Saturday, November 05, 2005

rockabilly baby


dancing with Daddy
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Clara loves to dance with Daddy (and vice versa), and our latest favorite is retro-swing from the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Go cat, go!

"I can do this with my eyes closed!"


the puzzler
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
It'll be quite a while before anyone commandeers the kitchen table with a 500-piece jigsaw, but Clara loves her puzzles. One of her favorite games is to flip the board over so all the pieces fall out and Mommy or Daddy crawl under the table to pick them all up again -- how quickly a child trains her parents....

Little Pink Crawling Hood


a chilly day on the playground
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Neither cold, nor rain, nor wind shall keep these babies from their appointed rounds on the jungle gym.

another swing? ho-hum...


sleepy girl on swing
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
How quickly yesterday's thrill-ride becomes today's been-there, done-that. Hard to believe how recently the mere sight of a swingset could set off a squall of giggles, but maybe lack of speed and altitude or an overdue nap is the only problem here.

that mischievous look


headband? no, thanks
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Mommy loves to dress Clara in all the beautiful wearable gifts she's recieved, and Clara loves to dismantle the photogenic finery as quickly as possible. We've been seeing a lot more of this "wanna try to stop me?" look lately, and suspect it's only the mildest foretaste of many heart-stopping surprises and adventures to come.

Jack-o-lanterns? Never!


the pumpkin defender
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Clara fearlessly protects an innocent gourd from the surrounding Halloween carvers. We'll see if she still looks so protective after she gets her first taste of pumpkin pie....

Cual es la mejor?


picking pumpkins
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Mommy introduces Clara to the fine art and exact science of shopping. Que buena compra!

at Trax Farm


start `er up, Daddy!
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Clara tries the tractor on for size during a visit to a nearby farm market.

relaxing before dinner


Grandpap & Clara
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Grandpap and Clara kick back and relax in their favorite chairs while Mommy cooks up a Sunday feast and Daddy keeps everyone's wine glass (or sippy cup) full. Thanks for the Toasted Head, Grandpap!

fall foliage


autumn leaves
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Mommy helps Clara take a walk on a gorgeous October day in the backyard. Despite a later-than-normal start, the autumn colors were spectacular here at the end of October.

pizza night


pizza night
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
There's nothing like a homemade pizza to lift your spirits (and your cholesterol count). Here Bill demonstrates his expert topping techniques while the rest of us spectate with cocktails, during Jack and Betty's most recent visit to Bill and Mimi's home in Pittsburgh.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

bye bye, Germantown


watching the water
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
There's a delightful network of footpaths running through the parkland between housing developments in Montgomery County, Maryland. Xisca and Clara used to walk them on sunny mornings, and all three of us would often take a stroll there after supper. One of Clara's favorite spots was a wooden bridge over a little stream: she seemed mesmerized by the sight and sound of water flowing over the rocks.

above the banks of the Potomac


adios, Washington
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
One of the best parts about our sporadic Sunday visits to downtown DC was, surprisingly, the drive through suburban Virginia on the George Washington Parkway. This shot was taken at one of the several scenic overlooks along the route, looking back toward the capital on our way home.

sausage factory


sunshine
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Bismarck is reputed to have quipped, "Laws are like sausages: it is better not to see them being made." Nevertheless, Clara enjoys her day on the Mall near that political abattoir known as the US Congress.

National Gallery


Calder fans
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
Clara explains the finer points of modern sculpture to Mommy: "Mooo!"

cool greenery


Gardens
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
The Botanical Gardens are the best place to go if you're ever stuck in DC on a hot, humid afternoon. It's cool, quiet, fragrant and free of the summer crowds that overrun most higher-profile attractions.

National Cathedral


getting religion
Originally uploaded by kentropic.
This was one of our last family outings in the DC area. It's an extremely impressive building with absolutely stunning stained glass windows. The gardens near the rectory were especially peaceful and contemplative.