27 Years and Counting

The 27 year anniversary is the anniversary of sculpture. So, last Sunday I went to the famous Haeger Pottery in search of a gift. Although we've lived in the Fox River Valley for 12 years now, we'd never ventured over to the East Dundee potter. I found a uniquely-shaped vase, that I thought would fit in the living room. 

Given that today's a work day and we're supposed to attend a parent-teacher meeting at school, we did not plan on an elaborate celebration.

Sharon did make a fancy Asian dish . . .

 
. . . which included fresh tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden.

Two hours at St. Catherine's . . . .

Due to the heat, the initial gathering was in the church, where -- in contrast to the school gym -- it is air conditioned. Then, parents were herded over to the school to meet the teachers. Naturally, most of the teachers are well-known to us already. But, this year, Arianna has two new teachers: men, who are a welcome change.

Back at the house, we exchanged gifts.

Onward . . . the next 27 years!

Teen

Birthdays may be a bit anticlimactic when they're celebrated on a school day, but Arianna was in good spirits. 

Since I was able to work from home today, it was my job to ensure the lunch-time treat was delivered on time. The drive to Country Donuts is not the time consuming, but when the rain began to fall, I was concerned I might be late. Just a little concerned. I figured that if worse came to worse and I missed the kids' lunch time, Miss Loy would be generous and allow me to deliver the treats in the class room.

But, no need for such drastic measures.

Thankfully, homework was inconsequential -- insofar as the time it took to finish it up.

Per Arianna's request, we went to a Chinese buffet. King Buffet -- in Crystal Lake. This wasn't the restaurant we thought we were going to, but everything turned out okay. We all enjoyed the food and were able to sample a variety of different dishes. 

And what would a birthday be without gifts to open and cake to eat?

Despite our best efforts to cut back . . . friends and family continue to send Arianna greeting cards and packages.

A spontaneous gesture . . .

Just what the dentist ordered . . . Thanks Grandpa!

From Oma . . .

More duct tape . . .

The "huh?" moment . . .

From Mommy and Daddy . . .

70's TV . . . Who'd have thought!

A sentimental gift from Daddy results in a fit of laughter . . .

The baker sets candles on the cake . . .

The last first day . . .

. . . of school at St. Catherine of Siena.

8th grade . . . !

It seems just like yesterday Arianna entered kindergarten . . .

August 23, 2005 - Afternoon session of kindergarten

Of course it wasn't just yesterday. 

August 19, 2013 - 8th graders pose of Mrs. Grant and Mr. Rudorf

(l-r) Erika N., Arianna R., Taylor Z. Peyton J., Bridget B.

Although Arianna wasn't thrilled that Sharon and I escorted her to the entrance of St. Cathrine's this morning. Having to carry a bag or two of her school supplies made for a ready excuse. Seeing Mrs. Grant lining the kids up for a group photo, I immediately felt I wasn't the only parent with a child older than 10, whose sentiment compelled them to carry a camera along with them.

Academically. 8th grade is supposed to be a breeze. I anticipate drama. The onset of adolescence and all that implies is already becoming apparent.

But, they're all smiles today. 

And, that's what matters most. 

Peachy

I did not expect the peach tree to bear fruit after one year. So, I was surprised when a single peach appeared this Spring . . .

Over the course of the Summer we watched it -- hopeful a chipmunk would not raid our bounty.

When Sharon's cousin, Richard, was over to the house recently he asked about a pollinator. I assured him that the tree I bought -- Reliant, especially bred for the northern USA -- was self-pollinating. Still, I didn't want to rely on my recollection and after a few minutes research I not only confirmed what I'd thought and said, but got a better idea of when the fruit was supposed to ripen.

In early August, although nicely colored, the peach was still hard as a rock. Today, it was a bit over-ripe, soft to the touch. 

I picked it and with great enthusiasm Sharon cut into it and divided it up. Bruno, for whom I bought the tree, was tickled to try the first bite. Sharon and I too were delighted with the flavor. The texture might have been better -- but I lost sight of the fruit and picked it late. (We've eaten far worse textured peaches and nectarines from the grocery store!)

With any luck the tree will bear again next Summer -- and maybe even more than one peach!

Now if the apple trees would bear . . . but, again, one oughtn't expect fruit within the first three years.

MSI Outing

I accepted the invitation to interview for a position in Chicago with a consulting company that had an opening at Blue Cross Blue Shield. I took the train into town and after the interview, Sharon and Arianna met me outside the BCBS building and we then drove to Hyde Park and spent the rest of the afternoon at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Arianna loves the MSI.

We saw many curious exhibits . . . about weather, about the human body, and so forth. And, we had a nice lunch too. Great way to spend an afternoon -- especially one with rain in the forecast. 

Catnip

With the amount of rain we've had this Summer, lots of blooms in the garden. Even the container of catnip bloomed.

--Much to Pepper's delight.

Mystery Squash

I cleared out a sunny plot of the north border to give pumpkin plenty of room to spread. Two things: (1) there's never enough room for gourds ans (2) none of the seeds I planted were accurately labeled.

Here, the vines encroach on Yarrow in the perennial border at the front of the vegetable plot.

  
But, what kind of squash is this?

I had thought I planted pumpkin, butternut squash, and a variety of acorn squash. This may very well be the latter . . . but not what I expected. And, not a single pumpkin or butternut.

Basil Chicken with Shrimp and Pot Stickers

Another winning super . . .

And on a Saturday!

After working in the garden, I cannot tell you what a treat Sharon's effort really is.