Birds are now in abundance throughout the year.
Although beautiful, deer are always problematic.
It's one thing to seek repose in the clover entwined grass, but quite another to seek supper among my plantings.
What greeted us after dinner . . .
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Deer Visit
I plant natives in the hope of their survival in the rocky clay that is my corner of the world, but also to give the birds and animals in the neighborhood a sense of habitat.
Birds are now in abundance throughout the year.
Although beautiful, deer are always problematic.
It's one thing to seek repose in the clover entwined grass, but quite another to seek supper among my plantings.
What greeted us after dinner . . .
Birds are now in abundance throughout the year.
Although beautiful, deer are always problematic.
It's one thing to seek repose in the clover entwined grass, but quite another to seek supper among my plantings.
What greeted us after dinner . . .
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
More GVB
Home game!
To date, no wins for the St. Catherine Spartans. Experienced parents are quick to point out that the 7th and 8th grade team were no better when they began.
A goal I have for Arianna is that she'll succeed in getting the ball over the net when she serves.
It'll happen . . . .
To date, no wins for the St. Catherine Spartans. Experienced parents are quick to point out that the 7th and 8th grade team were no better when they began.
A goal I have for Arianna is that she'll succeed in getting the ball over the net when she serves.
It'll happen . . . .
Saturday, September 17, 2011
5th - 6th GVB
Arianna is playing volleyball this year. Two of her best friends -- Peyton J and Brigit B -- are on the team. And (I think), this may be why Arianna decided to give it a try.She is in good company as far as expertise is concerned: the team, which consists of both 5th and 6th graders, has only two girls who played before.
Since expertise is not an issue, Arianna has a great opportunity to learn about team work, as well as the challenge of honing skills.
I can't speak for Sharon, but I'm proud of Arianna's can-do attitude and openness to trying something entirely outside her comfort zone. I hope she sticks with it and grows into the role of girls volleyball player.
Although the game at St. Mary's Elgin was not a success (they seldom are), Arianna was up and out of the house this morning. The double-header was against two distinct St. Mary's team. I'm told that many of the school have so many girls interested in volleyball that they can field more than one team per grade level. And here we are having to combine 5th and 6th grade girls!
This is definitely a drawback. When playing a double-header, the St.Catherine Spartans play both games, whereas opponents can rely on their second team to play the second game.
Again, it's not about a winning record, it's about the experience.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Day trip: Milawaukee Art Museum
Who'd have thought Milwaukee would be the site of a significant exhibition of Chinese art. Our infatuation with Wisconsin continues with a trip to the Milwaukee Art Museum to see an exhibition of artifacts from a long-abandoned garden residence in the Imperial City.
Compared to the neo-classical architecture of our own Chicago Institute of Art, the newly minted Milwaukee museum is an attraction in itself.
Looking ever the tourist, a follow traveler asked if she could snap a family photo.
As might be guessed from the photos the day was lovely. Warm, bright, clear. Summer may be on the wane, but days like today are much thought of when the temperatures dip and the sun is hidden behind grey clouds.
So much activity at and near the museum, which shares Lake Michigan with the windy city. Somehow, I doubt kites dotted the Chicago's lake front.
And after the tour of jade treasures, supper at Mader's - an old world German restaurant.
Compared to the neo-classical architecture of our own Chicago Institute of Art, the newly minted Milwaukee museum is an attraction in itself.
Looking ever the tourist, a follow traveler asked if she could snap a family photo.
As might be guessed from the photos the day was lovely. Warm, bright, clear. Summer may be on the wane, but days like today are much thought of when the temperatures dip and the sun is hidden behind grey clouds.
So much activity at and near the museum, which shares Lake Michigan with the windy city. Somehow, I doubt kites dotted the Chicago's lake front.
And after the tour of jade treasures, supper at Mader's - an old world German restaurant.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day Parade
Brisk morning with lots of sun. Sharon said that she was going to "march" in Naperville's Labor Day parade, so Arianna and I followed her down south to get a glimpse of the fun.
Parades can be strange affairs, but this one was right on. Naperville really can't be called a small town, but standing on the corner, amidst neighbors, and watching the marching bands sure made me wish I'd made at least one or two decisions that would've put us in Mayberry.
It wouldn't be a parade without at least one American flag . . .
And, of course, a carnival atmosphere calls for a clown . . .
Local businesses were represented in abundance. Especially dance studios . . .
Marching bands were also well represented . . .
And we can't forget the pom-pom girls . . .
Naturally, a healthy crowd of onlookers always makes the marchers feel appreciated . . .
As if we labored in the fields, one of several antique tractors . . .
Oddities such as this bike kept the kids smiling . . .
Arianna and I weren't too surprised the FG crowd was near the back of the parade . . .
Wouldn't you know it? We were standing on the wrong side of the street! Still, the quizzical face on the young girl sums up my sentiments about FG too.
When all the marching was over, Arianna and I tracked down Sharon and we went out for a bite to eat. What was supposed to be a two hour parade lasted much longer. I don't think we got home before 2PM. --But, it was a fine day.
Parades can be strange affairs, but this one was right on. Naperville really can't be called a small town, but standing on the corner, amidst neighbors, and watching the marching bands sure made me wish I'd made at least one or two decisions that would've put us in Mayberry.
It wouldn't be a parade without at least one American flag . . .
And, of course, a carnival atmosphere calls for a clown . . .
Local businesses were represented in abundance. Especially dance studios . . .
Marching bands were also well represented . . .
And we can't forget the pom-pom girls . . .
Naturally, a healthy crowd of onlookers always makes the marchers feel appreciated . . .
As if we labored in the fields, one of several antique tractors . . .
Oddities such as this bike kept the kids smiling . . .
Arianna and I weren't too surprised the FG crowd was near the back of the parade . . .
Wouldn't you know it? We were standing on the wrong side of the street! Still, the quizzical face on the young girl sums up my sentiments about FG too.
When all the marching was over, Arianna and I tracked down Sharon and we went out for a bite to eat. What was supposed to be a two hour parade lasted much longer. I don't think we got home before 2PM. --But, it was a fine day.