1st Non-Stick Snow!

That's right, it's snowing in my backyard right now (Long Island NY)... a squall of wind and large snow flakes against a background of orange and yellow leaves, snow turning to sleet, flakes that aren't sticking, that wet the patio bricks.
My kids went out for the school bus right in the middle of it... both still wearing shorts!  "Oh Mom, it's so warm in school!"... I think I'll have to hide the shorts now, which will get passed along to friends and charities as they surely won't fit next season as they prolifically storm into manhood...

This sculpture exemplifies my boys moving through puberty!

My backyard as the snow turned to sleet...

My sweet dog is happy to be in a warm and cozy INSIDE...

My third son, Jez

Photo Friday

Thought I would leave you with these photographs I took that show dramatic lighting as a theme... 

The weekend couldn't come any sooner... Enjoy!

First Day of School

This is what the first day of high school looked like for my first time high schooler son.  I needed binoculars...

It's about 6:45 am and I know to stand far enough away (in the driveway) so as not to embarrass him.  I know my place and he's sensitive about my feelings so he wouldn't say, "Oh Mom, go away" or something to that effect...  

Now my middle schooler is different, he shooed me back to the front porch in the all to familiar tired and cranky mantra of a 12 year old pubescent boy with attitude...

... he won't admit it but he liked the surreptitious hug and kiss I gave him (so much for the tough guy) before meandering back to a spot on the front porch where I was comfortable sipping my coffee, thinking about the start of a new chapter for all of us.  

I even had to light a fire under our sleepy dog who's used to waiting for the bus with the kids.  As our dog lumbered down the driveway to his buddy, I know my son took comfort in the old routine.

How was your first day of school send-off today?

Pool Pooch (NOT)!

I feel bad for my labradoodle, Jez... he's afraid to swim in our pool, it's like this push/pull thing, a love/hate with the pool.  He looks like he's tortured by it because he runs around the pool (and it's hot hot hot this summer) following the kids and barking at almost every splash... he wants to go in so much but he can't do it even when we throw a ball (passionate about balls) in the water!
I don't get it, he's a Lab... ra... Doodle!!!  Labs and Poodles are supposed to like the water!  We've never taken him to a beach, but somehow I think he would be fine there.
Once a couple of years ago (he'll be 4 in November), we got him in, not easily, he's 58 pounds ok,... and I didn't handle it very well, instead of letting him figure it out, I was nervous and pushed him quickly to the steps... maybe I scared him more... I don't think so, because he was afraid then too.

Jez at my brothers pool

Watching and wanting to be part of the action!

Ahhh... poor guy

I know we should probably call a trainer and find out what to do because it's torture for me too.

I've read conflicting things...

What do you think?  Love to hear your ideas!