Frankie

Hard to believe but Frankie was a kitten once.  His favorite toy is still the sparkly fuzzy ball.

(Bent) Oak Tree

I was originally just going to post the following picture of a squirrel on the oak tree with a caption that I get what I deserve for planting an acorn-producing tree in my backyard.

But he following day it was apparent that something had happened to the oak tree -- it was bent over rather dramatically. The pictures don't really show the full extent so I've drawn a red line to show the curve.

straight

bent

bent

And the mystery of what bent the tree continues as the twine that was being used to support the tree against the predominately west wind has disappeared.

UPDATE - Tuesday evening:  When I came home this afternoon, the oak tree was swaying wildly...AND I KNOW WHY!?  A squirrel was pulling on the twine support!! The squirrel was gathering up the twine and had a huge mouthful.  So I think it was a squirrel pulling on the twine support that caused the bend in the tree!

Another scorcher

102.3 @ 3:30pm....ugh

Update: 102.9 @ 5:15pm

07/07 update: heatwave finally over!

The 4th at Crystal Lake

Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you, JT, Linda and Chad for hosting a wonderful July 4th gathering at your home on Crystal Lake.

Linda and Karen cruising the lake.

Capt'n JT

The stars and stripes waving while the gathered watch the neighbor's incredible fireworks.

Record high

The heat and humidity just won't quit.  That's 101.8 at 4:03pm.  It was still 90 at 10pm.

Mosaic stepping stone

Amy gave me a mosaic stepping stone kit back on my birthday.  Now that the weather is warm, I got it assembled.

the parts

the design

freshly set in wet cement

completed and cured

Wizard of Oz sing-a-long

Another live action movie sing-a-long event. So much fun. So much laughter. So much good food and drink.

Hosts Linda and JT with tin man from Jackie and Ace

Dorothy, Auntie Em and Toto, too.

Dorothy laid low by the tornado.

House and ruby slippers prop.

Glenda greeting Dorothy in Oz

A member of the Lollipop Guild

Scarecrow

Apple tree fight.

Cowardly lion.

Carriage ride in the Emerald City.

Seeing the Wizard (or was it the Witch?)

Wizard curtain prop.

Finding the real Wizard behind the curtain.

Professor handing out the awards to Scarecrow and Lion.

Dorothy back in Kansas.

Cast and Crew.