Summer Date

On the first day of summer Elsie and I picked strawberries at Hurd Orchards and then stopped for a cheeseburger, hot dog, fries, and two shakes on the way home. Monday is the LAST day of summer for us. As Cher so eloquently sang, "If I could turn back time!"

Summer Reading

Henry picked up one of Elsa's old magazines and read through it while I was making dinner. He is so ADVANCED for his age.

Watch Out Stephen Hawking

Three questions and a comment from Elsa today:

1. Do cats have lips?

2. How do you nod?

3. What is worm juice?

4. I love cows because they are hamburgers.

The Court at Apple Valley

So...hot! Can't...understand...directions...

Must be the "summer of the mint" (sing that line to Donovan's "Season of the Witch"). My fourth and final racquet sport to master. Because, well, I have mastered tennis, squash, and ping-pong. I routinely lose to my 47 year old friend John at tennis, and several 60-somethings at squash on a regular basis. Anyway, back to mint.

There I was, at my folks place in the Bay, and after reading another bleeding heart liberal essay in The New Yorker about Americans and the waste that lawns are-economically and environmentally- I decided to design my second badminton court of the summer.

The Court at Apple Valley

Owner: Dad (his neighbor Rich owns about a third (but not the net!)

Badminton Pro: Me

Best Player: Me

Court Designer: Me

Hey, wait. I'm seeing a pattern here.

Court Builder: Me (OK, Dad mowed but the whole time he was wondering what the hell he was doing out there)

Best Drop Shot: Brian Hawk

Coolest Overall Minton Player: Brian Hawk

Best Doubles Team: Chris and Brad

Best Mixed Doubles Team: Brian, Me, and Elsa with her water balloons

Worst Server Without a Doubt: Brad

Old Style Beer Preservationist: Brian Page

Best Afternoon Napper: Ben

Just watched Olympic Badminton and we have a ways to go, but only athletically. We have the spirit! THE MINT SPIRIT!

Our "Special" Friend

Sausage and peppers!

Old Style and Zinnias!

Cured meats! Oh they are so de-LISH-i-ous!

60 percent?
He was pushing 70

When he handed Judy his homemade canned jelly.

Speaking of jelly

They confiscated mine

At the Midway Airport Security Line.

Polish or brat?

Hot dog or chorizo?

Uh Oh...

Gotta take a wizzo.

A summertime ode
To our "special" friend Brian

Who makes us all laugh when he's not even tryin'.

Two Pines is Quiet

I was back there yesterday. I can't maintain it like I want to because my mower died on Thursday. All I have are the memories: Brian's sweet forehand, Chris's raking skills, my totally awesome overhead smash...that I used on my friend Bob the other night when I beat him 15-13.

What? No, I don't keep track of wins and losses at Two Pines. But Brian, I am 5-2 against you.

All I have to say is BADMINTON IN WISCONSIN!!!