While at the line at the Walrus counter, I had the opportunity to thank Randy. I had the opportunity to tell Randy and his folks how the Walrus is special to my wife and me. Our first date was at the Walrus; I got food from the Walrus for our picnic when I proposed to my wife at Pioneer Park; on our wedding day, we went straight from the church to the Walrus in our wedding garb; and the Walrus has been our anniversary spot as well! They serve all kinda of good stuff at Urban Harvest as well.
Last year I made a passioned plea to the Bismarck City Commission to re-examine their policies regarding chip seal application. In the 90’s I had a nasty encounter with this stuff, spread SIX INCHES deep, in a corner that was not only unlit, but at the crest of a hill as well. I still bear nasty scars from that instance, and even some ground-down bones as well. I was leading a group of riders who all had passengers, but thankfully they saw me hit the gravel and were just that little bit more prepared for it. I was also the only one decked out in safety apparel, although falling on chip seal is like falling on a meat grinder! Thankfully, we had a nurse, a doctor, and a surgical technician among us that night…it was quite nasty.
Back to the point. After last year’s City Commission meeting, I was approached by Keith Hunke. For those of you who don’t know, he’s from the Public Works department. He was interested in what I had to say and agreed with the Commissioners that a better job of signage could be done. I think he’s kept his word; I’ve seen plenty of signs this year, and they look brand new. I also understand that it’s not always possible to mark every patch of chip seal from every possible approach. With that in mind, I’m throwing Keith and the Commission a big thumbs-up for the effort to make our streets safer during this construction period.
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.–Proverbs 18:22Our family went to the Capitol A’Fair yesterday, perusing all the tents and talking with all the photographers. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, with moderate temperatures and a mild breeze. Here are some of the things that jumped out at me during our lap and a half around the capitol grounds:
Well, that’s a sample of what I saw at the Capitol A’Fair on Saturday. It still runs until 4pm Sunday, weather permitting. As I check the radar right now, that might be a stretch. Hopefully they are able to have a full day of fun today to follow up the great time yesterday.
This is the first time all year I’ve gone to Fort Lincoln and actually been able to drive up the hill to the blockhouses! I was beginning to think they never unlock the gates to the road going up the hill. By the way, they’ve cut in a bunch of trails leading into the park. They’re suitable for mountain biking and hiking, and will not be paved. I have to take my bike down there and explore them yet this year!
The new bridge is expected to open in late 2009 if I remember correctly…hopefully they’re taking care of the old bridge in the mean time!
Last night’s sky was no disappointment, as you can see. This irrigation rig sits along the north end of River Road, where they ruined one of the area’s most fun intersections. I captured the water in any number of positions, but I like the ones where it’s intersecting the sun the best.
All this talk of sunsets and reminders of times past brings me to the fact that summer is waning. It’s already August, folks! Who would have thought that this summer would fly by so quickly? Don’t put off those summer plans any longer; there isn’t much summer left.
After a long nap to tame a migraine Tuesday night, I awoke with just enough time to bolt for high ground and see what the sky was doing. There was a pretty strong haze in the sky, and I think I know why. My home town of Missoula, Montana is a battleground against many forest fires right now, as is the Glacier National Park area. The winds coming out of the north cleared most of it up around here, however. Yet there was still a visible haze when I first checked the sky.
I think we can expect some pretty wild sunsets as long as the forest fires keep throwing stuff into the sky. Keep an eye out for some amazing colors the next several days!
I took some time over the past few days to peruse the tall grass around the OWLS site east of Bismarck in search of some insects. They’re often quite difficult to capture on film, as they don’t sit still for long. Also, it’s VERY easy to get a blurry shot with a macro lens when focusing closely. Here are a few of the critters that I caught:
Wherever there’s a good supply of little bugs for them to eat, they’ll be darting around. If you’re around water, you’re likely to spot little flies like this one. In years past, the state capitol grounds has been full of dragonflies, too! Keep your eyes peeled…they’re out there.