Unexpected visit from Uncle Greg

Arianna's Godfather was in Chicagoland on business and stopped by for supper, a game of Uno, and conversation.

Fruits of our labor

The bright scarlet French pumpkin -- Rouge Vif D'Etampes -- has jumped out of its patch and is nestled beneath the Butterfly bush. Only three pumpkins are growing this year, but they all are growing well.

Elsewhere in the garden the Bluebeard is in bloom and drawing bees.

No turning back now . . .

The 'Welcome' bed begins in earnest . . .

Happy 15th Birthday

Even on her birthday, Arianna is a dedicated student. When I came home from Mass she was busy . . . busy . . . busy.

Never too old for a balloon.

Sharon prepared Arianna a favorite: French toast.

The day was bright and comfortably warm. We had a couple ideas about how to spend the afternoon. The picnic at Cantigny won out over a trip to the zoo because we all agreed Grandpa could better participate.

Deciding whether to take the high road or the low road through the gardens . . .

A rose by another name . . .

Pooped . . .

After a short siesta, Arianna decided to take me up on my suggestion to try a new Chinese restaurant. So, it was back in the car for a 20 minute drive to Heng Wing in Palatine. I've driven past this restaurant on the way home from work for more than 10 years and the parking lot is always jammed. This evening was no different. Since we arrived at the top of the dinner hour we didn't have to wait, but when we left folks were standing at the door. And no wonder . . . the food was great . . . portions were large . . . and the service attentive. Maybe I'll pop in sometime for carry-out.

Back home . . . there were gifts to open and cake to eat.

Homework

The facial expression says it all, I think.

It's gonna be a great year!

10th Grade

Here we go again! Another school year . . .

Begins with a hearty breakfast.

The obligatory portrait . . .

The embarrassed 'Daddy . . . just go!' pic at the school . . . 

Oh no! Not again!

After I mowed the front lawn I clipped the grass extra short where the new "Welcome" bed will go.

Sharon and I have been talking about this for a while. This will balance the Mixed Perennial Bed I dug out of the west side of lawn in 2012.

Speaking of oddities . . .

Suddenly this mysterious "weed" has cropped up between the cracks of the patio. It's so festive. But, I have no idea what it might actually be.

Sewing Project Completed

Ta dah . . .

Sewing project

Arianna is going to take a sewing class this year. It was one of several electives she chose, but it was her first choice. In anticipation, she decided to make herself a skirt. It's coming along nicely and she's almost done.

Es is vorbei

Today I spread the last of the mulch. 20 yards . . . I started on June 3 . . . it sure took a long time . . . .