My books arrived today. I didn't take any suggestions from those who provided them, but I appreciate the ideas nonetheless. 

The books I bought are: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, by Robert Pirsig; and Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and The Conquest of the American West, by Hampton Sides.

I'm excited about both of them. 

Gift Card

I have a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble that is just itching to get spent.

The problem: I can't decide on a book to buy. 

Anyone have any suggestions? 

Pizza and Plum Island

We grabbed a pizza and a fishing rod and headed out to Plum Island for dinner and fishing this week. The pizza was satisfying, but the fishing was not.  Above is Stephen tying on a lure. Below is our little set up.

Linsey's lounging feet and Stephen fishing in purple. The water is the mouth of Merrimack River and although you can't tell in this picture, numerous fishermen in boats tried their luck also, but with a bit of an advantage.

Linsey's effort -- which was also unsuccessful.

The Great Salt Marsh, which, along with a river, separates Plum island from the main land. 

Wedded Bliss

We've made it an entire year!  People say the first year of marriage is the most difficult...I'm not really sure what they're talking about because I thought it was pretty darn fun.  Happy anniversary, SRT!  I love you.

Happy Father's Day!

We wish we could be there with you both today, but we love you and hope you have a great day!

Tim Russert

I liked this man. Many Sunday mornings will never be the same.

Downtown Dusk

A patriotic downtown bank.

Linsey on the river.

Stephen performing in some sort of river-front musical, it seems.

The river with sail boats.

Grilled Pizza

These pizzas were delicious. 

Alden's hair cut.

I know some of you saw this in your e-mail from Kim, but I thought it was such a funny picture not to share with the rest of the blogosphere.

A Sunday in Salem

Linsey and Stephen in Salem, walking down the street with our aviator glasses.

The inside of a restaurant where we had sangria and crab puffs.

Linsey inside another restaurant where we had dinner. It was hot this day, and Linsey was fighting off -- with some success -- a nagging head ache. 

A nice picture in downtown Newburyport. I like this one.

Conversation

This is a rare "face-to-face" conversation with John and Danielle Nelson.

It was nice to see their faces again.

John, unfortunately, had a horrible head ache and had to leave the room.

I'm not sure if we contributed to the head ache or not.

Your birthday just makes me want to ....

Dance, dance, dance.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!