Dick had a Medicare presentation at East Jordan High School at 6 p.m. We left around 4 p.m. and the driving was a little slow because of some freezing precipitation - it wasn't too bad, but it did slow us down a bit. We had planned to eat out before the presentation, but we didn't have enough time, so we decided to just grab a bite on the way home.
East Jordan High School is a beautiful new facility. We were impressed with the architecture, and cleanliness, the displays, and the spaciousness. The meeting was in the auditorium, and there were about 60 people there. Dick did his usual terrific job of presenting very difficult material. He is so relaxed and natural and full of common sense. He has a great delivery - his projection is great, and his personality is perfect for putting people at ease. I know that when people left, they understood a lot more about the Medicare Part D Drug Benefit. I know from overhearing some folks on the way out that they have a plan now, a strategy about what to do and how to accomplish it.
We ended up eating at Schelde's in Traverse City - had great Reuben sandwiches.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Mac and Chee
Today we went to the Old Mission Peninsula Wineries' Annual Macaroni and Cheese Bake-Off and Wine Tasting. Whew - that's a mouthful! (So to speak.) We stopped first at Chateau Chantal,probably because it's our favorite. We tasted the Late Harvest Reisling and the Nice Red, and then headed to the "breakfast room" for the Mac and chee. The restaurants represented were Trillium, and two others that I'll remember in a minute! The one in the middle had the best Mac and chee. We left with a case of wine, half Reisling and half Nice Red.
Next was a new winery called Brys Cellars. They have a lovely setting and a beautiful new facility. The wine-tasting counter was full, so we headed right to the Mac and chee and great news for us, the wine-maker himself was serving at a table along the line. We tasted Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. The restaurants were Peninsula Grill and the NMC Culinary Institute. The Grill served fantastic Mac and chee - it was now #1 in my book. The Institute was very creative and served Reuben Mac and Chee complete with Russian dressing. I discovered that I'm a traditionalist.
Off to Bowers Harbor Winery, where they had already run out of Mac and chee. But we got a good spot at the tasting counter, and I asked for something sweet and white. I got something called Cooper and it was really good - a lot like Reisling, but with a bit of a bite. Dick went for more gewurtztraminer. We left with 2 bottles of Cooper and 2 bottles of champagne for the holidays.
Last we stopped in at Chateau Grand Traverse, another of our favorites. It was very crowded, so we went directly to the Mac and chee. The restaurants were Stella and Windows. Stella won, hands down. They had a goat cheese Mac and chee with crushed biscotti mixed in - wow, it was good. It had a pleasant spicy tang it was really good. The two I liked best at the end of the day were the Peninsula Grill and Stella, and one had fine bread crumbs and the other had the crushed biscotti - so the next time I make macaroni and cheese, guess what I'm going to try.
Next was a new winery called Brys Cellars. They have a lovely setting and a beautiful new facility. The wine-tasting counter was full, so we headed right to the Mac and chee and great news for us, the wine-maker himself was serving at a table along the line. We tasted Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay. The restaurants were Peninsula Grill and the NMC Culinary Institute. The Grill served fantastic Mac and chee - it was now #1 in my book. The Institute was very creative and served Reuben Mac and Chee complete with Russian dressing. I discovered that I'm a traditionalist.
Off to Bowers Harbor Winery, where they had already run out of Mac and chee. But we got a good spot at the tasting counter, and I asked for something sweet and white. I got something called Cooper and it was really good - a lot like Reisling, but with a bit of a bite. Dick went for more gewurtztraminer. We left with 2 bottles of Cooper and 2 bottles of champagne for the holidays.
Last we stopped in at Chateau Grand Traverse, another of our favorites. It was very crowded, so we went directly to the Mac and chee. The restaurants were Stella and Windows. Stella won, hands down. They had a goat cheese Mac and chee with crushed biscotti mixed in - wow, it was good. It had a pleasant spicy tang it was really good. The two I liked best at the end of the day were the Peninsula Grill and Stella, and one had fine bread crumbs and the other had the crushed biscotti - so the next time I make macaroni and cheese, guess what I'm going to try.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Turkey Blizzard
Yes, it was a blizzard, not a gizzard (feeble attempt at humor). We've seen worse, but the roads were bad - very slippery. We spent a nice day with Mother - brought her a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, and she gobbled it up. (sorry) She enjoys watching football as long as she can stay awake.
Today she was interested in recent happenings among the Concord Place staff - 2 people have quit and the Director is on vacation until Monday. Ann was offered the full time position, and Marla was offended. These gals are all great with the residents, but they seem to be having troubles amongst themselves. As long as Mother is well cared for.....
Today she was interested in recent happenings among the Concord Place staff - 2 people have quit and the Director is on vacation until Monday. Ann was offered the full time position, and Marla was offended. These gals are all great with the residents, but they seem to be having troubles amongst themselves. As long as Mother is well cared for.....
Monday, November 21, 2005
Shop Til You Drop
I had such fun shopping today - even though most of it was at Walmart. I know, I know, we're supposed to be boycotting Walmart because of their treatment of immigrant employees, and their general overall treatment of their "associates" - lack of benefit packages, etc. I know.
But they had everything I wanted all in one place, and the prices really are good. Among other things, I bought three seasonal tops for Mother so that she can be celebratory in assisted living. I bought some more envelopes for sending Kanitz Family Tree Books, because the requests keep rolling in. And then I went across the street to Catherine's and bought a new casual coat - just what I wanted.
Mother and I had a nice visit, and she appreciated having the new tops.
Frederick Todd Geib was born Nov. 20, 2005 - 7lbs 9oz, 20 inches long. He was born at 10:40 p.m. and he'll be called Fritz. His lucky parents are Todd and Stacey. The baby is my first cousin twice removed, and Mother's great-grandnephew. Got that?
But they had everything I wanted all in one place, and the prices really are good. Among other things, I bought three seasonal tops for Mother so that she can be celebratory in assisted living. I bought some more envelopes for sending Kanitz Family Tree Books, because the requests keep rolling in. And then I went across the street to Catherine's and bought a new casual coat - just what I wanted.
Mother and I had a nice visit, and she appreciated having the new tops.
Frederick Todd Geib was born Nov. 20, 2005 - 7lbs 9oz, 20 inches long. He was born at 10:40 p.m. and he'll be called Fritz. His lucky parents are Todd and Stacey. The baby is my first cousin twice removed, and Mother's great-grandnephew. Got that?
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Home Again
We went out to breakfast with Sniders - it was enjoyable, as always. We've decided not to exchange Christmas gifts anymore because they now have 4 grandchildren and one more on the way. I'm sure they would rather buy gifts for the kids! I know I would!
It was an uneventful drive home. This time we just headed up I-75 and went directly home - no geocaching or major stops. I must admit that I slept most of the way. During one of my naps Dick reported seeing 25+ deer strapped onto the southbound cars and trucks.
Took the turkey out of the freezer.
It was an uneventful drive home. This time we just headed up I-75 and went directly home - no geocaching or major stops. I must admit that I slept most of the way. During one of my naps Dick reported seeing 25+ deer strapped onto the southbound cars and trucks.
Took the turkey out of the freezer.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Oops!
We had a rather hazardous drive downstate yesterday - the weather was snowy and blowy all the way to Mt. Pleasant. There was bumper to bumper traffic for some reason, and we were alongside when someone in the outside lane rear-ended the car in front of him. Dick pulled over to the shoulder, and it's a good thing, too, because the car behind the rear-ender pulled over into our lane. We just sat there for a few seconds, and then re-entered the bumper to bumper traffic. It was not our best travel day.
Bill made us a big breakfast this morning and we were off to the "Greatest Rivalry in College Football". Actually, it seems that there are 4 or 5 other "Greatest Rivalries", but this one is ours. During the game I was confident that we would win. Everything seemed to be going our way - fumble recoveries, turnovers, questionable calls, etc. And our team seemed to be scoring and defending in the best possible way. But then with 53 seconds left on the clock, everything went south, and OSU pulled it out to tie for the Big Ten Championship with Penn State. We were so disappointed - being a Michigan fan is a little bit like riding an out-of-control roller coaster.
Saw Rick before the game, and he gave me the pages of family history that he had sent me by email, but were too large to be workable. It was fun to see him - and I think it's a minor miracle to run into him amidst the swarming 111,599 others who were there!
When we got back to Canton, we all watched State lose to Penn State. Heavy Sigh.
Friday, November 18, 2005
We're Off to Beat Ohio
As we prepare to leave for the Ohio State game, I leave you with this:
Oh, how we hate Ohio State
Maize & Blue aim to make blasted Buckeyes red with embarrassment
By Bob Wojnowski / The Detroit News
The Big Game
Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR -- Uh-oh, here they come again, loaded for beer, spittin' passion. According to my sources in law enforcement, Buckeyes began streaming across the border at midweek, clogging rest areas and hourly rate motels. At this very moment, local convenience stores are calling for emergency supplies of Slim Jims and pickled eggs.
Perhaps you've seen them around town, their eyes as glazed as their doughnuts. If so, approach with caution, because these are not the beaten-down folks of a few years ago, back when Michigan regularly drummed Ohio State in a rivalry we truly love, and occasionally fear.
The Buckeyes are back. That's a statement, and also a warning. They've beaten the Wolverines three of the past four years and are favored to do it again Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
Listen. Nothing in the sports world matches Ohio State-Michigan for high stakes, unfiltered intensity and pure pageantry. I mean, there's no greater spectacle than when the Ohio State marching band clambers onto that field and desperately tries to spell out script O-H-O-I.
But let me be honest with you, just this once. I'm concerned some people take the rivalry a bit too far. (Not me!)
For the purposes of this column, I loosely define "some people" as "drunken Buckeyes."
You might recall Ohio State once had a fine coach by the name of John Cooper who won lots and lots of games. But astute Buckeyes fans noticed he was 2-10-1 against the Wolverines and demanded he be fired.
Cooper was replaced by Jim Tressel, who somehow is 3-1 against Michigan's Lloyd Carr despite wearing the geekiest sweater vest you've ever seen. We're never sure if Tressel is coaching football or teaching fifth-grade math. Put a sweatshirt on, man.
Almost immediately, Tressel swiped some of Michigan's trademark arrogance without even asking. When he arrived, he began counting down the days to Ohio State's first visit to Ann Arbor. Then he had the audacity to win that game. Later, he hired, er, signed a running back by the name of Maurice Clarett and won a national title.
Quickly, the Buckeyes' obsession returned, and things really got nasty last year in Columbus (city slogan: "$#@& Michigan"). Before the game, in an incident I'm not making up, bomb-sniffing dogs were set loose on Michigan's equipment truck. Michigan coaches and players were searched before security let them in, confident they weren't hiding a creative game plan.
It was stupid and patently disrespectful, and Ohio State officials knew it, once it was explained to them what "patently" meant. I have no idea what retaliation Michigan is planning, although I've heard rumors of rubber gloves and needle-nosed pliers.
Maybe it's time for the Wolverines to crank up the gamesmanship before Carr gets turned into Cooper before our eyes. The Buckeyes long have treated this rivalry more rabidly than the Wolverines, going back to the days when Woody Hayes refused to mention Michigan by name, calling it, according to my memory, "that far superior school up north."
I'm not sure why this passion deficit exists, but it does. Maybe Michigan fans simply have other distractions in their lives, like dealing with Michigan State fans or running major corporations.
Now don't get me wrong. The Wolverines relish the rivalry and are hardly blameless in fostering ill will. While Buckeyes take pride in making Ohio Stadium the noisiest, most profane place imaginable, Michigan fans have been known to violently shush people. Michigan officials even introduced this week something called "Values for the Victors," a sportsmanship initiative designed to squelch bad behavior, on the field and in the stands.
(Note to our Buckeyes friends: This has nothing to do with your visit this week. Noooo. Nothing at all. Please drop the broken beer bottle and step away.)
(Note to everyone else: When they're riled, it's best to Taser them in the buttocks.)
I know, I know. I sound like a biased whiner. Hey, it's my job. But for more evidence of poor behavior, I found numerous stories of Texas fans complaining about mistreatment in Columbus, after the Longhorns beat the Buckeyes this season. Ohio State's president (yes, they have one) even apologized. One of Ohio State's own, tight end Ryan Hamby, said he received hate e-mails after dropping a potential touchdown pass in the game.
Speaking of that, to stem the deluge of perky messages from Buckeyes fans, the address at the end of this column will accept e-mails only from those who affix 37-cent stamps. So don't even try to send one without the postage! Also, before you ask, I'm not nearly limber enough to put my head where you think it belongs.
I'm here to study the Buckeyes, not denigrate them. Remember, this whole Michigan-Ohio battle started way back in 1835 when the states actually fought over Toledo, true story. Ohio won but took Toledo anyhow. In exchange, Michigan got the Upper Peninsula, Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and four free passes to Cedar Point.
It's really not surprising that so many Ohio youngsters, such as Heisman Trophy winners Woodson and Howard, dream of coming to Michigan. This year's Michigan roster lists 11 kids who escaped Ohio, while Ohio State has one from Michigan. We won't mention his name in case his family doesn't know.
To be fair, when the Buckeyes got sick of losing, they did turn to quarterback Craig Krenzel, from Michigan's Utica Ford High, to lead them to that completely untainted national title. See, we can help each other, once we understand each other. That's why I'm here, to educate.
For instance, in case Ohioans didn't know, these are the three biggest industries in Michigan:
• Making automobiles.
• Pretending to fix the roads.
• Repossessing automobiles.
In case Michiganians didn't know, these are the three biggest industries in Ohio:
• Giving out speeding tickets to Michigan drivers.
• Recycling tobacco tins.
• Fixin' their trucks.
There. Doesn't it feel like we're getting along better already?
As for the game itself, well, it's still huge, even though Michigan spent the first half of the season playing patty-cake with opponents. Now, if Michigan wins and Michigan State does its big brother a favor and somehow doesn't lose by nine touchdowns to Penn State (ha, good one!), the Wolverines (7-3) become Big Ten champs.
After years of Wolverine dominance, we do find the Buckeyes (8-2) and their newly frothing passion fascinating, if a bit startling. But historically, this rivalry is more about the underdog than the bomb-sniffing dog. For the sake of neighborly peace, it'd be best if Michigan restored order.
Pick: Michigan 23-20.
You can reach Bob Wojnowski, if you're nice, at bob.wojnowski@ detnews.com.
Copyright © 2005
The Detroit News.
Use of this site indicates your agreement to the Terms of Service (updated 12/19/2002).
Oh, how we hate Ohio State
Maize & Blue aim to make blasted Buckeyes red with embarrassment
By Bob Wojnowski / The Detroit News
The Big Game
Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR -- Uh-oh, here they come again, loaded for beer, spittin' passion. According to my sources in law enforcement, Buckeyes began streaming across the border at midweek, clogging rest areas and hourly rate motels. At this very moment, local convenience stores are calling for emergency supplies of Slim Jims and pickled eggs.
Perhaps you've seen them around town, their eyes as glazed as their doughnuts. If so, approach with caution, because these are not the beaten-down folks of a few years ago, back when Michigan regularly drummed Ohio State in a rivalry we truly love, and occasionally fear.
The Buckeyes are back. That's a statement, and also a warning. They've beaten the Wolverines three of the past four years and are favored to do it again Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
Listen. Nothing in the sports world matches Ohio State-Michigan for high stakes, unfiltered intensity and pure pageantry. I mean, there's no greater spectacle than when the Ohio State marching band clambers onto that field and desperately tries to spell out script O-H-O-I.
But let me be honest with you, just this once. I'm concerned some people take the rivalry a bit too far. (Not me!)
For the purposes of this column, I loosely define "some people" as "drunken Buckeyes."
You might recall Ohio State once had a fine coach by the name of John Cooper who won lots and lots of games. But astute Buckeyes fans noticed he was 2-10-1 against the Wolverines and demanded he be fired.
Cooper was replaced by Jim Tressel, who somehow is 3-1 against Michigan's Lloyd Carr despite wearing the geekiest sweater vest you've ever seen. We're never sure if Tressel is coaching football or teaching fifth-grade math. Put a sweatshirt on, man.
Almost immediately, Tressel swiped some of Michigan's trademark arrogance without even asking. When he arrived, he began counting down the days to Ohio State's first visit to Ann Arbor. Then he had the audacity to win that game. Later, he hired, er, signed a running back by the name of Maurice Clarett and won a national title.
Quickly, the Buckeyes' obsession returned, and things really got nasty last year in Columbus (city slogan: "$#@& Michigan"). Before the game, in an incident I'm not making up, bomb-sniffing dogs were set loose on Michigan's equipment truck. Michigan coaches and players were searched before security let them in, confident they weren't hiding a creative game plan.
It was stupid and patently disrespectful, and Ohio State officials knew it, once it was explained to them what "patently" meant. I have no idea what retaliation Michigan is planning, although I've heard rumors of rubber gloves and needle-nosed pliers.
Maybe it's time for the Wolverines to crank up the gamesmanship before Carr gets turned into Cooper before our eyes. The Buckeyes long have treated this rivalry more rabidly than the Wolverines, going back to the days when Woody Hayes refused to mention Michigan by name, calling it, according to my memory, "that far superior school up north."
I'm not sure why this passion deficit exists, but it does. Maybe Michigan fans simply have other distractions in their lives, like dealing with Michigan State fans or running major corporations.
Now don't get me wrong. The Wolverines relish the rivalry and are hardly blameless in fostering ill will. While Buckeyes take pride in making Ohio Stadium the noisiest, most profane place imaginable, Michigan fans have been known to violently shush people. Michigan officials even introduced this week something called "Values for the Victors," a sportsmanship initiative designed to squelch bad behavior, on the field and in the stands.
(Note to our Buckeyes friends: This has nothing to do with your visit this week. Noooo. Nothing at all. Please drop the broken beer bottle and step away.)
(Note to everyone else: When they're riled, it's best to Taser them in the buttocks.)
I know, I know. I sound like a biased whiner. Hey, it's my job. But for more evidence of poor behavior, I found numerous stories of Texas fans complaining about mistreatment in Columbus, after the Longhorns beat the Buckeyes this season. Ohio State's president (yes, they have one) even apologized. One of Ohio State's own, tight end Ryan Hamby, said he received hate e-mails after dropping a potential touchdown pass in the game.
Speaking of that, to stem the deluge of perky messages from Buckeyes fans, the address at the end of this column will accept e-mails only from those who affix 37-cent stamps. So don't even try to send one without the postage! Also, before you ask, I'm not nearly limber enough to put my head where you think it belongs.
I'm here to study the Buckeyes, not denigrate them. Remember, this whole Michigan-Ohio battle started way back in 1835 when the states actually fought over Toledo, true story. Ohio won but took Toledo anyhow. In exchange, Michigan got the Upper Peninsula, Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard and four free passes to Cedar Point.
It's really not surprising that so many Ohio youngsters, such as Heisman Trophy winners Woodson and Howard, dream of coming to Michigan. This year's Michigan roster lists 11 kids who escaped Ohio, while Ohio State has one from Michigan. We won't mention his name in case his family doesn't know.
To be fair, when the Buckeyes got sick of losing, they did turn to quarterback Craig Krenzel, from Michigan's Utica Ford High, to lead them to that completely untainted national title. See, we can help each other, once we understand each other. That's why I'm here, to educate.
For instance, in case Ohioans didn't know, these are the three biggest industries in Michigan:
• Making automobiles.
• Pretending to fix the roads.
• Repossessing automobiles.
In case Michiganians didn't know, these are the three biggest industries in Ohio:
• Giving out speeding tickets to Michigan drivers.
• Recycling tobacco tins.
• Fixin' their trucks.
There. Doesn't it feel like we're getting along better already?
As for the game itself, well, it's still huge, even though Michigan spent the first half of the season playing patty-cake with opponents. Now, if Michigan wins and Michigan State does its big brother a favor and somehow doesn't lose by nine touchdowns to Penn State (ha, good one!), the Wolverines (7-3) become Big Ten champs.
After years of Wolverine dominance, we do find the Buckeyes (8-2) and their newly frothing passion fascinating, if a bit startling. But historically, this rivalry is more about the underdog than the bomb-sniffing dog. For the sake of neighborly peace, it'd be best if Michigan restored order.
Pick: Michigan 23-20.
You can reach Bob Wojnowski, if you're nice, at bob.wojnowski@ detnews.com.
Copyright © 2005
The Detroit News.
Use of this site indicates your agreement to the Terms of Service (updated 12/19/2002).
Sunday, November 13, 2005
A Little Bit Dreary
We left Canton early, and did 7 caches on the way home. Dick had to do them by himself because a) I wasn't feeling well, b) some involved a lot of walking, and
c) the weather was miserable - dark, dreary, overcast and misty. But he did find seven caches, so he did well in spite of everything.
We ate lunch at Bennigan's in Big Rapids, one of our new favorite places...and while we were there, there was a power failure! What is it with us and restaurants losing their power? Shades of the Blackout at Hillcrest last week! Luckily, we were just finishing up when the power failed. We had wanted to fill the gas tank before we got back on the freeway, but with no power, the gas stations couldn't pump gas. So we drove off on the freeway keeping watch for signs of power - and Reed City had electricity, so we filled up and headed for home.
Traverse City had also experienced a wind storm and power failure. We had electricity by the time we got home, but no phone service. Our TV with TiVo was not working, so we felt lucky to have our computers up and running for logging caches and reading e-mail. Our neighbors suffered some tree damage, but nothing really serious. We haven't noticed any downed branches on our property.
c) the weather was miserable - dark, dreary, overcast and misty. But he did find seven caches, so he did well in spite of everything.
We ate lunch at Bennigan's in Big Rapids, one of our new favorite places...and while we were there, there was a power failure! What is it with us and restaurants losing their power? Shades of the Blackout at Hillcrest last week! Luckily, we were just finishing up when the power failed. We had wanted to fill the gas tank before we got back on the freeway, but with no power, the gas stations couldn't pump gas. So we drove off on the freeway keeping watch for signs of power - and Reed City had electricity, so we filled up and headed for home.
Traverse City had also experienced a wind storm and power failure. We had electricity by the time we got home, but no phone service. Our TV with TiVo was not working, so we felt lucky to have our computers up and running for logging caches and reading e-mail. Our neighbors suffered some tree damage, but nothing really serious. We haven't noticed any downed branches on our property.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Michigan vs. Indiana - the Creamed and Crimson
The final score was 41-14 - it was a most pleasant afternoon.
We enjoyed visiting with our stadium neighbors today. This season we are usually too busy biting our fingernails to carry on a conversation with anybody, so this was an enjoyable respite from football stress.
The only downside was that somehow our row was extremely overcrowded, and for most of the game we were practically immobilized by the crowding. You couldn't possibly even get a kleenex out of your pocket! I was poking my self with my own elbows! I'm sure that some of those folks were sitting in the wrong row.
This from mgoblue:
After Indiana scored a touchdown on its opening drive, No. 21 Michigan scored 41 unanswered points in the first half, including 27 in the second quarter, and breezed to a 41-14 victory on Saturday, Nov. 12, in Michigan Stadium. Kevin Grady rushed 14 times for 94 yards and two scores, Steve Breaston caught a touchdown pass and racked up 125 yards in return yardage, and Chad Henne was 17 for 24 passing for 174 yards and three TDs. The Wolverines (7-3, 5-2 Big Ten) host Ohio State next week in the regular-season finale.
Back at Snider's, Jan fixed dinner for us, and then she tried to teach me how to play Stellar Sweeper on Pogo. I had a hard time with it - my head just couldn't wrap around the concept!
We enjoyed visiting with our stadium neighbors today. This season we are usually too busy biting our fingernails to carry on a conversation with anybody, so this was an enjoyable respite from football stress.
The only downside was that somehow our row was extremely overcrowded, and for most of the game we were practically immobilized by the crowding. You couldn't possibly even get a kleenex out of your pocket! I was poking my self with my own elbows! I'm sure that some of those folks were sitting in the wrong row.
This from mgoblue:
After Indiana scored a touchdown on its opening drive, No. 21 Michigan scored 41 unanswered points in the first half, including 27 in the second quarter, and breezed to a 41-14 victory on Saturday, Nov. 12, in Michigan Stadium. Kevin Grady rushed 14 times for 94 yards and two scores, Steve Breaston caught a touchdown pass and racked up 125 yards in return yardage, and Chad Henne was 17 for 24 passing for 174 yards and three TDs. The Wolverines (7-3, 5-2 Big Ten) host Ohio State next week in the regular-season finale.
Back at Snider's, Jan fixed dinner for us, and then she tried to teach me how to play Stellar Sweeper on Pogo. I had a hard time with it - my head just couldn't wrap around the concept!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Driving to A squared
On the road again today heading south for the Michigan vs. Indiana game tomorrow.
It's Veteran's Day - thank you for your service veterans one and all. When we were kids it was still called Armistice Day, named in honor of the end of WW I, the war to end all wars.
From Reed City to Big Rapids we did some geocaching - 8 caches to be exact! My personal favorite was "Feed the Fish" where I scraped my hand raw trying to get the cache container out of the hole in the concrete. We finally had to resort to using the pincers on the Leatherman to get at it, but we did achieve success! The cache was at the Paris Fish Hatchery, now defunct, which we used to visit all of the time when we were kids.
The light pole caches in the Walmart parking lot were quick and easy and not our favorite sort of cache - but we did three of them anyway!
We ate lunch at a place called The Bungalow which was right next door to the Wild Kingdom cache. It's a very nice restaurant - we would go there again.
It's always fun to drive through Big Rapids because it's my home town. Even though we moved away when I was five years old, I still have many happy memories of living there, and I can identify many landmarks and buildings that were important to our family sixty years ago! There is the Hanchett factory where Dad worked in the summertime - it's still there and it's still "Hanchett's". The old Big Rapids High School building where Dad taught and coached is now some sort of an academy, and his old football field is a parking lot. You can still see the small white church with a cross way up high on top of the steeple - it was responsible for my saying "turch" instead of church - it was "turch" because it had a T on top of it.
There was quite a bit of heavy northbound traffic, but we were relatively unaffected by it and we got to Snider's in good time. Eric and Ethan were there too, and Tammy came soon after, and we all had dinner together! Ethan is so cute and bouncy - we really enjoy him. We had a great time.
Pictures of Ethan are at the link above - Enjoy!
It's Veteran's Day - thank you for your service veterans one and all. When we were kids it was still called Armistice Day, named in honor of the end of WW I, the war to end all wars.
From Reed City to Big Rapids we did some geocaching - 8 caches to be exact! My personal favorite was "Feed the Fish" where I scraped my hand raw trying to get the cache container out of the hole in the concrete. We finally had to resort to using the pincers on the Leatherman to get at it, but we did achieve success! The cache was at the Paris Fish Hatchery, now defunct, which we used to visit all of the time when we were kids.
The light pole caches in the Walmart parking lot were quick and easy and not our favorite sort of cache - but we did three of them anyway!
We ate lunch at a place called The Bungalow which was right next door to the Wild Kingdom cache. It's a very nice restaurant - we would go there again.
It's always fun to drive through Big Rapids because it's my home town. Even though we moved away when I was five years old, I still have many happy memories of living there, and I can identify many landmarks and buildings that were important to our family sixty years ago! There is the Hanchett factory where Dad worked in the summertime - it's still there and it's still "Hanchett's". The old Big Rapids High School building where Dad taught and coached is now some sort of an academy, and his old football field is a parking lot. You can still see the small white church with a cross way up high on top of the steeple - it was responsible for my saying "turch" instead of church - it was "turch" because it had a T on top of it.
There was quite a bit of heavy northbound traffic, but we were relatively unaffected by it and we got to Snider's in good time. Eric and Ethan were there too, and Tammy came soon after, and we all had dinner together! Ethan is so cute and bouncy - we really enjoy him. We had a great time.
Pictures of Ethan are at the link above - Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Blackout at Hillcrest
First I had to visit Dr. Kevin for some dental repair. Dick had made a date with Tim and Susie for us to meet them for a late lunch in Cadillac followed by group geo-caching.
By the time I left the dentist, I was still totally numbed on one side, and you know how that is - you don't dare eat anything until it wears off or else you wind up eating your tongue and cheek.
We got to The Hillcrest a little early, so we just had coffee and read the paper for a while. All of a sudden, the power failed. It was a real surprise because it was a sunny day with no wind or storm. The restaurant got very quiet - I threatened to hum to replace the background music. The people at adjacent tables called home to see if they had also lost power, and that's how we found out that the power was out in McBain and Lake City as well.
There was still a blackout when Tim and Susie arrived. Luckily, the waitress said that the buffet items were still hot, so they all had the buffet. I had a large tomato juice. (See Paragraph 2!)
Then we were off to find some caches. By the time it was dark, we had found 6. I didn't find any, Dick found 2, and so DinoDuo were the most successful. They also did 5 before they met us, and 2 after we left - so they had a big, big day. Six is really a good number for us on the average day.
We just grabbed a burger at McDonald's on the way home - my tomato juice lunch wasn't holding up.
It was a good day.
By the time I left the dentist, I was still totally numbed on one side, and you know how that is - you don't dare eat anything until it wears off or else you wind up eating your tongue and cheek.
We got to The Hillcrest a little early, so we just had coffee and read the paper for a while. All of a sudden, the power failed. It was a real surprise because it was a sunny day with no wind or storm. The restaurant got very quiet - I threatened to hum to replace the background music. The people at adjacent tables called home to see if they had also lost power, and that's how we found out that the power was out in McBain and Lake City as well.
There was still a blackout when Tim and Susie arrived. Luckily, the waitress said that the buffet items were still hot, so they all had the buffet. I had a large tomato juice. (See Paragraph 2!)
Then we were off to find some caches. By the time it was dark, we had found 6. I didn't find any, Dick found 2, and so DinoDuo were the most successful. They also did 5 before they met us, and 2 after we left - so they had a big, big day. Six is really a good number for us on the average day.
We just grabbed a burger at McDonald's on the way home - my tomato juice lunch wasn't holding up.
It was a good day.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
Deluge
Well, OK, it was only 2 inches - but that's very unusual for us. The rain gauge didn't know what hit it, and the river kept rising all day until it was full.
Watched the first half of the Lions' losing effort. Bad weekend for sports in Michigan. The Vikings won 27-14. Or, as Dick says, too much to not enough.
Got library books for Mother, and did the Subaru Cruise downtown. We were surprised to see people out walking on Front St. with children and strollers, etc. It really wasn't a good day for it!
We had a nice visit with Mother - she seemed especially sharp today. Ann came in bemoaning the fact that she had brought in shrimp for supper, and there was no sauce! It was a crisis indeed, so Dick dashed out to Tom's and got the shrimp sauce and a lemon for the Concord Place shrimp supper. Our hero!
Watched the first half of the Lions' losing effort. Bad weekend for sports in Michigan. The Vikings won 27-14. Or, as Dick says, too much to not enough.
Got library books for Mother, and did the Subaru Cruise downtown. We were surprised to see people out walking on Front St. with children and strollers, etc. It really wasn't a good day for it!
We had a nice visit with Mother - she seemed especially sharp today. Ann came in bemoaning the fact that she had brought in shrimp for supper, and there was no sauce! It was a crisis indeed, so Dick dashed out to Tom's and got the shrimp sauce and a lemon for the Concord Place shrimp supper. Our hero!
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Fishers Run
Took a drive over to Westwood Elementary to take pictures of the school and a subdivision for Laurie. They still have an interest in moving north, depending on how American Airlines does. It's definitely still at the talking stage. It gave us a good excuse to take a little ride - we clocked how far it was to the airport, drove around Bertha Vos Elementary, and then over to Mill Creek Elementary, which it turns out is in the Elk Rapids School District.
It was a dark and dismal day - the leaves are mostly gone; most trees are bare. The tamaracks have turned golden - and that was a pleasant color in the landscape on such a dull day.
We were all revved up to cheer on MSU in their game with Purdue. Dick even wore his green shirt. We flunked as effective team motivators! State didn't play so well, and Purdue was able to experience their first Big Ten victory. Holy Hannah, who would have guessed?
This from msuspartans.collegesports.com:
11/5/05
Spartans Fall To Boilermakers
Jerod Void ran for 134 yards and three touchdowns to help Purdue beat Michigan State 28-21 Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak. Curtis Painter, making his third straight start in place of Brandon Kirsch, passed for a career-high 226 yards and one TD as the Boilermakers (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) rallied for the win.
It was a dark and dismal day - the leaves are mostly gone; most trees are bare. The tamaracks have turned golden - and that was a pleasant color in the landscape on such a dull day.
We were all revved up to cheer on MSU in their game with Purdue. Dick even wore his green shirt. We flunked as effective team motivators! State didn't play so well, and Purdue was able to experience their first Big Ten victory. Holy Hannah, who would have guessed?
This from msuspartans.collegesports.com:
11/5/05
Spartans Fall To Boilermakers
Jerod Void ran for 134 yards and three touchdowns to help Purdue beat Michigan State 28-21 Saturday, snapping a six-game losing streak. Curtis Painter, making his third straight start in place of Brandon Kirsch, passed for a career-high 226 yards and one TD as the Boilermakers (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) rallied for the win.
Friday, November 04, 2005
TGIF
Enjoyed talking to Dylan this morning - he hadn't known about TGIF, and he laughed heartily - obviously those are his feelings which he hadn't known how to express previously!
Dick worked at the Visitor Center - he had 37 visitors this morning - including a tiny baby who had just discovered her fingers and was totally mesmerized by them. Another visitor was an Iowa Hawkeye fan who still hasn't gotten over their loss to Michigan. Our hearts bleed for him....not.
I had a really nice visit with Mother - some days are diamonds, some days are stone. (John Denver)
Dick worked at the Visitor Center - he had 37 visitors this morning - including a tiny baby who had just discovered her fingers and was totally mesmerized by them. Another visitor was an Iowa Hawkeye fan who still hasn't gotten over their loss to Michigan. Our hearts bleed for him....not.
I had a really nice visit with Mother - some days are diamonds, some days are stone. (John Denver)
Thursday, November 03, 2005
The Hardy Boys
Jim's brother Mike died this week, and his funeral was today. Mike was a big man with a great family, but he died too soon. He was only 61. He had a lovely wife, three sons, and beautiful grandchildren. I know he'll be missed immensely.
We were so sorry that we were unable to attend his funeral, but our thoughts were with his family.
We had a big, big treat when Peter and Melissa dropped in this evening! We were thrilled to see them, and really enjoyed their visit. They are the most fun of anyone - well - near to the top!
Here is Mike's obituary from the Record-Eagle:
Michael Court "Mike" Hardy
Died October 30, 2005
TRAVERSE CITY - Michael Court "Mike" Hardy, 61, of Traverse City, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Munson Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 29, 1943, in Alpena, the son of Court Ellis and Rhea Angela (LaCross) Hardy.
Mike grew up in Alpena, where he attended Alpena Catholic Central before graduating with honors from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work.
Mike worked 35 years in the field of social work with the State of Michigan, Community Family and Children's Services, and in private practice prior to his retirement.
Surviving Mike are his wife, Evelyn "Evie" Clare (Schrems), whom he wed on April 22, 1967; and their three sons, John, Tom (Betsy) and Joe (Sarah), all of Traverse City. He was also blessed with five, soon to be 6, surviving and beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Julia, Thomas, Andrew, Paige, and joining us in January, Sophia. Also surviving are his siblings, Jim (Barb) Hardy of Traverse City, David Hardy of Alpena, Suzanne Hardy of Alpena, Mary Lou (Warner) Glass of Alpena and JoAnn (David) Misel of Alpena; and many nieces and nephews.
A life-long angler, Mike has "gone fishin" on the ultimate fishing trip. Greeting him at heaven's boat dock with a fresh bucket of worms and hot coffee are his parents, Court and Rhea; and brother, Patrick, ready for another mess of perch.
Visitation will be held today, Nov. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a Wake service and a time of sharing at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Gerald Micketti will serve as the celebrant. Mike will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.
In remembrance of Mike, memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools-Scholarship Fund or to the school's counseling department.
Kindly share your memories with the family at their on-line guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
Published in the Record-Eagle on 11/2/2005.
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We were so sorry that we were unable to attend his funeral, but our thoughts were with his family.
We had a big, big treat when Peter and Melissa dropped in this evening! We were thrilled to see them, and really enjoyed their visit. They are the most fun of anyone - well - near to the top!
Here is Mike's obituary from the Record-Eagle:
Michael Court "Mike" Hardy
Died October 30, 2005
TRAVERSE CITY - Michael Court "Mike" Hardy, 61, of Traverse City, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Munson Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 29, 1943, in Alpena, the son of Court Ellis and Rhea Angela (LaCross) Hardy.
Mike grew up in Alpena, where he attended Alpena Catholic Central before graduating with honors from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work.
Mike worked 35 years in the field of social work with the State of Michigan, Community Family and Children's Services, and in private practice prior to his retirement.
Surviving Mike are his wife, Evelyn "Evie" Clare (Schrems), whom he wed on April 22, 1967; and their three sons, John, Tom (Betsy) and Joe (Sarah), all of Traverse City. He was also blessed with five, soon to be 6, surviving and beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Julia, Thomas, Andrew, Paige, and joining us in January, Sophia. Also surviving are his siblings, Jim (Barb) Hardy of Traverse City, David Hardy of Alpena, Suzanne Hardy of Alpena, Mary Lou (Warner) Glass of Alpena and JoAnn (David) Misel of Alpena; and many nieces and nephews.
A life-long angler, Mike has "gone fishin" on the ultimate fishing trip. Greeting him at heaven's boat dock with a fresh bucket of worms and hot coffee are his parents, Court and Rhea; and brother, Patrick, ready for another mess of perch.
Visitation will be held today, Nov. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a Wake service and a time of sharing at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Gerald Micketti will serve as the celebrant. Mike will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.
In remembrance of Mike, memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools-Scholarship Fund or to the school's counseling department.
Kindly share your memories with the family at their on-line guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
Published in the Record-Eagle on 11/2/2005.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Presentation
Today's MMAP presentation was up near Suttons Bay at the Connie Binsfeld Center - except that the Center didn't have a large enough room, so it was held at the adjacent VFW Hall. There were 120 people there. Dick did a marvelous job - he was informative, organized, knowledgeable, accurate, helpful, light-hearted, and effective. His projection is such that the entire room could hear him well with no mike. He did a great job, answered many questions, assuaged many fears, and in general was very successful. As he says, my opinion is totally unbiased! We were there for approximately 2 hours.
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