"I would rather do this than blow snow," says Floyd McClure. Even though Floyd McClure doesn't look forward to this time of year, he says, "Being outside, working outside appeals to me." The sixty-year-old Erie resident recently spent several hours raking up leaves, a gift from the maple tree adorning his front yard. With many leaves still left to fall, McClure predicts he'll be doing this task at least once more this year. "I like doing this. It's just nice being outside," says McClure. McClure and his wife, Williestean McClure, have lived in their lower westside house for 16 years. JANET B. CAMPBELL/

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East High School first year R.O.T.C. student, Christopher Rivera, 15, holds up his end while beneath an enormous 19 ft. by 38 ft. American flag. The flag served as a backdrop Nov. 2 for the return of East High School teacher John Boyko after he served a year in Iraq. Rivera and his fellow R.O.T.C. students were charged with lowering the flag from the back wall of the stage after the conclusion of the student assembly. It took several students to properly fold the flag due to its size and weight. Of the R. O.T.C., Rivera says, "It teaches you a lot of respect, discipline, and teaches you how to be a better person in life." He joined through the recommendations of both his brother and step father and plans to enter the military after high school where he'd like to become an officer. This is his first time helping fold the giant flag. ROB ENGELHARDT/Erie Times-News

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"Even though we only had one day of kiting, it was well worth 12 hours of driving. It was a blast." ....Jeff Gandee in describing a recent trip from Washington DC to Erie. Jeff Gandee, 28, of Washington DC, has kept his ears on NOAA weather reports for the past three years always hoping to find the perfect winds for his sport, kiteboarding. He found the conditions on Lake Erie waters at Presque Isle State Park ideal for a thrill ride recently. Winds exceeded 35 knots. So Gandee packed his gear, took the day off of work, made the six-hour drive to Erie and, soon after jogging through the beach sands, found himself 20 feet above roaring waves while high winds toyed with his kite. Although self-taught, Gandee doesn't recommend the same approach to anyone planning to learn kiteboarding. "Gusty winds are dangerous and not suitable for beginning riders," he says. "It's too easy to get hurt." Gandee said he can practice new tricks when winds are calmer, but not this day. He was simply fighting with nature. "It's the most exciting activity I've ever done." ROB ENGELHARDT/

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"It's such a nice day," says Donna Hemme, 76. "Sitting in the sun feels so good," she added while at her West 25th Street home in Erie on Oct. 20. "Yesterday I didn't get a darn thing done. I sat out here in the morning, went in for lunch, then came back out all afternoon." Reflecting on the past 43 years at her home, Hemme recalled the days when 75 kids, including five of her own, lived on the block. "There were kids everywhere." Now it's a quiet street and Hemme enjoys every chance to get out on the swing. "I love the sun. You never know what the weekend will bring. In fact, my kids are gonna take the swing apart in a few days to store for the winter." GREG WOHLFORD/Erie Times-News

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