The Urban Pantheist

I think Zari appreciates me as a naturalist, but isn't too happy with me as a photographer. This is right as she noticed the ferns among the cattails.


None of us present knew the identity of this wildflower. A little digging turned up "swamp cinquefoil," Comarum palustre, found in wetlands throughout the northern part of the northern hemisphere.


I appreciate the reassuring messages on the boardwalk.


I hadn't thought about it before, but I guess they must trim back the cattails that come up through the boardwalk.

Very dear friends of mine and their wonderful children have moved back to the Boston Area after about 15 (20?) years in Brooklyn. Yesterday they held a housewarming party. This is one of those rare 3:00 snapshots where I told them what I wanted far in advance. Fortunately it's a pretty nice family portrait.


I brought Turkey, and he was the center of attention--at least as far as most of the kids were concerned.


As I left, the party lights on their porch were magical. Welcome back Jeannine and Bil!

LOOK, THE BABY TAPIR IS GRAZING!



(her name is Tupelo, remember when she looked like this?)

photo by coworker Christina

"squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak..."

The sound of a dog's squeaky toy, coming closer, down the sidewalk, as we eat lunch outside. What should come up the way but a family--mom and dad and just-walking baby--the baby's shoes are making the squeak noise. Someone is manufacturing baby shoes with squeakers in them. There were a few people around us, and we all exchanged unbelieving looks. One guy said "that's the weirdest thing I've ever seen!" Well, no, but it's pretty weird.

Cut to a few hours later, in the airport, waiting for the announcement to board our plane: "squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak..." Another just-walking baby, with squeakers in its shoes. Someone is manufacturing baby shoes with squeakers in them, and at least two people have bought them. I can only imagine that the point of these shoes is that you always know where the baby is--you know, rather than watching them. I know, I'm not a "kid person," and I'll never have children so I'll never understand, but isn't this whole idea really obnoxious? The message I'm getting from it is "My child's safety is more important than your comfort."

They are coming to your school, your daycare center, your laundromat, grocery store (think of it--dozens of pairs of shoes--"squeak squeak squeak squeak squeak") dentist's office, your city street!

What do you think?