Crystal Lake

Aidan and his Papi enjoying a sunny day on the beach at Crystal Lake.Sunset time at Point Betsie Lighthouse.
Sleeping Bear Dunes from the Empire Bluffs. The little village of Empire is on the right.
Christi and Jenni taking off for a canoe ride on Crystal Lake.
Jenni sailing the butterfly.


Aidan was a big help for his Nani in getting the sail on the butterfly.Here is a view from in front of our cottage looking east toward Beulah. The 300-foot bluffs surrounding Crystal Lake are very dramatic.

Trip to Chicago

Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. We were there two weeks ago on our way to Michigan for Aidan's first birthday.Oak Street Beach.
A fire boat passing Oak Street Beach.
The Chicago River, just east of Columbus Drive. The city has done such a good job of creating "green space" in so many places. They have also done a good job of cleaning up the river. Twenty years ago it was not a place you would choose for an afternoon stroll.

Promise of Summer Storms

The monsoons are still at least a week away, but tonight there was a thunderstorm in the east, on the other side of the Santa Rita mountains. The moon is nearly full. This picture was taken just after sunset---it was dark at ground level, but the thunder clouds were still illuminated with the last rays of the sun. (I need a tripod!)Southern Arizona is known for spectacular lighting shows during the summer monsoons. I captured my first lightning strike!

Dog Bath

Today was dog washing day. Once we convince Mica to come she does really well. She stand obediently until we are finished and release her. The problem is getting her to come in the first place. Once she sees the hose coming out, she tries to hide and will refuse to budge. I had to go over and drag her out from under the tombstone roses.