Mowing Madness

Mowing like the wind!

Mowing the lawn

and the asphalt

and stomping in a puddle.

It was a beautiful day in Boston so Max decided to get the mower out. Truthfully, every day is a mower day. Max pushes the mower all day every day around and around the coffee table and what we call the "kitchen loop." Thanks to the Reeves for this wonderful gift. Max loves his mower!

Little Japanese Pearl

There is definitely something to be said for Asian fashion. My friend, Ayako, is a shining example. She is really classy but always adds something extra. Over sized pearls to play up a dainty blouse or a sweet little dress with an asymmetrical twist. A floral designer by trade, she can make flora and fauna rendezvous and transfer that designer's instinct to a silk and lace ensemble. Ayako was married last weekend and her wedding duds didn't disappoint. She is a tiny thing but wore a really full skirt with a tremendous train and totally it pulled off. Her dress was a soft, off white silk adorned with delicate silk flowers. I really can't do it justice in words or photos. You had to see it in person.

Tons of family and friends came over from the mother land for the event and they were fashion eye candy too. One dude had the Asain rocker look going on with a skinny leg, pin-striped suit and long messy do. He reminded me of Big Korea. I was too bashful to take photos of complete strangers, especially foreign strangers. I did, however, snap some pictures of Ayako and her gorgeous dress.

The lovely couple leaving the chapel after the ceremony.
Her bridesmaids fussing over her and her intense train.
The cutest ring bearer ever!

Extremely Missing Oskar Schell

The summer of of 2001 was one of the best of my life. I moved to New York for a summer internship. Young and adventurous, I was out late with friends every night exploring the city, working hard each day designing for fancy retailers and met my husband somewhere along the way. One night some friends had decided to go dancing at the top of the World Trade Center. I got stuck working late for one of those fancy retailers and got to the Trade Centers well after closing. I pressed my hands to the huge glass doors and peered inside in hopes of finding some kind soul who would let me in. A slender gentleman guard smiled as he saw me there, opened the door and said, "Girl, what are you doin' down here by yourself this time of night?" After teasing me and my promising cookies and such, he escorted me to the elevators. I spent the night dancing with my friends (and a huge drag queen party). It was awesome.

Less than a month later the towers fell and I often thought of that guard to whom I still owe cookies. Was he there that morning? Did he live to tell? Were his family members searching for him or was he searching for friends and co-workers? It is funny to say that I am part of a nation in mourning when truly the loss isn't mine to mourn. I didn't lose a friend, a family member or sweet heart but I mourn for the real Oskar Schells who are trying still, years later, to make sense of it all.

Last summer I finally read Jonathan Safran Foer's book, "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." The narrator and main character, and he is indeed a character, Oskar Schell is a nine year old who lost his father in 9-11. I don't know whether I loved the book or just Oskar Schell. I guess they are one in the same. Oskar Schell, an unpopular, creative, quirky, lovable little boy IS the book. The happenings are secondary to his musings and "inventing." As I read the book I looked forward not to what would happen next but to spending more time with Oskar. In the book this funny boy befriends many a stranger in his quest to deal with the loss of his father and understand his remaining family. You, the reader, are somehow befriended as well. Months later I am still missing Oskar and his daily companionship. I wish I were Ashley Black, who lived in one of the 5 boroughs, so I could get a personal visit from Oskar, treat him to milk and cookies after he invites himself in and analyzes my pictures. If you haven't been befriended by Oscar, you are missing out.

I miss this fictional character and reading about his experience makes my heart goes out to those who are mourning real losses on this anniversary. Especially the children who lost their parents and are still and may always be trying to cope and understand the tragedy. My heart goes out to you.

History Lesson

On our drive back from Michigan to Boston, a few weeks ago, a couple of choice church history spots were right on our way. First we stopped in Kirkland, Ohio but my camera battery died so no pics. The next day we stopped in Palmyra, NY. This is Corey and Max at the entrance to the grove.

This is Max and I from the top of the Hill Cumorah. I couldn't stop admiring the lawn that was expertly mowed like a baseball diamond.

After a hot and humid afternoon and some great sight seeing we pulled into the Chill n' Grill for some cool treats. This place is a must for my Palmyra visits.

Corey's ice-cream treat. Next time I would stick with the good old swirl rather than orange.

Max and I shared a burger combo and a large strawberry shake. The burger was good and apparently so was the shake because he finished it off all by himself. His lips where glued to the straw.

Last Days of Summer

Summer is coming to a close (sniff, sniff) and I am trying to spend every last minute making the most of it. That means going to the beach every chance I get. This is Max's first visit to the beach. He was unsure about the sand and was startled when we dipped his toes in the water but loved being outdoors, playing on our beach mat and raiding the cooler. We went to the beach just north of Boston on Friday and then spent the rest of the weekend in the cape with Lane and Britton.

Max helps his new best friend,Uncle Britton, put sunscreen on Lane's back.