Cousins

Cousins
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The kids got one final swim in up north last night as we celebrated Grandpa's 74th birthday. Back in Wayzata where the heat index is 105 right now. This is Washington DC weather.

Babe the Blue Ox

Babe the Blue Ox
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Sam and Dylan taming the Ox.

Dylan Woods

Dylan Woods
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Check out Dylan's straight left arm, club pointing at the target, full shoulder turn, feet planted and eye on the ball. He has some golf potential. Look out Jr. Modean.

Flying Sam

Flying Sam
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Only one fish this morning but we had a good time jumping off the pontoon boat anyway. Not sure where all the fish are in this lake, it is damn cold so they may be hanging out on shore somewhere. This is Sam in mid tuck for his canon ball. The judges gave him a 8.5.

Sam Bass

Sam Bass
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The ice went out just in time for a little fishing. Sam caught a nice little bass and Finn caught a couple of crappie. Not to many other bites on the lines. Dylan and Mae were shut out. Grandpa had his hands full with all those leeches and worms. God bless him.

Early Angling

Early Angling
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Glad my dad and spouse like to fish because I don't want anything to do with those slimy aquatic creatures.

Grand View

Grand View
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Dinner at Grand View were we stayed a couple summers ago. One of the oldest resorts in the area.

Kavanaughs

Kavanaughs
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The day started out rainy and cool but almost got to 70. The lake produced considerable shrinkage but the sun came on strong in the afternoon for a while. Tonight it will dip to the low 40's but tomorrow, sunny and 75. I love this brisk northern Minnesota weather. Off to dinner at Grand View in a half hour.

Lake Sylvan at Dusk

Lake Sylvan at Dusk
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

It's totally silent up here. I forget how quiet nature can be.

Pool Trooper

Pool Trooper
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

I started using my new waterproof digital camera today and had some fun in the pool. I will see what I can get tomorrow in Gull Lake.

Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis. My first Tull concert after over 40 years of touring. Good times.

Norm the Cat

Norm the Cat
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

A good cat was put to sleep today. Norm was 19 years old and was losing a lot of weight due to some growth in his mouth that was also bleeding from time to time. It was a hard day for Nicole but she bravely went and held him at the vet as they helped him fall asleep. I had my issues with Norm as he aged but I will miss him. I'm sure I will become cantankerous if I ever get that old as well. Rest in peace Norm the Cat.

Father's Day

Forgot to post yesterday about my lovely Father's Day. Spent all day with Nicole and the boys and while Nicole was nice to me the entire day, the boys were mostly nice to me but what do you expect from two 8 year olds? All in all, they are great little boys and it is a ton of fun being their Dad. I never thought I would find the whole being a Father thing so satisfying. It's a nice surprise.

Buzz Cut

Buzz Cut
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

The boys got their annual summer buzz cuts today. They have such great big blond hair that I hate to see it go but it will be back soon enough and the shaved look works for summer. Easy to find any ticks and showers go much faster. Wish I could grow it back like them.

Character Day



The boys got to pick a character in history that started with one of their initials. Sam is Spartacus and Dylan, Charlie Brown. School at this time of year is a lot of playing around. The mandated testing is over and the teachers are just killing time with costumes, movies and games. Not a bad way to slide into summer.

June 15th

School is winding down, summer is in full swing, and we are getting close to the longest day of the year. Baseball ended so it has been a little weird not having a practice or a game the last couple weeks. We have been in an organized sports league since touch football in September with the only breaks being Christmas and Easter weeks. I don't know what to do with myself after work. I suppose I should start reading again since I kind of fell off my reading streak from March of 2010 to around January this year. I've started two books but can't get the swing of them. I guess I need some good vacation time to get going again.

Team Pride


At the closing ceremonies for CSLL. We have the team party later today and then no more baseball for a while. The boys made some big strides this year with Sam really hitting the crap out of the ball and Dylan making the biggest improvements in fielding and batting on the entire team. He got better every game. Whoever drafts them next year will be getting a pretty good one, two punch.

Oriole Cake

Oriole Cake
Originally uploaded by homerclees.

Nicole went all out on the team cake this year. 10 little birds for 10 little sluggers.

2nd Grade


Dylan and his class.



Sam and his class.

The school year is rapidly coming to an end and the boys are getting ready for a busy summer and the start of 3rd grade in just a few short months. My, how the time flies.

End of Season


It was a tough game but the little Orioles lost their second round ballgame to the Pirates this afternoon. They boys both contributed a lot to offense and made some heads up defensive plays to keep the game close. Sam went 3-4 with two doubles and Dylan went 3-3. They were both a little sad to see the end of the season but they still have the end of season party next Saturday. Bring on touch football season.

Pictures here http://www.flickr.com/photos/homerclees/sets/72157626884331910/