The commission

A few months ago Owen made a painting of a Medusa-like monster that caught the eye of one of our dearest friends, Rebecca Hostetter. Rebecca has a keen eye when it comes to art and she is such a patron of young, promising painters that she commissioned Owen to make an original for her home. After he mixed his colors and selected his brushes he set about for his next masterpiece . . .




A cyclops. Not just a cyclops, but a cyclops with a giant green eye, a unibrow to beat all unibrows, a goatee that would shame that of any beatnik, and a rather nice head of wavy hair.



But don't let the good looks fool you. This was one mean dude. Note the poor soul caught in this monster's grasp, preparing for his demise.

The painting brought tears to our sweet patron's eyes. She and Owen have yet to settle on payment, but we're crossing our fingers it has something to do with her baking something wonderful. Oh, life in the arts . . .

Swim Run Bike

An early Saturday morning in June we joined 600 other people at Eagle Creek to swim then bike then run. The boys volenteer at bike to run transition water station. I can always expect tomfoolery while going to this water station, be it a cup of water in the face from Owen and then another from George. The poor people behind us are probably a little scared to get any water from the likes of those two. George came up with a great idea to trick us, but he didn't go through with it- give us cups that are empty- too perfect!

All Things Fried - A Summer Tradition

Three large strawberry milk shakes, two large root beers, and a medium Big Red. Five corn dogs, a cheese burger (dressed), an order of corn dog bites, two orders of fried cheese, french fries, fried zucchini, fried sweet potatoes, fried hot cheese balls, fried mushrooms, extra ketchup and a couple of "I Love Mug and Bun Food" bumper stickers, please. Our neighbor and I took all the boys out for our annual pilgrimage to Speedway to eat at the famous Mug 'N Bun. As usual the food was great and the setting perfect. If you have never been I recomend it highly.

Nearing normalcy

Everything is about back to normal at the little red house by the park. It's great to be home, great to once again filling our days with the things we love--running, biking, cooking, Scrabble, painting, reading. George is feeling better every day. He's been enjoying his pals who've come to hang out and trade cards. He's up and out of his recovery recliner all the time, takes a few walks around the block with his mom, and has even made a few road trips to watch friends play ball and perform with their violins.



A painting by Becca that I have tentatively titled, Looking up at and depicting one small area of the little red house by the park. It's a working title.

When a neighbor brings you this from his garden . . .

you craft it into this, zucchini bread. Mmmmmm.

This is a picture I took of George the other day I am calling, Tall skinny boy craning his neck to watch his brother return from a cross country practice run. It, too, is a working title.

Metros in the house

We had a couple of Metro teammates show up in G's room this morning. Danny and Gordon brought George a customized batting helmet. Sweeet!! George's appetite has returned and he has started eating, yea. Again, thanks for all the kind words and gifts.

George

George has been keeping up on some current research.

George Rickey in Indy

The kinetic sculptor George Rickey's artwork is exhibited throughout Indianapolis this summer. Owen, George, Bop, Mam and I went on a tour to check them out. You can get a map downtown and lead yourself on the walking to to see them all for yourself. It was super cool.

Wiffleball and Baseball

The week before George went in to the hospital he made sure he got a bunch of wiffle and baseball in. Check out the action. I think he is out!

Stretch takes the mound.

Owen rocks the Metro's hat.

Is it Johnny Bench?

Catch up

The Internet connection here at Riley is better than at home, which means while George snoozes to the tunes of Wilco I can catch up on the blog. This was a few weeks ago when we went to Rock Creek.

Sonic Youth in Chicago

Last Sunday Rick and I went to Chicago to see Sonic youth at the Vic. The show was SLAMMIN! See for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a2vOdUafg0