Eight

August 20, 2014 Photo (232/365): "Baby Face"

Happy Birthday to our junior skipper, Chase! Uncle Eric and I were aboard our boat on that beautiful August day in 2006. When your dad called to tell us that you were born, we sailed in as fast as we could to meet the newest member of the Larson crew! How can that possibly be eight years ago already?! Remember that no matter how big you get, you will always be my "Baby Face", Chase! "8 is Great" and so are you!  XOXO Love always, "Auntie"

Early

August 18, 2014 Photo (230/365): "Early"

Today was the first day back for the faculty of Pewaukee School District. Yes, it is very early (although some of us never really left), yet even Mother Nature is already showing signs of fall. So, here we go: back to school; back to new shoes, pens, and notebooks; back to lovely foliage, apples, and football; back to sweaters, scarves, tights, and boots; back to crisp nights, bonfires, and red wine...To everything, there is a season, and fall is one of my favorites. Welcome back!

Echinacea

August 17, 2014 Photo (229/365): "Flower Power"

"Flowers always make people better and happier; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul." - Luther Burbank

Coneflowers, know scientifically as echinacea, are more than just a dramatic edition to late summer gardens. Their spiny centers (resembling sea urchins -- echino in Greek), contain a powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal qualities. Archaeologists discovered evidence that Native Americans used echinacea for centuries to treat infections and wounds, and as a general "cure-all." Contrary to urban legend, echinacea has not been proven to prevent the common cold; yet many people use the herb to shorten the duration of colds and flu, while reducing symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and fever. Beautiful or medicinal...either way, that's flower power.