The tree in Trevett-Finch Park

The tree in Trevett-Finch Park
Originally uploaded by Crystl.

The kids loved the tree-they want to move to Champaign.

Do Not...

Do Not
Originally uploaded by Crystl.

wait 'til you get to Champaign to buy gas. It's 2.95 here. I thought "Oh, I have plenty to get us there-I can always fill up in Champaign". Bad, bad, idea. Gas was 3.12 there. Three dollars and twelve cents. Next time, we're riding our bikes to Champaign. It's only 51 miles away.

I'm thinking of going vegan

Breakfast
Originally uploaded by Crystl.

I keep getting sick. Being sick in the summer, in a word, stinks. Being sick in the summer when you have kids to keep entertained sucks even more. I already do everything right. I eat a (mostly) healthy diet, I exercise daily, and I get enough sleep. Yet, I have the immune system of an infant. I think a two week trial would be doable. We'll see what happens. Watch this space.

I have a crush on my bike

Don't let me decorate your house
Originally uploaded by Crystl.

It's not a secret or anything-the bike knows. This is only the second bike I've ever owned. My first was a Schwinn Typhoon; teal and white. My mother got it from her then boyfriend. It belonged to his daughter and had been sitting in his garage for years, just gathering dust. I only had it a few months. I was riding it in the park one day and the tire had a blow out. We couldn't afford to get it repaired and I went bike less.

I've been riding the new bike daily. My thoughts are consumed by it. What bike accessories I need to pick up, which bike trail I'll try out next, what name I should give it. Before long, I'll be dressing entirely in spandex and will shave "Viva Lance” in the back of my head.

Or not.

Kablam!

Kablam!
Originally uploaded by Crystl.

I'm pretty pleased with the way my firework shots came out. I think I struck a nice balance of taking pictures and just enjoying the show. Maybe next year I'll take my tripod (and perhaps a nicer camera).