Remembering 9 - 11

 

"Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations

of our biggest buildings, but they cannot

touch the foundation of America."

 

--President G.W. Bush

 

 

A Seat In The Garden

 

"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature."

--Gerard de Nerval

A Spider Man Miniature

 

Recently I posted pictures from a baseball game and promised to share a few more; hence, today's shot is also from that event.  At this minor-league game the main attractions for children were the balloon artist and the woman painting faces, and this picture is an example of her outstanding work.  This young boy was thrilled with the results and patiently smiled as his mother and I (a stranger with a big camera) asked to take his picture. 

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.