Out the Hotel Window

I often look out the windows of the hotels I stay in to see the area.

Usually, it is a pretty boring view--of the swimming pool or and expressway.

This morning though, from downtown Colorado Springs, I caught the sunlight and rays behind the buildings of the city.

I know if I had a better camera, I could actually capture the sunlight and the rays the same way that my eye see it--but alas, I don't.

But--I looked out at just the right time to see the sun's rays silhouetting the buildings--

Another day away from home. Although I'm in familiar territory, there is so to be amazed at like the first time all over again.

But the scene remains etched in my memory--just for a bit.

Perhaps it caught my imagination because I was on the second floor of the hotel--and not the eighth.

Who knows.

Ethan, Master Climber

To the top of the jungle gym!

Atop the world and to quite a line from a movie: "I'm the king of the world!"

He is getting to be so big.

I can't believe it.

And on this particular clear day, he could see forever from his vantage point.

I remember when he was afraid to climb up the jungle gym.

Now look at this daredevil.

History at O'Hare

Walking through the terminals of airports during lay overs can is usually a fascinating experience.

Here in Chicago's O'Hare airport is an F4F-3 which saw fame in action during the Pacific Campaign defending the USS Lexington from land based Betty bombers. Lt O'Hare became an ace in shooting down five bombers from one of these aircraft and damaging a sixth.

He was decorated with the Medal of Honor for his actions.

And now you know

Monday Musings - September 13, 2010

1. Patriots Day--a sobering reminder that the world is not the place we would like it to be. The forces of darkness and evil are still out there waiting for us to slip up, become weak, or believe that they've gone away. They have not!

2. I have discovered a corollary to the phrase: "A watched pot never boils." It is: A watched clock never ticks!

3. Owing no one anything other than to love them is really hard sometimes.

4. Despite what some would like to believe--the world is not a safe place outside the borders of the US.

5. Sometimes it is hard to do what is right or to say what is right; especially when it is unpopular.

6. Zealot. What is a zealot? Someone who believes more strongly than you do.

7. Quote of the day: "I figure the faster I pedal, the faster I can retire." Lance Armstrong

8. Rain finally broke the 19 straight days of sunny skies and the ground just drank it up. I don't think there was any runoff.

9. Traveling in America today really is a pain.

Going to the Dogs

So how did I spend the first Sunday of football season?

Well watching the Red Zone channel and serving as a warm lap for two dogs.

Makayla is pretty obvious in the front. But look to the right and behind Makayla and there is Florence my daughters Italian greyhound.

At least I'm good for a warm lap.

Summer Gardens

Summer gardens are the toughest it seems.

Springtime gardens are the easiest--there are all kinds of bulbs and flowers we expect to see in the springtime, but summer--well. the gardens take a beating and it is tough to work the blooms out so that something is blooming all of the time.

I especially enjoy the impatiens. Especially this years sine the ones pictured here were not planted by us--they came back after the winter and are now blooming merrily in the garden.


We have installed an auutomatic watering system to help keep these plants happy through the dry days of summer--and it apepars they are pretty happy. The hydrangea seems to have adapted to its location, although, if I were brave enough to take a picture of it, it would be clear that the hostas at the other end of the garden are getting too much sun and not enough water. Our watering system does nto reach them.

The joys of gardening--and springtime digging and moving plants from one location to another.

Gardens--they give us something to do and then enjoy. Our work and planning coupled with water, sun equals enjoyment.