RETIREMENT IN THE FAST LANE

TOMMY IS READY FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-12-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

Tommy is ready for Christmas. She is now "friends" with Santa, and won't bark when he comes.

We have been very busy with our Santa visits, with the last home visit for Santa is at 10 pm Christmas eve. Yup....Santa will already be on the way back to the North Pole to load up his sleigh!

Soon after our wonderful day with family we will be ready to head south. We have designed a new blog for our future adventures. The blog is entitled "Riding the Wind"...and the address is:

http://www.theresa-vanderhorst.blogspot.com/

Once Christmas is over...check out our new blog.

This year it's going to be much easier to make the posts since we now have a "hotspot" on our iphone.

We can "attach" 5 electronics to it. Aaaah....technology.

Let us not forget the REAL REASON for the SEASON...to remember the great love that our Lord & Savior has that He became man and came to be born in a manger....to live with us and die for us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL....

Until we "connect" again....(on Riding the Wind blog)

Yes, Virginia....THERE IS A SANTA

2011-12-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

Eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote a letter to the editor of New York's Sun, and the quick response was printed as an unsigned editorial Sept. 21, 1897. The work of veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church has since become history's most reprinted newspaper editorial, appearing in part or whole in dozens of languages in books, movies, and other editorials, and on posters and stamps.

Click here to seethe newspaper clipping
Newsman Francis Pharcellus Church wrote The Sun's response to Virginia.

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. "Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. "Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' "Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?"VIRGINIA O'HANLON."115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET."

VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

HO HO HO Merry Christmas 2011 !

2011-12-05T06:22:00.005-05:00

It has already been a very busy Christmas Season 2011 already this year...AND IT'S ONLY DECEMBER 5! But it has been a wonderful "busy"...we love it.

The unique opportunity to volunteer at the historic Embassy Theater & it's annual Festival of Trees in Ft. Wayne came our way. (It's a way of the Embassy to raise money for it's on-going restoration.)

This is the room where we entertained the secred wishes of the little children who whisper into Santa's ear.

One of the beautiful trees in the lobby....

Yesterday we went to Granger for the 4th annual "Photos with Santa" event. What an awesome and fun afternoon; pictures with kids and enjoying our 6 of our grandchildren and our daughters and son-in-laws. It was a great family afternoon. Of course Charolette & Yvonne love to sit on Santa's lap.

Yvonne & family

Charolette and family....
The exciting event yesterday was extra special for Lincoln....because he asked Santa for his TWO FRONT TEETH!

Our next blog post will be on our "new" blog when we head south after Christmas. It will be at a whole new address and we will let you know.....stay tuned until we "connect againn".

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

NOVEMBER 2011; RV REMODEL COMPLETED!

2011-11-02T14:02:00.008-04:00

We're getting ready to put the Four Winds away for a two month rest. But there was one thing that we discovered during the summer....that the dining area and couch were very uncomfortable for our old bones. After talking to several professionals in the RV area....we began the "transformation" of our Four Winds. Try and remodel a 6' x 7' living area....and make it look bigger than it is. And then we began....ripping out the booth dinette, and the jack-knife couch. The place looked big then.

Down to the wood floor. There was a "creeck" sound in the floor that drove us batty! We found someone who could get rid of it for us. We had that person rip out the carpet, fix the "creek" sound....and then he installed a wood-grain lynoleum flooring.

The new floor going in....
The these chairs we purchased from an Amish chair company. We went back there 3 times to sit in them and make sure that they were absolutely perfect....and then we ordered them.

The end table between the chairs also has side leafs that can be raised for our dining table. Nice and compact.

There was an outside compartment that extended into the living area...under the couch. So, we had to hide it. Look at the way that we hid it! The gentleman who laid the floor also builds cabinets for an Elkhart, IN RV company. And this is what he made for us. The big black square in the middle of the cabinet is an electric "fireplace"! That was my birthday present. (two months ago :)

Ta Dah! This is the living area of our RV....all finished. Finally! (this project took about 3 months....not because anything was that time consuming....but because we had difficulty getting in touch with our elusive workman. Good guy....just doesn't like to answer his phone :)

And there is one happy camper...

And so goes our Four Winds....soon into storage....to rest, and to wait....until our next adventure.

Until we "connect" again....

Oct 19, 2011 SUCCESS AT LAST !!!

2011-10-19T16:17:00.003-04:00

As we were leaving Bob & Shiela's home in Sherwood forest, near Baldwin, Chris caught sight of this Piliated Woodpecker ! We crept up and it was so concerned about the bugs in the dead wood that it just didn't care about us creeping into its territory. I shot many, many pictures and deleted the ones that weren't good. This one is the best.
This is a huge bird....like a foot tall, and it lives within a mile radius and is territorial. Chris has seen this bird at other times eating off of of some bird feeders that Bob hangs out.
Enjoy this "best of the best".
Until we "connect" again...

OCTOBER 18, 2011; ESCAPE FROM THE STRAIGHTS!

2011-10-18T11:42:00.002-04:00

We enjoyed our 4 days in Mackinaw City....but the wind was enough to last for a month....all piled into 4 days! Note the white-caps and the water breaking against the pilings. This is an early morning picture with the lights still on.

Here's a much better picture of our friends Yvonne and Dick from K-zoo.

The happy four-some....

We spent Monday morning visiting shops on Main Street....the ones that weren't already closed. Had lots of fun walking and getting out of the wind. This canoe of happy stuffed critters was hanging in one of the shops...

This is a very sturdily built house right on the Straights...has to with-stand wind and weather....but oh, what a view they have. Just thought that it was a beautiful home.

Heading to Baldwin to visit old friends, Bob & Shiela, today. They live in "Sherwood Forest" :)It was such a nice trip through the UP. But now back to the cold weather. Had lots of fun.

Until we "connect" again...

OCT 17, 2011......BLOWING AWAY IN MACKINAW CITY

2011-10-17T06:23:00.005-04:00

We had the fun of our friends, Dick & Yvonne, visit us in Mackinaw City. We met them while staying at Twin Mills Campground this summer. Chris & Dick had such fun fishing and golfing. Yvonne will probably never forgive me for this photo....but it's the only one that I have right now. Sorry Yvonne.... :) Out to dinner last night

The raining, blowing and blustering gave us a short reprieve yesterday and we got to view the Mighty Mac Bridge. The traffic was moving very slowly....finding out later that they were using escorts, semi's had to go 20 mph and a travel trailer flipped over on it. Not a good day on the bridge.

Then the blustering rains came and left again. Chris got this beautiful view of the rainbow....a sign of God's promise to us.

Then came the winds....and we almost couldn't see the bridge. The changing face of life on the Mackinaw Straits. There are many shipwrecks out here. When Chris was in the Coast Guard icebreaker, the Mackinaw, they had to go out here for a search and rescue mission. A ship full of iron ore collided with an ocean going ship. It cut a 60 foot gash in the side of the ore boat, the Cedarville. It went down in 10 minutes and the Mighty Mac was dispatched to look for survivors. The wreck is still on the bottom. Any souls who were below deck never made it out. But there were survivors. Treacherous waters....

This is a monument on the coast to the ironworkers who played the biggest part in the building of the Mac Bridge. Ironworkers are a big deal up here: there's a museum to them, an annual parade, etc. Three of them lost their lives on building the bridge.

OK, Jeanne....here's a light house for you. It's the one on the point here just below the Bridge. I think that it was in operation until the 60's....I think.

Dick, Yvonne, Chris & me drove over to the Sheppler dock to see the retired "MIGHTY MAC" WACB 83, THE USCCG (THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CUTTER) MACKINAW. That's thee whole official name for the mighty ship. It is now a maritime museum. We have been on it twice, but unfortunately it closed for the season last week end. But she sat there at the dock in all her glory.

Then we drove to Cheboygan, 15 miles away, to hopefully see the new Mackinaw. I like to call it the "baby Mac". It is about 100 shorter than the Mighty Mac's 310 feet. It is also designed to be a buoy tender. As a matter of fact there was a buoy on it's rear deck. It's props can swivel 360 degrees....and it can cut ice sideways! But it's not the Mighty Mac... Incidentally, the Mighty Mac was "born" the year that Chris was born....1944....and in Toledo, where Chris was born. Interesting facts....but only to us.

On Saturday, while Chris and I were at the Mackinaw Campground, we took a mile walk through the woods and the rain. On the way back to the RV, Chris' sharp eyes spied some shaggy mane mushrooms....which gave us a wonderful breakfast, fried up with eggs on Sunday morning.

On that walk, Tommy had a wonderful time working the brush along the dry creek, trying to flush out a bunny. She had a fabulous time....but found no bunnies. She didn't care; she had fun trying. She came home wet and tired...and happy.
On this walk through the downed leaves and woods, there were these little pink flowers poking through the leaves. Look close. They are there.

On the trail.

Today, Yvonne and I will stop in any of the shops that are still open along main street in Mackinaw City. They have huge sales going on. Not especially looking for anything....just looking.

Until we "connect" again.

OCTOBER 14, 2011; A SOGGY MACKINAW CITY

2011-10-14T12:46:00.009-04:00

Greetings from "below the Bridge"....we are now among the "trolls", a.k.a. those who live "below the Mackinaw Bridge". Here are some of the pictures from "above" the Bridge. Now you will see a few pictures of me, cuz Chris took some with his camera. Here we are at Bewabic State Park, near Crystal Falls.

Here we are relaxing at Ft. Wilkins St. Park, Copper Harbor, on the Keewenaw Penninsula.

That's the moon peeping between the trees.

....still relaxing....

The shore looked like a bunch of upheaved rocks....and I came back with a prize of some bird feather. That's all of Chris' pics that he sent me yesterday. (he e-mails them to me, then I can upload them to my photo program :)

A gloomy ride back over the Bridge to the land of the "trolls". We decided to pop back over yesterday because of the predicted high winds today. Not a time to take a hi-profile vehicle across the bridge.

And now back to the pictures from above the Bridge.
This was just taken on Wednesday, through the windshield of the RV. There were still lots of color in places. Just depended on where you were, and what type of trees were there. There are apparently several different weather patterns in the UP. In a couple of places the color was all gone, leaves were all down. Then we traveled down the road and the trees were beautiful again. This rain today is for sure going to kill it, though.

This is the Lake in the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains (and state park). We are taking the picture from the highest point of elevation in Michigan. Very pretty. Can see a ski area 20 miles away.

Somewhere along Lake Superior where we stopped for lunch. You can see how nice it was out.

At Fort Wilkins I was taking pictures of the sunrise about every 10 minutes, or so. It was so pretty.

Here's an interesting one....the sunrise was reflecting in the side of the RV.

And here's God's glory in all it's splendor.

Just an old, abandoned house that we passed....

Watched this sail boat for a long time. They had to be having a lot of fun...

Not trying to show you my coffee cup....but trying to show you the wonderful view from our camper when we were camped at the top of the Keewenaw Penninsula at Ft. Wilkins. How's that for beautiful?

Here's the view of the shore at Copper Harbor....looks like a bunch of upheaved rocks. Very cool to walk along.

Just us....enjoying Lake Superior

There were sights like this all along the Lake Superior. Chris was marvelous of not getting tired of me asking him to pull over so I could take some pictures. It was hard to shoot pictures out of the windows of the RV because of the over-hang in front and the big side view mirror on the side. It was just in the way.

We are now in Mackinaw City. We are killing a bit of time because some friends are driving up to spend the day with us on Sunday and Monday. The shops all have big sales in them because they are getting ready to close, but I am restraining myself till my friend gets here. Unfortunately the Mackinaw Icebreaker Maritime Museum closed last week, so we can't show them that. It's raining pretty steady today, but is supposed to be nice by Monday....I hope. We bought some books at the library.....so we are ready to cozy up for the evening. Chris picked up some Tom Clancy books. He likes that author.

So, until we "connect" again....

OCTOBER 9; COPPER HARBOR, MI ON THE END OF THE KEWEENAW PENNINSULA

2011-10-09T07:35:00.003-04:00

Hi folks,
Signing in from the top of Michigan.
The colors are beautiful. It's funny how the colors are different in each area of the UP. One place we think the color is all gone....and then it pops up again. It's the different kind of trees in each area that causes it. Last night we stayed at the top of the world....Ft. Wilkins State Park in Copper harbor, at the top of the Keweenaw Penninsula. Can't go any further up.....so I guess we have to start down....

Don't remember where all these pictures are from....this is in one of the State Park Campgrounds. Van Riper I think.....very nice.

This was at Bay Furnace Nat'l forest campground. Right on Lake Superior. The place was actually closed for the season, but they didn't have a sign up and it looked open to us. The guy came around later (after supper)....I think to collect the fee since there were no envelopes in the self register kiosk. He told us that it's closed....but he didn't want to make us leave. He just closed the gate and told us to open it when we leave and lock it behind us. Not a bad deal. Loved it and got rocked to sleep with the brisk winds off of the lake.

Sunset at Bay Furnace. Can't be closer to nature than this.

Log slide. The economy up here in the UP was logging for a long time. I think that it died about 1910. This was a "log slide" down into the lake. this was where they slid the logs to the water and then moved them to wherever they needed to transport them.

This was how the water in the lake looked at the bottom of the log slide. I thought that it was quite unique....perhaps different depths?

...somewhere along the Lake.

We had lunch here. It was beautiful and warm.

Today we are headed toward the Porcupine Mountains. Can't go to church today because all the churchs around here are missions and are closed at the end of September. Had better luck than that in Alaska!

Enjoy your beautiful weather! Until we "connect" again......

October 8, 2011 ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR

2011-10-08T09:19:00.005-04:00

Here's the beautiful sunrise on Lake Superior this am, looking out from Bay Furnace National Park cpgd across the bay to the Picture Rocks at Munising. Awesome.

Just going to put the pictures up for you to enjoy, but because of time, not going to narrate on them.

Lake Superior

Old delapitated house.

Tommy in tall grass by beach.

The Mighty Mac.....Mackinaw Bridge.
Until we connect again.....

OCTOBER 5....IN SEARCH OF COLOR

2011-10-05T21:46:00.003-04:00

We decided to go on a search for color to the UP....that's the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, for those of you not from Michigan. The state campgrounds are our prime destination....to see what's there.
Things got prettier the further north we drove. The road on the way to Baldwin

Better yet....

A very little deer just outside of Cheboygan, MI (That's real close to Mackinaw City and the Mackinaw Bridge (the Mighty Mac) to the UP.

Mullet Lake....on the way to Cheboygan, just off of I75.

Visited deer old friends in Baldwin and Cheboygan....camped in their yards....tomorrow to the UP and the beginning of our adventure. Until we "connect" again....

September 28; Leaving Twin Mills Campground

2011-10-02T13:43:00.005-04:00

We cleaned, tidied and stowed our "stuff" for several days before D Day....."departure day".
It was not a neat and clean event since we had several days of rain. Not good. At least we had taken down the "bug hut" when it was dry. Then came the "good bye's"....Chris and Dick had lots of fun summer: i.e. fishing till all hours of the night, golfing, dinners out and dinners in, golf cart rides, a telling lies. Had a lot of fun this summer with Dick, his wife Yvonne and Rusty.

Rusty doesn't know he's a dog. You'd be surprised how expressive he is.

Another storm comming in the night before we left. The camp has been pretty empty....and the docks look empty without Chris' boat. Good bye's are done, we're all packed up.

And now on to our next adventure....the Upper Penninsula of Michigan. Leaving for there on Tuesday for a couple of weeks. So, until we "connect" again.... stay tuned for more adventures...

SEPTEMBER 25: FALL IS BREAKING OUT ALL OVER!

2011-09-26T19:05:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we had an awesome day picking apples with our two daughters, the grandkids and their hubbies. What a wonderful day. We started out early to get to Chicago before it was time to leave for the orchard. We donned rain gear since it was raining and seemed as if it would all day. But look at the blue sky that broke through. It was awesome. There were MANY, MANY people there and we had to wait a reeeeeeeealy long time in line to be able to get on the wagons to the orchard.

The orchard.....or PART of it. They had lots of trees.

Many of the trees had their low apples already picked, so Chris had to really reach for some of my favorite Gala apples.

Kennedy was very buddy, buddy with her big cousin, Dawson....note the hanging on to him.

Isn't this an awesome picture of a branch LOADED with apples? Of course, all the "shorties" hadn't gotten to them yet.

Poor Julio....he gimped along with us. This place had no provisions for the handicapped. Not good. He's stuck on these crutches for at least another month since he had achilles tendon surgery. Won't tell you how it ripped....

While our small mob was in line for a LONG time, I had Kennedy stand in front of this tree painted on the wall. Look at that goofy look on her face. The little girl who LOVES to have her picture taken, has this look on her face like: "I have no idea why they had me stand here...."

I think Madison had the biggest apple of the day. At this orchard we are allowed to eat all the apples we wanted while we were picking. I had one Gala and one Fuji....then I was saving room for the cider and donuts :)

Reagan didn't make it home awake....it was a long day for the little guys.
Kennedy crasked first.
The picture was blurred....so I just did it more :)

This past week end was a Halloween type week end with kids trick-or treating, and decorating campsites.....and a spook house

Since the spook house was dark I couldn't take pictures. I gave this "spook" a flashlight to shine up on his face. It worked. But, I guarantee that he was not smiling when he jumped out at me from the woods. He's one of the guys that works here....he doesn't look scarey here, though.

We're going to be leaving Twin Mills soon. But I'll keep you up on it. Have a wonderful week until we "connect" again.....

SEPT 20; SUMMER IS WINDING DOWN...

2011-09-20T16:10:00.006-04:00

Today is my big brother's birthday. Jim is 70 today. That's hard to believe....but I've been there for 67 of those years. Happy Birthday, Jim.
The other day, Chris and I decided to take a boat ride on the lake. It was beautiful, not hot, sunny. Just perfect for a ride. Got about 100 yards away from the dock, and a tone from the motor sounded that it wasn't getting any oil. Not a good sign. So, we used the trolling motor to come back to the dock. Chris made an apointment to take the boat in for repair....so, it had to come out. Here he's putting the boat trailer into the water.
Strange direction for a boat trailer, but he has a hitch on the front of the truck too. (We also have a snow plow that uses the same hitch)

It was cold that day, but we managed to get a rope on the boat and I pulled it toward the trailer.

Here Chris is attaching it to a rope to winch it onto the trailer.

On Sunday morning, on the way to church, we watched the beautiful sun rise....

With only another week here at the campground, Chris decided to leave the boat out of the water and get it winterized. He borrowed some chest waders so that he could go out to the dock and take off the nylon lines that he had on the dock to tie up the boat. Even with the leaks, it was much better to go into the water.

Thar he goes....

Job done. He's so nice to smile for me when I ask. He knows the picture is going to be posted on my blog, so he might as well comply with my wish.

The lake was just beautiful today. Would be perfect for a boat ride....Oh well.....

Just had to take this picture. It reminded me of the "Old Man in the Sea"....walking out of the lake. He's actually looking for his Boy Scout knife that he lost when he took the boat out of the water. He is not a happy camper without his knife. He feels "undressed".

Tommy loved the warm sun today, too. When Chris got all the ropes off the dock, he and his friend, Dick, decided to go golf 9 holes. Perfect day.

The Canadian Geese were enjoying the day, too, until the owner of that house started lobbing fire crackers at them to get them off of his lawn. Oh, well....everybody has to be somewhere... :(

When our friends stopped to visit us last week, they forgot an attachment on the water faucet at the camp site; I retrieved it for them. When I showed it to Chris, and told him that it was a water "flow restrictor", he said "So, that's what that is!" The man who sold us our camper left EVERYTHING in it...and Chris had no idea what this was. Apparently our friends had their plumbing blown out of their motor home from the water pressure at a campground, so now they use one always. So, now we have one of those things.....

Last weekend, when the guys were golfing, a friend and I went to Shipshewana for lunch. We stopped at this beautiful little bakery and enjoyed salads.

Beautiful inside, too.

How about this for some decoration inside. It was just a fun afternoon. Then we did a little browsing in some of the shops.

Enough for now. Enjoy this beautiful weather....until we "connect" again....

SEPTEMBER 16: BEEN BUSY AS BEAVERS....

2011-09-16T10:04:00.012-04:00

What a week. It's been so busy that I totally have not had the time to blog. But, never fear....the camera was near.
As September 11 drew near, I was worried about the weather. But as it turned out, the day was awesome. Our girls, their hubbies and our grandkids came for a cookout at Twin Mills Camping Resort. There is a shelter by the beach and lake. It made a great setting for our fun. Being the week after Labor Day, there were few, if any, other people around.
Andrea, Michelle, Charolette & Yvonne.

Then Gracie had to get into the picture.

Chris, the chef, put on the brats, dogs & burgers.

The one of the eldest grandkids at the cook-out, Dawson, with his big smile.

Loads of good food....

The kids made "sand faces" in the sand: i.e. making faces in depressions in the sand, with googly eyes, yarn, pipe cleaneers, etc. Then plaster of paris was poured in the depression. They turned out very cute. Kids (and parents) had lots of fun.

It was a bit chilly, but that didn't stop the kids joining in some horse-play in the lake.

Lincoln flashed his winning smile for grandma. Love it.

The budding little mermaid, Kennedy.

Josh is still recuperating from foot surgery, so sitting was a good activity for him at times. He wishes he could get into his favorite sport of cross country this fall....but unfortunately, he can't.

Where does a big dog lie? Anywhere she wants to....and she s did. Poor Julio is still recuperating from tearing his achilles tendon. Sitting is getting tiresome for him, as he is usually up and doing things.

Nine grandkids who came to have fun. Oh, there's Charlie in front of Brittany. Little Charolette just loved Lincoln's little blue bathrobe/beach robe. Once Lincoln lost it, I don't think that he got it back until he left. :)

Brittany giving her "award winning" smile. I love it.

We all had such a wonderful time. Loved every minute. A lot of tired puppies left here that night.

Chris's brother Mike, and his wife, Andrea came from Washington State to visit. Here we stopped to visit on the way back from the New York wedding....

Then, this past Monday, Chris, Mike and all their siblings got together in Toledo for a fish fry and gab fest. Lots of fun. Oh, forgot to put the picture up of the eagle that we saw. Not a great picture because of the distance. Nobody believed Teresa and me until I put it on the computer and blew it up. Sure enough....an eagle....in Toledo!

The "happy cooker".....He fried fish for 3.5 hours!!!! The nice thing was that his brothers & sisters kept "testing" the fish.... Finally we had to put out the salad, potato salad, dutch apple pie, brownies, and home made bread (yummy)! The chef's apron is compliments of Yvonne's talents.

Uncle Don & Aunt Shirley came. The lived across from Chris as he was growing up....and still live in the same house. He is 88 years old and is the only surviving one of his family. He is the brother of Chris' father and it's uncanny how much he looks like him.

Aunt Nada came, too. She is the widow of another of the Chris' uncles.
It was a wonderful visit. Ate too much, as usual. The weather was perfect and the sun was warm. Mike and Andrea left for Washington the next day.

When we got home on Monday....our friends whom we met in Alaska were camped already.

This is their home on wheels; they are "full-timers". We met Jim & Marianne in Haines, Alaska. They were camped next to us for 1 & 1/2 weeks. We spent some fun evenings playing games and talking. They are from the Detroit area, but winter in Black Rock, AZ.

We spent Tuesday evening playing Crazy Rummy. Jim is not a big cards person, but he managed to beat us. Lots of fun.

I raced back from setting the timed photo on the camera and about fell into the seat.

Of course Tommy had to steal Toby's bed. I think that she was telling us that she was tired.

Thursday, after breakfast we all headed for the RV museum near Elkhart, IN. Elkheart had some promotion of painting elks. One can see these popping up all over Elkhart. Very pretty and imaginative. I remember when there were Mastadons in Ft. Wayne and Bisons in West Yellowstone.

Just a bit of the wonderful display in the museum....that's Marianne

the inside of it.

The driver's seat! Imagine if you had to put on the breaks in a hurry.... :)

Lots of things to looks at.

The museum.....

Have had a very busy week and lots of fun....

Family is so important and brings so much of the memorable times in our lives.

Enjoy this wonderful weather and "until we connect again".....

SEPTEMBER 3; WEDDING BELLS IN THE BIG APPLE

2011-09-04T15:12:00.012-04:00

What a fabulous week end with family and friends in New Jersey & Brooklyn, N.Y. We were watching the weather reports for hurricane Irene all week...just hoping that nothing was going to be rained or flooded out. While in a rest area on the turnpike we saw many convoys of power company trucks on their way help out in the flood and storm ravaged areas. (later on....on the way home yesterday, once again, we saw convoys of power trucks from Michigan returning hoome) After arriving in New Jersey morning, we had a morning to go visit an old friend...a friend who had been with us when our last two little babies were born. She and her hubby were taking a couple of days of rest and relaxation in Ocean Grove, NJ. It was a short drive up the coast to visit her.

Here's Trish and us. We're all a little older and greyer....but we can talk like a couple of school girls....like we've never lived many states apart.
Ocean Grove has this wonderful tent city, just a short walk from the shore. This historical site is over a hundred years old. We talked to one lady who has lived there each summer for 50 years. It is by no means a homeless tent city. You all ought to Google Ocean Grove, NJ and the tent city. It is most intriguing. Above is one "street" of the tents....I assume that this room in front is the living room because I saw couches, etc. through the door. I assume also that

this back room is the bedroom, etc. In mid-September, the assosciation takes down the "tent" and pushes all the furniture into the little room that is attached to the rear of the "tent".

Here Chris, John and Trish pose in front of one of the many, many beautiful homes in this little square mile of Ocean Grove.

Our friends, Trish and John.

Then, of course, we totally enjoyed relaxing with an ice cream cone. Something we are all too familiar with.

Later we had an exhilerating (?) ride into the Big Apple....have any of you actually driven into NYC or Brooklyn? It is a sight to behold seeing the sky line of the City. It is new to me each time...even though I ought to take tranquilizers before the trip of fast bumper-to-bumper or creeping and crawling traffic. Above you can see to the right of the picture part of the Freedom Tower going up at Ground Zero. It is where the tops of those two cranes are.

The following pictures are not in any chronological order....as happens often to me.

Our beautiful bride, Ashley, is from Texas. And true to being a Texan, when the ceremony was over, on went her cowboy boots. The boots are kind of dark in this picture....but look....they are there....

Ashley, Michael and her family.

Yes, there were chickens at this wedding....or rather, on the property. The location was The Orange County Farm Museum. I can only imagine where they found this much property without a high-rise on it in Brooklyn.

While we were in the area where the wedding was to take place....we did a bit of waiting....

My brother got Chris hooked on the Kindle for iphones. Here he's reading his new found interest, the book Unbroken.

As previously noted about the cowboy boots....the bride was not the only one donning the fashion of cowboy boots. Many boots were around.

Another sneek picture, when the photographer was doing portraits, is this one of my brother, his wife, Ginny, daughter Sandy in the blue dress, and daugter Holly with little Joseph, the newest addition to the Batistic family. It seems that every year we go east for a family "event". Last year my brother, Jim and Ginny were married. The year before that, Holly (on right) was married. It seems as if everybody out east is now married. What's the next trip east for?

At the wedding, while walking around, we snapped this shot of the beautiful garden.

Just a bit of farm equipment at the "farm museum".

Immediately after ceremony, some of the groomsmen surprised Mike and Holley with the song "All You Need is Love" by the Beetles. The whole gathered assembly joined in on the chorus. Really awesome!

Brother Jim...

Uncle Jim with our daughter, Yvonne. She and her husband, Kevin, drove east with us.

Another "attendee" at the wedding. But unfortunately....this one had to stay outside.....

Mike and Ashley

Yvonne caught this snapshot of the groom enjoying a view from the upstairs of the barn.

Another big surprise for Mike was Mr. Met, the mascot of the New York Mets. He made a surprise appearance at the reception. Mike is a big Mets fan. We think that the bride made this happen.

Not a good picture, but I was shooting in the dark....and there is so much that I don't know about camera settings....so I just lightened up this picture. Oh well....purely an amature.

The tent where the reception was held.

Enjoying the reception.

Yvonne and the groom, my nephew, Mike.

Besides the wedding, the bride and groom, Ashley & Michael....the biggest runner-up for HIT OF THE EVENT, was Joseph, my grand nephew. Isn't he a winner?

Little Joseph had many "frequent flyer miles".

Holly, Joseph and Yvonne.

We had such a wonderful time, visiting with family and my brother and his wife, Ginny. Everytime we see all the kids of our nieces and nephews, they have grown another foot. And now, the eldest is off to college. I, unfortunately, remember when I made a pair of booties for his daddy. Wow....am I getting old! OK....what a wonderful trip back.

Now, back to the campground, and get ready for a wonderful family cook-out next Sunday. Will keep you up on all the fun. Until we "connect" again.....

AUGUST 28; ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH ANNUAL PICNIC

2011-08-29T10:59:00.004-04:00

The day dawned with not a cloud in the sky. It was a tiny bit brisk...a wonderful day for the annual St. Michael the Archangel Parish picnic. (unlike a couple of years ago when a storm was up the night before and collapsed the big tent!) What a day....the street was closed off to through traffic, and everyone was there.

The little ponies were a big hit, as in years before. The kids got to take turns going inside the enclosure to pet them.

This five week old colt with its mommy was a real star. His owner says that he is not bashful, but runs with the older horses....only comming back to mommy when he wants to "eat".

Fr. Dave enjoying kibitzing (sp?) with folks. And see the baby on Anna's shoulder? She was lovin' that.

See the "incognito bingo player"? He's in sunglasses in the tent..... Yup, Chris says he doesn't play bingo.

....and isn't this a happy little guy. Trav is a sweetie.

Mid week we head east for our nephew's wedding. We hear that they are not under water from the hurricane. So, until we "connect" again....

AUGUST 20; ANOTHER GAS & STEAM SHOW

2011-08-27T12:32:00.005-04:00

Last Saturday I went with Andrea, her hubby, David and CJ to another Gas & Steam show near Ft. Wayne. Like Andrea described these "shows" is that they are like a fair, without the rides, but with the "fair food". And that's a good thing.
Here's us getting started on the "steamed corn".

Not a whole lot better than this. The corn is steamed with the aide of a old steam machine. Didn't see up close to see if it was a tractor, or what.....

My favorite horses, the clydesdales. If I were rich I would have a whole herd of these beautiful creatures.

A little "train" of barrels, pulled by a yard tractor; the cabbose you can see....

Charolette loved her ride....

A 1924 International Harvester Farmall. Only 200 of these were made, and not by production lines, like cars are/were made. These were all built by hand because they were not expecting many of these to be sold. But apparently they were very innovative....but I sure can't tell you how.

What fun. It was a beautiful day. Not too hot. Loved every minute.

Tomorrow is our church picnic. Perhaps I'll get some pics of it.

Until we "connect" again....

August 18; ADVENTURES IN LAGRANGE COUNTY

2011-08-18T11:43:00.007-04:00

I went over to help with the Presidential Sweet when Julio had his achilles tendon repair surgery. What a hoot they are! Then we had the fun to bring Madison home with us for a couple of days. Bright smile in the morning....

Then to the pool....

Yesterday we went adventuring....looking for another place to hike. We found the Maple Wood Nature Ceneter east of LaGrange. Very nice and had a good hike...

This was another county park that we were told about....but just now had an excuse to go adventuring. The play ground is really handicap accessable and extremely creative.

Madison was able to go hand-over-hand all the way across this.

This is some sort of teeter totter...

This thing was super tall and Maddy went all the way up.

She really had a hard time on this one. I was below her taking the picture....

We had a nice couple of days with Madison. She was a big help....always offering to help with meals. She and I took bike rides together. She was fun.

Until we "connect" again....

August 15; Happy Birthday, Christopher

2011-08-15T09:30:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday, eldest son....Christopher. Can't believe that you are 47 today. I remember when you started Kindergarden. My, my.....time flies!
There's Chris on the ladder, helping our neighbor put an over-hang on the front of his "park model" home, behind our RV. Chris just can't "just watch"....duh....

Last week we popped over to see the "Presidential Sweet", to get some hugs from them. Here's Kennedy sporting the scarf she wanted on..... Do we see a budding model?

Here's creative Lincoln showing off his Lego model plane. Quite advanced, me thinks.... ;)
Saturday evening Andrea called and asked us to meet them in LaGrange at the "Gas & Steam" show at the fairgrounds. It was loads of fun.....

I would say that 1/2 of the folks there were Amish. They don't like their pictures taken....but I managed to get these, not of any particular person....on the sly (sneeky me)

I am very fascinated by their lives. And as you know, we are living in the middle of Amish-land. And many of them actually camp at our campground. (surprised me!)

Here's a daddy walking with his little girls. I note that dads are really involved with their children. Nice.

Anyway, back at the tractor show....here's Chris admiring that old car.

Here's a milking a cow demonstration...

which Charolette tested out....with success.

Here's a tractor that is really a "family affair"....and the little girl didn't fall off the back!

Lots of tractors....

You can see why we enjoyed watching these folks driving around their tractors. They were even in the field plowing with an old tractor. Didn't get close enough to that for pictures.

Cool....huh?

Now, that's what you call a "steam roller"...

We had lots of fun. Too bad we didn't get to watch the "tractor pull" the next morning.

"Another boring sunset ..."

Almost ripe. Getting ONLY FOUR tomatoes off of our plant..... They will tast good....but a disappointment that we're only getting four so far. Oh well....that's life.

That's all for now. Do take care and have a wonderful week in this cooler weather. Loving every minute of it... :)

Until we "connect again"....

AUGUST 8; AAAAH.....A BREATHER FROM THE HEAT!

2011-08-08T11:02:00.010-04:00

This past week end there was a fund-raiser at Twin Mills. Will tell you about that later. I had a nice little time in the middle of the day when I got to pop over to the Amigo Center outside of Sturgis, where Brittany had been at band camp for school. She plays the violin. This is the orchestra. They played 8 songs....pretty good, too.

Here's Brittany flashing her beautiful smile for grandma.

Now back to the fund-raiser: Camp for a Cure. We were walking down to the starting point for the 1 mile walk and the 5 K fun run. That's me on the far right....

Get ready.....get set......GO!!!!!

I was, obviously, in the rear of the pack.....walking.

Not a great picture of me.....but didn't have a choice....

OK....now you're going to see the pictures of my favorite runner.....yes....the golden doodle.

This was this puppy's first race.....he's under a year old.

I was fascinated with how he drank water.

The "official" picture by the photographer....me.

Chris fishing at Pine Knob....look close....

Chris bringing the boat around to load it....

Loading boat at Pine Knob. Note all of the lilly pads. The whole lake is surrounded with them.

Chris brought one of the lilly pad flowers back to the camper. Funny thing about it. In the afternoon each day it closed up; then in the morning it opened. Very beautiful

Two weeks ago there was a Hawaiian theme at the campground. Here is the contest for dressing up Hawaiian.

This was not fair.....because I had a moo-moo from when we went to Hawaii. Perfect time to wear it.

Here's the activity director doing the limbo. Believe me.....it didn't get much lower than this.

During those awefully hot days last week....look what we saw out in the lake. These lake folks had four pontoons lashed together just floating around in the lake. And I bet there was a lot of drinking and eating going on out there. You can even see a head out in the lake....they were swimming out there. Chris often says that he would love to jump in out in the middle of the lake because the water is so clear and warmer out there....but he couldn't get back in the boat. Big problem!

Chris is here going out fishing one night last week. In the back is Dick, Chris' fishing buddy. He met him here while Dick was fishing from the dock. Chris offered him to go out in the boat with him. And the rest is history. In the front of the boat is Russ, the director of maintenance here at the camp. Very nice young man.

And here they go..................they had a good catch that night, too. They go out about 8 pm and get back about 11 p.m. Then he cleans the fish right then.

The weather is supposed to be cooler this week. Looks like only 2 days are even going to hit

80 degrees! Woopee! When it was so hot we seemed to go from the pool to the lake, to the pool, to the lake, and then ride out in the lake trying to catch a breeze. Very hot!

Please pray for the families of those 21 special forces who died in Afganistan last week....and the other Americans on that helicopter. May they rest in peace. We are grateful for their services and sacrifice.

Have a great week....until we "connect" again....

PINE KNOB COUNTY PARK

2011-07-29T14:15:00.005-04:00

For weeks we have been driving past this sign at the entrance of a near b y county park. Last week I purposely slowed myself down and drove in. Why on earth was I rushing past each time. I have all the time in the world to slow down and enjoy what is here.
I found what I thought was an absolute treasure: a 3D archery range with 26 targets on an almost 2 mile course. Half of it is wheel chair accessable. It has raised platforms so that one can shoot from an elevated place. It has a fishing lake, a concrete boat launch, a lodge, a bull's eye target field....and on and on. Chris and I have taken both trails and find it absolutely a boat load of fun! Chris plans on bringing the little boat and puting it in this lake and try the fishing there. It's only about 20 feet deep.
I have not put these pictures in any special order. I will not bore you with a constant narative. Just enjoy a bit of what we experienced.

A bear target....look close....

I seldom see cat tails any more.....and here they are...

anotheer target.

Tommy was "hunting" the entire way.

Peek-a-boo, I see you....

That's the shirt I tye-died a couple of weeks ago. I have NOT missed my artistic calling....

Now....if only you could smell this.....

The pictures do not do justice to this county park that was donated to LaGrange County. They are making many improvements with grant money. That sounds like your and my tax money at work....or is that a "shovel-ready" project. Whatever it is....it's awesome.

So, until we "connect" again...

JULY STEAMS ON

2011-07-28T11:04:00.006-04:00

We love to host family and friends at our summer "lake home". And besides, with the terribly sticky and mucky July that we've had so far....Twin Lake is a good escape and gives us a hard found breeze.Andrea and I wanted to go to Shipshewana flea market. When she came with little Charolette, we used the occasion to get out on the boat....and searched all over that lake for an elusive breeze!

The movie star pose from Charolette.

Last week two other grandkids came to go fishing....but of course we had to do smores. Ya can't go camping with a camp fire....120 degrees or not.... It was so hot, I was not eager to have Chris start a fire. But Charlie & Dawson won out.....and enjoyed their smores.

Grandpa made the announcement that they would be going fishing at 6 am because the heat of the day was just too hot to sit on the water in a boat. Luckily, the morning was overcast....so they were able to stay out fishing for four hours!!!!

It would have been truly funny if Dawson actually fell in :) He was told to sit down multiple times; but I think that he had watched bass fishing shows on TV (with the fishermen standing up in their boats) and thought that that was the way to fish.

A nice little non-official tradition at Twin Mills Camping Resort is the golf cart parade each Saturday night. Often the folks on the carts have candy that they pitch out for the kids. D & C thought that this was fantastic!

More pretty pictures of lilly pads in bloom.

Another cucumber. They don't seem to get much bigger than big pickle size. But they keep coming along slowly, and we eat them as they come.

We found a county park near here. I will have some pictures of it the next time we "connect".

July 16; CHRISTMAS IN JULY

2011-07-17T13:56:00.005-04:00

Whoever would-a expected this???? What fun. The activity person from the campground asked a couple of the maintenance guys to be Santa. But, being smart as they were, they went directly to the real Santa, and asked him to SAVE THEM! They were going to have to wear those hot cottom beards....and that would not fool these kids. So....it all came together in 90 + degrees. Surely not the temperature of the North Pole. Since the reindeer are on vacation in Alaska, Twin Mills gave us a golf cart and lots of candy.

The kids got right into the swing of it. Some campsites even had Christmas lights and blow up Santas (which normally make me gag....but it was cute this time)

At times we would turn into a camping area and saw a mob of kids converging on our sleigh. Was lots of fun, if not an exhausting one in the heat. We have Charlie and Dawson visiting, so Charlie got to ride in the rumble seat of the "sleigh".

This is a common site in this area....to see an Amish horse and buggy along the road, or parked in WalMart or Pizza Hut parking lots.....yes, parking lots here have hitching posts.

A very few are open buggies. I just love the Amish horses: they are sleek and move right along. Nothing fat about them....they are worked!

We see lots of Amish in the campground; which surprised me. I don't know what I expected....but it surely wasn't seeing Amish camping, swimming, fishing, etc.

One day last week, Chris and I went to the Menno-Hof museum in Shipshewanna, so that I could have some of my questions answered. It was most worth while and enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone in this area.

Our second cucumber! We have only 4 golf ball size tomatoes. Our midget garden is not really very proliferous. So I frequent the Saturday Farmer's Market in Howe.....right across from the ice cream parlor....easy to find.

Last Monday morning, a horrible and quick storm blew through here. We were in Sturgis shopping. When we came out of Krogers, we noticed that it was as dark as night outside. We headed for home, concerned about our awning on the camper.

Driving through the torrential rains, we arrived at the campground, 5 miles from Sturgis, when most of the storm was over. Our awning was fine since we have the corners "dog tied" to the ground. But other folks were not as lucky. One neighbor had his awning picked up and pulled apart; trees were down on the north side of the lake; roofs blown off. Limbs were down througout the campground. Quite a blow! We saw whitecaps on the lake. One bass boat that was anchored with a shallow water anchor that was drilled into the bottom of the lake, took water and almost sank. We took this picture from our boat.

Cruising the lake....Haven't seen their signets in a week or so; hope they didn't get eaten by something :(

Tommy is very comfy on the boat; she sticks her nose in the wind for a while; then she settles down to chill.

Our "salty dog"....

So ends another beautiful day at the lake....if not a scathingly hot one!!!!

This heat sure isn't like Alaska....but at least we get a breeze on the lake. Chris and I are wondering where the summer is going!

Enjoy your summer, folks. Until we "connect" again...

JULY 3; HOLIDAY WEEKEND....HOT....SURELY THIS IS NOT ALASKA!

2011-07-03T10:50:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately, one of our favorite stopping places is getting to be the wonderful ice cream shop in Howe.....just a few short miles away. :) This is so nice, especially on HOT HUMID days in Indiana. On Saturday, we had such a wonderful opportunity to view and cheer on the 9/11 beam as it was transported from Angola, down state route 120 to Osolo, in Elkhart, where it will be part of a memorial for firefighters and commemorate 9-11.
The day was hot....everyone stayed in good humor.....then.....

You can see the beam, which was once a part of the World Trade Center, on the rear of this truck, draped in a flag. Appropriately draped, as would a military casket would be....

Here's a closer up view of the emblem on the truck pulling the beam.

The beam.....totally moving experience to stand in reverence to it being hauled by.

Then followed the thousands of bikers: estimated as perhaps 10,000; including the Indiana Patriot Guard, and the American Legion Riders.....among MANY others.....

Here's another very patriotic biker....

Back to more mundane adventures.....our pickle plant gave us a second cucumber. That's more than I can say about our tomato plant....it just has blossoms, but no little green tomatoes. :(

Here at the campground, the water is horrible. We have a filter on our drinking water. But, a couple of Chris' white t-shirts turned orange in places. Used iron-out on them....but the orange just came back. So....my idea.....the campground was doing a tie-dye craft for the campers. I just figured, "if ya can't lick it....join it". I decided to tie-dye the shirts. But I'm supposed to leave them in a plastic bag for a couple of weeks. When they are unveiled, I'll show you....
My little "side-kick"....Jackie. She just loves being with people. Forever smiling :)

Last week, we went to visit our friends Greg & Kay at their summer cottage in Michigan. We had such a fun time. Here are some of the pictures to show you:

The lake that they are on was so still and beautiful, that it was a mirror image of the shore. See if you can tell what's the reflection or the real thing....

We went for a nice ride on their pontoon boat....After taking their grandson, David, tubing, we just anchored and everyone (but me! Who would take the pictures if I were in the water?)

jumped in for some wet fun. Here's Chris

David enjoying his ride.
Soaking up the rays on the tube.

Then Greg called our mutual friends on the other side of the lake. Not letting us come and pick them up....they jumped in and swam a long way out to visit with us in the water. Then everyone (except me, of course) treaded water for a half hour and visited. Then Gary and Phillis swam back to their home. Not bad for a couple of 69 yr oldies.

Kay chillin int he beautiful water.

Across the lake there was a heron of some kind standing on the boat dock. At first I thought that it was a fake one.

Then mommy & daddy Canadian geese took their little ones for a swim. I thought that this was a very appropriate picture, considering the holiday.

When the campers started rolling in here on Friday, the staff all looked their parts for the holiday. Mark is who I called "Captain America"....when I asked for a picture he decided to give me a good pose.

Happy Fourth everyone....

Until we connect again.....

JUNE 22; THE DAY AFTER THE LONGEST DAY OF THE YEAR

2011-06-23T12:44:00.006-04:00

The day after the summer solstice doesn't have the day lasting from 4:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. sunset like in Willow, Alaska, but it was a whole lot better than the summer solstice here. That day was about 90 degrees with 90% humidity. Positively horrible. We were on a mission, though. We walked through the heat at the Shipshewanna flea market looking for "RED NECK LIGHTS". That's what we call the lights around camper awnings. Been looking everywhere for them. But finally found some at a hardware store in Shipshe.... Can you see them....little lanterns. Not showing well. Maybe I'l get a better picture.

Here's the race of "THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE"....the little bunny is hard to see so I put a circle around it. The turtle is on the left. We managed to get them both in the same picture. The turtles seem to be going across the road a bunch right now; probably to lay their eggs and are comming from the pond. The first litter of baby bunnings are starting to hop around, too. Very cute.
Yesterday Charolette and the Presidential Sweet and Andrea & CJ came to visit for the day. Andrea saw a turle in the grass down the way and brought it to show the kids. She's not "picking her nose"....but holding back because the frightened little turtle started peeing all over her!

Our tomato plant is doing very well; it has about a dozen blossoms on it now. Can't wait for a tomato and peanut butter sandwich!

Little Kennedy talks non stop.....and here she's telling Aunt Anni something monumentally important.

She does look like the teacher that she is....doesn't she? :)

Charolette and Charolette pose cheek-to-cheek with huge smiles.

Dad and daughter chill in the shade. Love Charolette's hair doo.

The kids were so busy and Madison jut loves walking a dog. So Tommy was a willing participant. Note Charolette is holding Kennedy's hand....big girl she tries to be. :)

Of course, every little member of the Presidential Sweet had to keep running inside the RV to the special potty that is there. Then Kennedy had to find a special little window, just her size to peek out of.

Then, "monkey see-monkey do" had to be just like Kennedy. I think his smile is getting cuter all the time.

Linc the Lion tamer....

Madison is willing to stop whatever she's doing and give me a good smile for a picture. Love it.

Of course, the wonderful day was topped off with smores. The kids had a blast as usual. ....and turned into sticky little messes.

It was supposed to rain, but only did a little. What a nice day; not too hot, not much rain; fun & family. Loved every minute.

We met some folks here at the campground and have become friends. They are seasonal campers....but alas and alak....they are young and unfortunately have to work for a living. So, we mostly see them on week ends whenever we're here. Last week it was so hot, that Chris suggested we pack a lunch and go out on the lake to keep cool.

I invited our friends, Sue, Frank and their little Jackie to go for a ride. They had such fun. I thought Jackie might be afraid....but not so. A regular little trooper. Discovered that Frank is a bow hunter....so Chris and Frank gabbed the whole time!

Onward for the next adventure....."until we connect again".....

June 13; A WONDERFUL DAY AT THE LAKE :)

2011-06-14T12:24:00.006-04:00

Monday was a fun day all around. It actuallly started by going and watching Lincoln's "coach pitch" baseball game. Of course, there are no pictures of it because I remember to take my camera....but no memory card in it! But he was fun to watch. Afterwards we brought him to the campground so that he could go fishing with Papa the next morning.

He loves Tommy. They have Tommy's puppy, Daisy, who looks just like her daddy, Duffy.

The morninig started out very nice...here goes the guys toward the lake. You can see the boat at the dock. This was as far as the morning went well. Then the comedy of errors began:

Batteries on the boat....dead.

Pull out the batteries and go to charge them.

Not taking a charge.

Go to Sturgis to buy new battery and exchange the other one.

Had to go get more night crawlers....got the last box.

Reinstall the batteries

12:03 p.m. Finally leaving for fishing. Lincoln stayed smiling through the whole ordeal. That's a good kid, fur ya!

THEN....when they were out, they found out that the worms we just bought were dead! Oh well...did I expect anything different.

Some of the water lillies are starting to bloom. Aren't they beautiful.

Then, Charolette came with the other kids to pick up Lincoln and get him to his next baseball game. But we had about 4 hours for the little munchkins to play at the beach.

When Lincoln came in, after 2 hours of fishing, Chris took all the kids for a ride. They were all excited. Then, Lincoln opted to play at the beach and Madison went back out fishing for a couple of hours with Papa.

All done fishing and playing, the troops trudge back up the hill to the campsite.

They were very excited with all the fish that they caught.

They loved looking at the bucket of fish. It was such fun for them. I'm sure they all slept on the way home.

About 8:30 p.m. Chris and I headed out across the lake to set some turtle traps.

Picking them up in the morning was a fun trip across a beautiful lake.

The morning lake.

At one spot where the trap was, the water was shallow and had some dead trees on the bottom that he couldn't put the trolling motor down. So, this shot, with one of the poles from a trap made him look like he was polling a gondola.....right?

One of the traps in the water.

One angry snapping turtle. Ya gotta be real careful. Those jaws can take your finger off.

The haul of turtles for the morning. And one of those babies is in the crockpot right now. Yummy. Turtle for supper.

Chris' siblings are comming for a visit tomorrow. Will let you know of our fun visit. Hope it doesn't rain.

Until we connect again....

JUNE 10 BEAUTIFUL JUNE....

2011-06-11T12:02:00.004-04:00

Well....all the "young-'uns" are growing up. Chris was out on the lake and he noted mommy & daddy swan taking their brood of cignets for a swim. There were 5, but only 2 showed in this photo. He was shooting right into the sun, so we're very lucky to get this pic. We're going to have cucumbers soon! This one is about 4 inches. One would think we'll have a cucumber by next week. Loads of blossoms.

The tomato plant probably grows an inch over night....every night. Chris had to go cut a dead branch to extend the stake that is tying up the plant. It's 3 foot high right now. Whenever we get tomatoes....we're gonna have a ton!

Chris was out fishing and saw this heron type of bird on one of the docks....he cruized up closer and saw that it was a fake. We imagine that it is meant to lure these birds in to the dock....because there are these birds on the lake. Sure had us fooled.

The Canadian geese families are growing up. We had a nice view of them, sunning themselves, this week. I wonder when they will be flying. Remember that movie a few years ago of that Canadian girl who rescued a brood of baby Canadian geese, taught them to fly, and then had them follow her flying an ultra-light plane down to a winter area in the south U.S.? Good movie. Also, the geese imprinted well, because they return to her farm each summer. Can't remember the name of the movie. Anybody remember?

Charolette and her brood came over last Sunday for a dip and a cook out. Had such fun.

The pool was a real draw on those hot days. And the nice thing about Sundays is that the week-end campers all leave by 2 pm....then we have the pool to ourselves! Here's Raegan.

My cuddly Linker-dude.

Grown-up Madison lost part of her marshmellow stick....

What a fish this kid is.

Then we had a bonfire....making smores. I'm surprised Kennedy had one; she just wanted the chocolate!

Another pool pic with grandpa & Kekkers....

Ya think Rae loves PaPa?

Julio got here after work for a little while. We managed to gather the kids for a group shot. What fun. The little guys are goofy. We loved every minute. Too bad the mosquitoes decided that these little ones were a juicy morsel :(

Luckily we had a little rain and things have cooled down a bit. That heat was all I needed to make us want to be in Alaska! Perhaps next year?????

Until we "connect" again.....

MAY 31; QUIET AFTER THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND...

2011-05-31T10:21:00.009-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day week end....and remembered those who allow us to have the freedom that we are blessed with.

Twin Mills started filling up on Thursday for the "early birds". By Friday this place was really hopping. All of the golf carts had been rented out. The roads were packed with folks walking to and from either the pool or the lake, walking their dogs, driving around in their golf carts, or riding the many, many bikes. There were so many bikes and carts out, that I was afraid to ride my bike. I thought that I would crash into somebody.... :( i This is the view of the pool on Monday about noon.

Andrea, David and CJ came to spend the afternoon. It was such a nice time. Cookin' "dogs" here.

We had a coupon for the rental of a golf cart for 1/2 day. By noon on Memorial Day, most of the rentals had been turned in. So, we decided to use our coupon. When our guests left, we still had a couple of hours on our rental, so we just rode around and used up the time. It was cool with the breeze in our hair....the air temp had to be 90. I'd never rent these any other time, cuz 1/2 day is $25. Too rich for my blood. But we enjoyed it....so did Tommy. Her ears flapped in the wind.

CJ was dying to get in the water.....here with Daddy.

Chillin'. Good posture, Anni.... :-)

Then, cruising around the lake....once again, a way to keep cool.

Helping PaPa.

She wanted to nap....but never quite did...

A view from the "poop deck".

After our guests gone, and we had used every last minute on our golf cart, we went to the pool. There were about 4 other people in it. So, we just chilled in the pool, enjoyed talking to other "seasonal" campers, and cooled off. It was such a nice day.

Today, Tuesday, Chris is out fishing until the weather gets bad. Supposed to get some storms by late afternoon. But, it's nice now.

Not that anybody is interested in my worn out crocks....but see that little caterpillar crawling around the top one? That little guy started his JOURNEY somewhere around 3 pm yesterday....He just kept going round, and round, and round the edge of the shoe. I checked on him multiple times....and there he was just a-crawlin' along. Went to bed last night....still crawlin'. This morning, there he was, but taking a nap. So, I decided to put him out of his long journey; dumped him out on our rug...and he crawled on his way. He had to be starved and worn out by this time!

Then, just before Anni and family arrived there was a 6" turtle making it's way across the road, coming from the kids fishing pond and heading for our camper. I protected her from a truck and a golf cart. When I went to pick her up, she moved really fast to protection under our camper. There she stayed in the cool shade. At some time I'm sure she continued her journey. Chris says she was probably going somewhere to lay her eggs. Happy hunting, little turtle....you almost got squished.

Once again, thanking our troops for their service to keep us free....and all those who went before. May God bless them all.

Until we "connect" again....

MAY 29; RAINY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

2011-05-29T06:16:00.003-04:00

The campground is filling up. Lots of folks out here to have some fun. We decided to spruce up our camp site with the American flags. We are so proud of this country that gives us this opportunity to enjoy this life.

Then Chris got a lot of energy and washed down the entire camper and roof. Can't you just see it shining? The cloudy sky doesn't allow you to see the shine....but it is there!

The other day while walking Tommy it began to rain (what's new?). We decided to take shelter under a nearby picnic shelter. On the way, walking under some pines, Chris just looked down and saw these huge MORREL MUSHROOMS! Chris says that he has never found these under pines before. Well....there's always a first time. What a tastey treat they were the next morning with scrambled eggs.

Not a lot goes on here when it rains...but if one keeps their eyes open there are exciting things to see. I was driving up to the Laundromat yesterday (after we left the roof vent open during a down-pour and the bed got super soaked ! :) when I saw a HUGE woodpecker! The biggest I had ever seen in my life! I slowed down, pulling out my little camera. This was a habit I had gotten into in Alaska....never go anywhere without a camera. We had missed a little baby moose before we realized we had to have a camera with us at all times. Never did get a picture....it was much to quick for me. Told Chris about the bird; looked it up on his iphone app....and this is the bird. It was a PILIATED WOODPECKER. I hear that they are territorial ....so I should get another opportunity.

Like I said.....this place is filling up. It is totally packed. One sees loads of golf carts, bikes and people walking EVERYWHERE! Many little kids walking past our campsite, toward the lake with there little fishing poles in hand. They have such fun. There are activities going on like watermellon seed spitting contest, bonfires, etc. Something for everyone.

Don't let us forget that this weekend is for our fortunate country to remember the real reason for it....to remember the fallen heroes who have died for our freedom. Thank God for our Military....so dedicated and selfless.

I should get more pics of the festivities this sweek end and will add those as they occur. God bless all. Until we "connect" again....

May 23; SPRING IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER

2011-05-23T06:24:00.004-04:00

This is not what we planned on doing this morning....getting our little Prius towed. But that's the way the cookie crumbled today for us. Got to a dr. apointment in Ft. Wayne this am....and then it just didn't start. Not a good sign. The first time this little thing had any problems...So here we sit, waiting for the verdict...good or bad. If it's the hybrid battery....that would be good! because it's still under warrenty. Otherwise....scarey...
So, here I can use my time constructively....and do my blog in comfort....

A beautiful day on Sunday began with young Charolette being Baptized. She did very well, as mommy & daddy rehearsed with her at the kitchen sink. So, she knew what to expect. She told us she was going to be blessed again. Tommy's nose is working over-time most days at Twin Mills campground. The bunnies are chasing each other all over the place. That means that Tommy has her nose to the ground most of the time....WANTING to chase them.

I spotted this one out the front of the camper.

Then, as we were drinking our morning coffee...we spotted these two scooting down the road. Then they stopped across the road and were having a "stair-down". It continued on for 20 or so minutes. The one on the right jumped up and down several times while facing the other one. So, finally I went and got my camera....and they were still there. They stayed right there until I got into the car to drive away...and off they scooted. It was wierd.

As I walk around the campground right now, the honeysuckle bushes are in bloom! They don't look like much right now as the blossoms are just now comming out. But the aroma is totally awesome. Everywhere you go, the bushes are everywhere! so the aroma is throughout the entire campground. I remember sucking the honey out of the little buds when I was a little girl in Parma, OH. We had a bush at the side of our garage. Nice memories.

Don't know what this is....but it's pretty....

A close-up of the unknown plant.

Have been watching these little gozlings since they were little itty, bitty hatchlings. There are four little families here now. We go down to the pond and watch them. They waddle to the pond and sit out in the middle and just watch me right back....saying...."OK already....it's time for you to leave...."

As were were sitting at the camper last week, I looked toward the lake and it was just beautiful as the sun was low....quite bright over the lake.

So, there it is....another view from the campground. The jury is still out to see if we can stand staying in one place most of the summer. The "pro" is that Chris spent his entire birthday out on the lake fishing....and that's why were are at this particular place. He just has to walk down that little hill to the lake and his boat. The "con" is ....???? not sure yet.

So, until we "connect" again.....

MAY 14; MAY IS BEAUTIFUL

2011-05-14T19:07:00.005-04:00

It has been a beautiful, busy, and enjoyable day at the lake. Chris got his boat in the water, after having the campground cut down a tree next to the boat ramp to allow his boat to be slid into the water. ( The ramp was so narrow that he only had 3 inches on each side of the boat trailer to be able to navigate the trailer into the water)
v On a cruise around the lake I discovered that we had two swans....only saw one of them here. Later in another swamp/lake I saw both of them together.

Then on the far side of the lake, where there are no houses, we saw loads of turtles sunning themselves on some downed logs. At one spot, as we eased closer, we counted 25 turtles plop into the water. We must have seen at least 50 turtles. Yummy.....turtle soup!

Then there was a real pretty little bird that we kept seeing, but not long enough to get a good look at. Finally this morning at the lake we were able to get a good picture and then be able to look it up in Chris' bird book. It's a baltimore oriole. It is beautiful....and fast!

A few weeks ago Yvonne & family were traveling home from a family reunion in Ohio....and since we are literally 5 minutes off of the Indiana Turnpike....they were able to take a "pause that refreshes" from their long trip home. It was nice to give another hug to the boys.

The face hiding behind the teddy bear is Charolette....#19. Here she falls asleep quickly after a busy (and tiring....for grandma) day. This week, while mom & dad were camping with the fifth grade class....she stayed with us.

She got a new bike for her 4th birthday a few weeks ago, and since all roads in the campground are paved, it's the perfect place for a little one to practice riding her little bike. She practically had Chris running here on the little hills. So, Chris thought up a solution....tying a rope to the bike so that we could hold her back as she started down the little hills. You see, she doesn't quite have the brakes figured out.

It got down-right hot this week.....up into the 90's. And the lake was the place to go....with or without a swim suit.

Then it was time to go fishing.....

Eager to get on the cute little PFD....but being rather somber contemplating getting into the boat. Chris really had to use all his skills to get her in....

But....in she got. Here she's checking on the fish....or trying to.

Smiles came quickly after the reluctant boarding of the boat.

Still looking for fish....but here Charolette is looking over Poppi's shoulder at the "fish finder".

Going home after a long afternoon fishing....or so it seemed. We have had a couple of meals of channel cat fish and bass.

My garden....consisting of 1 tomato plant and two cucumber plants. It sits on top of a plastic bin with the charger for Tommy's invisible, wireless fence. We have it at home; works great. However here, she is so spazed with the boundaries that she seldom moves more than a few feet. Just lays there in the bug hut, or on the grass. Oh well.....at least she's outside.

And my bike. Love it. Haven't totalled out on it yet, but I'm kind of expecting it. I try to ride every day. Enjoy it. And until we took a trip to Mackinaw Island with Andrea & David, I had not been on a bike in 50 years.....and rode 8 miles around the island in 2 hours! And didn't fall! And could walk afterwards! So Chris had the idea of getting a bike for here. He has some pretty good ideas.

So, good night from Amish Country in northern Indiana...until we "connect" again.

...AND THE RAINS STOPPED...OUT CAME THE SUN...FOR THE MOMENT

2011-05-05T15:22:00.004-04:00

It's done a lot of raining since we've been at Twin Mills Campground. But, that's OK...it reminds us of Alaska. We haven't been here steady since April 15; just off and on. Home for church, dr. appointments, and on and on. But, that's the nice thing about being that close to home.

So, we are doing some odds 'n ends around the camp now while the sun shines.

The flag that we bought in Willow, Alaska got a place of honor. See the little garden flag of a beagle, to the left of the flag and hose? Acquired that in St. Augustine, Florida when we were down there a couple of months ago.
The trees and grass are much greener....and so is our camp area.

These little Canadian Geese were hustled into the kids fishing pond by mom and dad as we approached. I know that many people in these parts don't really appreciate or like these Canadian Geese because of the doo doo that they leave everywhere. But, we're enjoying them. These little guys will probably never leave since they were obviously hatched right here....and won't fly north to Canada.

Since last week these fuzzy little guys have grown a bunch. And now there are three little "families" hustling around with their babies. Lots of fun watching them. Thank goodness for a zoom lense on my camera. Can't get close to them at all.

The docks are in. Chris' spot is on the far left. The boat is here, but we didn't bring the truck back to put it in the water. By next week we should have it in....or so I'm told. This is the first pretty picture of the lake with the blue sky. It's 60 degrees today. Tried to stop and buy a tomato plant, but the nursery where I stopped didn't have them. Will have to try another place.
This place is pretty quiet right now. A few more folks come in on week ends. I do beleive it's much like Alaska.....i.e. nothing really happens until after Memorial Day.

Chris did the mowing to tidy up the yard.

Then we put up the "bug hut" for our "storage shed" for my bike and the mower. I'm sure when the mosquitoes come out it will revert to a bug hut again. The sides roll up so that we can have plenty of sun & breezes ....just keep out the little flying critters.

That green bin with the cement block on top is the charger for Tommy's wireless invisible fence. I plan on putting a potted plant on top of it. She is not getting used to the boundaries very quickly. She prefers to just stay in one place. As you can see...she's getting with the relaxation part of camp life.

There's are not loads of new things going on or places for us to visit. I will post things as they happen, but no ways near as often as I have on our travels. Shipshewana is close and we will be make some trips there. I love seeing the Amish horse and buggies on the road.

Until we "connect" again.....

and....enjoy your summer.

Twin Mills Camping Resort.... April 15

2011-04-18T17:26:00.009-04:00

The day finally came for our very short 45 min. trek with our Four Winds to it's summering place. It was not raining when we got here....but rain held off until we got it set up and hooked up.

This is where the office, gathering room, store, etc. is. It's a big place.

We realized, with Yvonne's help, that we now live in a "gated community". Really it's a bit of a hastle. Always gotta make sure we have our "slide card" with us.

The rain sure was a reminder of Alaska. We raked the campsite. The camper was blocked and put leveling jacks under it, so that we don't bounce when we walk in it.

I'll take some more pictures of the back of the camper....the view we can see out our "living room" window.

The Four Winds is parked so that we get a good view of the lake through the windshield.

That was the reason that we picked this particular camp site. It was as close as we can get to the lake.

The docks are not in yet; a fact that has Chris not too happy. They had the drawing for the boat slips. Hopefully Chris likes the one he swapped for.

Bulletin: the docks got put in yesterday....looks good. We'll bring the boat when it gets a bit warmer. It was 32 degrees this morning. A bit nippy.

The weather has been less than optimal....but we're tough....we've been through Alaska. The lake has actually had white-caps on it. Brrrr. But we're cozy in the Four Winds.

We brought back the electronic, wireless containment system for Tommy, so she can wander the campsite....not working the greatest yet. She has to get use to it.

So, enough for now....until I can get out and get more pictures. Enjoy Easter and Praise to the Risen Christ.

Until we connect again....

BLUSTERY DAYS OF MARCH 2011

2011-03-27T13:26:00.005-04:00

We are moving closer to getting the pretty red Lowe boat and the Four Winds uncovered and ready for their summer adventures. The winds have been so strong that the cover on the RV puffed up like a balloon. If the Four Winds was any lighter, one would expect it to take to the air like a hot air balloon. But, one calm day last week, while I was working on cleaning up a flower bed, Chris slipped the cover right off. How nice she looks.

Today is the day for pretty red Lowe.

Josiah is helping pull off the cover....

....and there it goes, freeing Lowe for her summer adventures. And what will these adventures be? Stay tuned....

Until we connect again....

FEB 26: HOME AGAIN, HOME AGAIN, JIGGITY JIG....

2011-02-27T06:52:00.005-05:00

Hi all. I know that little line in the title is part of a nursery rhyme, but for the life of me I can't recall the rest of it. Tee hee.

We headed north from Savannah, GA, knowing full well that we were headed into the cold. But, wait, there's more... We had a stop in Davidson, NC to visit some friends that we had met in Alaska. Almost every week, while in AK, we had dinner with Lauren and Suzanne. Sometimes we cooked, sometimes they did. Other times we ventured out looking for whatever little, local restaurant we could find within driving distance. So, when we knew we were going to Florida, I wrote them and we managed to do a zig, zag in our return trip to stop and visit them in North Carolina.

We took a delightful walk on their back woods, on some delightful trails they had cleared. Over the years they have spent many hours enjoying their little bit of wild country.

This is a close-by lake that we visited. It was definitely chillier here than it was in Florida. Reality of going north was beginning to sink in.

On our "nature walk" on Lauren & Suzanne's trails, we came upon many unexpected surprises. We know that the crocuses and dafodils in Waterloo are not out yet. Surprise! North Carolina spring is so much closer than ours.

This picture of Suzanne is most characteristic of Suzanne, as I remember her from Alaska. They were hosts on Redshirt Lake up there. They had to hike 3 miles in and out every week to their cabin, so that they could be caretakers of several state park public use cabins. They love nature so much and are continuously aware of their surroundings in that way.

In their little woods they found these wagon wheels, which now graces their yard.

Lauren & Suzanne have named all the trails....

....and here is the name-sake of that trail....

This vine climbs up the tree behind their home. Far be it from me to remember the name, but we are told that it has many blue flowers when it does bloom.

Another "found treasure" gracing a trail...

...and another....

Andd here is a beautiful view from the road on our return trek to Indiana. This is just a reminder of what a wonderful country we have. We are blessed. Every time we take another trip around this country, once again we become aware of the magnificence and rugged beauty of the United States. Yes, we are blessed.

We are home now. We had a wonderful stow-away for part of our trip: Chris' cousin CJ. I put some things on Facebook; and CJ "stowed-away" and traveled vicariously with us. She brought us lots of fun.

So, until we "connect" again...

Feb 23: OLD ST. AUGUSTINE

2011-02-23T20:47:00.005-05:00

Good evening all,

The first few pics are ones that I had forgotten to post previously.

I thought this sunset picture from Naples was unique for me in that the flock of birds was flying across the sunset. I liked that.

Also in Naples, we took a walk with Katy & Don and saw these little "crocks"; they were 2 year olds; i.e. about 18 inches long. Not all that big.

Here's a close up of one of the little ones.

OK....Now on to St. Augustine. The beautiful city that I have had the good fortune to have been there twice before in my life. When I was about 8 yrs. old and then again about 20 years ago with the kids. We didn't stop to see the "Fountain of Youth" discovered by Ponce de Leon. It obviously doesn't work...because I drank from it twice. Ha ha ha.

Here is the picture of the streets that I just love in St. Augustine, with all the Spanish moss hanging from the trees. Beautiful....

We did take a guided tour of the old town. Once again, very interesting and instructive...but I sure can't remember all of it. There were several very opulent hotels built in St. Augustine; this one is now a college. The buildings are very beautiful and ornate.

We toured the old town in a trolley similar to that in Key West. One of the stops was the Castillo de San Marcos built by the Spanish in 1672; it protected against English attacks. During the Revolutionary War it was held by the British; later it became part of the U.S. coastal defense system.

At one point during a 52 day siege of St. Augustine, 1500 people took refute in the fort (along with the soldiers). It was very cramped...you can see how small it is.

What a beautiful view of the bay. Obviously a good defensive position.

Then we had the opportunity to visit the second most visited place in St. Augustine....the old jail.

It was used until 1953.

And here is a picture of the gallows which still stands on the grounds, but nobody had been hung after 1908. After our tour, we headed north to Savanah, GA. A beautiful city we had the priviledge of visiting about 20 or so years ago. As we drove north, a friend of mine, Jeanie, asked if we were going to go to Paula Dean's restaurant. Truthfully, I knew that she was a delightful southern cook....but didn't know she had a restaurant in Savanah. So, thank you, Jeannie for a delightful evening.

The restaurant is named The Lady and Sons. It occupies a 3 story building: they do events and receptions, etc, in the basement; serve 150 folks on the 1st and 3rd floors; the second floor is the kitchen. They can seat 350 people on a normal day, but on special days like Easter, Thanksgiving, etc, they can serve 1500 people a day when they use all three floors.

The menu.

This was a spectacular chicken pot pie, made from a wonderful personal recipe of Paula Dean.

The crust was as light as could be, almost melt in your mouth.

The mahi mahi was blackened. Chris thought that it was fantastic. What an unexpected treat.

Tomorrow we are going to walk around some of the beautiful squares in old town, and then drive to Davidson, North Carolina to meet some friends from Alaska. It's a short 4 hour drive. They are just returning from a holiday in France.

So, until we "connect" again....

Feb 22 A WONDERFUL BIRD IS A PELICAN

2011-02-22T08:49:00.012-05:00

Hi folks,

Have not been able to get on the internet, so the pictures just kept piling up. We're sitting in Denny's in Homestead, FL having breakfast. So, I didn't take the time to put these pictures in any special order....here they are as they kept comming.... Crossing a bridge on No Name Key....this pelican was just sitting there on the bridge. No cars were comming so we just stopped and talked to him.

These guys were just floating outside the restaurant on Key West where we had lunch yesterday. Our table was outside so we just enjoyed their show.

On Big Pine Key they have some protected very small deer called Key Deer. As my friend said, "They got the memo that they are protected, and they are very tame and come right up to you." These two yearlings were right next to the car .

This photo gives perspective as to the size of these Key Deer. They are so cute!

This little guy was right up at the window of the car. Not afraid of us at all....just curious.

Last night we took a sunset cruise out of Key West: spirits, hourderves, and music....then the finale of the beautiful sunset.

Took a Conche Tour of Key West. Lots of the following pictures were taken from that little train
and there's no way I can repeat exactly what they are. This is a huge banyon tree. They get huge. Anywhere a branch touches the ground it becomes another tree.

A beautiful bouganvilla bush. They are all over the place

Chickens were brought onto Key West for cock fighting years ago. That became illegal. So they just left the chickens run loose: it helps to control the insect population. :)

Over the shipwreck museum we climbed a tower of 75 steps to get a fantastic view of Key West....and here's a pic of Chris enjoying the view.

Jumping around once again....a good view of this Coast Guard ship as we left port on our sunset cruise from Key West. Chris has said in the past: "Why didn't I get an assignment like this? No, I went to the North Pole!"

These little electric cars were available for rent in Key West, as were mopeds and bikes. They were all over. We have seen these little "glorified golf carts" before, in New England and at Niagara Falls. Nice little machines.

This is the catamaran that we took our sunset cruise on.

Two years ago, in Ft. Kent, Maine, we saw the end of Hwy #1, 2209 miles north of Key West where it begins.
Here's the sign from Ft. Kent, that I took the summer of 2009. A lot of miles have been traveled since then....

Jumping around, once again, before we ventured to Key West, we spent a day with our dear friends, Don & Katy Esterline, in Naples. Here we rested on the Gulf shore, waiting for the amazing show of the sunset.

Mean while, back on the sunset cruise out of Key West....you'll never guess who the above guy is: Well....doesn't he look like Loretta Lynn? This is one of her sons. :)

Here's me on the sunset cruise. We had such fun.

This is just a pretty house I took a picture of while on our Conche Train tour of Key West. The driver was giving us so much knowledge about this house and that house....that I can't remember any of it!!!! This was typical of lots of the houses.

This is the "No Name Pub" on the way to No Name Key off of Big Pine Key, where we were going to look at those very cute little Key Deer. We weren't real sure where it was but were following the directions Katy (you saw a picture of her above) gave us.....and suddenly .....there it was. It was supposed to be the place where "locals" go, and tourists would never know to look for.

Every square inch of the inside of this pub is covered with dollar bills; layers and layers of them. There has to be thousands of dollars there. We saw people adding their own dollars to the collection.

This is a red shouldered hawk that was in the Marine Aquarium that we visited in Key West. He had to be a rescue. He posed very nicely for us.

This is the southernmost point in the continental United States. Cuba is 90 miles away....a long swim. Didn't get a good picture of this with nobody in front of it; oh well....win some, loose some.

This very huge caste statues are of the same collection that has been all over Auburn, IN down town square twice in the past couple of years. They are extremely realistic and lifesized....except for this huge dancing couple. It is very huge and very similar to one that was left down town Auburn over this past winter. It is still there. Imagine, comming across this familiar couple dancing in down town Key West, Florida! I can't remember the artist. And all the information and pictures I have of the ones in Indiana is on my home computer. Any way....a taste of home....

This is the southern "White House" for President Harry Truman. It is quite an imposing home / estate. Our tour guide said that the story was that he like the fishing in Key West, but the actual truth was that he liked to smoke the Cuban cigars there and the late night poker games....

And here are some of the beautiful photos of Mother Nature's performance, from over the Gulf of Mexico.

(This view was from Naples) The interesting and heart-warming thing that happens at sunset, when people are enjoying the wonderful and awesome show....there is a spontaneous applause from those gathered! An applause for the wonderful "performance"... :)

What a "show" was put on by our wonderful, warming sun. Loved every minute of the experience.
Sorry you have all had to wait for these pics.... The last few days I've had "connection" problems. Solved now, as we get this blog posted, in this balmy 88 degrees.

So, until we connect again.

Feb 17: LAKE MIRROR PARK

2011-02-17T15:09:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday, David. You would love all the birds that we saw today. Our day trip was to Lake Mirror in Lakeland. No crocodiles here....they keep them cleaned out of here. Beautiful lake, gardens and a wonderful walk. Then we came upon the "mystery birds". Finally have them named.

These are the black skimmers; unique beaks. The bottom beak is longer than the top one. They skim along the water, putting the lower beak in the water to catch small fish.

Then we came upon Chris standing for about ten minutes watching something....

These ducks were catching his attention....but wait.....there's more.

It was "bath day" for the ducks....they just kept cleaning and preening for the longest time.

And scratching....and enjoying themselves.

The gardens were astounding, bounding with color.

The delay photo came in handy again, for a group photo. The weary travelers; had loads of fun today. Now for a dip in the pool....yup, the pool. It's almost 80 degrees and the pool is heated.

Until we connect again.....

February 16; LAKE HOLLINGSWORTH

2011-02-16T19:14:00.003-05:00

Today was the day to get car washed and oil changed. After the work was done, we took a wonderful drive around Lake Hollingsworth in Lakeland. The swans were awesome to watch. The photo opportunities just kept comming. It was touching to see how they stuck to their mate. As I'm sure you know, swans mate for life. These two were so obviously mated. As they
swam in the lake, when one turned....the other turned. It was touching. Note how the white one has her (or his???) wings up drying.

Just one beautiful pose after the other. Loved every minute. How they enjoyed the nice warm day.

Drying wings....

Flying "somethings"....no idea what type of bird. The white bird in front right is a pelican.

What an wonderful relaxing day watching the huge swans....
Until we connect again....

FEBRUARY 15; THE SUNSHINE STATE

2011-02-15T19:33:00.005-05:00

Hi folks. After a fun night of playing "Crazy Rummy" and Train Dominoes with Teresa & Cecelia (Chris' sisters) in Lakeland, we lounged around much of the morning. Then we ventured out to the city of Ybor, near Tampa.

We had a wonderful luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant, which has been managed
by the same family since 1905. It was awesome.

The Cuban black bean & rice soup was awesome. The lavish old decor had many in-laid ceramic tiles in the walls. Just a nice place.

Close by we visited a Buddhist temple. Wow. The oppulance of the building was stunning.
On Sunday the Temple is open and they also serve Thai meals to the public. It was a good day to be there....no crowds.

The temple was locked up, so we put our cameras up to the glass doors and shot these pictures. Turned out pretty good. There were signs all over the campus that were written in Thai. Obviously, could understand nothing....

Saw a monk walking toward their residence.
Our next stop was at Lake Parker, where was had a wondrous "photo shoot" with awesome birds. The sign below kept us warry of our surroundings.

It is almost mating season and the birds seem to be clustering about the park, and there were plenty of folks strolling by, stopping and feeding the birds. We even saw a distant "gater" sunning himself in the water.

Gallinule

A white ibis

Gallinule

An Anhinga drying his wings while sitting atop a tree. Awesome sight.
I never knew an ordinary sea gull had a spotted tail.

What a wonderful time peeking in on nature.

Tonight we are relaxing, comparing pictures, enjoying our salads and visiting.

Until we connect again.....

Feb 13; ESCAPING THE SNOW!

2011-02-13T19:17:00.003-05:00

Hi all,
Not a whole lot of pictures today because we were traveling on our way to Florida. I drove a lot of the day, so consequently didn't take pictures. But the main part of the day was that we left a foot of snow in Waterloo, and by the time we were past Indy we could see the grass through the little bit of snow that was there. On into Kentucky we totally lost it as the temperature kept rising. Got up to a beautiful 66 degrees and was a delightful drive. It was so delightful that we just kept on driving for 700 miles! 12 hours! Only 400 to go tomorrow. We stopped finally, south of Atlanta, in Marrow, GA; or "Mah-row" as the locals pronounce it.
This is our delightful hotel. Very nice and comfy. They even serve mocha and cookies at night. Heading down for those right now :)

Our room is right behind this palm tree.

And nicely enough, there is a Chili's restaurant next door. And here is the strangest margarita....but sure was yummy.

Until we connect again, in sunny Florida.

Brrrr....IF IT'S WINTER....IT'S INDIANA, JANUARY 2011

2011-02-02T14:46:00.005-05:00

Last week end, before the blizzard of 2011, we traveled to Chicago to have a "personal" lesson on geocaching from the family geocaching guru, Kevin. Anyway...he knows more about it than Chris, and Chris' knowledge is minimal. After Mass on Sunday, we headed to a park that Kevin knew there were some caches hid. Chris had to put his previous "lessons" into practice. It was a chilly day; had to dress warm. (10 degrees) Searching
Dawson ready to follow where the trek took us.

For those of you who do not know what a hand-held GPS looks like..here it is.

Checking coordinates with Kevin at his side

There it is! In an old downed dead tree.

Caches come in all shapes and sizes. One finds them, leaves something, and signs a little log inside the cache.

We were just getting started here. Were dragging a bit more than this by the end.

Looking for the 4th and last cache, we had a wonderful surprise. We came on about 24 deer just grouped up together under the trees. They didn't seem too worried about us; they were used to not being threatened. After a while they started comming back towards us so that they could resume their rest under the trees.

There were two very nice bucks in this group of does.

These guys are growing up so much. It's hard to believe.

A couple of weeks ago we went to visit some very old friends in Tecumseh, MI; Greg and Kay Kambas. Chris has known Greg all of his life. Of course, we took Tommy, the traveling beagle along. We took her nice big bed so that she would feel at home. It had all of her familiar "smells" on it. However, she preferred the teensy weensy bed of Kay's little Yorki, Sugar. It was so small that Tommy's big fat butt hung over the side. Quite a sight to behold.

On the coldest day of January, we decided to hit the road to the "ice carving festival" in Tecumseh. Dressing warm, we trudged up and down main street, enjoying the sights and events. Here's a carving outside of the American Legioin Post.

We watched this guy carve this butterfly at various stages. Got prettier every time we went by.

Almost the finished product.

It may have been cold, but we found many excuses to get inside some of the local establishments to warm up: i.e. hot chocolate in one, wine tasting in another, and local church's bell choirs in the carpet store. They really were beautiful sounding.

And the final reason to get inside and get warm was for an enjoyable lunch with Greg & Kay. Lots of fun and laughs. Had a wonderful week end.

Just realized that the only picture I don't have is their little Yorki. Next time....

So, until we connect again....

A QUICK TRIP TO MONTANA....almost....

2011-01-18T13:24:00.002-05:00

Our niece and her husband, Cassie & Kyle, from Montana made a quick trip to Indiana d/t a death in Kyle's family. They are staying with our daughter Charolette. Luckily, the weather did a bit of a thaw, so the roads were satisfactory for us to meet for a "play date". (Of course, all the kids in the area were doing the "happy dance" d/t schools being closed....all the back roads turned to a sheet of ice with the rain on the snow. Ya should see our driveway) We met this little 8 month old chunker, Camden, for the first time. He certainly doesn't miss any meals. What a sweet natured little baby. He held out for a 36 hour train ride from Montana to Chicago. What a trooper.
Cassie and Kyle. Cassie is the daughter of my hubby's brother, Mike, who lives in Washington state.

Of course they had to get a picture of Camden with "Santa".

The wonderful family portrait...the little cutie on my lap is Kennedy....not from Montana. She's part of the "Presidential Sweet" of Indiana. Our fun visit was much too short. We barely took time to take a breath in between giggles and bouncing kids.

Here is a pic of our two whirl-wind kitties. Stephanie is such a cat person. I think everybody in the county tries to pitch extra cats near our place. The grey one was discovered here at just a few weeks of age and almost starved, the summer of 09. Then last summer a starved little white kitty emerged from the wood pile, and earned a place in the VanderHorst menagerie. Woodie came by his name naturally and Sugar is the more grey kitty. Woody is an instigator. Luckily I got this shot when he was getting ready to start harrassing Sugar. They are usually tussling and chasing each other. Loads of fun to have around.

So....until we 'connect' again.....

MADDY'S 9th BIRTHDAY

2011-01-10T08:12:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that the little girl who was born with such a huge amount of hair....has grown to 9 years old!!!

This is little Kennedy....getting tickled by Papa's whiskers :)

Kennedy certainly has her "volume control busted" as Grandpa VanderHorst (Chris's dad) used to say about Dean when he was a baby.

Here's a smiley Lincoln....managed to get him away from the Wii

....and last but not least Reagan....always ready to cuddle.

Had a lot of fun watching Marmaduke in the PS Theatre....that's the Presidential Sweet Theatre.

What fun with the kids.

Madison made a very nice choice for dinner: split pea soup. Yummy. Good choice, Maddy.

Until we connect again....

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 ! ! !

2011-01-03T11:29:00.002-05:00

Well....Santa and Mrs. Claus suits are packed away, and the New Year has sprung. We had snow here since Thanksgiving, but the rain and warm temperatures the last couple of days took care of that snow. The "We support our troops" flag was received as a gift from Dean and Stephanie. It's nice that it has the Coast Guard insignia on it. So, the guys ran it up the flag pole today. Look at that blue sky. How wonderful!

Unfortunately, and embarased at it, I just noticed that our flag is in tatters. We gotta take care of that! Not good. We had a couple of days in November that had horrendous winds.

And there she sits....our Four Winds....all covered up for the winter....right next to pretty red Lowe, covered in her green "shroud". They are both waiting for their day in the sun. Sure, the sun is out, but it's pretty nippy out there. With the price of gas going up, it's a good thing that we have plans to park the Four Winds on a lake near here and enjoy the relaxation this summer. A definite change of pace.

So, until we connect again....

HO HO HO Merry Christmas!

2010-12-15T18:30:00.005-05:00

Merry Christmas, friends and family. Most of you know that Chris is truly Kris Kringle. He enjoys being Santa's helper in the northeast Indiana area. This year Chris, and two of our daughters, Yvonne & Charolette, got me a Mrs. Claus dress. We were enjoying our time listening to kiddies wishes for Christmas at our local bank.

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" That was a popular Christmas song when I was still young enough to sit on Santa's knee.

For the last three years, Charolette has planned a large Christmas event, inviting many of her friends from school, church, etc., to come and bring their kiddies to see Santa. In a pause between kids, here she poses with us. What fun we had. We had some worry about the weather this year in driving our four wheeled sleigh to the gathering. But, we survived quite well.

Several members of our family are hooked on "words with friends", a type of Scrabble that two people on iphone can play with each other. We played "words" with Julio in Indiana while we were in Alaska! Lots of fun. Here, Dad and daughter spend a little "down time" when there were no children at the Christmas event.

Merry Christmas to all and God bless all of our friends and family. Most of all, bless our soldiers in harms way, and bring them home safely.

JIM & GINNY'S SPECIAL DAY

2010-12-01T07:54:00.012-05:00

Last Tuesday morning began with Yvonne, Dawson & Charlie packing themselves into the back seat of our truck and all of us heading to New Jersey for Thanksgiving and my brothr's wedding. Granted, all of us were tucked into the truck before, but the boys were 4 years smaller that time! But it worked! The first idea was to take the Prius. Would not have worked...too much "stuff".

We stopped along the way to visist a very long time friend, Trish, and her husband, John. We've known each other so very long....that she was my coach at the delivery of Charolette & Andrea. That's a looooooooong time friend. We used to babysit for each other's kids, have a "day out" in the small town of Craig, Colorado by taking the kids for a "ride" through the car wash, and (I remember) accidentally dumping spagetti in her silverware drawer! We had such fun together.

She is such a wonderful cook, too. We were treated to tacos for lunch....but not just any tacos; all the wonderful "fixins'". Thanks, Trish & John, for your hospitality.

Here's the happy family. They were posing for portraits and I snuck in and took the shot.

Jim's daughter "officiated" at the wedding. (Turn around is "fair play"...Ginny officiated at Holly's wedding last year)

The happy couple.

A little activity book was Charlie's best friend. It kept him busy for hours and hours.

Ginny's mother, Ginny also, was so excited about the wedding. Ginny and Jim made the day very special for her. She also celebrated her 90th birthday FOUR TIMES during this week. And when someone achieves that respectable age....as well they should! She had a surprise party at her church the Sunday before ( her church of 65 years!), at Thanksgiving, and at the wedding (and one other time, too).

Holly & David, last year's wedding couple, and this year's expectant parents.

Dawson beginning to enjoy himself more at the reception.

Mike and Ashley.....next year's happy couple. They will be wed during the Labor Day holiday. Off to Jersey again!.....

The first dance of the newly married couple. They chose: "Mamma, He's Crazy" What a hoot!

And my brother can actually dance!

This was taken at the Thanksgiving dinner at a beautiful restaurant on the ocean. But, unfortunately d/t the fog and overcast, chill and earlier sunset on the east end of the time zone, we couldn't get the full effect of the setting. But the warmth on the inside over-powered the gloom outside.

Me & Ginny, senior. She is such a wonderful lady. I'm glad she had such a good week.

Meanwhile....back at the wedding. Dawson, warming up to the fun of the reception, demonstrated that he could "cut a rug" (HIS words) To Dawson's right is Jimmy (son of Jim, who is son of "big Jim"...too many Jim's but no "juniors") who is busy applying to college's this year. Further to the left of the picture is Craig, our nephew.

It was a wonderful week end, sharing Jim & Ginny's big day, but also loved visiting with all the niece's and nephew's...and seeing how big all of their kids have grown. I just don't know where all the time has flown. And next year...we get to celebrate again! Woo pee!

The trip home was a bit long. But we made the 700 miles in 12 hours. Whew!

But Yvonne still had another 3.5 hours to go....a long day.

CHRIS FINALLY BREAKS HIS DRY SPELL....

2010-11-01T12:21:00.003-04:00

Getting up early in the morning payed off today. For any young folks who see this: Santa DID NOT SLAY A REINDEER! This was a wonderful corn-fed Indiana white tail. Yummy. And luckily it ran out and died int he front yard of the place where Chris was hunting....so that they could just drive right up and load him up in the truck. Couldn't be more convenient than that!

October 15-17; SHAKE-DOWN CRUISE FOR "FOUR WINDS"

2010-10-17T20:57:00.006-04:00

We're on the road again.

When Chris & I arrived home from Alaska, we decided to put Palomino up for sale, and move into a larger recreational vehicle. We put Palomino on Craigslist, and began our search. We were not in a crunch by any means. We just kept looking for a good used Class C or "pull-behind" trailer. A wonderful young pilot, contacted me about our wonderful, sturdy little pop-up; after many measurements, dealing, etc., the day came when he came with his Toyota Tundra to pick up our trusty little Palomino. It sure made me nervous...had to rip off the extra bins that Chris had installed; then had to use a shoe horn to get it on. But with everyone pitching in, and me getting out of the way....there was success....in spite of my worrying. Palomino's new owner was totally tickled and eager to get on his way.

And...just the day before Palomino left, we had found a wonderful 10 yr old Four Winds Class C, that was totally babied by it's one owner; the inside was in mint condition. It lived inside a barn when it wasn't on a trip. And, the biggest thing was that it only had 38,000 miles on it....merely broken in.

After bringing "Four Winds" to her new home the following week, Andrea asked if we wanted to go to Turkey Run State Park, west of Indianapolis, IN for a week end of hiking....a real "shake down cruise".

Here she is: "Four Winds" in all her glory. We were in our campsite here. Turkey Run was actually full, so we stayed at Shades State Park, just 14 miles away. We drove over to Turkey Run to hike on Saturday. What fun.. Andrea & David...and 3 1/2 yr. old Charolette did a 6 mile hike. Chris and I did 1.25 miles on another trail. It was fantastic. We had a great time. Then came lunch and a nap! and another short walk waiting for the 3 Musketeers to return.
This was a most cool Lieber Cabin, named for the man who got Indiana State Parks going. Look at those huge poplar slabs that the cabin was built with!

This is Sugar Creek, running through the park.

We hiked along this run-off creek going into Sugar Creek. Look at those huge cliffs. I felt so insignificant looking up.

On our hike today in Shades State Park, we had a whole new set of adventures. Here Charolette poses under a picturesque tree.

It was a long gentle walk down along Sugar Creek....then started the climb up through the ravine. What fun! I noticed that Tommy once again had a spring in her step about the hiking. Toward the end of our Alaska Trek this year, I think she got tired of the trip. The last few weeks we were kind of "dragging" her on walks. That "spring" was definitely back. We could take her off lead, and she found her way right by us climbing that ravine. But the ladder was insurmountable for her! Chris carried her up! She took it like a trooper.

And here's Charolette climbing the second ladder, with the caring hands of mommy right behind her. She wasn't even scared!
Was a fun week end. The weather was fantastic, though the color was not quite as full as here in northeast Indiana. The only blip on the radar screen was when Charolette missed the step on the camper and did a face plant on the curb....and needed 4 stitches in her pretty little chinny, chin chin.
Where to next? I have no idea. But we're ready.

So, until we connect again...

August 24: HOME AT LAST....

2010-08-26T19:34:00.007-04:00

This the coolest???? Chris flew by these culverts so fast, that I didn't get a chance to take a picture. And never let it be said that he would turn around and go back for me to take a picture. Sooooo... Luckily, a friend of ours, whom we met in Haines, AK took these pictures and sent them to me.

Jim Wedlake is a professional photographer. Hence his pictures are so superior to mine. Many thanks to Jim for the above. Thinking back to our 10 days in Haines....we had such fun. Jim & Mary Ann Wedlake were a part of that.

I've already told you about the horrid smoke filled journey across Canada; this was wonderfully stopped at the U.S. border. Montana was beautiful. Cattle were grazing....and hay bales seemed to be sprouting everywhere...just like they were also grazing on the rolling hills. Tee hee

North Dakota had its own beauty, too.
But, Chris kept driving east....further and further. We spent the night with our other "Alaska friends" in St. Joe, MN, Ron & Rosanne Eiynck. Spent the evening there, talking about all of our adventures in Alaska this year. (They had camped at our campground for several days during June). If the truth be known, we were so "geared up" that we talked and sipped wine until the wee hours of the morning. Something totally unlike this old couple. We didn't even have to pop the top of our camper that night...just snuggled our weary bones into their luxurious bed.

After a huge and taste breakfast at Ron & Rosanne's home, we set our Garmen to Woodridge, Illinois....and Yvonne's house.

Charlie and Dawson were ready with the hugs. We were definitely grand-kid "hug-deprived" over this past 4 months. Then, after scrubbing British Columbia layers of mud from the boat and camper, and, after Yvonne made a wonderful cooking apron for Chris. ....and, looking back, I have not taken a picture of that. OK....something for a future blog entry.

Then, onward (hey, isn't that the name of my brother's boat????) to put another fill into our "hug-o-meter" from the Presidential Sweet: Madison, Lincoln, Reagan and Kennedy. What fun. Reagan snuggled up on PaPa's lap....and, as usual, is always ready for a picture.

Madison had to put on all of her new school uniform co-ordinates and model them for us. She is so excited about getting back to school.
Kennedy is just happy to be Kennedy. It's a trick to actually get the picture before she jumps up to look at her picture on my digital camera! Lincoln never sat down long enough for me to get a pic of him. But his "summer bleached" hair sure looked cute on him.

Continuing on our eastward trek, we arrived, full circle to where our 4 month adventure began.

14,700 miles later we arrived back where it all started....home. We were so very ready to be home. More hugs from Josiah and Jozie. That filled the "hug-o-meter" full to the top.

Then the not-so-fun part began....emptying and cleaning up the camper, putting away all the "stuff" from the trip. I don't know how all of it fit inside that little camper and truck. I won't put a picture of the mess on here....it's still growling and might "attack" me!

I'm going to post "the best of...." pictures when I have a chance to go through my many pictures from this trek.

Now for the clean up; then the dreaming of our next adventure!

Until we "connect" again....

August 20, 2010: BIG SKY COUNTRY

2010-08-20T22:49:00.006-04:00

This is a bear that we saw on Ketchikan before we got on the ferry on the 17th. We sat on a hill at this hatchery just waiting for one of the black bears to show up....and he did.... We got off the ferry in Prince Rupert, British Columbia...spent the night in a campground and then headed east.

Chris spotted this BIG black bear off the side of the road. He just stuck out against the green grass. He was not far away.....and oh, so big....

Then we came upon this little pioneer church at Usk. It is the exact replica of a church that was washed away (along with a whole village) in a flood about 80 years ago....and is open by the road side for all the travelers.

And then the fun began on our trek across B.C. and Alberta. There were fires that we could see the red over the side of the mountains. Not a good picture, but was taken from a moving car.

Notice the lake in the picture....it is red from the red sky....from the fires....

Then all of our travel almost the rest of the way through Canada was driving through smoke....could not see a lot....just very smokey. Most of the time we were in the Rocky Mountains in Banff and Jasper National Parks and could not even see the mountains. Quite sad. But we had seen the beauty 2 years ago. I felt sorry for any folks who had breathing problems.

For a little while yesterday we could see the mountains. The haze cleared.....

More shots from Banff Nat'l Park.

A glacier in this mountain....

We camped last night at High River, south of Calgary, Alberta. It was a beautiful campground in the city. We could still smell the smoke. This morning the prevailing winds brought the smoke in and we drove through smoke for several hours until about 5 miles before we crossed the border to Sweet Grass, Montana. What a blessing to be out of that smoke that we had been in for 2 days.

We are almost home. Just a few more days and our adventure will be over....but the memories live on.

So, until we connect again.....

August 15, KETCHEKAN ON THE INSIDE PASSAGE

2010-08-16T01:58:00.011-04:00

Good Monday morning to all.

We are now in Ketchikan, Alaska, along the Inside Passage. We arrived about 1 a.m. Sunday morning. We just pulled off in the ferry parking lot and went back to sleep till a respectable hour. It was scathingly hot here yesterday....and you are all saying "it's about time that you experience a little bit of what the rest of the country has been going through!" It was almost 80 degrees and quite humid. AND nobody here has an air conditioner! cuz this is Alaska! It is most uncommon for it to be as hot as it was...

Lunch Falls is behind us in Suttler's Cove State Park on Ketchikan.

A Tlinkit Native clan house with totems inside and out. That is a very small entry door. Many families lived in these, when they were not out hunting and fishing.

These totems are in Totem Bight State Park (a "bight" is kind of a cove on the island....Tlinkits believed that a big animal took a bight out of the island).

Sunset along the passage from our view on the Taku ferry. Was so very pretty.

One of the most moving times on our trip was when the Ferry Taku was pulling into a small native Tlinkit village called Kake. There were many family members of these Tlinkits on the ferry. They were returning home to a "potlach" (party, ceremony, etc.) for a member of the clan who died a year ago. Family members met on the ferry ramp, playing their drums in welcome and chanting and singing in their Tlinkit language. Their family members on the ferry sang and played drums in response. It was so moving....almost brought tears to my eyes.

This young Tlinkit girl whom I had visited with on the ferry told me all about the potlach. She is here watching her relatives at the end of the auto ramp, welcoming their family home. Look hard...you can see the group at the end of the ramp.

Here's us enjoying another wonderful walk on Sitka. We're going backwards here....

Sunset on Sitka.

A beautiful view of a few of the many little islands that surround Sitka. So beautiful.

Here's two of the State Park rangers on Sitka who were so kind to us during our stay. Nick True, on the left, even allowed us to camp out in his yard in Old Sitka State Park.

A little island during high tide....

Same island....low tide.

These are the six pinks, or humpies, salmon that Chris caught in Sitka in about 1/2 hour of fishing. The fish are so plentiful that they are jumping out of the water continuously. The females are knocking their eggs loose before they go up the streams to spawn.

We are eating salmon every day! Really loving it with blackening seasoning.

Three bald eagles fighting over some salmon scraps. The eagle on the right is young; they don't get their white head and feet until they are about 5 years old.

The same eagles soaring away with salmon scraps...

Here's that young bald eagle that is not yet old enough to have the white head and feet.

Well folks....we've been in Alaska since May 5. It's been a long time, and we have been so enriched by the wonderful people we've met,the experiences we've had, and the breathless sights and wonders that God has blessed this part of our great Nation with. We are greatful for this opportunity we have had.

But, tomorrow morning we will be leaving Alaska on the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Matanuska, sailing to Prince Rupert, British Columbia...and be on our way home. It will be a short 8 hour trip.

Until we "connect" again....

Aug 9-11: GOOD BYE HAINES & HELLO SITKA ! ! !

2010-08-12T02:33:00.007-04:00

At 9 p.m. Monday eve, this was our last view of Haines, Alaska as the Alaska Marine ferry, Columbia (the largest in the fleet) quietly slid out of the port. I always think of God as I see the sun through clouds like this. He's watching our sailing. It was a special time in Haines.

This is the Columbia as she came into the ferry dock from her round trip from Skagway. It was a 17 hour trip. We didn't have a cabin, so the night was a little rough. We had planned on "toughing" it out. Little did we know that it would be "tough"...not a comfortable place to be found. But once we had our coffee in the morning, things were better. The ferry is huge: dining room, cafeteria, forest service ranger giving talks on various subjects, movie theater (showed Avitar), a solerium, showers, etc. Beautiful ship.

Once debarking in Sitka, after the beautiful trip through the "inside passage", we looked for an Alaska State Parks campground (cuz we get to camp for free there since we were state parks volunteers this summer). We litterally bumped into the park rangers comming out of one of their offices close to the ferry terminal. They didn't have an actual campground but were so hospitable and offered us the parking lot outside of the ranger's "caretaker" cabin at "Old Sitka State Historical Site". What a place!

The salmon were jumping all over the place....and Chris couldn't stand it! He had to go and get his line wet. Didn't take long...and he got a pink (a "humpy").

The fish were jumping so continuously that they were even jumping right next to where he cast his line in the water....it was wierd and funny to watch. I got loads of pictures like this. We are told that they jump out of the water to knock their eggs loose before they start moving up the rivers and creeks. This is still ocean here.

We walked past the Indian River while touring the Raptor Center....and saw this sight of the huge pink salmon run there. There were thousands and thousands of these fish pooling there. This river is totally closed to any fishing so it gives a wonderful place to see the run.

We were sitting right in front of this huge big eagle. This raptor center is a raptor hospital, rehabilitation and education site. This eagle could never be released because about 10 years ago he flew into a power line and had lots of injuries. After recuperating he could never get any lift when he flew. Half of the entire population of bald eagles in north America are in Alaska.

This is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka. The cornerstone was laid in 1844. It is smack in the center of Sitka. Totally awesome. I could talk and talk about this place....won't bore you, though.

This picture does not do justice to the grandeur of the cathedral. There is gold overlay on most of the icons.

At the Sitka Nat'l Historical Site there are 18 totem poles. These are displayed throughout a sitka spruce rain forest trail, the site of a battle between the Russians and the Tlingit Indians (pronounced "clink it") in 1804. They are not of Tlingit origins, but of some other native groups in south east Alaska. This area and the totems are considered sacred by the Native community.

This morning we arose at our Oceanfront B & B rested and seeing sun and blue sky! I may get a chance to get some awesome pictures of the beautiful harbor and surrounding mountains. This city on Baranov Island is positively beautiful and we will be here until Friday night when we again board the Alaska ferry...for a 24 hour sail. Lots more to see. May not get internet until Sunday sometime....who knows....

So, until we "connect" again....

August 8: CRABS & BEARS! WHAT A DAY!

2010-08-08T14:19:00.003-04:00

What a day Saturday was. On our third attempt to find some dungenous crabs to buy, we had success! Terry the Crab Man was in port with a fresh supply. The last time we contacted him he had to send all he had to Skagway on the ferry to a restaurant there. This time we succeeded! We found out about this guy from Ron & Rosanne (from Minnesota) who were through here last week....so we were looking for him. A crab....about to meet his Maker....
Terry the Crab Man on his boat in Haines harbor.
With our precious "catch" we headed north 5 miles to get our fill of fresh water-fall water; then pulled off the road, popped up the camper, cooked our crabs and had our feast! Wonderful stuff!
We cooked them with the help of a big spagetti pot loaned to us by the owner of the laundromat in town. Jan is a very nice lady.
Then, on the way back to camp, we were greeted with Clueless and her cubs having dinner in the middle of the road outside of the campground, just next to the Chilkoot River. Those cubs were making such a ruckuss over those fish! They sounded like big bears fighting!!!

Aren't they cute?

As soon as they headed back down to the river, the campground host (there on "bear patrol") told us to scoot past in our truck....but mom snatched another salmon in a split second and was headed up with her cubs to eat it. They headed on up the hill on the other side of the road.
What fun watching these guys....I just kept snapping pics because they were right in front of us.

Last Sunday, after church we met Jim and Marianne. They were originally from near Detroit, and now they winter in Arizona. That's Toby in front...the four legged one. There was room in our campground so they pulled there trailer out here and spent the week right next to us. Evenings were such fun: playing dominoes, Uno...a different type, talking and comparing pictures. Of course mine didn't compare to Jim's pics because he is a professional photographer. We had such fun. They pulled out this morning heading up to Whitehorse. What a week next to these folks. We even got to dog-sit Toby while they took the fast ferry to Juneau on Thursday. Nice folks. Hope we hear more from them on their journey....

Tomorrow we pack up and break camp....catch the ferry to Sitka in the evening. Can't wait.

Until we "connect" again.....

August 5, 2010: ...AND THE ANIMALS CAME TWO BY TWO...

2010-08-05T18:32:00.007-04:00

Chris caught this sunrise at the Chilkoot State Park campground yesterday. We had an awesome time at the Kroschel Wildlife Park about 27 miles north of Haines. The two guys who run this place have an amazing group of animals and they are professional photographers and have often used these animals in movies. Most of them are rescued for one reason or another. We spent several hours at wildlife park in the blazing heat of 70 degrees. Ya wouldn’t believe it, but in the sun it’s really hot! Here’s the pictures! (most of these animals are “imprinted” and love their caregivers.)

The wolf.

The arctic fox

Caribou

Cross fox

Two year old grizzley

Mom killed; came here as a cub.

Lemming

"your visit is in the magic of time.

Right now is a gift.

That's why it's called the present."

A lynx

How tall can a lynx stretch?

Moose

Only a mother could love this face.

Moose kiss

Pine Martin

Porcupine

Red tailed hawk

Wolverine
named Jasper (Banff didn't come out)

She-bear of the north? She liked to show her teeth.....
Like all the pictures?

We were told that the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) were going to be visible last night between 2-3 am. (and also for 6 more nights) We and our neighbors got up to see them, but RATS ! it was overcast. No luck; perhaps we’ll try again tonight…and perhaps not…depends on how sleepy we are. People around here are picking their cherry trees which are just loaded with red tart cherries.
Chris & I finished our walking tour of Haines this morning. Also looked for someone selling dungenous crabs. No luck. Terry the “crab man” just sent all of his on the ferry to Skagway (emergency order from a restaurant there….) bummer. The other “crabber” doesn’t fish until tomorrow. Maybe we’ll get some crabs yet. Chris can go fishing now, because we have eaten all the salmon he caught nderful the other day. Had his wonderful chowder last night.
That’s all for now…you’ve had lots of animal pictures this time. Until we “connect” again…

August 3: WOW! BLUE SKIES AND A BEAR. WHAT MORE COULD WE WANT?

2010-08-03T18:07:00.008-04:00

This little town is so different than the Mat-Su Valley in southcentral Alaska...just the tone is different....but just as nice folks.

Fifteen minutes of fishing....and here's the result! 3# fish on the left, and 5# silver on the right.

Boy, did they taste good last night! Can't fish any more until we eat the rest.

At the campground, the water is not that good. So we found a wonderful place to get fresh water just a couple miles from town….nice, cold and fresh.

On Monday the blue skies came out and the picture opportunities were awesome!
This is the sunset over the Chilkoot Lake, where our campground is.

This next one is the Chilkoot River coming out of the lake

A fair picture of Haines: as you can see it’s not a big town. Picture taken from across the parade grounds at historic Fort Seward.

Chris spent an hour the other evening picking blueberries along the road in our campground. That mess of blueberries gave us wonderful blueberry pancakes for two mornings! And what was even better: we had fireweed jelly (made from fireweeds in Willow Creek campground by Laela & Jim, the other hosts) for on top! It was simply wonderful!

As we were leaving the campground this morning to go get a shower in Haines, Chris noticed this very blond grizzley across the Chilkoot River.

We had a fun day at the Southeast Alaska State Fair. The rain certainly didn’t hinder the crowd; lots of fun, music, food, logging competition, etc.

This was loads of fun to watch. Everybody got wet! It was cold and rainy all day…and these folks were getting wet! I wonder if any of them had pneumonia the next day.

No need to explain this whole race…but it definitely took lots of physical strength. The had to run across these logs, back across, carrying heavy cable….and do some other stuff with it. Rough.

These guys had to cut a slice of this 5’ 2” diameter log off. The best time was 1 minute 40 seconds! These guys had cut a few logs. We knew the diameter of the log cuz Chris went and measured it!

This was very dangerous….had to balance on a log in the air; start the saw; then walk to the end of the log and cut the end off. Looked scarey to me! (see next picture)

Looks like suicide to me.....this end is like, 8 foot off the ground!

This was the women’s axe throw competition. I was impressed with these hardy ladies.

These Alaskan women are made of sturdy stuff….

Antique two-man saw. The guy on the left has the oiler for the saw.

With the exception of last Saturday for the State Fair, the weather has been quite nice here in Haines. But yesterday and today have been fabulous: loads of sun and blue sky. It’s 76 degrees today and downright hot if you are standing in the sun. OK, OK….you say we don’t know what hot is….those of you “outside”….but the lack of humidity is what makes this so nice.
Thoroughly enjoying the time with Chris fishing, us walking around town, relaxing, visiting with other campers, taking pictures, reading, playing dominoes. Can’t beat this. But I am missing all of the grandkids…our treasures.
So, until we “connect” again…