Summer Sunset The Texas drought last year brought very few clouds. Few clouds mean visually weak sunsets. This summer has been much more normal, with the occasional rainfall. My wife no longer gives me a funny look when I run outside after dinner and look up towards that clouds. She knows I'm judging whether the skies will cooperate for a pretty sunset or not. On this evening, I thought things were looking good, so I drove up to a convenient field close to home and waited. Like the light, my hopes were fading, then out peered the sun from the lower cloud bank and everything lit up. It didn't last very long, but I was ready, so it was worth the time.

Montpelier, Home of the Madisons The National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired the property known as Montpelier in 1984 and carried out a major restoration from 2003-2008. Much of the work was to return the mansion to its original size of 22 rooms during the years when it was occupied by President James and Dolley Madison. They have done a remarkable job and it is well worth a tour if you find yourself in the area.

The Clarendon Building The Clarendon Building (on the left) is a landmark building in Oxford, England, owned by the University of Oxford. Built between 1711 and 1715 , it stands in the center of the city in Broad Street, near the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. From what I can tell from other online photos, this may actually be the back of the building. We didn't have an opportunity to walk around, but I was pretty impressed with the side I saw.