Great Times

Beautiful day today - not a hint of rain clouds. Good morning to clean the house (Merry Maids)! Dick went shopping for deck paint and ran across a good deal at Lowe's after waiting for some service, and then waiting some more. He got a 5 gallon can of the stuff for less than half price. Such a deal! I think he's planning to paint every deck in sight. I plan to paint picnic tables for GenFest. Let's hope the rain holds off!

Tim and Susie (DinoDuo) came to town today to try the new Old Mission Tour - and they were the first finders! I think they enjoyed it, even though they did wind up doing it the hard way instead of the "easy" way. This is their log:

We had heard through the grapevine that this cache was "in the works" so were on the lookout for it. When it was published we headed off this morning to seek it and a few others on the peninsula.
We started our journey at 9:00. Took a slow gawk-filled drive up, down, and around the fabulous scenic route. Saw cherries, beautiful blue water, hills, vineyards, did we mention cherries, and several places that we had never visited before. Had a little trouble at two of the stages, but finally gathered the required info. At the final we headed off down the trail and through the woods until we came to a tall obstacle. We scaled that with some difficulty not to mention sweat and screaming quads, and after a few minutes DD-ette found the nicely hidden container. (We also found the trail)
Sorry that we didn't meet up with the BlueJay Team along the way. We really appreciate all of time, effort and troubles to place this cache. Another Basswoodbend Gem. T-FF Prize (Thank You)

When they were finished, they headed out our way, and we had a picnic on the deck. Dick made humungous hamburgers, and Susie brought great beans and a totally scrumptious low-fat low-sugar dessert (are you buying this?). We had an afternoon of great times, relaxation, good food, good company, tall tales, and beautiful weather.

Utility

Annual eye exam this morning - everything is fine. The only unpleasant part of the exam is the eye drops. Too many eye drops, some of which really sting quite badly. My eyes were dilated for about 2 hours - not so bad.

Washed Mom's "best" sweater and returned it. Had good conversations about Julius, finances, family issues, GenFest, upcoming visits, new trailer, etc. The main extended family issue is that one of my first cousins once removed has died by his own hand. He lived in Georgia. I don't remember him at all, but I certainly knew his late Mom and Dad. I'm very sad for the two remaining sisters, the only ones left from their immediate family. That has to be hard.

Picked up Dick's brand new shiny utility trailer at Kelley's. It's a great looking trailer, and I'm sure it will be put to many good uses.

Old Mission Finally Accomplished

First we went to the dump. We dumped many, many things, such as the lamp I broke and the old ironing board. In fact we dumped everything including the kitchen sink!

A problem has arisen with our Old Mission Tour. We submitted it, but the final stage was too close to another cache. That involved changing the coordinates for the final, and changing the clues. But the worst part was having to find a new place for the final stage. We needed a place that was easily accessible and yet was a good hiding place. It took my waiting for 3+ hours, and Dick walking for 5+ miles, but it was finally a done deal. Now we just have to wait for Rusty to approve it.

So the day shouldn't be a total loss, we had lunch at the Bad Dog Deli - a really delightful place. We didn't feel like a sit-down, wait-for-service lunch, and the Bad Dog was the perfect spot...casual, friendly, and yummy.

While we were on the Peninsula, Traverse City was having a severe thunder storm complete with hail. They said that the hail was deep enough to shovel in some places. We did get about seven drops on the windshield, but that was it.

Picnic on the Muskegon

A most congenial group:

Dar & Terry,
Rusty & Libby,
Dick,
Frank, Peggy & Cricket,
Gary & Donna



Mother came first this morning because we took a road trip today. I took her some pictures and some more toothbrushes. We had an abbreviated visit, and then we headed for Paris to take TeeShirts to Coychev's beautiful spot on the Muskegon River.

It was a very congenial group, with congenial hosts, and a yummy picnic - thanks Gary and Donna!

The tee shirts look great on everybody - we were really happy. Dick said we should have taken a picture with everybody facing the other direction so you can see the back too. Next time, we'll do that.

Goodbye Houghton Lake

The desk arrived this morning on schedule, and it really wasn't too difficult to get it upstairs. (Of course, I only watched!) Dollies are a wonderful invention. The desk looks great in Dick's room

After the exciting desk arrival, Dick and I set off for Houghton Lake. We had shirts to deliver to Tim and Susie, so we went by way of Grayling. We knew they weren't home, but we stuck the shirts inside their camper.

We had lunch at Coyle's, and then went to see if we could help Bill pack things up. Bill had really moved most of the stuff into the garage already. As it turned out, there was more furniture to be moved to the garage, and doo-dads to be packed in boxes. Tammy and I did the doo-dads. Tammy actually had almost the entire kitchen packed up by the time we got there. As a matter of fact, the only time these folks stood still was for 10 minutes to have a sandwich, and then to pose for me out in front. Otherwise, it was a constant blur of activity!

We're glad to hear that Jan and Kim and the boys arrived in California in one piece, including the trailer. This is an eventful summer for the whole Snider tribe. In California, Kim is moving in, Reiko is moving in, and back here Jan and Bill are moving out of northern Michigan...we're waiting for Eric and Tammy to move - just kidding.

Good luck to everyone in all of your moves and in all of your endeavors.

The Kitchen Remodel

It was another glorious day in Northern Michigan - 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We are having a great summer so far.

Today was the day! The countertops are in, and we are very pleased with the way it went. We have some minor repairs to do, but Dick is confident that he can do it. The workmen were here from around 9:30 until 4:30. Nobody said it would be easy. We will be without water in the sink and gas for the cooktop until Tuesday, when the plumber will come and hook everything up.

After everything was done today, we went to JenTees to pick up the S2S shirts. We made a stop at Thompson's to check on Mom's meds, and then we went to Scalawags for fish and chips. Cute fishy decor, and yummy hot, hot, hot fish.

Tonight we sorted the T shirts out and packed them up. We have to mail some, but Sunday we're driving to Paris to give a bunch to CoyChev, who will then take them to the next GeoBash and hand them out.

Last Look. Our old kitchen - the way it was. Good-bye yellow laminate, hello Blanco Maple Silestone. 

Dick removed all of the drawers and pots and pans first thing this morning. Here's our kitchen, all ready to roll. Bring 'em on ! 

Here's the kitchen totally torn up. Goodbye old countertop! Mother Gen and Harold had it installed in 1979. 

Jay and Josh - one of many consultations regarding the dining room wall. Evidently Eastwood Custom homes nailed the wall to the countertop back in 1991, and then glued it to stay for life.  

Jay and Josh - a work in progress. Demolition is messy! 

It's finished! The cooktop is back in place. I love the new Silestone backer for the cooktop. It will be so easy to keep clean! 

There were a couple of flaws caused by adding the dining room in 1991. This should not be too hard to patch. 

We should be able to patch this without too much trouble. Jay showed Dick what to do. 

The finished countertops. The kitchen area is really much brighter with the beautiful Silestone tops. Thanks Traverse Tops -thanks Josh and Jay. 

Forty-Niners

Today is our 49th wedding anniversary.

Dick had an appointment (dental) at 10 a.m.

We were expecting delivery of the new desk since it didn't come yesterday. I finally called to see when the delivery would happen, and it will be coming Saturday morning. I gave the driver good directions, but he kept asking me what he would see around where our access road is. I explained and explained, and then he said "I have to know because I don't see very well." Now I'm wondering who's driving the truck!

So the bad news is that the desk isn't coming today, but the good news is that we don't have to wait around - we can do whatever we want.

Bill reports that Jan, Kim and the boys have made it to California, with stops along the way to see the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest, etc. We plan to go to Houghton Lake on Saturday to help Bill with the house closing, and just to touch base with him.

First we took our old red trailer to Kelley's Custom Trailers. He said he might be able to use some of the parts and some of our lumber to lower the cost of the new trailer. He estimates he might be finished by Tuesday.

We went out on the Peninsula again to finalize the Old Mission Historical Tour. It was a blast - we did find a couple of minor mistakes - but generally speaking, it's a done deal. Dick placed the ammo can at around 4:30. It was a cloudy, windy, cool day but very pleasant, and I think we accomplished a lot, geocaching-wise.


Since it is a special day, we went to LaSenorita for an early dinner - we were both famished.

At home, Dick did the final edit and submitted the Historical Tour to Randy. Because of the nature of the Tour, the directions and explanations are quite lengthy, and folks will have to print out the five pages to take with them on the search. It won't fit in a Palm. If they have a printout and follow the directions carefully, they should have a ball with this.

With the countertops coming in the morning, we're mentally brainstorming what needs to be done in the kitchen before they arrive. I moved some things to the table, and began cleaning out under the sink, but then I hit the wall and went to bed. Tomorrow should be exciting!

Here's the Old Mission General Store, near the Village of Old Mission. You can get almost anything you want, including gift certificates. We're using those for First Finder prizes. 

Old Mission Lighthouse is the Crown of the Peninsula. It's just a few feet from the 45th Parallel. 

The Countertops are Coming!

Hooray!

Traverse Tops called and said that they will come and install the new countertops on Friday morning. Yippee! I think we had to wait about 2 months from start to finish. I have my fingers crossed that everything goes well.

The plumber says he can come out on Tuesday to hook everything up and install our new things - filtration, recirculating pump, etc.

Mother needs a new prescription. I spoke to Brandi the nurse about it - she thinks that Dr. Auer will go ahead and call it in without seeing Mom because she is so immobile. I'm waiting to hear what they decided. Brandi mentioned that the Doctor may even make a house call. That is totally unheard of these days!

Dick has been looking for a desk for about 2 years now. Every once in a while we check in at the Riverside Resale store to see what they have, but so far we've had no luck. Today he found what he wants at Reclectia on Garfield. It's a great old desk - looks almost like a teacher's desk. The drawers all work just fine, and it has a "fence" across the back and part of the sides, so that things won't fall off the back. It has a glass top, so that the wooden top is in really great shape. It does need a bit of polishing, but that's not a problem. It will be delivered today or tomorrow. She gave us a really good price.

Dick came home and cleared off the stairs, and cleaned out his room - so we're ready for the new old desk.

Deja Vu

Tom reports from out in San Diego that he has broken his arm again, falling off his mountain bike. His email was brief: "Same arm. Same fracture. Same point on the trail." His bike is fine, he can still drive, he's not in much pain, and he seems OK as far as we can tell. Laurie thinks he's re-living it again as in the movie Groundhog Day. Maybe he'll meet another girlfriend again. Anyway, he's facing another 8 weeks in a cast.


Mother has trouble brushing her teeth because her hands aren't strong enough to squeeze the toothpaste onto the brush. We've tried various techniques, and discussed many others. Finally, I think we've solved the problem. Searching on Google I found pre-pasted, disposable toothbrushes. You use them once and throw them away. They have a really pleasant aroma, so I'm guessing that it tastes good, too. Mother seemed happy with them, but it hasn't been tried out yet, so we'll see how it goes. At least, she thought it was a great idea.

Dick's Father's Day present is going to be a new utility trailer, and we've been looking around for ideas. I think we've found the guy who can build us what we want. Dick seems pleased with him. Dick wants to be able to use it for canoes, for the tractor, and for just general hauling.

We stopped at the T shirt shop, and everything is ready to go. The shirts will be finished for pick up on Friday. The mock-up looks very nice, and I think Dick did a great job designing the shirts. The S2S finishers should be very proud to wear them.

Carpet cleaners came today, so we're a little bit torn up - but the carpet looks great! They did a really nice job. They did the area rug in the dining room, and the sofa also. We're very clean.

Ya Gotta Have Heart

Good news from Traverse Heart Associates. Dick's recent echocardiogram shows his heart to be almost totally normal. The enlargement that was seen before has gone down due to the blood pressure med. He got a clean bill of health.

GenFest Update: So far, the attendees will be Tom, Laurie & Chip, Dylan, Sharon & John, Kevin & Amy, Derek, John & Susan, Kristen, Roger & Megan, Fay, J.P., Doug, Dick & Nan. I'm assuming Barb's family will be coming. Haven't heard from Ruth and Ed or from Dave and Beth. Odette has not been feeling well, and may not be able to come this year.

Happy Dad

Dad's Day was very drippy, wet, dark, and rainy. Woe to the people who planned outdoor family picnics or graduation parties. It's so sad to see the dripping tents, balloons on the ground, and the "Congrats Grad" signs collapsing in the rain. We were not affected by the rain, really, although it most likely kept us from going back out on the Peninsula for more cache research.

We had brunch at the Arizona Steak House. It's new, and inside it's spacious and shiny, with a western decor and lots of gleaming wood. The brunch was fairly standard, yet less than most. It was OK.

Visited Mother - she was very awake and talkative today. She loved the story of Jana's free weekend. She was glad to hear that Tom is coming for GenFest.

The rest of the day was very dull by most standards, but felt good to us! Dick napped while I went grocery shopping, and then I napped before dinner. Yawn.

The kids were all in touch with their Dad - Jana on Friday, before her NY weekend. Tom and Laurie both called today and it's always good to hear from them.

Happy Father's Day

Magical, Mystical, Historical....

We were back out on the Peninsula today, fine tuning the Magical Mystical Historical Old Mission Tour. (working title) We logged the mileage between the different stages, and gleaned some new coordinates, and found a place for the ammo box cache near the Lighthouse.

We were just there yesterday, but it was even more beautiful today - such great views of the bays, with the different shades of blue water. Many of the homes are spectacular to put it mildly, and the landscaping and groundskeeping are truly remarkable. It's just a beautiful place to be, especially on a clear (although slightly hazy), blue sky, summer day.

This cache may not be for everyone, because it requires a lot of driving, and only one hide to log. But we both feel that it's really worthwhile, and will be exciting for the teams or individuals who are interested in giving it a try. They will be rewarded with fun, terrific scenery, and interesting history if not with a lot of finds. It will be like a treasure hunt, really, with just one prize.

After we finished our Peninsula Tour, we did the Subaru Cruise downtown. I may be way, way behind the times, but it seems to me that more people, both male and female, are wearing short shorts this summer. Did I miss something?

There were tons of pleasure boats rafting by the beach volleyball courts, but the temp was 95, so everybody was either in a boat or on the beach, not playing volleyball!

I checked with Mother and the Concord Place air conditioning was doing its thing, and she said she was very comfortable. I know she's much more comfortable that she would have been had she stayed on Union Street!

Apache Trout Grill is a great place to grab a sandwich on a beautiful day. There was a great breeze on the patio, the service was good, and the Reuben was yummy. Their patio has great views of the bay and of Traverse City in the background.



No it's not Hawaii, it's the Tiki Bar on the Bay at the Apache Trout Grill. Such a pleasant spot! 

Nice view of the bay from the patio - it was a little hazy but still beautiful. The sailboats are moored at the Grand Traverse Yacht Club. 

Checking the menu at the Apache Trout Grill. We didn't know it if was lunch or dinner, so they gave us both the lunch and dinner menus. Very accommodating! 

Thanks, Duo

Here's our "1000th Find" Asti, a gift from DinoDuo complete with the U of M shirt! 

A Couple of Winos

We spent a great day on the Old Mission Peninsula. Dick is planning to put out a new multi/puzzle cache there. It'll be kind of an historical tour. We hit all of the high spots, and gorgeous high spots they are, too. Bowers Harbor Inn, the Bowers Harbor Boat Launch, Neahtawanta Inn, the Bohemian Cemetery (what an interesting place!), the Peninsula Fruit Exchange, the Stonewall House, the Old Mission General Store, The Old Mission Church (first time we've ever gone in to look around - fascinating stuff in there), Haserot Beach, the Cairn at the 45th parallel, Old Mission Point and Lighthouse, the Ogdensburg Cemetery (another super-fascinating place),lunch at the Peninsula Grill, Archie Park, the Archie Womans Club Park at the base of the peninsula, and Chateau Chantal, where we picked up our two cases of wine with our Basswood Bend labels.

There may be a more pleasant way to spend a day, but the only thing I can think of would be a day with our kids and Dylan!

Our Private Label wines will be fun to give away, or to put on the silent auction table at events. Or even to enjoy at home with a meal!


This one is Basswood Bend's MiGO Red, which is Nice Red from Chateau Chantal, and it is a very nice red indeed. 

Here is Basswood Bend's Friendly White, which is a semi-dry Reisling from Chateau Chantal. It just happens to be my favorite wine. 

On My Mind

Saw Dr. Burke first thing - just a routine visit. He's still the best.

Cleaned out dining room book shelves - my cookbook collection was getting too unwieldy, so I tossed out a bunch of really old, really stained books from years ago - several of them were for our very first Litton microwave oven. Now don't get upset - I didn't throw out anything good or valuable - just junky stuff. (I hope.)

I also tossed out all of my MMAP stuff since I have no plans to rejoin that group. The things are all 3 or 4 years old anyway, so they're obsolete. What a waste of paper.

Result is 5 more bags of stuff to take to recycling! Plus room on the book shelves for all of the really good cookbooks! And room in the cupboards below for who knows what.

Traverse Tops reports that they are expecting an install of our countertops next week Wed. or Thurs. I'll believe it when they show up! Our plumber (Jim Beam) is getting antsy- he wants to firm up his summer schedule, and he'd really like to know when he can get started on our project - who can blame him. We'd really like to know, too.

Chateau Chantal has finished our two cases of wine with the Basswood Bend labels - we can pick them up any time.

The VC called to verify that Dick will be marching in the Cherry Festival parade with the VC volunteers - he kind of looks forward to doing that. The volunteers all received matching parade shirts.

Stanley Steemer wants over $700 to clean our furnace ducts. Really. It seems a bit much, but then it hasn't been done for 15 years. Maybe we'll wait until closer to the heating season, and then shop around a bit. We haven't decided.

Jen-Tees has not contacted Dick at all about the S2S series T shirts - we're anxiously awaiting something from them. Pleeeze - any time now - pleeeze...

Dick got the name of a handyman from Kathee - we plan to contact him to come and do some of our honey dew jobs. Quickly.

Spring cleaning - I still have 2 drawers to clean out in Jana's furniture, and then I'll do my cracker cupboard - and then I might be done. I think my closet can wait until later. My closet is The Dark Cave of Disaster.

Happy Flag Day Indeed !

Happy Flag Day

Our governor, Jennifer Granholm, has a policy of lowering the U.S. flag every time a Michigan soldier dies. So far there have been almost 80 occasions to put the flag at half-staff.
Along comes Republican gubernatorial opponent, Dick DeVos, who says that lowering the flag just for a common soldier goes against the flag code (see link above). As you can see by the following excerpt, the flag code states that the flag should be lowered only for dignitaries, domestic and foreign:

(m) The flag, when flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. On Memorial Day the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. By order of the President, the flag shall be flown at half-staff upon the death of principal figures of the United States Government and the Governor of a State, territory, or possession, as a mark of respect to their memory. In the event of the death of other officials or foreign dignitaries, the flag is to be displayed at half-staff according to Presidential instructions or orders, or in accordance with recognized customs or practices not inconsistent with law. In the event of the death of a present or former official of the government of any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the Governor of that State, territory, or possession may proclaim that the National flag shall be flown at half-staff. The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress. The flag shall be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day.

Seeing the flags lowered in honor of a fallen Michigan soldier always makes me reflect on the sacrifice which is being exacted. I think it creates a mood of thoughtfulness and respect. I never questioned whether it was "proper" or according to code. It seemed to me to be a good, decent way to show respect for the the fallen.

After Dick DeVos made his statement against Gov. Granholm's policy, he received numerous complaints from veteran's groups, military families, and other VOTERS. So it seems that he has decided to change his mind, and now it seems that DeVos thinks that lowering the flag for Michigan soldiers killed in the line of duty is a good idea! Ta-da! Can you guess why? At the end of the following article, it says that it's no scandal to change your mind. Of course it isn't - but as Dick loves to point out, Republicans love to call that a flip-flop.

DeVos now saluting flag-lowering policy
Thursday, June 08, 2006
By Sarah Kellogg
Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos now says that as governor he would continue Gov. Jennifer Granholm's practice of lowering the flag to half-staff when a Michigan soldier dies in service to the nation.

Last week John Truscott, press secretary to the DeVos campaign, told Booth Newspapers for a Memorial Day weekend story that DeVos would fly U.S. flags at half-staff only for elected officials or world leaders -- not fallen soldiers.

After a week of angry letters to newspapers and calls to local radio stations from veterans and their families, the DeVos camp said Wednesday that the candidate's position on flag honors had been misrepresented.

Truscott said in a phone interview that he had "mischaracterized" his boss' position by failing to "clarify" how DeVos felt on the question of lowering flags for soldiers who are killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He would continue the tradition of honoring fallen soldiers," said Truscott, noting that the campaign will send out letters to newspaper editorial pages to explain the candidate's position. "We want to head off any controversy here by making sure that every daily paper knows his position."

The controversy stems from a debate over the interpretation of the U.S. Flag Code. A provision in the code gives governors discretion to lower the U.S. flag to half-staff. Some say that governors can do that only for elected officials, while others say they can lower the flag whenever they choose.

Governors in nearly 20 states, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota, have ordered the U.S. flag lowered to half-staff to honor fallen soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Granholm began doing it in December of 2003.

Campaign officials for the Democratic governor were skeptical about the DeVos campaign's clarification.

"DeVos' failure to show support for fallen Michigan soldiers and their families is both sad and unfortunate," said Chris DeWitt, a Granholm campaign spokesman. "His decision to stop flag honors for soldiers killed in action was wrong.

"We'll leave it to others to draw their own conclusions about what motivated him to change his views on this issue."

Political observers say that however it occurred, such missteps are bound to come up in political campaigns.

"This is a classic example of where weighing in on a very small thing causes all kinds of public attention to be brought to you, and not always in a good way," said Craig Ruff, an analyst with Public Sector Consultants, a Lansing policy group. "In the end, it's not a scandal to change one's mind."


Contact reporter Sarah Kellogg at (202) 383-7810 or e-mail her at skellogg@boothnewspapers.com.
©2006 Booth Newspapers
© 2006 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Flag Day Indeed!

I also enjoyed these comments of another blogger:

See Dick. See Dick screw up. See Dick cover his ass. Cover, Dick, cover!

WASHINGTON -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos now says that as governor he would continue Gov. Jennifer Granholm's practice of lowering the flag to half-staff when a Michigan soldier dies in service to the nation.

Last week John Truscott, press secretary to the DeVos campaign, told Booth Newspapers for a Memorial Day weekend story that DeVos would fly U.S. flags at half-staff only for elected officials or world leaders -- not fallen soldiers.

After a week of angry letters to newspapers and calls to local radio stations from veterans and their families, the DeVos camp said Wednesday that the candidate's position on flag honors had been misrepresented.


Nice try, Dick.

I don't think it was misrepresented at all.

Here is the original statement.

Granholm's Republican opponent, Dick DeVos, would reverse the governor's policy.

"Dick would take a more literal approach," DeVos campaign spokesman John Truscott said. "While he certainly believes that honoring veterans who have given their lives is extremely important, lowering the flag has typically been reserved for heads of state."


Is there anything ambiguous about that? No. But that doesn't stop the furious backpedaling.

Truscott said in a phone interview that he had "mischaracterized" his boss' position by failing to "clarify" how DeVos felt on the question of lowering flags for soldiers who are killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"He would continue the tradition of honoring fallen soldiers," said Truscott, noting that the campaign will send out letters to newspaper editorial pages to explain the candidate's position. "We want to head off any controversy here by making sure that every daily paper knows his position."


Uh-huh. You guys do that. Perhaps Truscott should resign in the face of such an egregious error.

Slo-o-o-o-w

Dick worked at the agency, I kind of did nothing. What can I say. I think I was still in slow motion all day. All I did was grocery shopping and a crockpot dinner.

Since I have nothing better to offer of my own, here's a video that the director of Concord place sent - it serves to re-motivate yourself to be patient with your elderly parent. If I were you, I would lose the music - I think it's a bit much. But the video is worth watching, especially for those of us who deal with the problems of the elderly. See link above.

Re-Hashing and Re-Bashing

We were in slow motion all day today after our big outing yesterday. But I was up and dressed by noon, so it could be worse!

I was sitting on the riverside swing when I was surprised by DinoDuo, who dropped in during their geo-expedition. We had fun re-hashing yesterday's events, and re-bashing the wallpaper lady. That turned out to be the highlight of the day!

We visited Mother. Dick had the brainstorm of taking her a mini shrimp cocktail, and she loved it and ate it all up. We had a nice visit - talked about newspaper stories, geo-caching events, Kim, TV shows, etc. She asked us if now that we have our 1000th find, if we're finished with geo-caching for the year. I guess she thought that there was a special season for it, like deer hunting or something. We assured her that the fun just keeps on coming! Her brain power continues to amaze me.

A Three Event Day

Event Number One: ABX Guy's GO Get Outside Event at the Interlochen State Park. Small turnout, but good conversation. It was really chilly down by the lake.

Event Number Two: Sandrich's Something Twisted This Way Comes Event at the Onekama City Park. This Event became our 1,000th geocaching find - a real milestone. DinoDuo were so thoughtful - they must have been keeping track, because they produced a bottle of champagne wearing an M shirt (yes it was), and a beautiful big cake (see above). We had pizza for lunch, and then went crew caching to find the Twisted Cistern together.

Event Number Three: We met Kim and Mike, Bill and Jan outside the farewell party in Manistee that their friends were giving them to say good-bye before their move to California. We didn't attend the party because of caching muddiness. We were able to hug everybody, meet Mike's mother, and have a short talk with Kim and Mike and a long talk with Bill and Jan. I'm glad we were able to get together.
More info about Kim is available on a need-to-know basis by email.

Kim

Talked to Kim today to ask how things went at the Mayo Clinic. She said,
"It's not good." She has a diagnosis of POEMS syndrome - which is a very
rare blood condition. You can google it - and you won't find it very
encouraging. There is no cure, and most patients become bedridden
eventually. There are 100 known cases in the US.

I did find a kind of positive little video and the link is above.

But even in the positive video, the person is in a wheelchair (after a
bone marrow transplant). Bill and Jan are in Manistee with them right
now, and we're going over to give her a hug tomorrow. They are kind of
in upheaval getting ready to move - they've been packing all week. Kim
may stay with her folks for treatment in Ann Arbor depending on test
results. Michael has to leave next week to start his new job in CA.


http://www.medicaledge.org/2006may-4.html

Peeled, Patched, Primed and Prepared

The kitchen is ready to have the wallpaper put up. Melissa changed her plans so that she can come back in the morning and finish the job! I'm excited to have it completed. She patched everything so it looks really ready. Hooray for Melissa.

I'm still having fun cleaning out drawers, throwing things away, and rearranging the stuff in the kitchen cupboards. After we get the new countertops and sink we're going to feel liked we've moved! I hope I don't regret any of my throw-aways - but it has to be done sooner or later.

The perennial garden is very lush this year. The plants loved our cool, cool spring, and all the rain and the sprinklers. It seems to be growing so much faster. The rue anemone is blooming, and the field daisies. Yesterday I noticed one spiderwort (tradescantia) blossom. The spiderwort is really beautiful when it's all in bloom. We have big buds on our peonies and globeflowers, and everything looks great. On the driveway side, the rhododendron is looking good too.

Today is 6/6/06, or 666. Some people actually think that this will be the start of the apocalypse. Other people think that November 2000 was the start of the apocalypse! In Hell, Michigan today you can get an ice cream cone for 66 cents, and a steak dinner for $6.66. They've created a wedding chapel where people can get married in Hell at 6 p.m. Sounds like it might be a fun day in Hell.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY...THE MURDER OF RFK

A Brief but Influential Life...What Could Have Been?

Robert F. Kennedy

born Nov. 20, 1925
died June 6, 1968

Murdered at age 43, leaving a pregnant wife and 10 other young children

THIS DAY IN HISTORY...D DAY, JUNE 6, 1944

The Normandy invasion began with overnight parachute and glider landings, massive air attacks and naval bombardments, and an early morning amphibious assault on June 6, "D-Day". The battle for Normandy continued for more than two months, with campaigns to establish, expand, and eventually break out of the Allied beachheads. It concluded with the liberation of Paris and the fall of the Falaise Pocket.

Wall-a-thon

Here's the kitchen after a five hour scrape-a-thon. The first two pictures are the After, and the last two are the Before.

Melissa discovered that the paper had to be scraped off the wall, so it took longer than we had anticipated. Also, she decided that the backsplash portion needed to be removed before she papered. So a lot of time was spent trying to pry the backsplash off the wall, resulting in some dents in the wallboard, which she says will be easy to patch.

She reached her husband Steve by phone and he came and cut off the backsplash board with some kind of a narrow bladed saw. This involved turning off the gas supply to the range top and lifting the rangetop so that the black glass base wouldn't be in harm's way during the prying and the sawing. Steve removed the knife drawer when he disconnected the gas line, so when he sawed, a lot of the dust went down into the pots and pans drawer. They will all have to be washed and the drawer wiped out. That's what dishwashers are for!

Melissa was here for 5 hours of peeling and scraping, and we had thought she would only be here for 2 hours or so. She's very calm and confident, and doesn't get rattled - I get the feeling that she's "seen it all". She's coming back tomorrow to patch the wall and apply sizing/primer. Then on Thursday she'll put up the wallpaper.

Dick and I went on an expedition to find storage units. First to Menard's where we got a plastic box to hold some toys we're saving for Dylan - mostly MacLand toys, but not entirely. We also got a three drawer unit for storing the bird feeding supplies. Then to Lowe's where we got some drawer organizers for our deep utensil drawer in the hope that we can sort it out and make things more accessible.

And then a nice surprise! We went out to dinner at Scot's Harbor Grill. It was such a beautiful day, and they have such a great view! It was a real treat, and we had fun watching the boaters. The restaurant was not at all crowded, so it was very relaxing and yummy.

A Day in a Nutshell

I stayed in Traverse, Dick went geocaching in Benzie.

I went to the drug store for Mom, and spent about an hour and a half visiting her and doing little "chores" for her.

Dick found three caches, two hard, one easy.

I had a sandwich at Wares Bros., and went shopping at the new 3 Mile Road Oleson's - love that store!

I did 3 loads of laundry, folded one so far. (Where's my rose?)

I'm trying to clear off the kitchen counters this evening so that all will be ready for Melissa the Wallpaper Lady tomorrow morning.

Harrison

This Harrison event was hosted by TreePlanter. There were almost 80 people there, and it took a lot of work for TP and his family. Marty the First Mate took over entertaining the children - they had a great time with the whistling balloons - what a great activity for kids - I'll have to keep that in mind! Dick had a chance to do some mental geocaching with both Cyclops and Frank, among others. We posed a picture of all the S2S finishers who were present - what a great looking group!