Prom 2005

Prom 2005
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

Rachel and Bert at the retirement home where Bert's grandmother lives. The photo quality isn't so great, but it's such a nice picture of both of them. Bert and his brother Gus took their dates to show off their finery to their grandmother. This was a low budget occasion: Rachel borrowed a dress from her best friend Sam, and she and Bert went to a friend's house for dinner. Since Rachel and Sam were late after Saturday's regatta, the hairdresser didn't have enough time to put up Rachel's long heavy hair properly, so she took it down.

71st Annual Scholastic Rowing Association Championships

Pulling ahead
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

Here's a great shot from the Tiger Navy site, showing our girls pulling into first place during a very exciting semifinals race. They had a great day, placing fourth in the finals. That's fourth out of 54 entries overall. Not bad for our rural middle class kids, rowing against all those rich preppies!

Sacred Heart of Mary Cemetery, Louisville, Colorado

Cemetery View
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

This is where my son, Matt, will be buried. Such a lovely place, great view of the Flatirons. Bema and my Aunt Mary Ellen are buried there, and Amy and Dan are planning to bury Emma's ashes there as well, so Matt will have good company. The mountains in this picture are just north of the Flatirons, near north Boulder, where Mom and Paul have their flower shop.

The Show-me State Shows Us How NOT to Balance a State Budget

The Missouri legislature is considering changes to the state's Medicaid funding proposed by Governor Matt Blunt, which would result in the loss of health care coverage for some 125,000 low-income (mostly working mothers), senior, and disabled citizens. The qualifying income for a Missouri family of three would be $3500/year after deductions. Nice safety net, huh? The proposal also includes eliminating coverage for crutches, wheelchairs, and dental care, because the disabled don't really need that stuff anyway. So whatever happened to so-called "compassionate conservatism"? Why can't the world's richest nation find a way to take care of its most unfortunate citizens? It is so bizarre to turn on the TV and see these new shows like Extreme Makeover that help people who are having severe life problems by remodeling their homes to totally luxurious standards. It's nice to see the generosity and compassion, but it doesn't come anywhere near to solving the problem. It's a drop in the bucket. This country is full of people who are down on their luck--and many of them wouldn't look so wonderful under the glare of studio lights.

I think the time has come for another Robin Hood, because this business of giving the rich tax cuts, and placing the brunt of the tax burden on the middle class and the working poor is really getting out of hand.

Wyandotte V8 Winners

wyandotte
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

Here are some happy but tired girls after a very close race: (back L to R) JoAnn, Beebe, Maddie, Lauren, Sam; (front L to R) Rachel, Danielle, Lindsay, Megan. Note the crappy t-shirts (Sam's sleeve practically reaches her elbow). They don't look very intimidating compared to well-heeled teams who have those sleek uniforms with the stripes up the sides. Rachel has this whole rap about how the MHS team looks so shabby and unrefined, but are nevertheless kick-ass when they hit the water. It surprises and infuriates the tonier teams that these rural kids from the edge of Appalachia can beat them. Too bad! Although good equipment can make a difference, and the V8 girls are thrilled to have a new boat this season, crew is about technique, form, strength, discipline, and mental attitude. Fortunately, good coaching and dedicated athletes aren't confined to communities that have a lot of money.

WV8 at Wyandotte Regatta

WV8 at Wyandotte Regatta
Originally uploaded by lynnikins.

If I'm not mistaken, this photo shows the Women's Varsity Eight pulling into the finish line to win first place at this year's Wyandotte Regatta. Rachel said it was her most exciting race ever, with the Marietta girls overtaking the leading boat just before the finish. The Marietta Navy won the meet overall, with the women taking first place, the men second. They had beautiful sunny weather, a big change over last year's cold, wet trip to Michigan. Check out the Tiger Navy site for race results and more photos.

Sunday Morning Post

The Marietta Navy won 14 out of 18 races at the Culver Regatta. The Women's V8 won gold, but Rachel's JV4 was disqualified because one of the seats broke during the race--which they would have won otherwise. Rachel said their boat was old and not in the best shape, and Caitlyn didn't know how to get her seat back in the tracks. By the time Rachel turned around to help her, the girls weren't really sure what to do. Anyway, the little comedy of errors was a good learning experience; they'll know what to do next time! Photos will be posted at the Tiger Navy site some time today. Next week's meet is in Michigan; the following weekend the team will go to the Midwest Championships, which will determine what boats will go to Nationals.

This window in the Andrews Hall Great Room at Marietta College reminds me of stars or planets emanating light. I don't know how old it is, but I imagine it's early 20th century, I think Andrews Hall used to be a Carnegie Library. Yesterday I loaded some more photos into my Flickr account, mostly family pics from last December.