Every two years, the United States Air Force opens its gates to the local community and hosts an open house on Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona.  The base itself houses brave men and women training to fly and maintain war fighter planes and on any given day, the local residents of the area may hear the rumble of greatness surging across the clear desert sky.  On this weekend, the public is welcomed in to get up close to the massive planes of the past and present.  There are also aerial performances throughout the day, culminating with the crowd favorite performance of those six pilots who fly the F-16 Thunderbirds and form the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Aerial Demonstration Team.

It is a rare occasion that the water is this still at the docks. I took advantage of the absence of waterfowl and boats.

Nestled between the Miracle Mile shopping district and the stunning beauty of Lake Michigan is Wrigleyville, USA.  It is the home of the Chicago Cubs, the loveable losers who draw among the most loyal fans in baseball.  The stadium itself is one of the crown jewels of Major League Baseball.  If the brick walls could talk, they would whisper stories of triumph and of heartbreak, muffled by the lush green ivy that pronounces the coming of summer.  Can you think of a better place to spend a warm July day?