last days of summer.

it technically is still summer, even though most of us have returned to our lives of work, school, and busyness. for many of us, summer is just a change in temperature and not a change in work hours. for the more fortunate (my sister, my brother-in-law) it means a 2 1/2 month vacation...paid. i took the advantage of the beautiful weather of today to go kayaking. unfortunately yet again, i didn't get kayaking as much as i would have liked - and i wouldn't consider my jamaica kayaking a good example. it became more of a rescue (me trying to rescue my mom and dad who tipped and then struggled to get back in their kayak) and then me being the rescuee (in trying to paddle myself with my mom in the water holding onto the back, we drifted into the rocks after making little progress). i have a scar to prove it.

back to my northeast new jersey roots, i took on the ramapo river/pompton lake. a peaceful afternoon. a few others had the same idea - men on their fishing boats, other kayakers, a few swimmers. not sure i would make that venture...swimming in those waters.

i'd like to go back to this very spot in a month or so, to see the change in colors. i will have to dress appropriately of course, but i think the experience will be worth it. some more photos for your enjoyment. the photo of the canadian geese in the water is not a reflection of my appreciation or admiration of the creature, rather a demonstration of how intimidating and scary these animals are when you are at the same level as them. don't they look huge? oh and just to note, the last one has nothing to do with kayaking. it is a photo of my grandmother's (mama) neighbors house. i went there to water her plants while she was away, and was pleasantly surprised by the wedding decorations of this peruvian household. (and in case you don't know me, i am not being sarcastic - i enjoy the difference in cultures).