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.

Great Times

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

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

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

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

Utility

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

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

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

Old Mission Finally Accomplished

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

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

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

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

Picnic on the Muskegon

A most congenial group:

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



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

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

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

Goodbye Houghton Lake

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

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

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

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

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

The Kitchen Remodel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forty-Niners

Today is our 49th wedding anniversary.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

The Countertops are Coming!

Hooray!

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

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

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

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

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