November Storm

A major storm ripped through the area yesterday, creating massive damage to the West of us in towns like Washington and Pekin, IL. It also blasted through the town of Normal where it knocked over signs and trees. I got up close and personal with it while driving home from work, it was a terrifying experience.

After the storm passed, I drove around town to survey the damage. Here's a small taste of what I saw:

History of Climate Science

Paintball Warriors

Tyler, Austin, Evan, Justin, Alex and Nick gather for a group photo prior to their departure for CPX Sports near Joliet, where they will engage in a day of paint balling.

National Honor Society

Tonight, Alex received a well deserved honor, by being inducted into the National Honor Society.

Congratulations Son!

College Visit - University of Missouri (Mizzou)

Alex and Kyle with their tour guide Paige Tenkhoff, a senior at Mizzou.

ISU Tailgate

Today, Illinois State University played the University of South Dakota. This is an interesting match up, as I can claim both as my Alma Maters. We didn't go inside to watch the game, but we did do some tailgating. Below are a few shots I took from the Redbird Tent Zone, just North of Hancock Stadium:

The ISU marching band, led by Reggie Redbird, stopped by and gave us what felt like a private concert:

Alex, Nick and friends after consuming massive amounts of Famous Dave's Barbeque:

Oh Cody, You are Such a Beggar

My Best Friends

Dolly and Sam

Our beloved Sam:

And the lovable but naughty Dolly:

College Visit - Missouri State University

Our first visit to a college in Missouri, and our second visit to a college out of state. We were impressed with both the campus and the price.

Back to School

Last year of high school for Alex, second to the last for Nick. They're growing up so fast. Where did the time go?

Nick, Alex and Cody

An Evening with Patrick Rothfuss

Early last week, we discovered that Patrick Rothfuss, author of the Kingkiller Chronicle, was going to be doing a book signing at the Indianapolis Public Library. Alex and Nick discovered his writings about six years ago, and Rothfuss has held rock star status in our home ever since.

With the summer winding down, meeting Mr. Rothfuss seemed like a great end-of-summer family activity, so we drove the three hours it takes to get to Indianapolis.

We were very impressed upon seeing the Indianapolis Public Library, which is a grand  looking building with huge stone columns. Here are Michele, Alex and Nick standing in front of the libray just before going inside:  

Once inside, we found a very enthusiastic crowd patiently waiting for the event to start. Mr. Rothfuss conversed with the crowd as they filtered in:

The event began with Mr. Rothfuss conducting a Q&A session. He then read from his series the Adventures of the Princess and Mr. Wiffle:

After the talk, Mr. Rothfuss signed books, lots of them. For our family alone, he signed six books:

After signing the books, Mr.Rothfuss graciously posed for a picture with Alex and Nick. It was supposed to be a serious photo, but Alex and Nick were unable to stay in character:

After the event, we ventured out to the streets of Indianapolis for the three hour drive home:

Definitely a trip worth taking. Patrick Rothfuss is not just a great writer, he's also a great speaker and a gracious host.

Walking the Dog

Michele and Cody take a break on our Sunday morning walk in Maxwell park.

Another break in Children and Elders park.

Dolly

We have two cats, both of which are beautiful, but Dolly has a special kind of beauty that is all her own. Here she is, Dolly:

Big Mama

Enjoyed my first Big Mama today, and found it to be much more tasty than the first Roma.

Based on how things look in the garden, a Brandy Boy should be next on the menu.

Time to Feast!

But, it looked so big on the plant...

...and it was split between three tomato lovers.

I need more!

Won't be long now!

A day, maybe two, and then it's down the hatch.

My Garden - Week 10

It has been a long, hot, dry week, and my tomatoes look like they're loving it. It's a jungle out there!

Let's take a closer look, starting with Big Mama:

Big Beef:

Brandy Boy:

And last but not least, that Roma tomato that I first spotted on Father's Day 5 weeks ago, has finally started to ripen:

I predict this one will be extra delicious!

My Garden - Week 9

Still no ripe tomatoes, but it won't be long now. The tomatoes are getting big enough and plentiful enough on the plants, that you can actually see them in this shot without too much difficulty:

Brandy Boy:

Roma:

Big Beef:

Big Mama:

My Garden - Week 8

Wow, week 8 already. Where did the time go? Unfortunately, I'm noticing that the lower leaves are beginning to turn yellow. I've done some research on the causes for this, and I believe in my particular case, it may be due to over watering. I've backed off a bit on how much I give them, so we'll see what that does going forward. 

Brandy Boy:

Big Beef:

Big Mama:

Roma: