Here comes autumn

Quick-change artistry. I always keep an eye out for the first tree that decides to give up its green for yellow or orange in my part of the world. My dear wife Karen and I were quite surprised to spot the big one across the street in front of the town offices as this year’s…

Vinny in his element

Park time. Elisabeth and George now pack up kitty Vinny and cart him the couple miles over to our wonderful Onondaga Lake Park. He loves roaming on his leash there as much as around their yard.

Basket case

Take a stand. My dear wife Karen continues to find great accessories for our flowers. The hanging basket she received from Elisabeth and George months back still flourishes on the stand.

Garden expansion

Perfect corner. When lifelong friend Greg came to visit earlier this summer, he graciously gifted us with a rose plant. My dear wife Karen found the perfect corner for it in our backyard garden. Thank you, Greg.

More privacy

A foot higher. Our neighbors on one side have five kids under the age of, oh, 11. Maybe six. They are such a blur of activity, it’s hard to count them. This summer, dad decided to build a tree swing. They pretty darn quickly thought the stump steps he fashioned next to our fence were…

A summer Retreat

Relax! Wanna go to the Retreat for a relaxing happy hour lunch, I asked my dear wife Karen. Didn’t have to pull her leg. We drive the couple miles from our house to the Village joint at least one sunny summer day each year. They have a great outdoor bar. Two drinks, a filling lunch…

My daughter’s dream concert moment

Perfect photo. My terrific daughter Elisabeth is a tried-and-true fan of rock band Train. If they’re playing anywhere near our part of the world, she and her friend Megan and niece McKenzie do their best to attend. Years ago, my dear wife Karen and I got to enjoy a Train show right here in our…

Until next year

Bucket list. May the vendors and strollers return to downtown Syracuse in the summer of 2026, I though as my dear wife Karen and I strolled another street of the spokes around the circle.

Peaking interest

Peeking at the peak. The needle tower caught my eye as my dear wife Karen and I strolled this block at the annual Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival. Lines and angles, thank you.

Always learn

Pretty, pressed. If we chose, my dear wife Karen and I could have picked up the needed gear to adopt pressing flowers as a new hobby. I admired this booth-holders work during our stroll at the annual Syracuse Arts and Crafts Festival … but decided to leave the creating to others.