This morning the Northern Michigan Geocachers had a Meet and Greet at the Flap Jack Shack. It was a smaller group, but we had a great time - met some new people, and had good conversation. It was especially fun meeting Petoskey Stones from San Jose(Scott), and Omena Couple(Stuart). We got some good ideas, and lots of new stories to tell.
It rained hard all morning, but as we left the meet and greet, it began to clear up - so after driving around town (we did the basic Subaru Cruise), we headed home because Dick wanted to get back to work on the deck. It's really coming along. He's doing a great job. We're learning new things about Trex building material - it warps more than we expected, and it's not square on the ends. Live and learn.
I worked on organizing pictures and doing some scrapbooking. I feel like I'm buried in pictures - I love doing it, but it is a bit overwhelming. Slow and steady - isn't that what the tortoise said?
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Monster-in-law
Mary, Shirley and I went out to lunch and to the movies today because, well you know, it's cheap popcorn day! We had our usual chicken oriental salad at Applebee's, and then off to the mall to see Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez in Monster-in-law.
It was funny, cute, and enjoyable - just the way I like them. Jane Fonda did a great job - it was really kind of a slapstick role - but she was funny. She obviously has made up her mind to play her age. I still don't quite get Jennifer Lopez. She's good enough, but I don't think that she's anything outstanding. Elaine Stritch had a bit part, but she was excellent - just the best. I think it would have been a better movie if her role had been expanded.
It was funny, cute, and enjoyable - just the way I like them. Jane Fonda did a great job - it was really kind of a slapstick role - but she was funny. She obviously has made up her mind to play her age. I still don't quite get Jennifer Lopez. She's good enough, but I don't think that she's anything outstanding. Elaine Stritch had a bit part, but she was excellent - just the best. I think it would have been a better movie if her role had been expanded.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Lumber
Dick worked at the agency this morning, and I visited Mother.
In the afternoon the truck from UBC came with the lumber and materials for the new deck. It was all unceremoniously dumped alongside the garage. It's hard to believe that the small pile of goods cost that much money. So now Dick has a big project in front of him - he's building the whole thing by himself.
In the afternoon the truck from UBC came with the lumber and materials for the new deck. It was all unceremoniously dumped alongside the garage. It's hard to believe that the small pile of goods cost that much money. So now Dick has a big project in front of him - he's building the whole thing by himself.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Dam Thursday
Today Dick went geocaching with Tim and Susie - to make a long, long, long story very, very short, he was gone from 7:15 a.m. until 11 p.m. Their primary goal was to complete the "Dams of the AuSable" series by James and Sheryl. See link above. They did most of it.
I stayed home, worked on my genealogy, the pictures, the ever present laundry, and went to town for errands.
When he got home, he just had a sandwich, so there's an entire pot roast with carrots already cooked sitting in the fridge - no worries about dinner tomorrow.
I stayed home, worked on my genealogy, the pictures, the ever present laundry, and went to town for errands.
When he got home, he just had a sandwich, so there's an entire pot roast with carrots already cooked sitting in the fridge - no worries about dinner tomorrow.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Win Some, Lose Some
The day started out with household chores - mostly laundry. I also wrote more letters to cousins and got some mailings ready related to the Family Tree I'm trying to assemble.
Mailed my stuff, bought repair kits for sling shots so we can discourage the geese from nesting and pooping in our yard, tried to drop off some shirts at Progress, but they close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and we got there at 2:16.
Then we went to do some local geo-caching. PeppermintPatti has put out some new caches recently out along M-22. It was a gorgeous spring day - maybe a little on the nippy side (52F) but sunny and enjoyable. One of the caches was hidden in Boughey Park, and I'll bet that all of you Traverse City natives didn't even know of its existence! We sure didn't. It's just a little way off M-22, and there's no sign for it, but it's actually quite a nice park with a shelter, picnic tables, and a beach. (See the link above.) We found 3 out of 5, so we were happy.
Went to Mother's house to see what the Estate Sale people had done there. The furniture has been rearranged and things have been moved from room to room to make quite a nice appearance. The dresser drawers and bookcases have all been emptied (except all of the living room books are in the little room upstairs), the closets are empty, and they brought in a different couch which looks great in the living room. Dick says that they have set up tables in the basement to display dishes and such - I'll have to go down there and check it out. Joan told me that they probably won't be working at the house again for another month.
Mailed my stuff, bought repair kits for sling shots so we can discourage the geese from nesting and pooping in our yard, tried to drop off some shirts at Progress, but they close at 1 p.m. on Saturday, and we got there at 2:16.
Then we went to do some local geo-caching. PeppermintPatti has put out some new caches recently out along M-22. It was a gorgeous spring day - maybe a little on the nippy side (52F) but sunny and enjoyable. One of the caches was hidden in Boughey Park, and I'll bet that all of you Traverse City natives didn't even know of its existence! We sure didn't. It's just a little way off M-22, and there's no sign for it, but it's actually quite a nice park with a shelter, picnic tables, and a beach. (See the link above.) We found 3 out of 5, so we were happy.
Went to Mother's house to see what the Estate Sale people had done there. The furniture has been rearranged and things have been moved from room to room to make quite a nice appearance. The dresser drawers and bookcases have all been emptied (except all of the living room books are in the little room upstairs), the closets are empty, and they brought in a different couch which looks great in the living room. Dick says that they have set up tables in the basement to display dishes and such - I'll have to go down there and check it out. Joan told me that they probably won't be working at the house again for another month.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Home, James
We had planned on doing some geo-caching this morning before heading to Traverse. But we both agreed that what we really wanted to do was head for Traverse. We were home at 9:30 a.m.! Started some laundry and decided to stay put for a while before heading to town to pick up our mail and to see Mother.
It's a little depressing to be back in Michigan after the lushness of Florida. Our trees are still gray, stark and bare, compared to Florida's glorious trees, shrubs, flowers, and hedges. Oh well - it won't be much longer until our trees are green. I hope.
We had a mail mix-up - we both remembered picking it up at the main office last time, but I guess we were wrong - we picked it up at the Barlow office.
Mother is fine - she had 2 visitors yesterday before we got there - a lady from church, and Miriam from Integrity. Very nice. We showed her pictures of Dan and Pam's new son, and gave her some shells and a picture from Dylan.
Dick did burgers on the grill. Welcome home.
It's a little depressing to be back in Michigan after the lushness of Florida. Our trees are still gray, stark and bare, compared to Florida's glorious trees, shrubs, flowers, and hedges. Oh well - it won't be much longer until our trees are green. I hope.
We had a mail mix-up - we both remembered picking it up at the main office last time, but I guess we were wrong - we picked it up at the Barlow office.
Mother is fine - she had 2 visitors yesterday before we got there - a lady from church, and Miriam from Integrity. Very nice. We showed her pictures of Dan and Pam's new son, and gave her some shells and a picture from Dylan.
Dick did burgers on the grill. Welcome home.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Oh No - Not This Again! (Travel Day)
We were all packed up and ready to go at 7:15 a.m. We rode with Laurie to take Dylan to school and said good-bye to him. Loaded up the car, said good-bye to Chip, and headed to Fort Lauderdale.
Dick wanted to stop off at Butterfly World to take pictures of his Butterfly travelbug with the signs. Did that. Then he wanted to put the bug in a cache at a park 4 miles away. Tried, but failed to find the cache. So Laurie is now in charge of the Butterfly Travel Bug.
Arrived at the airport in a timely fashion, and headed for the gate. Love the new ticketless travel. We never have to check in anywhere. Our pilot's name was Mohammed Al-Habib, a name to instill confidence. The plane was quite full, but we did get to sit together, which is always a plus.
Then we had a 4 hour wait at O'Hare, which is always a minus. We met an interesting man from Boston who is still talking about what happened to him on 9/11. He kept his rental car and drove it home because nothing was flying that day - when he got home, Hertz didn't charge him for driving it over the limit and dropping it off.
O'Hare is a real yawner, except the people watching is good. We saw all shapes and sizes of human beings - quite an assortment. We saw a Saudi in full robes and some Asian "nuns" in full robes, some huge men, some huge women, and some adorable babies. Mostly we read books.
Flight to Grand Rapids was nice and uneventful. We thought we had lost a bag upon arrival, but it turned up after all, and the Comfort Inn shuttle came to pick us up.
We were very glad to arrive at a room with a bed. Didn't bother with dinner. Snore.
Dick wanted to stop off at Butterfly World to take pictures of his Butterfly travelbug with the signs. Did that. Then he wanted to put the bug in a cache at a park 4 miles away. Tried, but failed to find the cache. So Laurie is now in charge of the Butterfly Travel Bug.
Arrived at the airport in a timely fashion, and headed for the gate. Love the new ticketless travel. We never have to check in anywhere. Our pilot's name was Mohammed Al-Habib, a name to instill confidence. The plane was quite full, but we did get to sit together, which is always a plus.
Then we had a 4 hour wait at O'Hare, which is always a minus. We met an interesting man from Boston who is still talking about what happened to him on 9/11. He kept his rental car and drove it home because nothing was flying that day - when he got home, Hertz didn't charge him for driving it over the limit and dropping it off.
O'Hare is a real yawner, except the people watching is good. We saw all shapes and sizes of human beings - quite an assortment. We saw a Saudi in full robes and some Asian "nuns" in full robes, some huge men, some huge women, and some adorable babies. Mostly we read books.
Flight to Grand Rapids was nice and uneventful. We thought we had lost a bag upon arrival, but it turned up after all, and the Comfort Inn shuttle came to pick us up.
We were very glad to arrive at a room with a bed. Didn't bother with dinner. Snore.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Grandma, Grandpa, Laurie, and Dylan spent the day in the Park. Chip was left home to do chores before going to work tomorrow.
We left around 10 a.m., went to Publix to get sub sandwiches for lunch, and then went to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which Laurie calls Jonathan Stick-in-the-mud State Park for no apparent reason. We had planned to take the 11 a.m. boat tour on the Loxahatchie River, but the tide was out, so we opted to wait for the 1 p.m. tour when the tide would be in enough so that we could get to Trapper Nelson's Island.
So off we went on a tour of the Park roadways, aiming to see the Observation Tower. We drove around one campground which had been totally destroyed by the hurricanes last season - It's called Piney Grove Campground, and there is not a tree in sight. We couldn't believe that people were actually camping there because there are other, nicer, more intact campgrounds quite nearby.
On the way to the Tower, we stopped to see if there were any alligators at the alligator viewing spot - and we were lucky - there were a couple of really quite large alligators and some young ones - we enjoyed watching them swim back and forth. Dick got some good pictures.
We hiked up to the Observation Tower and were quite amused to see that at 86 feet above sea level, it's the highest spot south of Lake Okeechobee. 86 feet! Anyway, the view wasn't that exciting, but Dylan was interested in the big bumble bees that were flying around the lantana blossoms, and Dick found a bench mark to photograph.
On the way back to the River, there was a large snake lying in the road. He eventually slithered into the grass at the side of the road, curled up, and rattled at us. It was a diamondback rattlesnake - glad we were in the car. Dick got some good pictures of that, too.
On down the road, and next we saw a tortoise "running" across the road. We stopped, got out and inspected him, and helped him across. Dylan liked the tortoise better than the snake or the alligators. Wise choice.
We ate lunch, and caught the boat tour - it was quite a hot day (for us) - around 85F, and the breeze on the boat tour felt heavenly. We rode to the Island, where the volunteer gave us a great tour of Trapper Nelson's compound. It was very primitive, and we had a hard time understanding why anyone would want to live there. Dick bought a book about Trapper's life, so maybe that will help us understand.
On the river we saw ospreys, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, vultures, alligators, turtles, baby blue herons, and mullet. The mullet jump clear out of the water and do a flip before falling back down. We really enjoyed the Loxahatchie.
After we left the park, Laurie drove us to Jupiter Island, where we did some sight seeing of fantastic homes, and went to a public beach so Dylan could play near the water and collect shells.
It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. Best day of the trip, maybe - although it's all been great.
Pizza for supper.
Chip and Laurie's neighbors are putting in a pool, so they're thinking that this might be a good time to put in one for themselves, since the workers are right there anyway, and then things would have to be torn up only once. I think they'll do it, but they haven't finalized anything yet.
We leave tomorrow.
We left around 10 a.m., went to Publix to get sub sandwiches for lunch, and then went to Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which Laurie calls Jonathan Stick-in-the-mud State Park for no apparent reason. We had planned to take the 11 a.m. boat tour on the Loxahatchie River, but the tide was out, so we opted to wait for the 1 p.m. tour when the tide would be in enough so that we could get to Trapper Nelson's Island.
So off we went on a tour of the Park roadways, aiming to see the Observation Tower. We drove around one campground which had been totally destroyed by the hurricanes last season - It's called Piney Grove Campground, and there is not a tree in sight. We couldn't believe that people were actually camping there because there are other, nicer, more intact campgrounds quite nearby.
On the way to the Tower, we stopped to see if there were any alligators at the alligator viewing spot - and we were lucky - there were a couple of really quite large alligators and some young ones - we enjoyed watching them swim back and forth. Dick got some good pictures.
We hiked up to the Observation Tower and were quite amused to see that at 86 feet above sea level, it's the highest spot south of Lake Okeechobee. 86 feet! Anyway, the view wasn't that exciting, but Dylan was interested in the big bumble bees that were flying around the lantana blossoms, and Dick found a bench mark to photograph.
On the way back to the River, there was a large snake lying in the road. He eventually slithered into the grass at the side of the road, curled up, and rattled at us. It was a diamondback rattlesnake - glad we were in the car. Dick got some good pictures of that, too.
On down the road, and next we saw a tortoise "running" across the road. We stopped, got out and inspected him, and helped him across. Dylan liked the tortoise better than the snake or the alligators. Wise choice.
We ate lunch, and caught the boat tour - it was quite a hot day (for us) - around 85F, and the breeze on the boat tour felt heavenly. We rode to the Island, where the volunteer gave us a great tour of Trapper Nelson's compound. It was very primitive, and we had a hard time understanding why anyone would want to live there. Dick bought a book about Trapper's life, so maybe that will help us understand.
On the river we saw ospreys, snowy egrets, cattle egrets, vultures, alligators, turtles, baby blue herons, and mullet. The mullet jump clear out of the water and do a flip before falling back down. We really enjoyed the Loxahatchie.
After we left the park, Laurie drove us to Jupiter Island, where we did some sight seeing of fantastic homes, and went to a public beach so Dylan could play near the water and collect shells.
It was a beautiful day, and we had a great time. Best day of the trip, maybe - although it's all been great.
Pizza for supper.
Chip and Laurie's neighbors are putting in a pool, so they're thinking that this might be a good time to put in one for themselves, since the workers are right there anyway, and then things would have to be torn up only once. I think they'll do it, but they haven't finalized anything yet.
We leave tomorrow.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Carrabba's
Laurie called early in the morning to say that it was raining in Orlando, and they would be coming home early. We all just hung around playing Sly Cooper and such until they got here.
It was fun hearing about Cirque du Soleil and looking at the program. They also went on a lot of Disney World rides - Tower of Terror, etc - and just had a generally good time. The complaint was that the food prices are way too high once you're inside the park.
Dick, Laurie and Dylan went looking for a cache, Chip went for a ride on his motorcycle, and I took a nap. (I'm the smartest one.)
Mother reports that Dan and Pam have had their baby - a 6 lb. 14 oz boy, 20 inches long. Pam and the baby both came through just fine. They haven't quite decided what to name him yet - the opinion seems to be that he will be Jace Ryan. (Jace rhymes with Chase.) Anyway, congratulations to everybody!
We went out to eat at Carrabba's because Dylan likes their meatballs. Dylan and I played Tic Tac Toe while we were waiting to be served - he actually beat me once. The food is great, especially the bread, but it was very, very crowded. I had yummy lasagna.
It was fun hearing about Cirque du Soleil and looking at the program. They also went on a lot of Disney World rides - Tower of Terror, etc - and just had a generally good time. The complaint was that the food prices are way too high once you're inside the park.
Dick, Laurie and Dylan went looking for a cache, Chip went for a ride on his motorcycle, and I took a nap. (I'm the smartest one.)
Mother reports that Dan and Pam have had their baby - a 6 lb. 14 oz boy, 20 inches long. Pam and the baby both came through just fine. They haven't quite decided what to name him yet - the opinion seems to be that he will be Jace Ryan. (Jace rhymes with Chase.) Anyway, congratulations to everybody!
We went out to eat at Carrabba's because Dylan likes their meatballs. Dylan and I played Tic Tac Toe while we were waiting to be served - he actually beat me once. The food is great, especially the bread, but it was very, very crowded. I had yummy lasagna.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Saturday With Dylan
Dick made pancakes and bacon for breakfast - Dylan doesn't really eat much, but he loved the pancakes. Mine were banana pecan - I wouldn't have traded them for anything.
We played Sly Cooper for quite a while - found the 30th bottle on level 4 and moved ahead - he's really good at it, and I'm really good at watching him.
Went geocaching out across the Saint Lucie River. You have to go across huge bridges to get anywhere east from here. We found two caches in the Veterans Memorial Park, and met a sweet veteran of the Korean War who was sitting in the park meditating. Then we went across another huge bridge to Jensen Beach to Riverside Park - and found another cache.
About then, I was experiencing another low sugar event - the second one this week. I think my medication may be too strong. I'll have to check that out. Anyway, low sugar means it's time for lunch, so we started looking for a good restaurant.
We went back across the bridge to Stuart, found Shell's, which we know is good. But Dylan said he doesn't like their food. So on we went - winding up at a place called The Deck. You order your food at the bar, and if it's grillable, you grill it yourself on one of the three built in grills in the dining room. Unique, and a little down-at-heel. Any port in a storm, they say.
Got home with the help of a good map, and a good memory. We were all a little wind-blown and sun-parched, so we had kind of a quiet time. Dylan and I looked at the Everquest book that Mr. Joe gave him. Then we watched the movie "Brother Bear" - really cute, and right at Dylan's level. He had seen it before, but he enjoyed it immensely.
Now he's outside in his cape with his sword with Grandpa, and I can't imagine what they're playing. I can hear the action, but I can't see it.
We enjoy this so much - wish we could come here every weekend (except for the travel).
We played Sly Cooper for quite a while - found the 30th bottle on level 4 and moved ahead - he's really good at it, and I'm really good at watching him.
Went geocaching out across the Saint Lucie River. You have to go across huge bridges to get anywhere east from here. We found two caches in the Veterans Memorial Park, and met a sweet veteran of the Korean War who was sitting in the park meditating. Then we went across another huge bridge to Jensen Beach to Riverside Park - and found another cache.
About then, I was experiencing another low sugar event - the second one this week. I think my medication may be too strong. I'll have to check that out. Anyway, low sugar means it's time for lunch, so we started looking for a good restaurant.
We went back across the bridge to Stuart, found Shell's, which we know is good. But Dylan said he doesn't like their food. So on we went - winding up at a place called The Deck. You order your food at the bar, and if it's grillable, you grill it yourself on one of the three built in grills in the dining room. Unique, and a little down-at-heel. Any port in a storm, they say.
Got home with the help of a good map, and a good memory. We were all a little wind-blown and sun-parched, so we had kind of a quiet time. Dylan and I looked at the Everquest book that Mr. Joe gave him. Then we watched the movie "Brother Bear" - really cute, and right at Dylan's level. He had seen it before, but he enjoyed it immensely.
Now he's outside in his cape with his sword with Grandpa, and I can't imagine what they're playing. I can hear the action, but I can't see it.
We enjoy this so much - wish we could come here every weekend (except for the travel).
Friday, April 29, 2005
Happy Anniversary Laurie and Chip!
Today is Laurie and Chip's 10th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary!
We rode along with Laurie to drop Dylan off at school this morning. He has to get there around 7:50. We're responsible for picking him up after school today, so we had to see where to go.
Laurie and Chip left around 1:30 for Orlando - so we had time to "play" with them before they left. They had clothes to wash, and errands to run, and bikes to ride before they left. Laurie made great sandwiches for us for lunch.
We picked Dylan up around 2 p.m. Palm City Elementary has a great system for dropping off and picking up. It works very smoothly and safely. Each child is escorted by an upper grade student who walks them to the car and even opens the car door for them. I was impressed at the orderliness of it all.
When we got home, we spent some time just talking for a while, and Dylan wanted to color at the table. So Dick took a nap, and Dylan and I colored. Then we got out the Crayon Maker machine and made some crayons - a new experience. We had to spend some time playing Sly Cooper because it's just so much fun.
Dick did hamburgers on the grill, and we had a nice supper - even though Dylan really doesn't eat much.
Laurie and Chip were just starting to see Cirque du Soleil in Orlando while we were eating dinner in Palm City. The performance they were at started at 6 p.m.
When it was bath time, Dylan said he knew how to give himself a bath, so that's what he did - totally unassisted. Then it was time to read a story before bedtime. Right now, they're reading "Peter and the Star-Catchers". It's kind of a pre-quel to Peter Pan. Very much fun, and amusing for me as well as for Dylan.
We rode along with Laurie to drop Dylan off at school this morning. He has to get there around 7:50. We're responsible for picking him up after school today, so we had to see where to go.
Laurie and Chip left around 1:30 for Orlando - so we had time to "play" with them before they left. They had clothes to wash, and errands to run, and bikes to ride before they left. Laurie made great sandwiches for us for lunch.
We picked Dylan up around 2 p.m. Palm City Elementary has a great system for dropping off and picking up. It works very smoothly and safely. Each child is escorted by an upper grade student who walks them to the car and even opens the car door for them. I was impressed at the orderliness of it all.
When we got home, we spent some time just talking for a while, and Dylan wanted to color at the table. So Dick took a nap, and Dylan and I colored. Then we got out the Crayon Maker machine and made some crayons - a new experience. We had to spend some time playing Sly Cooper because it's just so much fun.
Dick did hamburgers on the grill, and we had a nice supper - even though Dylan really doesn't eat much.
Laurie and Chip were just starting to see Cirque du Soleil in Orlando while we were eating dinner in Palm City. The performance they were at started at 6 p.m.
When it was bath time, Dylan said he knew how to give himself a bath, so that's what he did - totally unassisted. Then it was time to read a story before bedtime. Right now, they're reading "Peter and the Star-Catchers". It's kind of a pre-quel to Peter Pan. Very much fun, and amusing for me as well as for Dylan.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Travel Day
Wake up call at 3:45 a.m., Continental breakfast in the lobby, shuttle to the airport at 5 a.m.
Is this the way to start the day? Ye Gods.
Used the e-ticket to check in, checked our bags, went through security. Jackets off, shoes off, all metal objects in bin, and then get dressed all over again. Flew to Chicago, where we had quite a wait until the flight to Fort Lauderdale. We were lucky enough to get to the food court before there was a big crowd - so we commandeered a table, and camped out for 2 hours, reading books and eventually eating sandwiches.
Flight to Fort Lauderdale was really full, so we felt lucky to get on. There weren't a lot of stand-by passengers. The flight seemed long to me - I dozed off and on and felt really groggy because of lack of sleep last night.
We waited and waited at the baggage carousel for our baggages, but they never showed up. A man came over and called our name - he had the bags back in a corner - they had come in on an earlier flight. Hallelujah!
Laurie picked us up, and we drove about an hour to get to Palm City. It's definitely worth the trip! We got there just in time to change clothes, play a little with Dylan, and go out to dinner at Flannigan's. Then Laurie was off to a Pampered Chef Party. We played with Dylan and talked to Chip and went to bed early.
Travel Day is my least favorite day of any trip. It's tiring.
Is this the way to start the day? Ye Gods.
Used the e-ticket to check in, checked our bags, went through security. Jackets off, shoes off, all metal objects in bin, and then get dressed all over again. Flew to Chicago, where we had quite a wait until the flight to Fort Lauderdale. We were lucky enough to get to the food court before there was a big crowd - so we commandeered a table, and camped out for 2 hours, reading books and eventually eating sandwiches.
Flight to Fort Lauderdale was really full, so we felt lucky to get on. There weren't a lot of stand-by passengers. The flight seemed long to me - I dozed off and on and felt really groggy because of lack of sleep last night.
We waited and waited at the baggage carousel for our baggages, but they never showed up. A man came over and called our name - he had the bags back in a corner - they had come in on an earlier flight. Hallelujah!
Laurie picked us up, and we drove about an hour to get to Palm City. It's definitely worth the trip! We got there just in time to change clothes, play a little with Dylan, and go out to dinner at Flannigan's. Then Laurie was off to a Pampered Chef Party. We played with Dylan and talked to Chip and went to bed early.
Travel Day is my least favorite day of any trip. It's tiring.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Off to Palm City
We're off to Palm City by way of Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale.
We left the house around 10 a.m. and went to visit Mother before our big expedition. I took her some pictures she had requested, a Blair catalog, and some pictures for her locket. The catalog is because she seems to have a renewed interest in her apparel for Spring, and she wants new things. I think that is a very good sign.
She seems fine with the fact that we're heading out of town for a week - and we know that she will be well looked after. This is such a big improvement in our lives - I just can't tell you. Of course we'll call her each day just to touch base. We had a good visit, put the pics in the locket, left our contact number with the powers that be, and then we were off to G.R.
It was a weird off and on rainy day. It would rain hard for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of sunshine, and it went on like that for the whole trip. We stopped at Bennigan's in Big Rapids for lunch - it's our favorite stop on US 31- good menu, good food, good service.
Checked in at the Airport Comfort Inn - arranged for shuttle to the airport in the a.m., free parking in their lot for the duration, and a room for the night we return.
Went geocaching in the immediate area of the motel, and we were very lucky. We found 5 caches and had a great time. Ate dinner at Arnie's, which turned out to be really much nicer than we expected. I had Swedish meatballs. Dick had a Reuben panini. The service was excellent, and there was live piano music - delightful.
Early to bed with a 3:45 a.m. wake-up.
We left the house around 10 a.m. and went to visit Mother before our big expedition. I took her some pictures she had requested, a Blair catalog, and some pictures for her locket. The catalog is because she seems to have a renewed interest in her apparel for Spring, and she wants new things. I think that is a very good sign.
She seems fine with the fact that we're heading out of town for a week - and we know that she will be well looked after. This is such a big improvement in our lives - I just can't tell you. Of course we'll call her each day just to touch base. We had a good visit, put the pics in the locket, left our contact number with the powers that be, and then we were off to G.R.
It was a weird off and on rainy day. It would rain hard for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of sunshine, and it went on like that for the whole trip. We stopped at Bennigan's in Big Rapids for lunch - it's our favorite stop on US 31- good menu, good food, good service.
Checked in at the Airport Comfort Inn - arranged for shuttle to the airport in the a.m., free parking in their lot for the duration, and a room for the night we return.
Went geocaching in the immediate area of the motel, and we were very lucky. We found 5 caches and had a great time. Ate dinner at Arnie's, which turned out to be really much nicer than we expected. I had Swedish meatballs. Dick had a Reuben panini. The service was excellent, and there was live piano music - delightful.
Early to bed with a 3:45 a.m. wake-up.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
No Worries
Haven't posted for a while - just not in a writing mood I guess. Anyway, everything is fine - we're fine - Mother's fine. The weather has been horrible, but it's on the upswing now.
We're leaving tomorrow for a week in Florida. It's Laurie and Chip's 10th wedding anniversary, and we're staying with Dylan while they take off for the weekend. They're going to Orlando to see Cirque du Soleil. Grandma/Grandpa and Dylan get to do anything we want to.
We're leaving tomorrow for a week in Florida. It's Laurie and Chip's 10th wedding anniversary, and we're staying with Dylan while they take off for the weekend. They're going to Orlando to see Cirque du Soleil. Grandma/Grandpa and Dylan get to do anything we want to.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Glorious Day
Tuesday being cheap popcorn day and all, Mary and I went out to lunch and then to the movies. Her sister-in-law Shirley came with us. We saw Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. It was chosen because it's just what we love - a cheesy romantic comedy. Except for me it wasn't that cheesy this time. It touched me on several levels.
First of all , it's set in Boston. So every time there was a cityscape, it brought back all kinds of memories of the times we visited Tom at MIT - the Pru, the Charles River, etc.
Secondly, it's a story about avid sports fans. Their team, of course, is the Boston Red Sox. The male lead is such an avid fan he has season tickets, plans his life around the Red Sox schedule, has been offered $100,000 for his tickets, etc. He's had the same seats since he was 7 years old (he inherited them from his uncle). He knows all of his seatmates for rows around in the ball park. It was so reminiscent of Michigan Stadium and our seatmates, and the "avidness" of some of them, I can't tell you how much fun it was for me. Of course a college football season is much much shorter than a MLB team's season, but there were a lot of parallel happenings.
Thirdly, it's a story about being so thoughtful and caring of your significant other that you're willing to make a big sacrifice for the first time in your life to be with them. I can truly identify with that! (Last year's Michigan-Michigan State game).
Fourth, the Drew Barrymore character made me think of Jana. She played a highly successful corporate entity who was so involved with her job that she was working overtime way too much, and not really allowing herself to have a life. She was either at work or in the gym. She met her boyfriend at work when he was bringing his students for a field trip.
I really enjoyed Drew Barrymore in this movie - she was believable and funny. Jimmy Fallon did an OK job, but he wasn't as appealing to me...likeable, but not appealing. So I enjoyed the movie for all of those personal reasons, and besides, I'm a pushover for a happy ending.
Dick spent a glorious day geo-caching with Tim and Susie. (See above link and scroll to Basswood Bend.) They had a marvelous time tromping over hill and dale in the 83 degree weather, wearing out their shoe leather. Different strokes.
Visited Mother, wrote some checks, and gossiped!
On the world scene, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope today. He has chosen the name Benedict XVI. Some are calling him a Nazi because he's German, and served in the German army in his youth. I personally think that he was very, very young at the time and most likely had no choice. He and his brother both became priests, and that does not sound very Nazi-like. Mother thought that he looks like a very friendly person, so there you go!
First of all , it's set in Boston. So every time there was a cityscape, it brought back all kinds of memories of the times we visited Tom at MIT - the Pru, the Charles River, etc.
Secondly, it's a story about avid sports fans. Their team, of course, is the Boston Red Sox. The male lead is such an avid fan he has season tickets, plans his life around the Red Sox schedule, has been offered $100,000 for his tickets, etc. He's had the same seats since he was 7 years old (he inherited them from his uncle). He knows all of his seatmates for rows around in the ball park. It was so reminiscent of Michigan Stadium and our seatmates, and the "avidness" of some of them, I can't tell you how much fun it was for me. Of course a college football season is much much shorter than a MLB team's season, but there were a lot of parallel happenings.
Thirdly, it's a story about being so thoughtful and caring of your significant other that you're willing to make a big sacrifice for the first time in your life to be with them. I can truly identify with that! (Last year's Michigan-Michigan State game).
Fourth, the Drew Barrymore character made me think of Jana. She played a highly successful corporate entity who was so involved with her job that she was working overtime way too much, and not really allowing herself to have a life. She was either at work or in the gym. She met her boyfriend at work when he was bringing his students for a field trip.
I really enjoyed Drew Barrymore in this movie - she was believable and funny. Jimmy Fallon did an OK job, but he wasn't as appealing to me...likeable, but not appealing. So I enjoyed the movie for all of those personal reasons, and besides, I'm a pushover for a happy ending.
Dick spent a glorious day geo-caching with Tim and Susie. (See above link and scroll to Basswood Bend.) They had a marvelous time tromping over hill and dale in the 83 degree weather, wearing out their shoe leather. Different strokes.
Visited Mother, wrote some checks, and gossiped!
On the world scene, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope today. He has chosen the name Benedict XVI. Some are calling him a Nazi because he's German, and served in the German army in his youth. I personally think that he was very, very young at the time and most likely had no choice. He and his brother both became priests, and that does not sound very Nazi-like. Mother thought that he looks like a very friendly person, so there you go!
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Mail Those Taxes!
Why wait til the last minute. The deadline's not til tomorrow, but we put the taxes in the post today like good little citizens!
I'm working on requests for genealogy information that I'll be sending to selected relatives tomorrow. If I don't get a response within 2 weeks, I'll send another request to the next person on that branch of the family tree. I'm so organized it's scary. I'm anxiously awaiting more info to put in. My subscription to this Family Tree Program is only 1 year! (Kanitz family)
Dick and I went to Mother's house with 2 laundry baskets full of books and other items for the Estate Sale. Dick cleared out the paint and oil (toxic material) from the basement. I sorted through some more memorabilia, and I think we left with as much stuff as we took. We had a chance to talk to neighbor Jeff, so now he knows that the house is up for sale, and we told him the price.
I'm working on requests for genealogy information that I'll be sending to selected relatives tomorrow. If I don't get a response within 2 weeks, I'll send another request to the next person on that branch of the family tree. I'm so organized it's scary. I'm anxiously awaiting more info to put in. My subscription to this Family Tree Program is only 1 year! (Kanitz family)
Dick and I went to Mother's house with 2 laundry baskets full of books and other items for the Estate Sale. Dick cleared out the paint and oil (toxic material) from the basement. I sorted through some more memorabilia, and I think we left with as much stuff as we took. We had a chance to talk to neighbor Jeff, so now he knows that the house is up for sale, and we told him the price.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Houghton Lake
Off to Houghton Lake to help Bill cut up the tree that fell in his side yard this winter. Well, actually, Dick helped him cut up the tree with his chain saw. It was an oak tree, and they got some nice oak logs out of it. Bill didn't want the wood, so they stacked it out by the road hoping that someone would pick it up.
Jan and I got bored with watching and went to sit in the beautiful warm sunshine.
When the work was done and the gossip was all gossiped, we went for a ride to go geo-caching. Sniders are so nice - they don't really like to go (I think) but they go anyway because they know we like it so much! We found 3 easy caches - Bill found one, Jan found one, and Dick found one.
By then it was dinner time so we went to that great place Coyle's with the wonderful buffet. When we got back to their house, the oak wood was gone! It worked!
It was a wonderful day to be out and about - in the 60s, but with nice warm sunshine.
We had a great time. Got home around 7:30 p.m.
Jan and I got bored with watching and went to sit in the beautiful warm sunshine.
When the work was done and the gossip was all gossiped, we went for a ride to go geo-caching. Sniders are so nice - they don't really like to go (I think) but they go anyway because they know we like it so much! We found 3 easy caches - Bill found one, Jan found one, and Dick found one.
By then it was dinner time so we went to that great place Coyle's with the wonderful buffet. When we got back to their house, the oak wood was gone! It worked!
It was a wonderful day to be out and about - in the 60s, but with nice warm sunshine.
We had a great time. Got home around 7:30 p.m.
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