This is the picture I meant to post

Pete on Letterman

Apparently David Letterman also just read Dishwasher. My apologies to Pete - the TV I watched this on stretches people out a bit. Pete did a great job on television. He was funny and he even told people to turn off their TVs - Pete does not watch TV.

Practice Run

This truck/trailer combo seemed big until we parked it next to the big boys.
Luke and I drove this thing from Albuquerque to Chicago over the weekend. Next weekend we are driving a similar but smaller truck to Boise. See you there.

Tomorrow I am giving my computer back to the institution that owns it. I’ll get a new one in about a month from another institution, so I’ll be blogging with a typewriter like in the olden days.

New Residence

One of these is my new home in Boise. Next time your in Boise stop by.

Boise

Boise is pronounced with a hard 's,' as in Boy C. This is what I saw more than anything else during my four days in Boise - it's called "Rufus."

Waukegan

Today I went for a walk and found half a muskrat, (I don't recommend opening that link), a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a Yellow Warbler, an Indigo Bunting, a Common Yellowthroat and a bunch of large, orange and black wasps digging holes.
It is safe to click on the other links. I can only take responsibility for one of the photos but unfortunately it is the first and grossest link.

Winner

Wow, you really went the extra mile, Matthew L. Warren of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Scientific Discovery

While walking along the Illinois River this morning, I heard a grunting noise. The grunting noise was coming from some logs and boards in the river. I decided to investigate. At first I thought the boards and logs rubbing against each other caused the sound. Upon closer inspection I discovered the source of the sound: carp sucking (eating algae?) or chewing the underside of the wood. I have included photographic evidence of my findings. Unfortunately, I did not bring my fancy recording device so I cannot offer audible evidence.
In the bottom photograph the carp is upside down so it can mouth the wood.

Shortcake

Dessert, breakfast and dinner in that order.

Sadler Drawing Contest

Well, the cicadas are dead and with them goes the Cicada Drawing Contest. Congratulations to all who won. For those of you itching to make a drawing I offer this challenge: draw me.

Bird ID

Can someone tell me what species these swans are?