Getting Big

These guys have grown a couple feet taller in the last three years and probable need a trim in the fall. I got them all lit up this week in preparation for Thanksgiving. They will likely stay lit until late March or early April. They look good with lights.

Fall Color

The leaves are almost all gone now, but this three year old Japanese maple is usually one of the last to show off. It hasn't grown all that much over the years but I think a growth spirt is due next year.

Stone

My mothers stone was place a couple weeks ago and a bunch is gathered to here a nice limerick from Rachel to mark the one year anniversary of her passing. It's nice that Rachel also replaced all of the decorated stones that some many of us added to the previously unmarked plot.

Alexandria Beer Crawl

Jason, Bruce and I visited a couple breweries in Alexandria and watched the dodgers win the World Series a couple Saturdays ago. Jason is a sophisticated home brewer and was in town from Santa Barbara. Bruce and I needed to find some unique brewing experiences around town, which we accomplished I do believe.

Broken Ankle

Nicole slipped off a curb during a simple walk with her friend Carrie a week before the marine corps marathon. She avoided the doctor until after the race, then found out it was broken. It was a painful 26.2 miles but she made it and is healing well at the moment.

Slacking

Can't believe it's been a month since adding to this blog. Even in this state of retirement, time goes fast. It's almost Thanksgiving and just getting this pumpkin picture up but here goes trying to document some of what's been happening the last four weeks.

Weenie Roast

Need to take advantage of a fire pit when you have one.

Sunset

Spectacular sunsets at this rental house.

Water Time

The house included a bunch of little boats to tool around in and the fall colors were starting to pop.

Black Bear Rugby

Maine had a tough first half but rebounded for a better second half in a loss to Norwich.

Early Mist

Early walk around the neighborhood on a chilly morning.

Momma Bear

Wearing Dylan's bear hat at the hockey game. Black Bears beat Holy Cross 5-2.

Calm

Cozy house on a peaceful lake not too far from campus. Beautiful spot for a visit to see Dylan with grandpa, Rachel and David.

Approach

The sun fading as we get ready to land in Bangor.

Morning Refiections

Early walk around Lake Pushaw.

Every Yard

Dylan puts a Boston University defender on his back with this run.

Enormous Hand

These two are looking ready to call it a night.

Nicole and Zoe

Really nice to have dinner with Zoe. We don't see enough of her.

New York State of Mind

Spent last Saturday in New York, catching the Jeff Ross one man show, Take a Banana for the Ride. Good times with Mike and Carrie with a mimosa train ride up early Saturday and a long nap on the train back on Sunday.

The Darkness

A surprisingly satisfying show from a band I hadn't thought about since 2008. Good times with Modean

Sisters, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

Nice night out with this crew last Saturday.

On More Wedding Photo

Nice venue, nice people, nice weather.

I’ll be in the barn

Shirts Off

The vests came off later.

Beautiful Barn and Weather

...via PhotoToaster, using these settings.

Sent from my iPad

Drake Throwers

Current, former and coach of the Drake throwing team.

Groomsman

Sam successfully walked this bridesmaid down the aisle.

Pre Ceremony

Brooklyn Wisconsin wedding. Perfect weather for the ceremony.

Groveland

Land Mine

We took a famous "Tom Peterson" land mine shot. Tom used to do this with film cameras. Using an iPhone is way easier. A bunch of us gathered to see mom's ashes buried today. She's in a nice spot under a the shade of a tree and reminded me of some prose she liked that was part of the Ken Burns Civil War documentary that she watch a number of times and discussed with me many times over the years. 

"Let us pass over the river and rest under the shade of the trees"

Supposedly Stonewall Jackson's last words at the battle of   Chancellorsville in 1863. 

Yes, a Confederate general but beautiful words all the same. 

Sent from my iPad

Daylight Fading

Days are getting shorter, light more interesting.

Last Week

Had dinner with these fine people last Saturday. Forgot to post.

Irish Open Champs

These two beat me and Sam in a partner match play best ball game at Compass Point today. It was hot and I wilted after 9. Fun day.

Moon Over Richmond

Saw a crows show at a new amphitheater in Richmond on Saturday. Great show and a three block walk from the venue to the hotel.

Crows Show

Good to have Finn along for a counting crows show at Merriweather Pavilion. Haven't been there in years but the upgrades to the backstage area is insane. Swimming pool, gym, sauna and huge dressing rooms.

After the Rain

The color contrast in our backyard seemed more vibrant after a rain storm early last week. It's a peaceful 170 year old church yard.

Walk with Buddy

Buddy's mileage is going down due to humidity and a fur coat. Me and this guy will like the Fall temps that are not that far away.

Birthday Girl on the Left

Her 55th birthday makes her the youngest of the crew by a bunch.

Duck Walk Vineyards

Some serious hombres drinking pink rose'.

Nicole and Sharon

Candy necklace and a few margaritas. Friends forever.

Sag Harbor

Some of the smaller vessels in Sag Harbor on a rainy afternoon.

Wood’s Selfie

Nice getaway for our friend patty's 55 birthday. She a youngin.

Round Pond

Sights on the way to bagels.

Woods of Eastern Long Island

Walked to a bagel store thru the woods near our rental house in Sag Harbor. Good way to start the day.

Javelin Farm

The many colors of Javelin contest.

Still Having Fun

Sam and Adam are joined with Noah Bolt from Indiana State on the podium. Adam 1st, Noah 2nd and Sam 3rd. All of the throwers from the different schools know each other well since they are throwing against each other for years. Noah is a senior and I believe this is his last conference championship.

Nervous Watching

We all wanted Sammy to get his regional hammer mark so bad that I'm sure our blood pressure was higher than what is considered healthy.

Finding His Spot

Sam went out looking for the target for the next days hammer throw. Visualizing where he wanted the throw it was a good practice in principle. Didn't quite get there this year but he is gonna get it done next season.

Adam

Adam had a good meet, winning hammer and taking 3rd is discus. He peaked at the right time. I was sad for Sam because he didn't quite get what he wanted but happy for Adam who is like a close relative from Britain/Wales. Dylan connects with Adam because they share a love for Rugby, Football and EDM.

Holiday Card Possibility

Great to have all of us together at SIU in Carbondale Illinois. Dodged a few tornados but had fun watching Sammy throw.