Mike's Playground

November 2008

We got our first snowfall this morning. I like it. It was one of those snows that covers the ground but not concrete. All the trees got a dusting. We fret over the pear trees, which have yet to drop their leaves. If we get some ice, we will lose lots of limbs off these trees. Of course, we knew all that when we planted them but still love the Bradfords. Yes, we chose beauty over practicality and have no one to blame but ourselves. Each winter we wait, worry, and hope the inevitable can be held off one more year. Sooner or later, though... A little arborial tragedy may be an appropriate metaphor to help keep us humble. And they are so beautiful in the spring and fall....

Do you remember the photo of the goose in his rain outfit? Well, he still hasn't gotten a new outfit, but he doesn't seem to complain. The wind has blown his jacket backward, but he remains guarding the garage as always. It is nice to know he is on the job.

Of course, not everyone is a fan of the cold and snow. Gracie hid beneath the blankets all day in mourning for the sunshine. We didn't put the blanket on her. Gracie has become a master of wrapping herself up in blankets scattered throughout the house. When she overheats, she comes out for a breather, a drink of water, and then back under she goes. See you in the Spring, Gracie!

The news this weekend is focused on the terrorist strike in India. I have been thinking about empathy and compassion as I watch the rescue efforts. I have known people who have neither empathy nor compassion. It just isn't in their DNA. On the spectrum between Attila the Hun and Mother Teresa, it isn't that difficult to find a rationalization for self-absorption. One of the first things we learn as adults is to "look out for number one". Self-interst rules. You know the phrase "We were just doing our jobs". If something unfortunate happens to someone else, they probably had it coming. Certainly, it has nothing to do with us...

Then there are people who always reach out to help. Why? Are they just wired differently or do they remember their own tough times? Today we went shopping for the Spofford Home Christmas Drive. People CJ works with have been incredibly generous again this year, given the financial times. People are capable of the most remarkable things, good and bad. It isn't all one way or another. To some extent, we all decide where we want to land on that compassion spectrum.

I often think how you interact with animals is a reflection on your abilty to empathize with others. CJ is a great caretaker for our pups. She is always keeping her eye open to see if anyone needs their nails done, or a bath, or their ears clean, or maybe just a treat. She truly enjoys their company. Everybody gets their share of attention. We have probably all heard the phrase "if you want a friend, get a dog". You know what, maybe another place to look is for someone that likes dogs.

Gracie is getting her ears cleaned. Needless to say, she is not a happy camper, but CJ is determined this issue will be addressed.

This is a photo of a sad, sad place. In our house, it is known as the "chickie boneyard". Henry loves these rubber chickens, but has a knack for taking off the heads. For a while we kept a few legs as well, but it was a bit much. This is not all of Henry's trophies, you understand, but we have noticed him swagger as he basks in the obvious superiority of little bulldogs over rubber chickies....

CJ and I have healthy debates about modern art. I am normally okay about non-traditional art, but balk when it feels the art is just a huckster playing a joke. Is accidental art still art? There is an argument to be made that anything that appeals to you, as a viewer, is art. That includes spinning leaves in the Fall or a Picasso. It really opens the door, though, for you to like whatever you choose.

My father in law sent me an email the other day. It was one of those story emails with the moral things are seldom what they seem. It made me think a bit. The photographs below are both common dandelion images, with a bit of artistic adjustment. Are they still dandelion images, or are they something else now? Have I destroyed the image, or created something entirely new?

There is a beautiful spot in Shawnee Mission Park for Fall photographers. CJ and I go there for just this particular group of maple trees. Their color is among the brightest and boldest in the area. This year was no exception. I chose not to enhance or alter in any way the color of the leaves as captured straight from the camera. What do you think?

A few weeks ago, Charlotte and I decided to drive through Shawnee Mission Park. We were greeted, just inside the park, by this creature. The park has quite a herd of deer. They are not tame, but aren't terrified by people inside or outside automobiles. There is something touching about finding free roamining animals that is liberating for us, too. They remind me not all the universe is yet completely under human control, and that these few renegades have found a way to survive on our fringes. Still, lets hope they maintain some caution around people and that we remember to leave something for them.

Autumn is beautiful this year. We have had plenty of rain and the cold is descending upon us in an orderly manner. The wind has not yet stripped the trees for winter. For now, they shout out to the sky that tomorrow will never come. But of course, it will. Knowing tomorrow will arrive is the blessing and curse of our kind.

We have lived in this house for twelve years this month and it feels more like home than anywhere I have ever been. It was a blank slate when we moved in, of course. Every tree, bush and blade of grass were of our own doing. Every corner of the yard now has a history for us. Many of the trees were presents between Charlotte and I. We have named most of the trees, and the names mean something to us a shared language only the two of us speak: "The Sisters", "Stroke Tree", "Leaner" and "Birthday". I have heard it said "you plant trees for the next guy". I always thought that was sad. The next guy won't know how much thought and care went into each planting. Both the chaos and order he will find are of our making. In the case of our home, truly the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Isn't it odd when cliches actually mean something to you? Take a look at some of our Fall pictures and maybe let me know if you can see what I mean. If you have a similar picture or story I should share, let me know and maybe I can post them.

A couple of weeks ago, CJ and I drove the back way to Lawrence to walk the Kansas (Kaw) River. The Kaw runs through the middle of town and although there are few American Indians visible despite the presence of Haskell Institute, during winter months bald eagles nest nearby. It was a bit early in the year for eagles, but the river was higher than usual and Bowersock dam much more photographic. Lawrence is a good day trip and I would recommend the river walk to you if you have an hour or two to spend.

Here the intrepid Charlotte braves the elements to pose alongside the mighty Kaw River. Despite the wind, it was a nice day.

One morning a couple of weeks ago, I got up early and looked out the back window. I don't know why, but the site of the downstairs patio contrasted with the green grass and white fence for the dog area looked beautiful. We had just finished painting the house and the yard was mowed, so maybe it was one of those pride of ownership moments. Regardless, I tried to capture the view as best I can. This really doesn't do justice, because the fall foliage doesn't come through just beyond.

We took some time off work. Our goal was to prepare the house for winter first, and then take some time for play. We spent most of our time on the former with not enough on the latter. One day we did manage to load up the pups for a trip to Jamesport, Missouri. It rained a good part of the way back, but it was still fun. Chesney is patiently waiting in the back because, yes, we took all three with us. These dogs travel very well but I must admit the initial loading is a three stooges moment. We had a great time with the trip, and in a couple of instances I think we provided rare amusement for the Amish people. It is nice to have a role in life....

Each year, CJ and I go to Signal Oaks outside Lawrence for a photo portrait. We go to Lawrence more often than annually, but specifically when the weather permits each Autumn we journey to the same spot for pictures. It has become a tradition with us. It is fun to look at the photographs, to see the weathering or weight variance from year to year. For me, the photos are a bit painful to see. I am not getting any younger. This has been a tough year, but you can't tell from looking at CJ. This was a little bit of a tough shot as CJ has stood with some tree shading and wore a red shirt. I like the picture anyway. This year, her father Charlie went with us and had to get a portrait as well. He fussed a bit, but the final result is a very nice picture.