Hot Air Balloon Fest

Launching of the balloons.

    This past weekend our friends, Ann and Mike, invited us to join them at their place at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, IL for The Great Galena Balloon Race.

   We've never seen so many hot air balloons at one time and the expression, "eye candy," seemed like the perfect metaphor. 

It was a perfect day for a balloon fest.

     
                                    We watched as the balloon crews set up and inflated the balloons, then flew them.  There was a lot of buzzing around by crew members to get a balloon upright and in the air.  Piloting must require loads of knowledge and skill.  After landing the crews packed up so quickly.  The fabric the balloons are made of must be thin and light because the deflated balloons were folded up and packed into large duffel bags, which were carried away by one guy.  The bulky part of the whole thing is the basket, which took several crew members to hoist onto a truck or into a large van.  

      

   Aside from the roar of the burners, which are periodically fired up, these colorful bubbles floated above our heads in silence.  I love silent sports...biking, kayaking, skiing.  These are the sports that let me be active while allowing my mind and spirit to drink in the world around me.  Riding in a hot air balloon is probably an amazing experience, especially on a clear day.  I know I'd love the views and the sensation of floating.  

     

                                                                                                

 At night, they had a "balloon glow." 

 

   The problem is...I'm afraid of heights.  Given that I can't climb a ladder, I'll enjoy hot air balloons from my lawn chair... and dream.....


    

The Beauty of Life...

                                                            ...is that it goes on.



 

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of joy for our family.  In late May, our niece, Becca, her husband, Devin, and their son, Hyat, welcomed little Nora. 

She is a sweet and easy baby and we are so very happy for them all.  I'm sure Nora already knows what a great family she has been born into.

A hearty CONGRATULATIONS! to Becca, Devin, H-man,  grandparents:  Debbie, Michael, Mariette & Tony, and both GREAT-grandfathers: Joe and Herb!

  




Then in early June, our nephew, Larry, married the love of his life, Leslie.  It was a beautiful wedding and a very fun reception!  Great food, music, and an ample dance floor.  

Leslie...we welcome you with open arms. And another hearty CONGRATULATIONS! to you both!

I took this picture a couple years ago at Camp Warren in northern Minnesota.  I love this photo.  I'm not sure if the new tree sprouted from the seemingly dead stump, or if a wayward seed nestled its way into the safe harbor of the old stump.  In any case, it reminds me that life goes on...and what a beautiful thing that is.