Friday Cat Blogging

Sam stops to smell the flowers.

 

Don't forget to check out the Modulator's Friday Ark.

Flashback 1977

In the summer of 1977 with myself and my 4 siblings in tow, my Mom drove us from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Our destination, a place deep in the forest called Holden Village. This was a trip sponsored by Grace Lutheran Church , and without a doubt ranks at the top of my experiences growing up.

Pictured here are myself, flanked by two of my brothers, Steve and John. We had just completed a long hike to a lake where we planned to spend the night. Fearful of bears and other night stalkers, I "chickened" out, and made the return hike back to the village. If I recall correctly, my Mom ended up carrying my pack most of the way back.

 

Here I am again standing with my pack on, with brothers Mike and John in the foreground.

 

Hanging with John and Bei

We spent Sunday afternoon with John and Bei at their new house. The kids had a great time seeing their cousins. Here are a few of the sights from that visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting Weather

We've had some interesting weather lately, Sunday it was a cold weather funnel, this morning a rainbow, and this evening many smaller storms rumbling through. This set of clouds made for interesting viewing while I was grilling out.

This shot is looking to the East from my back deck.

 

This shot is looking Southwest.

 

Here is a shot looking due West from Towanda Avenue.

 

Morning Rainbow

I was on my way to work this morning and I noticed the clouds off to the West looked very ominous. I considered the possibility of a rainbow, but then soon forgot as I melted into the morning traffic. Then, as I was making my way around the curve on Veterans Parkway as it veers to the West, I saw it, a bright double rainbow. I managed to get a few shots of it, but unfortunately it was already fading before I laid eyes on it. Even fading, it still qualifies as the bright point of my day.

 

 

 

 

A Visit From Lisa

Lisa drove out from Sioux Falls to spend some time with us. Here she is with a very happy Michele, who has missed her friend dearly.

 

Funnel Cloud

We were driving South on Main Street at around 4:20 pm this afternoon, when we noticed what appeared to be a funnel cloud off to the West. This seemed kind of odd since the sky didn't look all that threatening. I stopped the car a few blocks North of Downtown Bloomington and captured the following photos. Within minutes of taking these shots, the funnel disappeared back into the clouds.

 

 

 

We saw the funnel again about 10 minutes later by The Den golf course. If you look between the houses you can see the funnel running horizontal across the sky. We watched it for about 10 minutes as it slowly dissipated into the clouds.

 

One of my photos was shown on WEEK News at the beginning of their Weather Segment. The Weather man identified this phenomenon as a Cold Air Funnel. I also spoke to a guy at work who saw the photo aired on another local network. I missed recording that one since I forgot to set up my VCR. Sounds like it was very similar to the one I did record though.

Blog Rating

I wasn't surprised when I tested my blog's rating, and it came back as:

Mingle² - Online Dating

This blog will always be rated G, well, my definition of G anyway.

Friday Cat Blogging

Dolly does a close up

 

As always, plenty of animals to see at the Modulator's Friday Ark.

Flashback - 1979

Steve Shea and I posing in the Bighorn National Forest. We planned this trip for a year, hiked up into the mountains and lived off the land for two weeks. Well, not exactly. We lived on the land, but not off the land. We brought freeze dried food, added water and heat, and lived like kings. It was a great trip, I hope to get back there someday.

 

Summer Run Club

Here's Alex as he finishes up a 2.5 mile run with the summer run club. They get together three times a week, putting in between 2 and 4 miles per run. He's thinking of doing cross country in middle school next year, and this seems like a good way to train over the summer, plus he gets the opportunity to meet some of the other runners at the school.

 

 

 

Rec Softball - Rain Out

Most of the team huddles under a tree - probably not the safest place considering all the lightning - to keep dry.

 

The official approaches to let us know the game is cancelled.

 

Looking to the North East as the storm rolls over the field from the South West.

 

Fathers Day at the Pool

After grilling some steaks, we hit the pool, and man was it a blast. This was my first swim of the summer, and we couldn't have picked a better day. Here are a few shots of Nick and Alex having fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Father's Day, Dad

We miss you.

Official Seal

I now have an official seal for the blog, I picked it up over at says-it.com

 

Here's a badge created by Nick

 

Here's a badge, created by Alex

 

Flashback 1998

Ron, Mary and Jack Baker pose for a family portrait just prior to our move to Illinois.

 

Friday Cat Blogging

Sam ventures out...

 

Who's trailing me with a camera?

 

Ah yes, my scratchin' post.

 

Always plenty of animals to see at the Modulator's Friday Ark.

Pale Blue Dot

35 Years Ago

June 8 marked the 35th anniversary of this photo. A stark reminder of the horrors of war...

 

Happy Birthday Grandma Rita

We hope you had a great Birth Day! We look forward to seeing you in July.

 

Rec Softball - Big Loss

We got hammered tonight, game ended when the ten run rule kicked in. I played catcher, and made 4 outs. The team tells me the last one was a gift, and based on the way my body was contorted, I believe em.

 

 

 

The Pool is Open!

The pool at G.J. Mecherle Park is open, and it is awesome. We took a walk around the place, and it exceeded our expectations. Hopefully we can take the plunge sometime this week.

 

Looking North from up next to the Pool House. That's the kiddie pool in the foreground.

 

Looking South across the bigger pool back towards the Pool House. Alex and Nick were kind enough to lend perspective to the shot.

 

Here is a link to the post I did when the pool was still being built.

Flashback 1993

Michele and I sharing a smile on the day I graduated from USD in Vermillion.

 

Friday Cat Blogging

Sam's favorite window

Head on over to the modulator's Friday Ark to see more cat photos.
 

Tough Day to be a Calf, or a Lion

This video is very cool. I've never seen anything quite like it, it's a must see for anyone interested in nature films.

5th Grade Graduation

Prairieland held a 5th grade recognition night tonight, to recognize the 5th graders who are now moving on to middle school. We watched as each student received a certificate of completion and appreciation, followed by a 20 minute photo montage of our children's experiences while at Prairieland. There weren't many dry eyes in the audience, it was a bittersweet night for all of us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Play Day

This past Saturday was employee Play Day at GJ Mecherle Park. It was crowded, and as usual, it was fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rec Softball - First Win

I'm going to credit this first win to a few things. First, there was a rainbow that appeared out beyond right field. Second, we played pretty well. Third, the other team stunk.

Had I known I looked this ridiculous batting, I would have retired a long time ago.

I look like I really could use an oxygen bottle.

Update 06/24/2007:
Here is another shot of the same rainbow taken by a friend.