This meme was totally stolen from friend Mitchy in the UK ("Scribblings From the Mitchy Side" - see link above). I'm absolutely thrilled to be Wuthering Heights. Give it a try!
On the other hand, I was stunned to find out that I'm emaciated! I'm willing to be emaciated of course, but in reality.....not so much!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Laundromats I Have Loved - NOT
Since our washer flooded the laundry room floor last weekend, the laundry has been piling up. Max's can come and fix it, and they should come Thursday or Friday. But laundry waits for no repairman.
So off I went in search of a laundromat. I nixed the one by Tom's 14th as being too much in the middle of Festival traffic. Aha, I thought, there's one on Garfield over by ex-Oleson's. Well that one was full of men for some reason - not just any men, but toothless men with long scraggly oily hair and dirty hats - at least seven of them. I didn't want to spend a hour with them - call me picky.
There's a "nice" laundromat by Tom's East Bay. It was not bad at all, unless you count the three screaming children who kept running around the place, and in and out of the door. They would run out, and open their car door and get things to play with. The problem was that I had inadvertently parked next to them, and their door was occasionally hitting my car. I said, "Please don't bump my car" in a very pleasant voice, which is when I found out that they didn't speak English.
I think the last time I was in a laundromat was in 1991 in Sydney Australia. We carried bags of our laundry through The Rocks area and walked a long, scenic way to the laundromat. Those were the days when I was still a walker! That laundromat was owned by an Asian man, and was OK, but not much.
On our trip out west we went to many laundromats, but two are memorable. One was in Coos Bay, Oregon, a fishing community. The whole town smelled like fish. The laundromat was particularly fishy. I was afraid that our clothes would never be the same. In actuality, it was fine, and our clothes did not have aroma-of-the-sea.
The other memorable one was in Yellowstone Village, in the national park. I couldn't believe my eyes! The sign said we could leave the laundry and pick it up tomorrow washed, dried, and folded. Oh what a deal - we were planning on staying in the area for five days or more - I was in paradise! The next day we picked up our clothes in paper sacks, very nicely laundered. It was a vacation inside a vacation!
When we were living in Belleville, I was teaching full time and we had three kids who each insisted on using one towel a day. I was overwhelmed with the laundry. I could handle the teaching, cooking, shopping, taking kids to activities, the dog, the cats, yard work, etc. But I just couldn't keep up with the damn laundry. Then I discovered that the Monarch Laundry in Romulus would do it for me! I would drop off a huge laundry bag full every week, and pick it up the next week. It wasn't perfect - they didn't do much sorting, and the folding was iffy, but it really saved my bacon. We did that for almost three years.
Looking back, I guess that laundry has always been kind of a bugaboo for me. I enjoy it much more in retirement! I still hate laundromats.
The day began with two hours of sitting at the computer trying to satisfy the requirements of Sony/Everquest technical help so that we can run EverQuest when Dylan is here. I've tried everything to get it going, but I keep getting error messages. After the first help letter didn't help, I asked again and the second letter had a list of information that they needed to figure out what the problem was - find some obscure files and then zip them - such a pain! It took me two hours and it'll probably be days before I get a response.
Then I went to get a perm at BoTangles, and to visit Mother. I took her a couple of different types of lotions for itchiness. She seems in fine fettle.
On the way to the laundromat, I stopped at the cemetery to check on our geraniums. They were in bad shape - totally dry. I was generous with watering them and I'm sure they'll revive.
Meanwhile, back at 888, Dick was cleaning out the garage and taking chuddah to the dump, closely followed by mowing the entire yard. So we're in great shape - we feel like we each accomplished a lot today.
So off I went in search of a laundromat. I nixed the one by Tom's 14th as being too much in the middle of Festival traffic. Aha, I thought, there's one on Garfield over by ex-Oleson's. Well that one was full of men for some reason - not just any men, but toothless men with long scraggly oily hair and dirty hats - at least seven of them. I didn't want to spend a hour with them - call me picky.
There's a "nice" laundromat by Tom's East Bay. It was not bad at all, unless you count the three screaming children who kept running around the place, and in and out of the door. They would run out, and open their car door and get things to play with. The problem was that I had inadvertently parked next to them, and their door was occasionally hitting my car. I said, "Please don't bump my car" in a very pleasant voice, which is when I found out that they didn't speak English.
I think the last time I was in a laundromat was in 1991 in Sydney Australia. We carried bags of our laundry through The Rocks area and walked a long, scenic way to the laundromat. Those were the days when I was still a walker! That laundromat was owned by an Asian man, and was OK, but not much.
On our trip out west we went to many laundromats, but two are memorable. One was in Coos Bay, Oregon, a fishing community. The whole town smelled like fish. The laundromat was particularly fishy. I was afraid that our clothes would never be the same. In actuality, it was fine, and our clothes did not have aroma-of-the-sea.
The other memorable one was in Yellowstone Village, in the national park. I couldn't believe my eyes! The sign said we could leave the laundry and pick it up tomorrow washed, dried, and folded. Oh what a deal - we were planning on staying in the area for five days or more - I was in paradise! The next day we picked up our clothes in paper sacks, very nicely laundered. It was a vacation inside a vacation!
When we were living in Belleville, I was teaching full time and we had three kids who each insisted on using one towel a day. I was overwhelmed with the laundry. I could handle the teaching, cooking, shopping, taking kids to activities, the dog, the cats, yard work, etc. But I just couldn't keep up with the damn laundry. Then I discovered that the Monarch Laundry in Romulus would do it for me! I would drop off a huge laundry bag full every week, and pick it up the next week. It wasn't perfect - they didn't do much sorting, and the folding was iffy, but it really saved my bacon. We did that for almost three years.
Looking back, I guess that laundry has always been kind of a bugaboo for me. I enjoy it much more in retirement! I still hate laundromats.
The day began with two hours of sitting at the computer trying to satisfy the requirements of Sony/Everquest technical help so that we can run EverQuest when Dylan is here. I've tried everything to get it going, but I keep getting error messages. After the first help letter didn't help, I asked again and the second letter had a list of information that they needed to figure out what the problem was - find some obscure files and then zip them - such a pain! It took me two hours and it'll probably be days before I get a response.
Then I went to get a perm at BoTangles, and to visit Mother. I took her a couple of different types of lotions for itchiness. She seems in fine fettle.
On the way to the laundromat, I stopped at the cemetery to check on our geraniums. They were in bad shape - totally dry. I was generous with watering them and I'm sure they'll revive.
Meanwhile, back at 888, Dick was cleaning out the garage and taking chuddah to the dump, closely followed by mowing the entire yard. So we're in great shape - we feel like we each accomplished a lot today.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
INDEPENDENCE DAY
HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY !!
Bessie has the 4th of July spirit, ready to greet canoers and kayakers. As a matter of fact, right this minute there is a group of people smack dab in front of our house, beached on the sand across the river, and swimming in the hole. We seem to have the prime location for a beach party. Another group did the same thing yesterday.
Photographic evidence of the Beach Party across from us! They settled in - they've already been there for 45 minutes!
We helped Mother celebrate the Fourth at Concord Place. I was surprised that she let me take her picture - she's usually opposed to having her photo taken.
It has been a lovely day. After we visited Mother, we went downtown and parked in the parking deck, and strolled around town. We had coffee at Horizon - great people-watching during the Cherry Festival. We had a slice and a Coke at Pangea Pizza and sat out on the sidewalk. There are so many people in town, and such a lot to see - it was fascinating. We may not be very racially diverse in T.C., but we certainly have a lot of Caucasian diversity - everything from the tattooed, pierced and dyed to the elegant and upper class - and all things in between. Everybody comes to town this week.
Dick is walking in the Heritage Parade tonight with the Visitor Center Volunteers. They will be Unit 41 - keep your eyes peeled! The parade starts at 7 p.m.
9 p.m. Update:
Laurie and Dylan are on the beach at Delray Beach waiting for the fireworks to begin. She sent these cell phone pictures. They're not the best quality because it's twilight there, and they're phone pictures, but it's another part of the 4th of July :)
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Round Robin 2006
Here are the SLGs, TCHS Class of '53. This picture was taken fifty years later in 2003. There are only nine of us here because of the others, one is down with a stroke, one was unable to make it here from Montana this year, and 2 have not come to any reunions although they do contribute to the Round Robin.From left to right: Betty, Nan G., Sandy N., Sandy M., Nola, June, Me, Freda, Mary.
The SLG Round Robin came today - such fun reading the letters and looking at all of the pictures! Here's the letter that I'm including this year:
Another year has gone by already. Doesn’t it seem like they go by faster these days? This has been a good year for us. It’s been a year of surprises, good luck, fun, and family contacts.
I finished the Kanitz Family Tree Project in time to hand out the books at the annual Kanitz Reunion in September. It was a huge project, and I thoroughly enjoyed working on it.
In September we drove to Washington, D.C. to be with daughter Jana on her birthday. Dick’s birthday is the day after hers, and we celebrated his birthday by packing up Jana’s office and putting everything in crates to be moved to her new office. We were just glad to be there to help out. Her boss gave her tickets for all of us to go to a Nationals baseball game. Our seats were really good, and it was an eventful evening. We sat by Tim Russert, James Carville, and Jesse Jackson, and we saw Barry Bonds hit a homerun. Not our typical T.C. type of evening!
Geocaching remains a big part of our lives - it’s a most satisfying hobby. It takes us to places we would never see otherwise and really helps us explore our world. One of the most interesting things we came across this year was in the Brundage Wilderness Cemetery in Benzie County. It’s accessible only by two-tracks, and way out in the middle of nowhere. We strolled around and came across the grave of Dr. Thomas C. Hall, class of ‘53. It was very strange coming upon his memorial by accident. He had a most unusual life, and his resting place is also most unusual.
Sometimes, visiting Mother can be a very interesting experience. She begins to reminisce about her childhood, and it’s just charming. My favorite is a story about the funeral of her Grandmother. All of the children in the family (her sibs and cousins) were seated on a stairway during the funeral, and they got the giggles. Mother says that they couldn’t help it, and the adults were mortified. She still feels awful about it after all these years. She would have been 13 or 14 at the time. Another memory was of the privy. It was completely surrounded by lilac bushes and really smelled terrific in the springtime when the lilacs were blooming. She can crack me up, too. During the Olympics, I asked her if she had watched the figure skating. She said, “Yes, and a lot of those girls are foreign.” So hard to keep a straight face!
This is the year that I made a quilt! It’s quite a joke, because I’m the furthest thing from a seamstress that you can imagine! We had all of Mother Gen’s living descendants provide quilt squares with their names on them, and my job was to sew them all together. It’s not perfect by a long shot, but it’s finished, and if you examine it from 20 feet away, it doesn’t look too bad. If it looks bad to you, just back up a little bit more.
Dick spent months helping seniors with the Medicare Part D Drug Benefit. He made presentations all over northern Michigan, and he did a great job if I do say so myself!
He became acquainted with some new doctors and every test known to modern man this year. We were very lucky because his heart problem could be treated with medication, and his latest echocardiogram was almost totally normal. (Big sigh of relief)
My health is stable - three chronic conditions, all under control. Of course I’m still way too big, but I can have a good time if I’ve a mind to (to borrow from an old country song).
In January, we visited son Tom in San Diego and had a marvelous time. We did all the San Diego things - Balboa Park, Old Town, GasLamp District, Wild Animal Park. Dick and I couldn’t decide which was the most fun. The whole trip was really delightful.
Laurie, Chip and Dylan are still in Florida. We haven’t seen Dylan for a year, but we talk to him every day on the phone, so we feel like we’re keeping up with him. He’s the best grandson that there ever was - he just can’t help it!
Soon the three of them will be arriving for the month of July - a month that all of us look forward to every year.
Today is the first day of the 80th National Cherry Festival. The Blue Angels were flying around all afternoon, and will again tomorrow. The town is all clean and shiny for visitors - the flower beds are all freshly weeded and the grass freshly mowed. Traverse City really does show itself off nicely.
Sandy N. - You look so great in your red hat! There’s a Red Hat Society in T.C., and one of their big events is a tea at the Opera House. They’re in the Cherry Festival Parade, too. Looks like a fun way to be social.
Nola - I always enjoy the pictures of your grandchildren. This time, the picture of Jacob and Caleb is priceless! Hope you’re enjoying your summer at the cottage.
Nan/Annie/Rosie - What could be better than a new grandchild! Congratulations! I understand that you’re sad that you’ll only have 5, but even though I understand, you’re not getting any sympathy from us, proud grandparents of one! So glad to hear that Jim is back in good shape. And you, too, of course.
Freda - How sad to lose Oskar…I know how much he meant to you. I’m sure it leaves a big hole in your life. “Quite a lot of travels” is putting it mildly! I think you win the “itchy feet” award! I love looking at your fabulous pictures. It’s great to see your Mom - and the last I heard from you, she’s improving - so hooray for her. (And for you, too!)
Donna - It sounds like you have made an interesting and exciting life for yourself! It’s wonderful to have companions to travel with and enjoy life with. I certainly do hope you get to Greece! Hope your health remains stable - we’re all pulling for you. Can you feel it?
June - Have you decided where to settle down yet? We’ve seen some spectacular log homes in this area. I kind of agree with you that having built 4 homes in your lifetime might be enough! But then Jerry has to follow his bliss too. Your grandchildren are adorable, and I loved the pics of Mitchells and Wetherbees at Griffiths. Looks like a great time.
Betty - So nice of you to mention our neighbors Tom and Mary. They speak highly of you also. Too bad that you were brought together by the passing of your friend Warren. I think you folks all have a mutual admiration society!
Margo - I still treasure Sherm’s last solo visit with us. We really hit it off, and we had so much in common. I value that memory. Your grandkids are so precious! Jackson is around Dylan’s age, isn’t he? Dylan is 8 ½. What a thrill for Jackson to be ball boy! He’ll remember that the rest of his life.
Mary - It’s comforting to see that other people have computer problems too! Sorry to say that, but we’ve had computer nightmares here ever since Christmas, and are just now getting back to normal. Your ultra-interesting life continues to be an inspiration! You went to Spain, Italy and France for your 70th? I went to the Hofbrau House in Interlochen! Thanks for telling us about Justin - none of us knows what may crop up in the future for any of us.
Sandy M. - We didn’t know Cuyler as well as your Western friends did, but we’re glad we had the chance to meet him at our SLG picnics. It’s nice to have good memories. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. He was lucky to have you be his nurse at the end of his days. I hope all is well with you and yours, and that you are getting stronger every day.
Yes it is fun going down memory lane - and it’s fun getting the Robin, and reading the letters and looking at the pictures. Seeing the grandchildren is like getting a peek at the future. So we’re at a great stage in life - we can look backwards with fondness, and forward with hope.
Friday, June 30, 2006
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:
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.
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.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
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.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
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.
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.
Friday, June 23, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
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!
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!
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
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
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
Saturday, June 17, 2006
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!
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!
Friday, June 16, 2006
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.
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.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
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:
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.
Happy Flag Day Indeed!
I also enjoyed these comments of another blogger:
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)