Resolution 366

With inspiration from my dear sister-in-law, Rachel, I embark on this adventure - capturing an image every day for a year both to have for myself and to share with you. My hope is that through this effort, I will "keep peace in the noisy confusion of life" - taking time to notice the small things, celebrate the big things, and more fully appreciate the gift of each new day. Of course, I had every intention of beginning this on January 1st - but when that day came and went without a blog, Rachel assured me that this project can begin on any day. After a slow start, I really hope I can pull it off - and that you'll enjoy it!

Click on most images to make them larger.

Day 204 - July 31: Leaving Chatham

Today we begin our trip to the land of Bucky Badger - Wisconsin, where we'll take in a Brewers game, visit Green Bay and Madison, spend time with cousins at Sugar Camp, and attend the wedding of our nephew, Matthew to Megan. Let the adventure begin.

Day 203 - July 30: Sharks

So apparently there are Great Whites in the Chatham waters. When my brother, Pete sees it on the evening news in San Fransisco, I guess it's a big deal. However, those of us who live here spend very little time thinking about them. That is, until we go for donuts at the Chatham Bakery.

Day 202 - July 29: Fifty Shades

Finished the third book - guilty as charged.

Day 201 - July 28: Luau

Today our yacht club held its annual Luau, a gathering of families at the beach complete with music, races, balloons, food, and good company. The fog rolled in and out but didn't spoil the fun.

Day 200 - July 27: Mother's Helper

Lane has always loved babies. When she was a toddler, she earned applause from fellow passengers when she was able to quiet a baby during a long flight. In Chatham, she loves nothing more than playing with four year old twins, William and Nicholas. And they love playing with her.

Day 199 - July 26: Cabaret

We returned to the Monomoy Theater tonight for a fantastic production of "Cabaret".

Day 198 - July 25: Sue's Day

The sailing genes in our family come directly from the Corning clan. Douglas' mother, Sue (pictured here with her father) was Long Island Sound Junior Champion and before that, her father and grandfather sailed big boats with the Vanderbilts and founded Stamford Yacht Club. Today Sue is 85. I'm delighted that our kids are carrying on in her sailing footsteps.

Day 197 - July 24: Double Blue

Lane was awarded two blue pennants for contests at sailing school today, one in her Old Mates class (traditional sailing/racing) and one in her Open Bic class (good time sailing). I get to brag because clearly the sailing gene didn't come from me. And I get to be really proud.

Day 196 - July 23: Freedom

Remember that amazing feeling of freedom when you took the car for the first time after getting your driver's license? Stuart felt that way today. Now that he's a licensed boat operator, he can take his friends out, all by themselves. Today he and his friend, Andrew went for a spin while I made dinner. They arrived home with wide grins.

Day 195 - July 22: Blue Ribbon Winner

Today the Beach Club held its annual Pet Show. Rufus took a blue ribbon in "Best Underwater Swimmer" after the kids wowed the judges with tales of his antics. Well deserved.

Day 194 - July 21: Homecoming

Today I picked up Stuart after his week at Boy Scout camp. We both cried. When we pulled into the driveway, he jumped out of the car and tackled Rufus with a smothering hug. A boy and his dog, together again. Welcome home, Stuart.

Day 193 - July 20: Harvest

It's happened. We've done it. I can't believe it. Today we plucked our first juicy red tomato off our very own tomato plant. First ever vegetable that didn't arrive here by way of the grocery store. Very cool.

Day 192 - July 19: Baby Ru

On our way out of town, Rufus and I stopped to grab a sandwich and met this adorable puppy. Ru has met his Mini Me.

Day 191 - July 18: Ten Rows Behind Home Plate

During a long day of work, there's nothing better than a text from a friend offering Red Sox tickets. Douglas and I took our friend, Walt to the game against the White Sox. A beautiful summer night in Boston, and the home team won, 10-1.

Day 190 - July 17: Work Day

Rufus and I knew the day was coming. How long could we play in Chatham before we'd get called back to the office? This week Douglas has three bids due so Rufus and I returned to Medfield to help out.

Day 189 - July 16: Bequia Skiff

Bequia is the largest of the islands in the Grenadines at 7 square miles. A Bequian friend of a friend showed up on the beach today, towing a Bequia Skiff and immediately, Stuart said, "Dad, I want to sail that boat". The owner obliged and Douglas and Stuart set off. With no center board, it's tricky to sail, but those two made it look easy.

Day 188 - July 15: Sand Castle

Today Walt and Garland took us by boat to secluded North Beach, where Lane, Mark, Sarah, Clayton, and Paige built a fantastic sand estate. I dropped Stuart off at Boy Scout camp this morning and we'll all do our best to muddle through until his return.