May 1, On A Clear Day

On a clear day one can see clear across the bay to the other side. This is the coast on the other side of the Chesapeake. We’ve taken our boat across on a cold, cloudy and windy day because for some reason, we felt invincible – the only kind that’s saved for the young and fool-hardy.

I can’t say we won’t do it again though…

Built To Ride

Last weekend I was invited to shoot some photos of a bike ride event. It was great fun, a festive atmosphere and the scenery on the route was beautiful. I did however, think of my friend Mike the entire day. He was struck down by a drunk driver last Sunday while training for a triathlon riding on his bike. I don’t know how to put it any nicer. As I watched the almost 600 bicyclists along the route, a part of me was a little sad.

However, the task was before me and I drove many miles chasing bicyclists up and down the route of which longest was 63 miles. My buns hurt thinking about it.

It was a long day and I found myself getting – distracted. I couldn’t help it, the scenery was beautiful. Aside from the bicyclists themselves, here’s some of what was distracting me…

This was an osprey momma and her babies.

Their nests are everywhere in this area. I have yet to capture “the” shot of this majestic bird, but I’ll keep on trying…

I love this play boat on the beach. The field hockey girls had a field day on it during their 5K last fall. Pun intended.

I stood and watched the ducks sleep. For some reason I was fascinated by how they can balance on one foot while their heads are tucked in their wings. I too want to balance while hiding my head.

An artist painted this mural on the side of one of the buildings along the boardwalk. I’ve looked at the painting many times through the years and I always feel sorry for this little boy. He wants to stay, but his mom wants him to go home. All moms know what it’s like to drag an uncooperative child through the beach/mall/grocery store. Just fill in the blank.

And then there’s this lady. She’s getting eaten by a shark and waving her arms for help while everyone else ignores her.

I’ve seen Jaws one too many times…

I loved this dog…

He looked both ways before crossing the street. Too cute.

Uh oh – the fuzz.

This family was not a part of the race but they were happy to be there all the same.

And finally – a field of yellow and green. I wanted to lay down and rest my weary phlegm filled sinus infected head…

April 30, Dandy Legs

I’m excited it’s Monday, not because it’s the symbolic start of the work week for most people, but because it symbolizes the end of last week and thus it’s behind me, not in front of me.

As a matter of fact, I’m so happy about this Monday that I canceled my doctor’s appointment today. I was suffering from a sinus infection last week. I diagnosed myself and I ought to know, I’ve had two such instances of sinus infections in the course of the last six months. I did try getting a doctor’s appointment last week. When I saw my doctor at a biking event last Friday afternoon, I thought to myself, “Aha, that’s why I can’t get an appointment.”

I wanted to approach her and ask her to write me a prescription for antibiotics – you know – under the table. I know why I’m sick and she’s seen me in her office enough times over the last six months that she knows why I’m sick. It will save us both the trouble of actually being in the office.

I didn’t ask her. I wouldn’t put her in that position.

Anyway…don’t you love the horse. I saw him through the fence and I thought he was one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

I’ll stop digressing now…

April 25, In Memory

Is it the end of April already? It’s unbelievable how time flies, it’s so fleeting and therefore so valuable – especially in light of what I’m going to say next…

Last Sunday morning, Neighbor Suzanne’s husband, Mike, was killed by a drunk driver while cycling. He was 46 years old and his two little girls are about the same age as my own girl.

It’s so unfair that it’s beyond words. I was so shocked when I heard, I couldn’t cry until much later. I heard the words, “Mike was killed yesterday” and I couldn’t even bring myself to ask about how it happened. I then found myself living my life as always and I thought about his family whose lives are far from normal – and the enormity of it weighed on me.

I was writing this post a couple of days ago and this photo made me think of him…a pilot who loved to fly, and the sun setting on his life here on earth.

I thought of lovely Neighbor Suzanne and how she doted on my sweet dog. Funny enough, I thought of their dog Kiji and how she would stay with us when they were out of town. I thought of how much she loved her husband…how much she loved to cycle with him…and how she was a staple at our monthly Bunco meeting/games. It’s just memories of a more normal time.

His daughter’s favorite quote on her facebook page is, “We will be ok.” I know you will but I will pray for you all the same.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will up hold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Rest in peace, Mike.

Let Go & Breathe

Sometimes a pretty thing is just the thing…

I am posting for Texture Tuesday over at Kim Klassen’s place.

I’ve used two textures, as requested – Oh My and Let Go.

- Oh My at overlay layer, 37%
- Oh My at soft light, 80%
- Let Go at soft light, 21%

The soft light layers made the photo brighter and lighter. This photo was taken three weeks ago, the little buds have been here and gone so it’s nice to have a photo to remember.

Traveling Through Space & Time

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been to Indianapolis twice, Minneapolis twice, St Louis, Grand Forks ND, Thief River Falls MN, Chicago and a place called Hibbing MN. Trips to these places were for one purpose only – to scout universities that will best fit the boy’s vision of his future.

I wish he wanted to go to school in the Caribbean. It would be so pleasant…

Last week, the boy and I traveled on six airplanes, two trains, two trams and two rental cars in the course of three days. I wanted so badly to stop and take photos. That part of the world is so interesting, it has its own stark beauty. But I didn’t have much time. We were chasing the next mode of travel.

In the effort for full disclosure, we were traveling on airline stand-by tickets. It’s sort of like hitch hiking around the United States on airplanes.

I’m not complaining about the price – it’s free – after all, if I walked eight hours a day, five days a week non-stop, it would take me four months to walk from Minneapolis to Las Vegas. People who traveled by chuck wagon from the East coast to the West coast took twenty years to arrive. They were a totally different group of people when they finally arrived at their destination, almost a generation would have passed.

I’m putting this all of this into perspective.

And for the record, the people were awfully nice. Everywhere we went, we were shown a lot of sympathy for our plight. It was quite touching.

For example, we were unable to get on a flight out of Grand Forks so the nice gate agent suggested we drive to Thief River Falls. I said, “Where’s that?” He said it was only 45 minutes away and we had time to catch a flight out of there. The boy and I ran to get a rental car and I drove an average of 90 miles/hour (I’m exaggerating – sort of) to get to Thief River Falls (the time estimate was a little off by the way.) When we arrived, the nice ticket agent informed us that we could not board the airplane…the paperwork was done and the door was closed. The boy and I watched an almost empty airplane take off.

We got back into our car and started laughing hysterically, I think it was from the stress. As it turns out, it was a blessing because with the help of the nice lady at the rental car counter, we were able to garner a hotel room in that town, something we couldn’t do in Grand Forks because all the hotel rooms were booked for a powwow. It’s true. There was an Indian powwow in Grand Forks last weekend…

And then it started to snow in Minnesota…

In any case, this little adventure of our tells me one thing – the boy is a great travel partner, he’s fun to hang out with, and he’s resilient. He can handle any situation with good humor and resourcefulness. That’s so important to know because no matter where he ends up going to school, it won’t be anywhere close to home. It gives me great peace of mind to know that he can handle himself in almost any situation. He also looks so mature when he dresses up. Someone asked him during the course of our travels if he worked for the airlines.

It’s not going to stop me from worry though, it’s in my genes. He and the girl left for their Small Group last night and I held my breath until they got home. It’s normal right?

April 23, Sunny Days & Mondays

Even though the sun is hiding today, I pulled from my archives to find evidence of more sunny days!

Can you believe there is snow in Buffalo NY from this Nor’easter? It’s rainy here too, but I am so happy to be home, in my own kitchen, feeling the familiarity of my family and my things. It’s not like me, I am normally a good traveler, even an excited traveler. Perhaps it has something to do with age…

Happy Monday.

For Mosaic Monday…

April 20, Chasing The Sun

The sun is life and its warmth chases the shadows and makes the world glow. It’s a wonder that I chase it, everywhere I can find it.

I’m going home today. I’ll be chasing the sun all the way…

April 19, A Good Day

If you are present when the sun rises, you can’t help but feel the light on your face and believe there’s a Creator of this universe.

And you cannot help but think – it’s going to be a wonderful day.

I haven’t done this in a while but I’m linking to You Capture...

April 18, Leaving On A Jet Plane

I’m on a part-time schedule at work and only go to the office on select days. Yesterday was not one of them. Whenever I appear in the office on a day that’s not “my day” my co-workers will let me know.

“Do you know that today is Tuesday Puna?”

Yes, I do.

One asked me, “Why are you here today?” I answered, “Because I’m going to North Dakota tomorrow.” He laughed – apparently it’s not the answer he was expecting.

But it’s the truth. The boy and I are traveling to North Dakota today on a jet plane. I’ve never been there and I’m excited. As I review my travel plans I realize that this is a one BIG and beautiful country.

So long – I’ll see you in North Dakota…

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