Haiku June: Day 21

Out for a quick run,

Ribs aching as I breathe deep,

in the green shadows.

Haiku June: Day 20

Father's Day Part II was no slouch either. Andrea and I slept until NINE-FIFTEEN! Zoe had slept over at Papa and Ama's which was wonderful for us, and perhaps better for her, as her cousins Paige, Ethan, and Brock were there as well. Once we were fully awake, we made our way to St. Paul, where Mali and Chad met us as well for a long fun brunch out on the back patio. I got to watch Brazil dominate once again in World Cup action, in a long, lazy Sunday with great food and great company. We ran a few errands, and went home for Andrea to pack.

Egg bake and coffee,

A robin in the bird bath,

brunch in the back yard.

Haiku June: Day 19

We had a great Father's Day Part I, making eggs benedict for Michael and later going out for exceptionally good sushi at Origami in Minneapolis's Warehouse District. Andrea and I then had Date Night, walking from the Nicollet Island Pavillion (where we were married in 2000) to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival of Arts. It was an incredibly beautiful June Minnesota night. Then a stroll Uptown for used books and dessert at Lucia's, and home!

O Mississippi,

Swiftly passing by our feet,

murmuring greetings.

May Haiku Book Reviews

In which I attempt to summarize an entire book in 17 unmetered syllables.

Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer

A young pilgrim,

starves foolishly and alone,

under silent stars.

A Slight Trick of the Mind, by Mitch Cullen (audiobook)

Aged Sherlock Holmes:

mind and memories fading,

reflects on his life.

The Hermit of Eyton Forest, by Ellis Peters (audiobook)

Brother Cadfael,

Murder and intrigue, the young

lovers are absolved.

PuppyPerfect: The User-Friendly Guide to Puppy Parenting, by Sarah Hodgson

A simple primer

for we who forget the work

of getting dogs right.

Babbitt, by Sinclair Lewis (audiobook)

A scathingly fun

satire on America's

staid conformity.

A Murder at the Vicarage, by Agatha Christie

Miss Marple's debut,

reveals small-town politics

deadly, pre-Blue Velvet

Haiku June: Day 18

Fresh coffee and juice,

Vuvuzelas and songbirds,

A World Cup breakfast.

Haiku June: Day 17

Carefully I step,

Around the yard with Zoe,

going "exploring".

Haiku June: Day 16

Dazzling selection!

Grapes, berries, seafood and nuts,

Things not in Rwanda.

Haiku June: :Day 15

This morning's breakfast,
Zoe said "It's getting warm out!"
Sun-dappled wet leaves.

Haiku June: Day 14

Family photos,

chemotherapy coming,

smiling for cameras.

Haiku June: Day 13

Wonderful party,

two families together,

good food and soccer.

Haiku June: Day 12

Cold and rainy days,

cloudy from dawn until dusk,

reflecting our thoughts.

Haiku June: Day 11

The first night back home,

so good to see our people,

dinner at Plautzes.

Haiku June: Day 10

Back on the ground, tired,

smelly, worn out, and jet-lagged:

happy to be here.

Haiku June, Day 9

Travel and arriving in Minnesota has been hectic (though good). We are just now adjusting to the time change, and getting into a little bit of routine. I'll try to catch up the days I've missed over the next day or two.

Nairobi airport,

children's playroom for hours,

sticky but friendly too.

Haiku June: Day 8

Broken rib from crash,

Pops when coughing or twisting,

Biking still worth it.

Haiku June: Day 7

Bittersweet goodbyes,

Leaving our African life,

Lake country summer.

Haiku June: Day 6

Cool morning, then sun;

Banana and coffee fields,

legs and bike muddy.

Haiku June: Day 5

Indian curry,

good food and conversation:

dinner with good friends.

Haiku June, Day 4

A happy surprise:

Rain during the dry season,

Mud rather than dust.

Haiku June: Day 3

In which I continue my little quest for a haiku for each day of June.

Running up mountains,
Equatorial sunshine
Takes away my breath.

Haiku June: Day 2

Thanks to Triciep and Cold Spaghetti for yesterday's excellent comments.

"Oscar" or "Poochie"?

Do puppies care about names

more than a fresh bone?