Celebrate!

 

In June I featured my parents on their 45th wedding anniversary, and recently some family members and friends gathered to celebrate that milestone.  We enjoyed a delicious meal and lively conversation followed by a round of pictures.  Fortunately, a member of the restaurant staff agreed to take a shot using my camera so I could be in the family photo.  Again, congratulations, Mom & Dad!

Paws On Michigan Avenue

 

Despite the overwhelming presence of concrete, steel and skyscrapers, dogs occupy an important role in the lives of city dwellers, including these pretty pooches spotted on Chicago's Miracle Mile.  Although this venue provides little green space for four-legged companions, folks continue to value their presence and welcome them into their studio apartments, condos and shared-living spaces.  And, as seen in these photos, man's best friends seem content as they take a Sunday morning stroll down Michigan Avenue.

 

Eat, Drink, Bathe

 

During this hot, dry summer our backyard bubbler constantly had feathered visitors seeking a reprieve from above-normal temperatures, a bath and something to wash down the seeds they consumed while at the feeders.  Today's pictures include a male goldfinch eating at the thistle feeder and sharing the water fountain with a robin.  The latter humors me as robins generally chase away any birds that want to share time in the water while the finches are skittish guests and often leave immediately when another bird arrives.  This day, however, the heat was intense and water scarce; evidently, the two discovered that sharing this resource was ok just for a short while.

Sun Sets On Summer

Today several folks in the USA have a day off work due to the Labor Day holiday; however, for many this also marks the unofficial end of summer.  Therefore, the sunsets featured in this post are intended to symbolize the changing seasons as well as highlight a gorgeous time of day on West Lake Okoboji.  Although the calendar now says September, we continue to enjoy some beautiful late summer days and cherish the tranquil evening sky.

At The Lake

 

Today's photos represent recreational activities suitable for the upcoming 3-day weekend.  Although these pictures are of West Lake Okoboji taken near Arnold's Park they remind me of the many summer days I spent at my grandparents' cabin.  As a young person staying at the cabin was the ultimate highlight of any weekend, and I still associate the Labor Day holiday with being anywhere near a lake and enjoying a few more warm days on the water. 

 

At The Ball Park

 

Have you spent an afternoon at the ball park?  Since all ages participate in baseball and softball, chances are this summer you attended a game to watch a family member.  Recently we were at a nearby minor league game and enjoyed the atmosphere and opportunity to take a few pictures.  Today's photos are only of the stadium, field and players but in a future post I will include some great shots of kids enjoying themselves at the ball park.

 

 

Gulls

 

While spending time on the Iowa Great Lakes one sees dozens of gulls, including this group that seems to enjoy a sunny spot on West Lake Okoboji.  This particular dock sits directly in front of a restaurant and outdoor eating space; therefore, my guess is these birds feed on any crumbs that guests leave behind.  Have a look at the feathered friends and be happy you don't have to clean up after them!