Joe got Chesty's Eye Brows.

Old Blogger Poppy keeps getting requests to show off members of his immediate family. "Who's Cub?" they ask. "And Uncle Joe Ho?" Coggie, Mark, Ali, 'Da Boyz, etc., etc? Well, you asked for it. Here's my bro, Joe, wispy hair, fuzzy chin, weird eye brows and the whole deal.

Pina and Progeny.

Poppina just whipped up some blueberry pancakes and plopped them on the plate of her hungry and appreciative sonWill, who came for a visit with daughter Isabela from San Francisco.

Fan-tastic New Friends from California.

Marin County denizen Nicolle Weiss was our dinner partner at Lisa Ringer's Harvest Dinner two weeks ago in Long Lake. Behind the fans (the temp inside Lisa's house was 90-plus, and no A/C) are the Weiss boys Julian and Gabe. The guys sat across from Nancy and me at the harvest table. Thus the name, Harvest Dinner.

Food? Scrumptious, simple, organic, all grown in Lisa's garden, with exception of a bit of duck and lamb, which came from another sustainable farm, just down the road.

Cook and wait staff volunteered their services so proceeds from this remarkable repast could be donated to Lisa's pet non-profit, the Yell! Project.

Eat your heart out, Razor Scooter!

Little Miss Wick cruises the Long Lake kitch this AM on the coolest kiddie scooter you've ever seen! Watch out, Razor!

Pina, 'Bela, Will and I went toy shopping in the Wayzata mini-mall yesterday. The scoot was the major purchase, though we came home with a kazoo (which we've all been tooting) and some emergency vehicle stickers which are on their way to Oliver and Duncan.

Hoyt Pool Horse Play.

Will and Isabela horse around in the pool today in Long Lake in spite of warnings from Pina to take 'er easy!

Dr. Chesty Hoyt, way back in the '50's in Chillicothe, used to enjoin his kiddies (me and bros + sis) to cool it in our pool, too. Lot of good that warning did!

Isabela is fearless. So much fun to watch. Her dad thinks she'll be swimming before they head back home!

Ice Cream Break for Camp Compo Campers.

My very special grandson Ollie waits his turn for an ice cream bar at Camp Compo last week. Just the kind of cool-off treat a young guy would enjoy on a steamy summer day! Thanks to Mom for the foto from the town website in Westport, CT.

Avacad-Joe. Good for You.

Garden dispatch from our Miami Vegan, Joe Hoyt: "So I came across an interesting variety of Avocado the other day. Years ago when I lived in Coconut Grove a friend had a tree in his yard with this variety of avocado called Russell. When they ripened they turned purple. These, however, ripened green. Think the genus is Russell. They are delicious, very low in fat but still have an amazing nutty flavor. A squeeze of lime and a bit of hot chili powder! Gotta love the shape, no? Like none other...

Uncle Chris cozies Niece Lu.

Had to post this very endearing shot taken by my brother-in-law a few months ago.

It's of my nephew Christian Gaggia and his niece (I'm thinking that make her my great-niece?) Lucia Crary "Sweet Lu" parent, all of the great state of Washington.

Pretty cool family portrait, huh?

Choate School, Wallingford, Ct., '58.

Choate boys, ca. 1958, in front of Hill House. This group of 14-year olds were in their freshman year at School -- Third Form -- and likely away from home for the first time. Scared to death, lonely, awkward, etc., the guys were on a great adventure, academically, socially and culturally, though they had no idea of its life impact at the time. I had the privilege of joining these gents the next year -- 4th. Form, fall of 1959. I remember so many of these faces. Choate Class of 1961 prepares for its 50th high school reunion next May, and we are having SUCH A GREAT TIME doing our reconnection thing. Lucky us, really and truly.

Karen + Dick Hull do Hilton Head.

Dick Hull, C '61, and his wife Karen pose last winter at Hilton Head's Harbor Town Light House. Hulls had traveled from their home in Brunswick, ME for an extended family vaca in the southland, which included a soiree with fellow Choaties Terry Hannock and Ras Smith.

Head 'er up, and haul in the sheet.

Dame Margot Butler is a helluva tennis player, runner, cook, singer, photographer, equestrienne, mother, grandmother, and all-round friend. She knows a thing or two about sailing a boat, too, as you can see in this foto which just arrived from Martha's Vineyard.

Pirate Day at the Wad Club.

Pretty scary pirates roamed the seven seas, not to mention Wad Club Harbour! I'm keeping my distance from this little guy -- even though his smile, 'stache and bandana are adorable, and very compelling.

Ellie Comes with Carrot Cake!

Our neighbor and dear pal Ellie Crosby showed up at Pina's Pool with Carrot Cake in hand, and "4" and "0" candles in honor of Paige's birthday. Carrot cake was yummy, Mary, Liz, Paige and Roo were surprised, and old Poppy here was glad to have one of his most loyal blog habitues (Ellie) here as our guest. Let the good times roll!

Full Speed Ahead at Wayzata Depot.

Terry is long-time volunteer chief at Wayzata Depot, not far from gorgeous Lake Minnetonka. Terry's model RR steaming along 45mm tracks here runs on weekends and holidays, and today was the second time I saw it in action. What a hoot! Supported by donations from choo-choo fans of all ages, dedicated volunteers, and Lake Minnetonka Garden Club, you must check it out. It's a trip -- puffs of smoke come out the stack on the bigger of the two engines. Wow!

First Cukes of the Season.

Hot, rainy, great composted soil = quick cuke growing season in Long Lake. We've eaten this, and others, already, plus the tomatoes. Lots more to come and pics from Pina's Planter to follow.