Farm in Summer 2007

We went to the farm on July 14. Good times.

My Yard Summer 2007

Green thumb? Not so much. But, how I do love to try. And, there's nothing better than when all things agricultural align and you walk out back and see the fruit of your effort: vegetables, fruits, flowers, vines, etc. This year started out promising (I swear) but the catalpa tree did what trees do (it grew leaves) and shaded out my flowers. Had I planted flowers for a partially shady area I would have been in good shape. But, I didn't. So just as I finally came to terms with my huge gardening blunder, the catalpa tree started to die (verticillium wilt). Although there is a small chance it will survive, it's not likely. And, the flowers? Well, they're mostly dead too. Oh, and look at our neighbor's tree (bottom photo, big maple)--is that how you prune a tree?

Hot, Hot, Hot

A few years ago, during a rocky patch with her now husband, Phyllis suggested the idea of having a book club. Since most of the potential members were eager readers and already knew one another from having worked together in various bookstores, the book club came to life rather quickly. Although it had a good run, the club is, alas, defunct. But, we did manage a book club reunion of sorts recently at the wedding of fellow former member Sarah at the Stupp Center in Tower Grove Park (TGP). Sarah is third former book club member to marry in TGP--me in 2000, Dona in 2001, and, now, Sarah in 2007--but the first one to have her audience warmed up by a fire eater.

Ted Drewes

If you're from St. Louis, you know Ted Drewes. The original south city location is along the famous Rt. 66 but we live closer to the newest site on S. Grand. I wouldn't call us regulars but we do manage to work in a few visits during the summer. This visit was our first for the season. As you can see by the ice cream glaze on Willa's face, the stuff is pretty good.

Lewis & that Other Guy

Dona and I have resumed our summer walks/hikes/exploring, the first of which led us to the Lewis and Clark trail off of Highway 94 near St. Charles, MO. We did 6 miles--in spite of some pretty pesky, and persistent, mosquitoes. I suppose we might have learned a thing or two about foiling those mosquito from Lewis or Clark had we consulted their journals. But, alas, we did not. One thing's for certain, they had a pretty good view of the Missouri River atop these bluffs.

Horsing Around Cedar Hill, MO

Colette and I took the youngins' horseback riding today at a farm in Cedar Hill, MO which is about an hours drive southwest of St. Louis. It was a scenic drive, especially once we got into the rural part of Jefferson County. Once we arrived, the kids took turns riding Isabelle the Horse. Afterward, they explored the barn where they saw a number of other farm animals, including Lefty the Farm Dog. We stopped on the way home at Morse Mill Park and had a picnic along the Big River. On the way home, Colette and I asked the kids which part of the day was there favorite. Surprisingly, Isabelle was a close second to Lefty.

Peoria, IL

When Bill and I were in grad school we both worked for Dr. Bob Williams at the Rivers Project. Bill actually worked there first but I was so excited and inspired by the work that was happening in that tiny little office that I talked Dr. Bob into taking me too. Well, after a good run, the Rivers Project is officially closed. We had one last hooray in Peoria, IL last weekend. Here are some photos from our trip.

Spring Break 2007

During our spring break, we spent five days in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It's about an hour drive south of Cancun. I found out, by way of the $5 T-shirts in the local tourist traps, that Playa is part of what is known as the Maya(n) Riviera. Ooh la la, tres chic. The sights, sounds, and smells were great and fun was had by all. My only regret was that I didn't take more photos of the scenery. If you want to see more, check out Willa's blog. In the mean time, here are some photos from the day we spent at Tulum.

New for Summer 2007

We're trying a few new things out in the backyard this summer. The first big, and sad, change was putting the vegetable garden to rest. It's been a staple of the backyard every spring and summer since we moved in 7 years ago. But, a garage was built next door a few years back and then we added a semi-private privacy fence the following year. Of course, the fence looks great but we were lacking one serious requirement that all healthy, thriving gardens need: ample sunlight. So instead of a garden, we now have grass. Or, as Willa calls it, baby grass. The second phase of the backyard transformation involved buying a sandbox and patio furniture. The final phase should be repairing the gates and capping off the walls around the garage, now patio, area. Or, that is what I hope.

Spring Flowers

The color in early spring is incredible. Too bad it doesn't stay that way.

Starry Night, Snowy Day

When I was a kid, it snowed. And when I say "snowed," I mean it really snowed. Like 2006/07 Colorado snow (although not so much in such a short amount of time). Like eight foot snow drifts snow (well, my memories might be a little off). Well, last night, it snowed. I can't say that it even came close to how I remember it used to be....when I was a kid....but Wee Willa enjoyed it. She even posed for a photo which I have titled "Homage to Tai Chi."

Gateway to the West

First semester is over....yeah, yeah, yeah! It's been quite an experience working with the SLPS system this year. Most things are just as I expected (think STL media coverage) but the personnel issues have been unbelievable! People coming and going, going and coming--me included. Although I was hired to teach history at Roosevelt, I am now teaching special education at Gateway Institute of Technology (after a brief stop in 6th grade at Humboldt Middle). And, this was all in the first week of school. Crazy! But, I've adjusted, I think, and have discovered that I work with a pretty great group of teachers. Here are a few photos from my classroom at Gateway and our bi-monthly teaching training workshop at Milo's on the Hill.

Gardenland Express

I've never been particularly interested in trains or model trains but going to see the annual Gardenland Express exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden has become a tradition for Bill and me. It's quite an amazing sight. Each year the Garden staff constructs this wonderfully elaborate train display using flora from the Garden. The details are so layered that you can spend hours studying the exhibit's depth and beauty. Plus, you get to see a lot of little boys, especially, in train conductor hats and Thomas the Tank Engine T-shirts.

Hoot Hoot Hoot

Willa's fascination with owls, especially their "Hoot-Hoot" call, has continued so we spent the morning at the World Bird Santuary in Lone Elk State Park. Although we were bundled, the weather was unseasonably warm--about 60 degrees by the time we left. Willa tried out the few bird calls that she knows. It was fun to watch her as she tried to get the birds' attention. Willa was so serious as she attempted a call. Then, when the bird responded, she reacted with such surprise--as if her magic worked.

Farm in Fall

Back in the early 80's Bill's Dad bought 150 acres in Warrenton, MO which was a little farming community about an hour's drive from St. Louis. When Bill's Dad found the property it was being used as a subsistence farm. Much of the native species woods had been fenced in for pigs and the farm house was in shambles. So, the fences came down, as did the house, and the land was to return, as much as possible, to it's former state. Bill has spent most of his adolescence and adulthood growing up on this land. Hiking, hunting, camping, exploring. I'm not sure why his Dad decided to buy the place but it's been an important part of Bill's life and, now, mine and Willa's. Oh, and Grover's.