Build Schools in Afghanistan

With the current discussion on what to do with the request for more troops to fight the war in Afghanistan, here's an idea: Let's turn the swords into school books and school yards and school rooms and teachers.  Read Nick Kristof's article here for pretty convincing proof that more schools in that country are being built and used by the Afghani people.  I bet the soldiers would rather do all that as well.  (Btw, have I said War is Stupid recently?)

More Bloomington Expo 2009

Young lady with a carefree swagger and cacophonous apparel. Captured at the Bloomington Multicultural Expo 2009 earlier this month.

More Volleyball Photos

Hannah...

Volleyball Photos: Lions vs Vikings

Sectional championship played last night at Barr Reeve with the Vikings, the home team, prevailing and advancing. They remain undefeated at 34 and 0. The Loogootee Lions head home after finishing a season with over 30 victories.

New Photo Blog

Will be posting photos at Birdman Photos, a new photo blog that I started this morning. Enjoy.

Lakeside Milkweed

More of the world around us - Mother Nature providing the particulars. Photos taken out at Boggs Lake.

Thursday Challenge: Simple

A Great Blue out at partially frozen Boggs Lake last January. For the Thursday Challenge meme.

Clematis Changing

More of Nature's wonder from Diane's garden. The Clematis is a big, showy flower and is up on a trellis on the south side of our home. Even looks pretty grand as it changes with the season and goes to seed.

Still a Beauty

A cosmos blossom in Diane's garden still quite striking this late in the season. Taken earlier today.

Boggs Lake Sunset

Taken October 11, 2009. For the Thursday Challenge - this week's theme: Beauty.

Friendly Meter Reader

Originally posted here (along with other St. Mary's Road photos) back in May of 2008. She was out reading some more meters this morning and drove up as I was standing over in Diane's garden taking photos - see previous blog entry - wee things. She thought I was a scarecrow at first.

Wee Things

Lots of wee things all about getting on with the business of a day. Don't expect these two spotted cucumber beetles realize it's a Monday (at least, in our human world) but are very aware of the shortness of the season and the coming cold.

Older Guys and Gals Playing in a Nostalgia Basketball Game

The Shoals guys.

The Loogootee guys.

Some of the gals - guess I missed the group pictures. The gals' game was very competitive and a lot of fun.

One of the many youngsters in attendance, this one absorbed by both the action and the popcorn.

Standing Tall

One of my Great Blue Heron buddies keeping an eye out for the likes of me and the possibility of a midday snack. Lots of rain these last seven days have filled the spillway releasing water from Boggs Lake. For the Monochrome Weekly Theme. More b&w's from around the world here.

A Girl Named Leah...

...with a smile that is as big as the whole wide world.

More Expo Photos

Mother and daughter.

Dancing ladies, part of the Indian troupe.

More dancing ladies, Spanish troupe.

One of the many youngsters in attendance, this one looking right at the camera.

Big Bird Makes a Landing

At least nine of the big birds came by to say hello yesterday afternoon. Each of them found a branch to roost on but only for a little bit before they took off for more soaring and gliding. It was just after noon; expect they were having a lunch get together.

More Expo Photos

Hey! That sure looks like my camera...

A moment of delight.

"Mom, would you carry this for me, please? Oh, sorry, Mom. I see your hands are full; I'll carry it."

The carefree days of the young.

Play for the fun of it

One of the young people out playing golf at Lakeview a couple of Sundays ago. Posted for the Shutterday crowd where the theme -

This week: Play - Images of the things you spend all your time thinking about
when you SHOULD be working that isn't sex.

I also am passionate about photography so this is one of those two-in-one deals. For more 'play' photos from around the world, go here. And don't forget that you can play, too.

A Young Couple for the '60's

Nydia made me do it.

Flora and the Bee

From Diane's garden of delights.