Doing my part to keep the critters cool.

Ups and Downs of the Week.

Red Sox – They beat TB at the Dump…er, Trop tonight, but they blew so many scoring chances it was ridiculous. And the letter that went out recently to season ticket holders shows that Red Sox ownership is still living in a world of foolish dreams.

Heat Wave – Back to temps over 100F here on Monday and into next week.

Photoshop – Always fun to play around in it..

The corn stalks are quite high, but I heard on the radio this morning that this year’s yield is going to suffer because of the drought we’ve been having. We’ve received very little rain since late spring. The corn has a few ears, but they may be fewer and smaller than normal.

Ups and Downs of the Week.

 Red Sox – Back in the tank. They’ve lost 4 in a row, including a sweep by the lowly A’s in Oakland. They lost to the Yankees tonight after a lousy 1st inning by Josh Beckett. The only reason they were in the game at all was that the Yankees pitcher also had a lousy 1st inning.

Heat Wave – Continued temps over 100F here. We’re all looking forward to the mid-80s on Monday. I hope that forecast holds.

Lens Baby – This cheap little toy lens produces some interesting images. Should be fun to play with. I took these today at an Indian take-out place in Champaign called Mirsung.

It certainly is this year. This is not “my” cornfield, but it’s representative of the growth here this year. I had to stand on my toes and hold the camera way over my head to get this shot.

These two baby raccoons hang out on a branch just across the yard from our living room window.

Maggie in her usual spot.

Inside the new Disney California Adventure Park is an area they call Radiator Springs, which comes from the Disney Pixar movie Cars. The sandstone background is very impressive and makes you think you’re in Nevada somewhere. The background scenery wraps around a new ride and really gives a sense of depth and distance.

Yet on the outside, which we can see from our hotel balcony, the set is not that big. The visual magicians at Disney have just figured out a way to make you think the rocks are way in the distance. Pretty impressive.

Too many shots for the larger thumbnails, so click away.

Sarah received her Louis Shores award from the American Library Association and RUSA tonight.