These first three came from boston.com's The Big Picture. There are many more there, and much bigger than I have, so be sure to check them out.

This next one comes from The Telegraph in the UK. Those are the northern lights over the volcano. They have lots more on their site, and bigger too.

Lastly, my buddy Ked posted a video of time-lapse photography that's really amazing. The original is much bigger, you should watch that one.

Iceland, Eyjafjallajökull - May 1st and 2nd, 2010 from Sean Stiegemeier on Vimeo.

In the last several months I've noticed more and more people standing at the end of off-ramps of freeways here in town holding signs saying "Homeless and hungry". Seeing one made me sad. Two seemed odd. 8 seemed suspicious.

My wife has seen those folks being dropped off and picked up by a van, and I've seen them together in a group. It would seem that there's an organized pan handling gang in town. It bothers me most when I see them with little kids and puppies, sitting there for hours.

Anyone know more of the story?

Work is steady, clients are paying on time, it's fun, and I'm getting the time I always wanted to do Other Things. Usually summer is my least favorite season, but this year Michigan has been nice, staying cool and wet, only adding to the enjoyment.

So yes, things are going well. :)

"Yes I am" I reply.

"Why?" she asks.

"Because it was dirty" I reply again. "Are you cleaning the toilet?" I ask.

"No" she answers.

"Why not?" I ask.

"Because it's clean!"

Duh.

My youngest then said "Really? I thought they were all about the cake".

I find both perspectives interesting.

The freedom's been wonderful. We've been to the zoo, the museum, the gardens, IKEA, and up north so far this month. And we just go whenever we feel like it.

I've spent some quality time grilling, playing baseball with my girls, building arrows for their toy bows, and playing video games with them.

And best of all, the work has been fun and interesting.

"Kick ass?" she said.

I asked where she'd heard that phrase and she said "I don't know". I asked if she was sure and she said yes.

I told her that was a pretty rude phrase and she shouldn't say it again. She said

"Whew, thanks for telling me Dad, before I used it out in public!"

We had a nice talk about not using words we don't know the meaning of before finding out said meaning. I suspect she got it from commercials for this movie.