We managed a quick trip to Cleveland for our nephew’s second birthday, and boy has he grown since we saw him last! Washington and older brother Samurai are two peas in a pod – or maybe two dump truck drivers in a dirt pile – with countless ways to keep each other entertained. Between the excitement of a big boy birthday party, an older brother and cousin to keep up with, a new scooter, and that five foot tall dirt pile in the driveway, he was quite the sleepy boy the next morning. I’ll probably get in trouble for only posting two, but that sleepy boy photo and the one of him trying to get the new scooter up the dirt pile are my favorites. We miss you already boys!

I have a weakness for bringing home orchids, especially those that are resting and not in bloom, or sad looking and on sale at the store. I love to wait and see how they will come to life! Their flowers are so intricate and even seem to have their own personalities. I guess the addiction is wearing off on my better half who brought home a pair the other day, though not sad looking in the least. The newest additions, the pink and yellow phalaenopsis, almost look like birds in flight don’t you think?

Sometimes you just know a good photo when you see it. The Syracuse Film Festival was this weekend, and I happened to spot this hot dog vendor while I was photographing a drive-in movie downtown. As unattractive as sodium vapor lighting can be, this time the yellow glow seemed just right for Bob Barker and his Famous Hot Dogs & Coneys. He seemed a bit surprised when I questioned his name. “Bob Barker, really?”

Who knows… I like the picture!

I’ve been soaking in as much of our spring weather as I can, enjoying every bit of it as we transition to my favorite time of year in the Finger Lakes. You can see it and smell it all around, and before long, we’ll be hearing the sounds of summer too as the Geneva Red Wings return to the plate at McDonough Park. From our backyard you can almost see the action, but it’s the crack of the bats and country music coming from the loud speakers that means the summer season has begun for the college baseball players. I’m sure there are neighbors who find the late night games a nuisance, but it’s part of what makes summer – - summer – - in Geneva!