Doctor Day

This morning I had an appointment with the world's best Doctor, Brian Burke. We talked a lot and did some blood tests, and I'm scheduled for the infusion clinic tomorrow a.m. for 2 units of packed red blood cells. I'm sure I'll feel terrific afterwards.
Dick worked at the Agency in the morning, and this afternoon he went for his eye exam, so now HIS eyes are dilated!
Life is just a of .
In between Doctor appointments, I went to the library and got new books for Mother. She was eating lunch when I dropped them off, and seems to be in fine fettle.

888

Flower Bower

A litle disappointed today - Laurie still doesn't know when she can come to stay. We were hoping for next weekend for the Blue Angels and everything, but it looks like they'll miss that. Tom will definitely be here on Saturday, July 3rd.
We drove up to PlantMasters and bought flowers for the yard. They have a stunning variety of beautiful things. Today is another perfect day, weatherwise.

Shopping Bopping

Today I went to Traverse City's brand new Bed, Bath, and Beyond to get new linens for when the family visits in July. I used remarkable restraint in not buying the absolutely perfect $200 comforter (!) and managed to get all of my purchases for $150 - quite remarkable indeed, which is why I'm remarking on it.

While I was out having a great time spending money, Dick was at home weeding the flower beds along the driveway. He spent hours out there today, and it looks terrific.

This afternoon we put our furniture back in the living room, and now we're back to normal. Well, as normal as it gets.
We went for a lovely drive (it's another gorgeous day) over to the Interlochen area to do recycling.

The Carpets are Clean

This morning the Stanley Steemer carpet cleaners came and did their thing. We have all of the living room accessories in the guest room until noon tomorrow

Dick went geocaching in the Mesick area, and climbed some awesome hills. He also got lost in the woods, which makes me jealous that I wasn't with him.

We went shopping for a new tractor - looked at a Kubota (14,600) and a John Deere (12,700).
We keep remembering that in 1962 we bought a new house for 11,990. Cheesh.
A very nice Friday, sunny and temperate (70). I walked as far as the old volleyball court.

Thursday Stuff

Today Dick gave another presentation about the new Medicare Discount Cards. This time he spoke at the Elmwood Township Senior Lunch Meeting. He definitely didn't go there for the food.

Mother and I went to Dr. Whiting's office for some dental work for her. She said she wasn't feeling very sharp today. It was a short appointment, thank goodness. When she got back to her house, there was a letter for her from Austen at camp - very cute.

After leaving Mother, I went grocery shopping at the new Oleson's for a change. It's nice to have some variety sometimes.

After supper, we got the living room ready for Stanley Steemer. Their carpet cleaners are coming tomorrow.
888

Training Day

Eating our anniversary dinner at Windows was a unique experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like dressing up, and who has a fat wallet.
No sooner had we been seated, when my cousin Rick Block came over, and pointed out where he and Mary and Uncle Fritz and Aunt Ruth were sitting! It seems it was Fritz and Ruth's 64th anniversary! I had no idea we shared our anniversary date. What a coincidence!
Windows is a starched white tablecloth kind of a place. The servers were all in starched white pleated tux shirts and black pants. They were all very attentive. I had veal picatta, and Dick had Surf and Turf, followed by chocolate Jack Daniels ice cream and raspberry torte. We were seated there for 2 hours, but it seemed much shorter. Unbelievably nice - we loved it.

Today we were seated for 5 hours in the conference room of the Area Agency on Aging for Medicare/Medicaid training. I think it was a pay back for last night. We really paid our dues today! What did we learn that was new? We learned that people can steal your identity from the boxes of checks that you order through the mail; that you should not give out your social security number to people who initiate the contact; that Sladek's got the lunch order wrong; and that an assertive attitude can often get you what you want for your client when dealing with the FIA or a hospital.

Tonight we are having pancakes and bacon for supper to make up for all the rich food last night.
888

47th Anniversary

To celebrate our anniversary, Dick mowed the whole property including the paths, and I cleaned out my bedroom. It took us an equal amount of time, believe it or not. The transmission on the tractor broke down right when he was almost finished. So now we're back to the manual mower.

We loaded the tractor up on the trailer and hauled it off to the John Deere man. Now it's almost time to get ready for our big night out.

Happy Monday

Dick worked at the Agency, and I had my yearly eye exam. We had a lunch date, and went to Scott's Harbor Grill. The dilation of my pupils actually didn't wear off until almost 5 o'clock. I couldn't believe it. I was expecting just a couple of hours.

At Glen's (formerly Prevo's) Market, there was a two for one sale on Johnsonville brats!
So our freezer is full of brats for Genfest, and we are very proud of ourselves!

Tomorrow is our 47th wedding anniversary. Last summer my high school girlfriends gave us a gift certificate to Windows as a thank you for hosting the SLG picnic. It expires on July 1, so this is definitely the time to use it. So tomorrow night, Windows, here we come.
I was thinking maybe in 3 years when we have our 50th anniversary, we should combine Genfest and the anniversary party. 1. All our kids would be here, and 2. it would guarantee that nobody would think that hiring a hall and having a special party would be a good idea. I think we would both just rather have a picnic. When Dutch and Marian celebrated their fiftieth, my Dad gave all of his descendants $50 each. Don't hold your breath ;)

Father's Day

What a great day! In honor of Father's Day, we wanted to go out to brunch. Traverse City has numerous very nice brunch providers who advertise heavily and require reservations. On Mother's Day, for instance, we had a wonderful brunch on Old Mission Peninsula at the Bowery. But this time, we wanted to spend the day geo-caching in the Arcadia/Bear Lake area, so we headed for one of our favorite restaurants, The Dinghy, in Frankfort. On the way, we stopped off at a small cemetery where we had previously failed to find a cache. This time we were successful! We got to Dinghy's at 9:30 a.m. and discovered that they didn't open til 10. But luckily, there's a nice park across the street which had a cache in it. (Dick had loaded all of the area caches into his Palm and his GPS in preparation for our adventure.) So we found our second cache before breakfast. Brunch at Dinghy's is some kind of wonderful experience! Everything you could possibly think of for breakfast is provided, and just when you think your plate is loaded, and you have everything you want, a lady comes around with a tray and says, "Would you like a hot apple fritter?" Well, heck yes! At this point, that sounds like health food!
What followed was a day of geo-caching - we found a total of 7, and only got lost twice. Even with maps and a GPS, it is possible to get lost in a maze of two-tracks. The day was perfect - 70 degrees, blue sky and sunshine, and we were doing our favorite thing - getting lost in the woods.
Around 4:30 we headed for Mother's house, stopping at Moomer's first so we could take Mom a milkshake. We had a lovely visit with Mother, who seems to think that she's beginning to look old. We brought her some lollies to have on hand when Dylan visits in a couple of weeks, and some microwave dinners to try.
Back at home, Dick logged all of our finds (not an easy task) and we re-lived our adventures. Happy Father's Day indeed.

Tuesday, June 15

Today I had a chance to talk to Dylan. He liked his tennis lessons so much that Laurie took him to sign up for more lessons next week. For Dylan's age group they use a smaller court, a lower net, and a larger, softer ball. One of the best things about tennis lessons is that when you're finished, Daddy takes you for a treat.
He wants Grandpa to build a bridge across the river so that the path can be extended. We discussed about 14 reasons why we can't do that.
Laurie has laryngitis, and it doesn't sound good.
This morning I cleaned up the computer room and finished the GenFest invitations. Dick has been outside all morning locating 20 places around the property to hide the geocaches for GenFest. He's copying down the coordinates, etc. so the competition will be good to go when the time comes.
This afternoon we mailed the invitations, and went caching. We found the Al Quacka Aviation Administration cache, near the Vasa Trail. This one required superior math skills, so we had Tom figure it out!
Then we found the Yuba Creek Natural Area in Acme Township. There's a cache there too, but we're saving it for later. We drove through Traverse City, enjoyed the blue bay, and stopped at the $ store to buy some goodies for the caches at GenFest.
A gorgeous day - low 70s and lots of sunshine.

What's happening at the river

June 14, 2004

Dick and I are already thinking about how much fun it will be to have Laurie, Chip and Dylan here for the month of July.
The GenFest will be on July 17th, and we're sort of pre-planning for that already too.
When Dylan gets here, he and I will work together to tell what we do every day - hopefully with pictures!
This morning Dick is working at the Agency and I'm going to sweep off the porch.
Today is Flag Day.
This afternoon I did some scrapbooking, Dick mowed the grass, and now he is geocaching in Honor and Inland Township.

Round Robin 2004

Dear friends,
It’s a gorgeous day on Memorial Day weekend – sunny, breezy, and mild. We’ve had a tough winter, and a cool and rainy spring, so it seemed like heaven to be able to get outside and plant some perennials this morning.
It was so nice to sit back and read all of the letters, and look at the pictures. The pictures are really fun, aren’t they? Especially all of those wonderful grandchildren!
It’s a sure sign of our advancing age when we’re all having such health problems. I remember how at the 45th reunion in 1998 we were all giggling because our conversation was about blood pressure medication, among other medical stuff. Dick nicknamed us the Giggling Grannies. But now it seems the problems are getting more serious, and nobody’s giggling. You are all in my thoughts and of course, I’m hoping for the best for all of us
We’ve had another quiet year, staying in town to be near Mother. She is doing well, and still living in her own home. She now has home help 2 days a week, and is quite satisfied with it.
We really enjoyed our get-together last summer, and look forward to 2008, assuming that the world will survive until 2008. Since our reunion, Laurie and Chip have moved to a new home in Palm City, Florida, and Dylan has now completed Kindergarten. They are all coming here for the month of July this summer.
Our new hobby is geocaching, and it’s taking up quite a bit of our time. It’s great because it gets you out of the house, and into the woods, and exploring places you would otherwise never see. www.geocaching.com will give you an overview if you’re interested. All you need is a GPS (global positioning system) and a computer. You enter coordinates into your GPS, and then go out in the world and try to find the exact spot where something is hidden. There are caches hidden all over the US and in 200 foreign countries, so that wherever you travel, you can pursue this hobby. We’ve been at it for a year now and have found 330 caches. You may think that this sounds silly, but you can’t beat it as a hobby for retired folks who like to get out and about.
We are still working with the Medicare-Medicaid Assistance Program. Trying to understand the new Medicare Act and the whole Discount Drug Card situation is driving us crazy, but we’re getting training to try to understand it better. Dick is making presentations at senior citizen groups and trying to answer questions. The whole thing is quite confusing and ineffective, if you ask us.
Our travel is limited because of Mother, but we did get to Florida in March to see Laurie and Chip’s new house. Our Florida kids are still flying with American Airlines. Tom is in San Diego, senior scientist at Cymer Corp, and becoming an intrepid mountain biker. Jana is in Washington, DC at Congressional Quarterly, where she is Director of Product Development. She is also on the board of the Washington Imrov Theater. Grandson Dylan is into soccer, PlayStation, Harry Potter, biking, scootering, geocaching, and T-ball. Next week he starts tennis lessons. He asked his Mommy “What are you going to sign me up for next?” She said, “Well, I was thinking about golf…” He just rolls his eyes.
Have a great year, and stay healthy!

Explorer of the Seas - Day 7 - At Sea

All seven of us met for breakfast at the Windjammer Cafe. Then Dick and I packed up even though we don't have to until tonight - because I don't want to worry about it all day!

Then we went to the Solarium on Deck 11 and parked out by the pool for the day. Maria-Ximena hung out with us too.
Dick picked the perfect arrangement - we had three chaises, and a table with chairs - very comfortable. I highly recommend pina coladas in the Solarium!

Dick, Chip and Tom had an exclusive private tour of the ship's Bridge.


We also played some shuffleboard with Dylan - well, Tom and Dick played and I watched and was the official photographer!


Dylan also had a private ice skating lesson in Studio B.


This was a day for taking group pictures. Maria-Ximena was great about helping take the pictures.
We took green T shirt pictures, whit T shirt pictures, pictures with the Explorer of the Seas sign, and for a grand finale, had professional pictures taken, which we can pick up tomorrow. We don't want to forget anything about this whole experience!


**********************HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY TO US !!***************************

Round Robin 2003

May 25, 2003
NJKS

Dear Everybody,
It was a real treat to get the Robin earlier than usual! Always before, it has arrived in August when we are deluged with company, and there’s just no time. Hooray for the SLGs!
We are still enjoying U of M football every fall. Last season it just so happened that Jana’s birthday and Tom’s birthday were both on Gameday Saturdays, and they were each able to come to Ann Arbor to celebrate and enjoy a football weekend.
Dick and I were named Michigan Medicaid Specialists of the year at the 2002 Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program State Convention in Battle Creek. We spend a lot of time helping elderly citizens try to manage payment of their medical expenses.
I was feeling ill a lot of the time, especially over the holidays, but it’s all straightened out now. I had some internal bleeding, and had to be hospitalized and given a couple of blood transfusions. Now I’m feeling back to normal, and singing the praises of my Doctor, who actually listened to what I was telling him. This does not always happen, as I’m sure you all know.
Dick is still volunteering at the T C Visitor Center, and the volunteers (and spouses) get to go on all sorts of outings in order to become familiar with what’s available in the area. This winter the volunteer group went on a sleigh ride, complete with campfire and hot chocolate; we had lunch, a presentation, and free money at the Leelanau Sands Casino; the group toured the new Great Wolf Lodge on US 31 South among other local activities. It’s interesting to see what there is to do during a long, cold winter.
We’re still staying close to home to be near Mother. Dick got a really good workout running his snow blower this winter. Both of our close neighbors here were down in Florida, so Dick kept everybody blown out, and kept all of the furnaces running. J As long as we were here anyway, we took care of the TC image – the Bay froze over for the first time in years, and we had piles of snow, and some 20 below temps. Did you know that Lake Michigan actually freezes along the shore line if it gets cold enough? At Empire Beach, the ice was piled high. Now that spring is here, we’re also making sure that the cherry trees are blooming, and the Bay is bright blue.
Traverse didn’t have the bad weather reported by Sandy and Nola. We did have several snow days and the like, but no real storm damage.
Laurie and Chip are still flying with American, so let’s all pray that it stays solvent! They are in the process of buying a new home in Palm City about 45 minutes north of Delray Beach. That will give them a commute of one hour and 45 minutes….oh well – they say they won’t mind. Dylan is still the most delightful child in the universe.
Tom is living in San Diego as a senior scientist with Cymer Corp.
Jana is Director of Product Development with Congressional Quarterly in D.C. She just got back from a month’s vacation in New Zealand! It was the trip of a lifetime – she really had a chance to learn her way around and explore. I can’t wait to hear more about it. Did you know that in New Zealand if you order a burger, it comes with beets on it?
We are really looking forward to the Fiftieth Reunion Get-together. Everybody please bring more pictures!

Nanzio the Noble

This is my favorite memory of the New Moon Mud. I haven't played there for eight months now, but I feel I could go back there any time and have an enjoyable experience! I, of course, am Nanzio the Noble...


Note #5 by Jancis posted at Fri May 9 09:15:59 2003
Title: 'Damsel rescued from the pits of despair'

HEROES FACE DREADFUL ODDS IN MOUNTING A GALLANT RESCUE

A fair damsel, Hahne, fell into a dreadful pit today
whilst strolling through Kanex.
Being lost and trapped without a light, and faced
with terrible monsters, Hahne appealed desperately
for help.
Hearing her cries a gallant band of New Mooners
banded together and headed off towards the pits of
Kanex to rescue the fair lady.

Many adventures were had on the way. People lost their
way and ended up in the wrong pit, xp were drained
as the stench of evil leeched at their minds, lives
were lost as people faced tremendous odds and the
cries grew loud as the mask of evil quashed the use
of magic.

Eventually the brave Nanzio killed the Demotaur, but
at the cost of her xp.

Berta the Bold lost her life in the rescue attempt.

Many heroes participated in a rescue that will go down
in history of one of New Moons finest hours.

It is the first time since the great plague many
years ago that players have worked as a team, and
without a thought for themselves.

Well done to the rescue party:
Alnehme the Awesome
Nanzio the Noble
Brat the Brave
Berta the Bold (Berta: well I must be New Moon's worst
rescuer! grin)
Demonic the Dashing
Harry the Heroic

Tests and Procedures

Important test results since Jan. 29 2003:

Date Hemoglobin Action Procedure

1/29/03 8 hospital colonoscopy,echocardiogram,barium enema
2 units packed
red cells

9/25/03 2 units packed
red cells

10/10/03 heart cath

10/30/03 EGD, colonoscopy

12/05/03 9.9 small bowel follow-through

12/10/03 iron dextran
infusion

3/15/04 9.8

3/24/04 iron dextran
infusion

4/02/04 9.2 2 units packed
red cells

5/07/2004 capsule endoscopy

6/28/04 9.7

6/29/04 2 units packed
red cells

8/30/04 iron dextran
infusion

9/22/04 2 units packed
red cells

12/21/05 MRI - neck
cervical spine

12/30/05 Ultrasound
neck/thyroid

Health History

U of M Football season, 2002 –
Parked about 10 blocks from seats. From August to November, had
increasing difficulty walking to stadium because of shortness of
breath.
Routine blood test shows low hemoglobin
Began taking Fergon iron supplement.

Holiday season, 2002 – No stamina, shortness of breath, easily tired
Thanksgiving and Christmas meal prep and celebrations were
exhausting.
Hemoglobin count goes lower
Began taking 2 Fergon/day

January, 2003 – extreme shortness of breath, neck pressure and jaw pain
while just pushing a cart around Meijer.

End of January 2003 – Hospitalized for heart tests, hemoglobin continues
to drop. 2 blood transfusions brings hemoglobin from 8 to 10
Endoscopy and colonoscopy show bleeding ulcer and cherry red spots.
Stop aspirin and Fergon

Spring, 2003 – Gradually regained stamina
Began walking on treadmill again

July, 2003 – Having trouble again with shortness of breath
Can only walk for ten minutes without resting (treadmill)

August, 2003 – shortness of breath, neck pressure and jaw pain associated
with heavy breathing – no stamina – no treadmill
Routine blood test shows low hemoglobin again
Taking Fergon 1/day

U of M Football season 2003 – miss the first 3 games for the first time
in 20 years. No stamina – shortness of breath – easily tired –
neck pressure, jaw pain

My Old Original Journal from 2002

August 30, 2002
Driving to Belleville for the UofM/Univ of Washington game. We bought steaks here to take down for dinner for Mussers, Sniders, and us to have on Saturday after the game. Friday night Mussers went to spend the evening with friends in Canton, and the rest of us went to Mr. Jim’s (?) (ex-Little Caesar’s). We slept in the basement because Mussers are upstairs. It’s a very comfortable basement.

August 31, 2002
Univ. of Mich. vs Univ of Wash. – Kickoff – noon
We sold our tickets to Luke Guzikowski from Manistee – he came with a friend – and he was very loud. It was extremely hot in the stadium. Right before half time, I went out to sit in the shade. I decided that the thing to do was to walk back to the car and turn on the air-conditioning. I think it saved my life! Anyway, I missed the exciting last minute play that won the game – but it was even exciting to hear it on the radio – plus, I had a horn to honk! After the game, Bill cooked the steaks, Frank made a salad, Jan fixed the rice and we had a feast.


September 6, 2002
We drove to Belleville to stay with Musser’s at Snider’s house. (It’s a long story.) On the way to Belleville, we stopped at Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi to go to Sharper Image, where I bought a personal cooling system. (It came with a free miniature fan – such a deal.) Musser’s went to spend the evening with friends in Canton, and we went to Dos Pesos and then spent the night in Snider’s comfortable basement.

Saturday, September 7 (Game Day – Michigan vs. Western Michigan)
Kickoff - noon
We met Peter, Melissa, Adam and Ann at Zeeb Road, just west of Ann Arbor. Picked up a McDonald’s tailgate and headed for Pioneer H.S. parking. It was a hot, hot day, with bright sunlight. I fired up my personal cooling system, and it actually worked! Dick took all the kids on a tour of the stadium, pointing out our bricks, and showing them the Victor’s tailgate area where the *real* tailgaters areJ. Michigan kind of clobbered Western – I think it was 35-14. I think that the kids enjoyed it anyway. I mean really, a Michigan game is a happening, no matter what. Adam and Ann sat with us for the first half, and Peter and Melissa for the rest of the game. After the game, Dick and I just drove home to T.C. because Sniders weren’t home anyway, and tomorrow is Mother’s birthday.

Sunday, September 8, 2002
Today is Mother’s 94th birthday. We picked up dinners at the Outback Steakhouse Curbside Take-Away. We got lemon cake and ice cream and we had a lovely dinner. Mom got lots of cards and phone calls. We gave her a centerpiece of flowers for her table and she got two other arrangements of flowers from friends. Laurie sent chicken cordon bleu . Mother had a very nice birthday.

Monday, September 9, 2002
We went to the hospital at 7 a.m. for Dick’s transurethral resection (TURB). The procedure was scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Before the procedure, he went for x-rays and had an EKG. The procedure started at a little after 9, and only lasted about 20 min. We were back home by 11:30. Dick was still very groggy and took good naps. He is not supposed to do any heavy lifting for 7 to 10 days.

Tuesday, September 10, 2002
8:20 a.m. I’m off to see Dr. Kevin to start the process for a new gold crown, bottom left rear. All goes well until the dental tech tries to seat the temporary crown – that was when the whole thing got nerve-wracking. She had a lot of trouble getting the temp to stay in, but finally succeeded. I go get the real crown on the 26th.

Wednesday, September 11, 2002
This is the first anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. We were re-immersed in the horror, the overwhelming sadness, and the unbelievable inhumanity of the entire event. Looking back on it from one year away does not change those feelings.

Thursday, September 12, 2002
I take Mother to see Dr. Auer at 11:00 a.m. The Dr. is mainly interested in why Mother has so many dizzy spells, and why she is short of breath. He recommends wearing a Holter monitor again (she did that in June), and then if her heart looks OK, he wants to do a brain wave test to see if she’s having little strokes. Mother refused both tests. She just doesn’t want to go through all the hassle. She’s seems to be feeling fairly well lately.

Friday, September 13, 2002
I thought this was going to be a free day, but quite early in the morning, my temporary crown fell out. They were able to see me in an hour, so by lunch time, it was back in. There’s no guarantee that it will stay in though. We just got home from town when Ken Block called. He and Bev wanted to come out and go kayaking. Dick went with them – from Brown Bridge dam to home. We had a nice visit with them both before and after. We had fruit and cheese and crackers out on the deck. It was a very pleasant visit.


Saturday, September 14, 2002
Well, the highlight of this day was going to the dump. We watched Michigan lose to Notre Dame 25-23. The game was really not at all enjoyable – it was full of mistakes and flukes.

Sunday, September 15, 2002
This was kind of a lazy day – but fun. We played on the computers, watched a little football (the Lions are hopeless), and went to Mother’s to visit and take out her trash. We introduced the idea of having the upstairs shower improved so she can think about it a bit. A beautiful day. Steaks, salad, and sweet corn. Yummy.
Dick dug out the opening to the septic tank so it can be pumped soon.

Monday, September 16, 2002
It’s a beautiful day – 70 degrees and clear blue sky. Dick went to work at the Agency. I called Belanger’s to come and pump out our septic tank. They’re coming tomorrow morning. I walked to the pond and frightened two dark ducks. Tonight we’re having pot roast with roasted beets and carrots. Another roofing man is here (8:20 p.m.). I think Dick already knows who he wants to have work on the roof for us.

Tuesday, September 17, 2002
Another gorgeous day – a little hot and a little humid, but the house is cool because it gets so cool at night (43). Dick is starting to work again on his stone walkway. Tom Barker came over to see how much he owes on the driveway, and stayed for coffee and conversation for about an hour. The septic pumper came while he was here. I walked to the pond again – scared the dark ducks again. The pond is very still and reflective. It mirrors the trees from across River Road perfectly. The dragonflies are as big as hummingbirds.

Friday, September 20, 2002

Off to Ann Arbor for a birthday weekend with Jana. She arrived in Michigan yesterday, and is staying with Tara and James and baby Lauren in Dundee. Thursday Tara had to work, so Jana planned to go to the Casino in Detroit by herself – and I just said “I’ll bet Mrs. Snider would go with you.” And so Jana called Jan, and they went gambling. No big winners, though.
We checked in at the Hampton Inn in Ann Arbor, called Jana to tell her we were there. Jana, Tara and Lauren had been touring Ann Arbor for old times’ sake. They came to the hotel, and we had a birthday party in the room – baby Lauren was the most fun. She’s a very happy, complacent baby.
For dinner, Jana wanted to go to Raja Rani, the Indian restaurant. We couldn’t find it! We all tried to remember, because we’ve all been there before – but we wound up on Main Street eating at a Cajun restaurant which was very yummy and enjoyable.

Saturday, September 21, 2002
Univ. of Mich v. Utah 12:05 kickoff
We all had continental breakfast at the Hampton, and then got on the shuttle to the stadium. This bus driver was a real sardine-packer. He got more people on that bus than you can shake a stick at. We were really really jammed in. But at least we got on – immediate loading – no waiting.
We found Grandpa’s basketball brick at the Stadium Blvd. entrance, and while we were looking for it a policeman told Dick he couldn’t have his bag. So Dick had to throw away his historic Tom Snyder cloth bag (which he got free at some conference). Jana noticed someone carrying an MDen bag, and suggested we go shopping at MDen and then we would have a bag, too. Such a resourceful daughter. It was a nice day – and Michigan won 10-7. We enjoyed the game and just being there. There was a bit of a wait afterwards for the shuttle bus, but it was no big deal. And of course the bus delivers you right to the doorstep of the hotel. We rested a bit and then went in search of Raja Rani again, and we were successful! We parked in the parking structure behind ex-Jacobson’s, and Raja Rani was just a block and a half away. I had curry chicken and it was delicious.

Thursday, October 24, 2002
The roofers are here scraping off the old shingles. They’re just doing it bit by bit, not the whole roof at once. It will take them 2 or 3 days. They are putting on new shingles, new ice barriers, and building a new saddle between the main house the addition. Shingle-scraping is a very messy job. I hope they clean it all up! Dick and Rick (the roofer from Traverse Home Improvement) are working on stopping the leak in the basement window by the steps. Dick is tearing off siding and ripping up boards on the deck so flashing can be put in. We’re leaving tomorrow for Ann Arbor, so we gave Rick a check for $5000 and a key to the house. We are very trusting.

Friday, October 25, 2002
We got up early and drove to Ann Arbor. Stopped for breakfast at Frosty Cup in Cadillac as usual. We arrived in Ann Arbor around noonish or one-ish – drove through town – stopped at Yost to use the john – it was fun seeing the free skating. We have a great Birthday weekend planned with Tom. Homecoming is tomorrow, on his birthday. We’re picking up Tom at Metro around 4. Stopped at Sniders’ to visit, and then went to check in at the Holiday Inn Express at 3. Our rooms are next to each other – 225 & 227. Picked up Tom with no hassle. The new McNamara terminal is gorgeous – fantastic looking and so huge. We met Sniders at Bamboo Gardens for dinner – buffet. After dinner, Bill went to the BHS game in the rain but Dick opted to stay at the hotel where it was dry. Tom, Jan and I went to Showcase Cinema and saw The Ring. I liked it, Tom thought it was boring, and Jan didn’t look at most of it.

Saturday, October 26, 2002
Homecoming Game – U of M v. Iowa – 12:05 kickoff
We had continental breakfast at the hotel – it’s quite a spread! It had been raining, so we weren’t sure whether the high school parking would be available. We decided to drive over there to check it out. Luckily for us, they had just opened it up and cars were parking along the fence, so we headed over there and got the best parking place we’ve ever had. We didn’t really tailgate – just had beverages and people-watched. The game turned out to be the worst loss for Michigan at home in 35 years. The score was close (10-9) until the 3rd quarter. Then things really began to go downhill. The final score was 34-9, it rained, and it was chilly. That’s enough said. After the game, we walked over to Crisler Arena for the Basketball team Maize and Blue scrimmage. It was nice to be in a warm, dry place where we couldn’t lose. I enjoyed watching the scrimmage – I think we all did – even though we were all pretty quiet. Then we went to the Smoke House Blues Memphis Barbecue on Washtenaw for dinner. The ribs were great, the service was great – I enjoyed that too. Then back to the hotel to watch MSU v. Wisconsin. MSU lost big time. Not a good Saturday for Michigan teams.

Sunday, October 27
We kind of slept in and loafed around – ate the continental breakfast again. Dick went out and got some TimBits from Tim Horton’s for Tom to take back to San Diego. We went for a ride down Haggerty Road to see Mlsna’s house and our house. Drove through the Lower Huron Metropark for old times’ sake. Went to Apple Charlie’s Apple Orchard and bought cider and doughnuts. Went to Sniders to watch Michigan Replay and eat cider and doughnutsJ. Then we loaded Marco with some things Sniders are taking up to Houghton Lake to Hank’s gorgeous new house. Then we dropped Tom off at the airport around 1:30 – two-ish and bade him farewell. I promised we would try to provide a better game with better weather next time.
Drove to Houghton Lake, stopping on the way to have dinner at the Turkey Roost with Bill and Jan. Hank’s new house is just spectacular – not only beautiful, but has lots of storage, great yard, etc. We left there at 6:22 p.m. and arrived home around 8 or 8:15 – approx. 75 miles.

September 11

Our photographic project "Hometown Homage" is at the link above. It may have timed out, but there's always a chance.

Here are archived posts from Jana's Notepad reprinted here because of the historical significance of September 11:

Archived Messages during Sept., 2001

Mitchy says: I'm watching the news, I'm seeing the pictures and I just cannot comprehend the enormity of what I'm seeing. I'm numb. And I'm frightened. Because this looks like the start of something that only a war will finish.
My deepest sympathies to all of America. God have mercy on us all.
Sept. 11, 2001 11:29
Mitchy says: ..and Jana? Let us know you're OK as soon as you can, hon. Please.

Sept. 11, 2001 11:30
Jana says: I'm ... well, "fine" is not the word. But I'm as fine as a person can be in the midst of this. We're publishing what news updates we can which is keeping us distracted.
I can't wrap my mind about the fact that the World Trade Center is ... gone. How is that even possible?

Sept. 11, 2001 12:02
Mitchy says: I saw it happen and I just can't comprehend it. I think it's going to be a long while before the sheer horror of all this really hits home.
*hugs Jana tightly* I'm glad you're ok hon. Be careful out there, huh?

Sept. 11, 2001 12:10
Cornflake says: Spoke to Jana at 9 a.m. before Washington DC events. Just called her cell phone and left a voice mail..called her home phone and left a message. Judging by past occurences, when the Govt. offices are shut down, CQ is also shut down. So I'm picturing her either gridlocked at some DC intersection, or walking home, or at Blendi's apt. Hey that's a thought - I'll try to call Blend. Thank you for your concern. I'm sure there will be no good outcome of this event. Sept. 11, 2001 12:12
Sept. 11, 2001 12:19
Jana says: My story -- Like a lot of other people, I was watching the Today show this morning when they broke in to programming to show the first plane that hit the World Trade Center. They thought it might be an accident. It was the kind of thing that just makes you pick up the phone and call someone, and I called Blendi and my parents. Then I was watching when the 2nd airliner hit the other tower of the World Trade Center on live television. It was all I could do to get the rest of my clothes on and actually leave for work.
Then, on my way in to work, I turned the corner on to Florida Ave and saw the sky fill with black smoke, and several noises came out of me that I didn't know I could make. I didn't know for sure what it was until I got to CQ and discovered that another plane had crashed into the Pentagon.

Since then we've just been pulling together here at CQ, doing our best to cover all the networks and making the best use of our sporadic phone service to get first-hand witness accounts, and publishing whatever we can, particularly with a congressional slant.

I have two coworkers with loved ones who work in the World Trade Center, one an uncle and one a best friend. We haven't heard anything about them yet.
Sept. 11, 2001 13:23
Chris is still in shock. Sept. 11, 2001 16:29
Jana is going to call it a day. Here's a picture we won't see again. It would be nice if I felt like tomorrow things would be back to normal, but I don't think things will be normal again for a long time. Sept. 11, 2001 19:36
Antilles says: We were still awake when it happened and have watched in horror over the past 24 hours. I can't imagine what it is like for those in the United States - even in Sydney life seems to have slowed and all of our everyday tasks seem less important. It felt strange teaching classes while the world was in the middle of such upheaval. I am relieved to hear you're ok Jana. Sept. 12, 2001 05:33
Jana says: Thanks Antilles, and Mitchy too. My Mom told me how New Mooners yesterday were wishing they could give blood and send it to the States. Very sweet :)
I do have to say, though, even though these are framed as attacks on New York and DC, that DC has nothing like the same situation as New York. The Pentagon is across the river, and while symbolically part of DC, the attack did not upheave the actual city like the attack on the WTC did. I am realizing today how much I have to be thankful for, just that I can still sleep in my own home and drive my car to work. If that 4th plane had hit its target ... who knows.

Sept. 12, 2001 09:51
Jana says: Turns out I do know personally someone who was at the Pentagon during the attack. One of CQ's sales reps who covers the Pentagon was on site for a meeting yesterday morning. He escaped unharmed, apart from the memory of being pelted with ash and burning debris. Sept. 12, 2001 11:05
Jana says: OK ... remember on Aug. 6 I posted that I was hooked on the "reality" game show Mystery in Small Town X? Wull ... the guy who won the show, Angel, is a NYC firefighter who was at the WTC yesterday and is among the missing. I hate it ... he was my favorite. :( Sept. 12, 2001 14:18
Cornflake says: You must read this column. It says so much about the American spirit. Sept. 12, 2001 16:31
Jana nods and sniffles (in a resolved and steely way). Sept. 12, 2001 18:22
Jana says: I think these photos from today's rally in Prishtina are awfully sweet. Sept. 12, 2001 18:55
Jana says: Andrew Curry Green was a colleague of Blendi's and Andy Brown's at EP in Boston. Sept. 13, 2001 13:28
Jana says: Dumbest use of an online poll -- CNN's Quick Vote asks "What are your feelings now about Tuesday's terrorist attacks?" The choices are Shock, Sorrow or Anger. Choose only one. Anger is winning.
Sept. 13, 2001 14:24
Jana says: I thank Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson for reminding us all of the difference between faith and fanaticism. The typical believer in Islam bears no more resemblance to the terrorists than the typical Sunday churchgoer bears to the beliefs expressed in this article. Sept. 14, 2001 15:49
Mitchy nods and says "Been a huge debate about Falwell and Robertson on my newsgroup. General verdict is "These guys aren't helping". That's the polite version... Sept. 15, 2001 05:15
Jane & Cedric have been worried about you Jana... and couldn't post this thought sooner because France Telecom decided to cut our internet/ADSL off for 3 days before they admitted it was their fault and rectified the problem. Grrrrr....
So glad to hear that you are safe and well Jana.

What do you mean about the 4th plane? Where was that headed?
Sept. 15, 2001 12:47
Selimi says: The fourth plane was the United flight 93 Newark - San Francisco (a Boeing 757 - N591UA) which was unaccounted for until about 10 AM Tuesday. It crashed near Somerset, PA in the Pittsburgh area while it was heading in the direction of Washington. The article talks about the black box that was recovered. It appears that the passengers managed to wrestle the control of the aircraft and make it plunge to a desolated area instead of hitting something in DC. Sept. 16, 2001 22:29
Selimi says: Aviation Safety contains the details of all the flights Sept. 16, 2001 22:30
Jana takes a deep breath and starts a new week. The 'pad logs show lots and lots of traffic last week, so hugs to all the lurkers too :) Sept. 17, 2001 10:19
Jana says: Cornflake sent me this page, it's really moving and I want all the 'padders to know how much all the concern from other countries really means a lot to everyone here. Thank you! Sept. 17, 2001 10:40
Jana says: News story about Angel from MiSTX Sept. 17, 2001 12:35
Jana says: and one more. Sept. 17, 2001 12:38
Jana says: Not a crusade. Sept. 18, 2001 10:36
Jana says: Ted Moy is the cousin of one of my staff. *sigh* Sept. 18, 2001 11:53
Jana says: OK, lurkers, say something, I'm getting sick of myself here ... ;) Sept. 18, 2001 11:54
Cornflake says: Ok, I'm unlurking. Today the Dungeon Master and I are going to tour the city and take pictures of all of the God Bless America signs which are being displayed. Many businesses have put patriotic messages on their signboards, and I want to commemorate them. If you're really, really lucky, I'll put them on your notepad when this project is completed. Sept. 18, 2001 13:09
Jana says: Aww, thanks Cornflake, I would love that. In other news, I find it interesting to note the prices that gas masks are going for on e-bay Sept. 18, 2001 14:30
Jana says: Read only if you have Kleenex with you. Recounting the last hour of a University of Michigan alum, pieced together from his phone calls to his wife & best friends. Sept. 18, 2001 17:59
Jana says: Read only if you are not particularly pleased with God right now. The Savage Love column, usually a sex advice column for straight people by a gay man, is particularly excellent this week. Sept. 18, 2001 18:12
Jana says: Comparing suicide terrorists to Skinner's pigeons. Sept. 19, 2001 10:56
Jana says: International Psychic Patricia McLaine says: "After reflecting on the various images that came to me while meditating on predictions for 2001, I now realize that some of those images were predicted out-of-time, and actually referred to the ATTACK ON AMERICA." Heck, if you don't have to actually get the year right and you can be vague enough, I could be an international psychic too! A volcano will erupt! (somewhere ... someday ...) Sept. 19, 2001 15:47
Jana says: In related news, I have discovered I am not clairvoyant. Sept. 19, 2001 18:23

Dear Old Dad 1907-1999

Tharel T. 'Dutch' Kanitz Died November 24, 1999 TRAVERSE CITY

Tharel T. "Dutch" Kanitz, 91, of Traverse City, died Wednesday, Nov. 24, 1999, at 8 p.m. at Munson Medical Center. He was an educator and an athlete, an avid sports fan, an exemplary neighbor, and a loving, generous father and grandfather.

He was born Dec. 16, 1907, in Douglas County, Ill., the ninth son of Charles and Sarah (Smith) Kanitz. He graduated from Milan High School in 1926, and from the University of Michigan in 1930. At the university he played on the varsity basketball team, and was proud to have been a member of the 1929 Big Ten Championship team. On June 27, 1931, he married Marian Geib of Grand Rapids.

Dutch was a career teacher, with a total of 42 years in the classroom in both Iowa and Michigan. He taught and coached football, basketball and track in Big Rapids from 1933 to 1942. For 28 years he taught at Traverse City Central Junior High and was also head football coach, with three championships, from 1942 to 1947, a baseball coach from 1948 to 1951, and he also coached golf for one year in Traverse City.

He was a faithful member of the First Congregational Church, where he especially enjoyed the fellowship of working in the kitchen. He was a member of the Traverse City University of Michigan Club, the U of M Alumni Association, and a lifetime member of the M Club for U of M lettermen.

He is survived by his wife, Marian; a son, James (Emilie) Kanitz of Saginaw, daughter, Nancy (Richard) Steiger of Traverse City; five grandchildren, Kristin Kanitz (Michael Wygocki) of Madison, Wis., Daniel Kanitz of Sterling Heights, Laura Steiger (George Gillespie) of Delray Beach, Fla., Thomas Steiger of Seattle, Wash. and Jana Steiger of Washington, DC; and two great-grandchildren, Austen Wygocki and Dylan Gillespie. He was preceded in death by his parents and eight brothers, Walter, Clarence, Elby, Frank, Sylvan, Arthur, Loyal and Joseph Kanitz.

A memorial service will be held late in December near Christmas. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Congregational Church.