Yup, I'm still here, still alive and rather well. More later......

Port Oneida - October, 2008

The sun is shining today -- whoo hoo, after a couple days of warmth and melting snow, though very rainy and yuck.  Love that sunshine!  And me, stuck in the house cleaning.....

Spent this AM dropping Chaos at the groomer, gas for $0.99/gal,  getting my annual mammo, and, for the first time ever, a bone density scan.  These and one more, yet to be scheduled procedure, are the signs of turning 50.  Love it!

We took the Christmas decorations and tree down yesterday.  I was going to wait till next weekend but chose to get the chore behind me.  It's done and I was motivated to clean, which is a good thing.  Notice, however, that I'm not cleaning -- I'm blogging.  I do think a nap this PM should be part of the plan.  zzzz........

It's been a wonderful holiday for us.  We've had the joy of Philip home for a few days.  He is enjoying the simple pleasures of his own bed, his own shower, and access to a fridge whenever he wishes.  Not to mention, he doesn't need someone to unlock the bathroom every time he wants to pee.

Santa was good to everyone at our house, as he usually is.  Ed got a digital camera, which is keeping him occupied.  He's learning how to use it.  The biggest challenge for him will be when he wants to transfer the photos to the computer.   While it is a simple task for those of us who do it without thinking, it will be a whole new adventure for him.

Santa brought me lots of wonderful things.  Besides new boots, earrings and lots of cool socks, he gave me diamonds -- lots of them.  Santa has been quite concerned that I don't have a wedding ring and truly felt that a wedding ring was more important than the iphone on my list.  Because I was aware of his concern, I took the time a few weeks ago to pick out a few options for Santa to choose from, thus assuring fit and function to my tastes.  It is a lovely ring and I am pleased.

Today has been wonderful.  I was up early washing pots, pans and casserole dishes that collected in the sink.  I've been putzing with this 'n that, making lists of tasks to complete, and making oodles of phone calls, catching up with friends and kinfolk.  The boys are heading out to the pool hall this afternoon.  That might be my opportunity for a nap.  We take Phil back to GR this evening, though he has a day pass on Sunday and will be home with us all day again.  I've enjoyed having him home with us.

Tis all for now.  Merry Christmas one and all!

Gorgeous day! People, dogs and bikes outdoors everywhere! Three dune hikes this weekend for me & the dogs; 2 car washes for the Highlander.

Chaos enjoyed her first trip to the dunes today. She was still leading the way enroute back to the car. Saw lots of deer, in and outside the park.

Thinking about taking time in a few weeks, head to the UP, to check out Northern Michigan University. I hear there could still be snow piles....

Life is good........

It's been a busy few weeks in Lake Wobegon, my home town....and more busy ones to come. Though I must say, I feel that progress is being made in some areas of life, while others just don't get enough attention. Out of balance, out of sync, for sure.

But....spring is here. Thus, my spirits rise and I am content. Last night I hit the dunes for my 2nd hike of the season. The affects of winter hibernation are upon me, but I will prevail. Saw a deer while hiking and 5 more exiting the park. The sunset was lovely.

So, I don't know exactly at what stage I am in, or how long I have to go, but it is official......trumpet please...........hot flashes..........mood swings.........headaches.....no period..............YUP! Whoo Hoo!!! I have put to good use, frequently daily, my 'hot flash gal' fan. Glad I saved it from the book fair.

Today I’m off to work, though my list is longer than time will allow. Then, up to GR to see my auntie for awhile. Haven’t seen her since Christmas. My bad.

Another tid bit of good news. My folks' vow renewal/reception is next week Saturday. Thus, it's almost over....Hallelujah, Praise the Lord and Amen!



And, THE BEST NEWS OF ALL................this gal’s got a new toy....oh yeah!!!

I tend to hibernate in the winter. It's not necessarily my favorite time of year. But, we have had 2 rather pleasant days. Though cold, the sun has been shining. I'm feeling the effects of my hibernation in both body and soul. Thus, a couple days of sunshine does quite a bit to fill the void.

The littlest mister turned 17 yesterday. We had a quiet evening at home last night with plans for the birthday dinner tonight. I have a pile of king crab legs and lobster thawing in my sink. This, along with some cheesy potatoes, and lots of butter, will be our dinner tonight. Birthday cake was baked early this morning.

I'm off to play this afternoon. Time to get out and enjoy the sunshine and do a little shopping for duds I certainly don't need.

Sunset last night in my backyard.....

Tis a new year. Spent a quiet evening last night with the family. Went out in a snowstorm to see National Treasure; Book of Secrets. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the rock cropping from which we swam (and I took this photo) at Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, was where Benjamin Franklin Gates and pals discovered the hidden entrance to the lost city of gold .

Holiday Weekend Update (feels like a weekend to me)....went to South Bend. Smooth sailing in and out. Spent a whopping 2.5 hrs. with the in-laws, cozy together in Merle's single wide. Came home to a nap, got fruit sliced for tomorrow's salad, called my aunt for a chat, and got the bills paid. Not bad a'tall. Lots of time left for a bath, a movie, and nails -- in that order.

It's early morning, Christmas Eve. Just checking the weather to determine if the forecast is dismal enough (please, please, please....) to keep us home today. I'll even get my bills paid today if I can just stay home...

Had a very productive day yesterday. Finished laundry, colored my hair, prepared food, picked up a few more groceries in the blizzard, visited my buddy Jack, napped, watched a couple of movies, AND -- got all the gifts wrapped -- yeeha! Went for a ride last night into Saugatuck to see the lights. Rather difficult to do, considering the blizzard. Not much happening down there. Tree-cutting and power management crews out everywhere. I could see dark patches around town where power was missing.

Decision time....head to South Bend for the day or stay home....if we're leaving, I gotta finish my pita Christmas trees.....

I'm perfectly 'OK' with 50 mph winds that may bring the blizzard from hell, thus keeping me home from my MIL's tomorrow -- oh, darn. However, I don't think it's worth losing my fence. I woke up this morning to the western most section resting in the lilacs, and the next section ready to give up. 4 new fence posts are toast.

On another note, I'm praying that the blizzard holds off until later tonight. There is a 5:00P flight toward Norfolk, Virgina that absolutely MUST make it out of Grand Rapids tonight with Jim P. on board. It's been too long since he's seen his family. Prayers offered and fingers are crossed that this flight safely departs on time!

Gift wrap supervisor...

Don't they look mellow....NOT! The only item under my tree this Christmas is Chaos' empty food dish -- a hint that she's hungry. The plastic baggies of gifts crammed into every nook and cranny of my closet are oozing out, begging to be wrapped. When I finally do accomplish this task, the festively wrapped packages will find a home in the loft. Puppy will eat absolutely anything that either hits the floor or appears to be close enough for a leap.















Had a lovely evening last night at The Felt Estate. 'Music at the Mansion' included 'Tarnished Brass' in the first floor parlor; 'Archive' in the second floor master bedroom; and 'Indacoda Blue' in the third floor ballroom. Every window in the mansion was lit with candles, every room was decorated with a Christmas tree, and the renovation has been, and continues to be, quite extensive. Nick has been involved in the restoration of the fountain, and has also spent the last several months painting the interior.

I failed to take my camera last night and was quite surprised to find that the Township allows photographs. Thus, a poor cellphone photo of the boys doing acoustic in the ballroom.












I think every bedroom has a tiled bathroom. Beautiful color schemes throughout, and they're decorated for the holiday too. Another bad cellphone photo.






I have lived many years in or around Laketown Township. I've been to this lovely home so many times but have never taken the opportunity to tour. It is definitely worth it. Lots left to do but so much has been accomplished.

FunkyC, I love the video. I look forward to more of the late night ramblings....you're much more entertaining than you realize.

I don't do winter well. Way too cold and dismal for me. Considering the wet, icky view outside my window today, I dug into the summer vacation archives.

Lake Superior, near Marquette

Chaos is always in motion. A bowl keeps her entertained. Watching her with a bowl keeps me entertained.

The '98 Camry with 250K+ miles is toast. 24 hours after driving it home with 4 brand new tires, it threw a rod. Final verdict is approx $4500 to repair, no matter which way you slice it. Tire Man will refund the tires and we can maybe anticipate $200 for scrap. Oh, boy!

On a lighter note, tonight I had the pleasure of watching one of my personal classic fav's, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Ya know, some days it doesn't take much.....

Now that the VCR is gone I gotta pick up the DVD version of Christmas Vacation. I can't start my holiday without it. Tis tradition.

Au revoir mon ami....dog not included

Thanksgiving is such a goofy day -- so far out of the norm that I don't know what to do with myself. I am just not used to being home on Thursday. While I was up reasonably early, I'm still in my jammies while approaching noon. Running between the computer, a little laundry, and a whole lot of general piddling, I'm accomplishing very little but okay with that. The key to today is getting to mother's by 3:30 with 2 folding chairs and a pumpkin pie I did not make. Beyond that, who cares?

Got lucky and saw Julie's alma mater, Concord HS Marching Band, perform in the Macy's parade. Very cool.

The boys are performing Friday night at the Boathouse. There was confused discussion as to the true 'start' time. I see this morning that the website is updated to 9:30P.

Saturday I hope to rendezvous with Connie and Cathy, with their daughters in tow, for breakfast in Schoolcraft. It's a mid-way point between Clio, Goshen and Holland. Although, my guess is that Cathy will be coming from Kalamazoo, where she is probably spending the holiday with her beloved in-laws .

I'm ready to be relieved of the guilt of not posting the vaca photos. So, here is a sampling of the rest of my summer, from Sleeping Bear, over the bridge, up to the Keweenaw Pensinula, and then on to the Porcupine Mountains.

I'll give you a hint who I took the last photo for: Hint

It's been awhile since I've posted and I've been remiss in putting any photos from summer vacation up. So, until I have anything of substance to convey, I'll just post summer vaca photos.

Remember my comment about coming down the hill while speaking with Connie, waiting for that moment of 'ahh'? Well, here's the view...pictures don't do it justice.

Chaos and Baxter

A match made in heaven

Getting ready to take a vacation is too much like work. After working 16 straight hours yesterday and getting 4 hours of sleep, I started today early attending to errands, doctor appointments, family visits, dog duty instruction, shopping, packing, baking, making appointments, laundry, watering flowers, child chore instruction, and general coordination of all events which lead ultimately to departing first thing tomorrow morning for my happy place. Outside of packing up the computer when I've completed my blog, and packing myself, I think everything is checked off the list. Oops, pick up fruit at Orchard Market in Manistee.










I was speaking to Connie last night as she was traveling down the connecting road between Honor and Glen Lake. I knew exactly where she was and, when we lost the cell connection, I knew she had reached the bottom of 'the hill' -- the moment one gasps 'ah', catching the first glimpse of that incredible blue/green water.

Yes, connection at the cottage is interesting. Sometimes one might catch a bar or two at the end of the dock, but the better connection can be achieved if one walks to the bridge. That seems to be a magical spot. Last year there was a magic spot on the bed in the back bedroom where I was able to secure a wireless internet connection. As long as I didn't drift too far from the wall, I was able to blog. Get too close to the other side of the bed and access to the outside world was lost. So, maybe I will get an opportunity to blog -- maybe not.

In the meantime, I look forward to my Sunday morning coffee, still in my jammies, right here at the end of this dock, about 36 hours from now. Of course, a gin and lemonade upon my arrival, only 17 hours from now, sounds better!!

I've been a bad blogger, bad, bad bad.....thirteen lashes with a wet noodle. No posting since last Wednesday.

My view this evening. . . .












Another way to look at it. . .












It has not been a quiet week in Lake Wobegon. Saturday evening was set aside to celebrate Branden's high school graduation. Grandma Karen came home Friday with Hospice, intending to attend the party being held in her own barn. However, it was not to be. She passed away about noon on Saturday. The party went on as planned -- she would certainly have expected it to. But, as much as everyone could enjoy the festivities, it was certainly not the celebration it was supposed to be.

Shake, shake, shake -- making hillbilly lemonade for a toast to Mom. . .She was much loved and will certainly be missed by many.















Found myself a few times at the beach in the evenings, even during the storms that rolled through a couple of evenings. But then there were the quiet evenings, with barely a ripple.

Good night, Karen. Sweet dreams. . .

Twas another lovely evening for a stroll, despite a few raindrops. Music from Saugatuck wafted it's way across the harbor towards Oval Beach. The village is getting ready for tomorrow night's kick-off of the Waterfront Film Festival. We're thinking about wandering down to the street party for awhile. It should be a nice night for a movie under the stars.

The best of tonight's catch. . .