Where'd everybody go?

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I've been negligent lately in my blogging and blog-visiting, but I have an excuse!
I've been preparing for, hosting, and then emotionally recovering from an all-too-short visit of my family from Australia.

Under welcome clouds and a welcoming committee of birds, my Naomi, Dean, Eyal, and Libby and I walked over to our local "desert." 

It was the day of the Sukkot holiday, so everyone else must have been dwelling in their sukkas or away on vacation or napping, because we were the only ones out and about. 
Imagine having the whole Meitar Forest to yourself for your picnic.

Then we headed home on the dusty Israel Trail.

Naomi had everyone hose off the dust from their shoes and feet, because the very next day they would  be starting the long journey back, flying from Tel Aviv east to Hong Kong and then another long flight south to Sydney. 

So for ABC Wednesday, N is for Naomi and her husband, (who had to continue on to some professional conferences in Europe) and their kids who were nice enough to come north to visit.
But for not nearly enough time. 
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Articans

People who participate in Articans. They may participate in creating art, help run the show of just enjoy the spirit. Above, founder Hap Phillips. Below, artists at work, artists at leisure, and friends and family. I'll show you what the clown did with a chainsaw later in the week.     

"The Bridge Of The River Granby :-) "

Dragon Master Boats

Dragon Master Boats, awaiting crews and the right weather to head out on Lake Sumter.

Apocalypse Now

That was my first thought on seeing this section of the graffiti-permitted flood wall. I found it a little uncomfortable, like an attack was coming up out of the Mississippi. (We actually had a mock version of that once. It was enough.)  

Artica, a very out-there arts festival held in our industrial wastelands, starts today. (Example.) Heading over there shortly.