fishing trip was lost entirely on Bruno. Later, when Lester and Walter were talking about Bruno and Les' parents -- their life before leaving Poland -- Bruno didn't understand what was being said and launched into a diatribe having to do with Russia, WWII, and the sufferings of the long dead in Poland.
At both times I sympathized with Bruno and his inability to simply enjoy another's company.
It's more complicated that being hard of hearing, of course. Bruno's egotism -- his conviction that he's the most knowledgeable, most insightful and most experienced person in the room ("I could tell you things . . . . You wouldn't believe it!") -- greatly diminish the possibility of conversation. But, his inability to hear probably outweighs his disinclination to listen.
It's sad. At times tragic. Especially when Arianna is trying to share her thoughts with him. Especially when he's misconstrued what's going on and he becomes offended and he provokes an argument.
I doubt he was 'with us' when Barb produced an envelope in which Lester found the receipt for their stay at the Wheeler Motor Lodge in Niles when he and Myra were married. And, he seemed to take no interest in the travel guide of Milwaukee from 1959. (That's all passe! Bruno invariable bellows when talk of the past -- his past -- arises in conversation.)
It's rare for me to suggest that we leave a family gathering. But, aware that Bruno wasn't connecting with his nephew or brother, and noting the Arianna was bored stiff, when the opportunity arose I suggested to Sharon we leave. She was surprised, asking whether 'I'd had enough (of her family)'. But, in fact, I wanted to curb the likelihood of an altercation later in the evening after we arrived home.
Next weekend may not be so easy.
Friday, July 6, 2012
103 in the shade
Another brutally hot day. Except for Bruno, who claims it's "too damp down below", we're spending an inordinate amount of time in the basement. We might go for a swim after supper; the pool's open between 6 PM and 8 PM. But, this week has been extraordinarily uneventful.
Took me 6 1/2 hours to finish clearing the north border of weeds, but it's done.
Took me 6 1/2 hours to finish clearing the north border of weeds, but it's done.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
100 in the shade
Is this long weekend my Summer vacation?
Last night's sleep was not as restful as I'd expected. Woke later than yesterday, but was out at the north border by 6:30. I worked long today. Too long given the temperature. But, I want to complete this bed by Saturday.
Lots of interesting things in the bed. Two oaks seedlings (6-8"), one hickory seedling (3"), and a "locust" seedling (12"). (Am not certain what kind of tree this actually is, but I'm I believe a trip to the nursery will substantiate my belief that it's a Black Locust.)
The few Ostrich Ferns I left in the bed two years ago are reproducing nicely. They look terrible -- due to the heat -- but I'm not concerned. The northwest corner of the yard has always been a challenge and has gone through a number of different designs. None proved fruitful. The dry shade made my think again about the ferns, which I moved across the yard. As always happens, you miss a few. So, I decided to let them be. And, notwithstanding the extraordinary weather we're experiencing, they're doing just fine.
The Golden Alexanders, which I started moving in last year, are flourishing in the space. Lots of self sowing.
A few hostas -- planted when I thought a Japanese theme might work -- remain for the time being. The Japanese garden took shape at the opposite end of the yard and I'll move these over at a later date.
First, you clean the bed up, then you move plants. Unless the heat and drought conditions subside, I can't imagine moving plants until Fall.
Thankfully Arianna and Sharon kept me hydrated. They did spend an hour at the pool, where Arianna stepped off the diving board for the first time today. Now that's a milestone worth noting.
The basement is no longer as cool as it was last week. The heat is not supposed to bear until Sunday. It's going to be a long Summer.
Last night's sleep was not as restful as I'd expected. Woke later than yesterday, but was out at the north border by 6:30. I worked long today. Too long given the temperature. But, I want to complete this bed by Saturday.
Lots of interesting things in the bed. Two oaks seedlings (6-8"), one hickory seedling (3"), and a "locust" seedling (12"). (Am not certain what kind of tree this actually is, but I'm I believe a trip to the nursery will substantiate my belief that it's a Black Locust.)
The few Ostrich Ferns I left in the bed two years ago are reproducing nicely. They look terrible -- due to the heat -- but I'm not concerned. The northwest corner of the yard has always been a challenge and has gone through a number of different designs. None proved fruitful. The dry shade made my think again about the ferns, which I moved across the yard. As always happens, you miss a few. So, I decided to let them be. And, notwithstanding the extraordinary weather we're experiencing, they're doing just fine.
The Golden Alexanders, which I started moving in last year, are flourishing in the space. Lots of self sowing.
A few hostas -- planted when I thought a Japanese theme might work -- remain for the time being. The Japanese garden took shape at the opposite end of the yard and I'll move these over at a later date.
First, you clean the bed up, then you move plants. Unless the heat and drought conditions subside, I can't imagine moving plants until Fall.
Thankfully Arianna and Sharon kept me hydrated. They did spend an hour at the pool, where Arianna stepped off the diving board for the first time today. Now that's a milestone worth noting.
The basement is no longer as cool as it was last week. The heat is not supposed to bear until Sunday. It's going to be a long Summer.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Independence Day
I've been waiting for this day off work for a month. I'm so disheartened by circumstances at work that a few days off is more than a little bit needed.
But the heat is overwhelming. It's been in the 90's for several days already. Hot, dry. Although the house cools a bit at night, today's 100 degree heat was mind numbing.
Rose at 5-ish, morning prayer, then hit the west border. Finished weeding in an around the evergreen seedling and then re-planted a large container full of nodding pink onion. About 4 hours work. 6 AM to 10 AM.
For whatever reason -- the extraordinary heat, perhaps? -- nobody was the least bit interested in attending the annual Sleepy Hollow Independence Day festivities. The thought of standing on the street in the noon day sun . . . it wearied us all.
We'd thought about heading to a movie, but there's nothing worth paying for a ticket . So, we spent most of the afternoon in the basement, playing Monopoly.
After a quick and simple supper, we watched Yankee Doodle Dandy, and then stepped outside to watch the fireworks. Although she hadn't the heart to leave Grandpa and Mommy sitting on the front lawn alone, Arianna and I did walk over to the park. First time. Well, kinda. We spread out a blanket near the baseball diamond in 2002, but no sooner were we comfortable than (baby) Arianna lost her composure. So up we went, back to the house, where I noticed -- while Sharon feed Arianna (and Bruno brooded in his bedroom) -- that we could see most of the fireworks display from the front lawn. And so it's been every year. But, now that Arianna is getting older . . . she's curious to see the entire show; she wants to be part of the action.
Someday.
But the heat is overwhelming. It's been in the 90's for several days already. Hot, dry. Although the house cools a bit at night, today's 100 degree heat was mind numbing.
Rose at 5-ish, morning prayer, then hit the west border. Finished weeding in an around the evergreen seedling and then re-planted a large container full of nodding pink onion. About 4 hours work. 6 AM to 10 AM.
For whatever reason -- the extraordinary heat, perhaps? -- nobody was the least bit interested in attending the annual Sleepy Hollow Independence Day festivities. The thought of standing on the street in the noon day sun . . . it wearied us all.
We'd thought about heading to a movie, but there's nothing worth paying for a ticket . So, we spent most of the afternoon in the basement, playing Monopoly.
After a quick and simple supper, we watched Yankee Doodle Dandy, and then stepped outside to watch the fireworks. Although she hadn't the heart to leave Grandpa and Mommy sitting on the front lawn alone, Arianna and I did walk over to the park. First time. Well, kinda. We spread out a blanket near the baseball diamond in 2002, but no sooner were we comfortable than (baby) Arianna lost her composure. So up we went, back to the house, where I noticed -- while Sharon feed Arianna (and Bruno brooded in his bedroom) -- that we could see most of the fireworks display from the front lawn. And so it's been every year. But, now that Arianna is getting older . . . she's curious to see the entire show; she wants to be part of the action.
Someday.
