Dogs

First, you hear dogs barking. Like Crazy.

Then you find a squirrel trapped on the fence.

While the chipmunks live safely underground.

Nephews: What they will do for others.

I have a calming effect on my nephews, Jack and Andy. Tina often finds them sleeping when she returns from her errands. She can't figure out how I do it.

Sharing the stage with a Wizard

Crystel, being big and brave, raised her hand to be a participant on stage at Woodlake Nature Center.

Unfortunately, I being the picture taker, didn't do as well.

Aunt Amie and I were very impressed with her courage.

She did a fine job in front of the crowd.

Antonio, meanwhile, looked like this scarecrow. He was at home with Mama Jody. Too ill to join us. Kindof green.

Crystel riding a bike

Yeah, she did it! With no help from anyone. She came in the house to ask me to come out and watch her ride it There she goes. She is riding to meet Mama Jody and Antonio who don't know that she can ride yet. Crissy! How did you do that! Antonio said when he saw her. Oh, I just got on and rode. She said. Alas, no pictures of Antonio riding bike yet. Go Crystel!

Whistlestop Half Marathon

Tina and I finished the half marathon in 3 hours. Her son Jack kept up to us the entire way. Ralph met us at a few stops. He is holding Andy. Oh, yes. Jody ran the half marathon in 1 hour and fifty minutes. She was so excited. She showed us the little white slip that said that she was sixth in her division. She wanted us to get a little white slip, too. Tina and I declined. Jack is holding up the medal Tina received when she crossed the finish line. Jody and I didn't do full disclosure with Antonio and Crystel. We didn't tell them that we saw Jack and Andy at the race in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Antonio and Crystel stayed overnight with Uncle Marty and Aunt Kathy.

Women Who Run the Cities

Women who run the cities. Or should we say - Jody who runs the cities and Beth who gets to the finish line with the children - just in time to take her picture. Jody ran the ten mile race. She was much quicker this year than last year. Last year when I ran the ten mile I came in fourth place in her age group. Somehow we had crossed up our numbers and she was wearing mine. So sad that she finished near last place - while I almost won a prize - if she would have only run a little faster. From now on that's my game strategy - when she's not looking - switch numbers.

Police Reserve Officer - Cattail Days

Police Reserve Officer Joe and I - hard at work - at Cattail Days in Richfield. We found a couple of children wandering the grounds. One was trying to eat a huge pickle.